Nintendo's online services enhance your gaming experience by offering access to iconic games from past console generations and various expansions for their major titles. If you're browsing the Nintendo Store for new Switch games, a Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) subscription can unlock a wealth of additional content and benefits.
With the confirmation that NSO will transition to the Nintendo Switch 2, you can rest assured that these memberships will continue to offer the same advantages, including access to retro game libraries. When choosing between the two available plans, consider what you're looking to gain from your subscription and the best deals available.
Whether you're eager to dive into classics like Ocarina of Time and Super Mario 64, or you're looking to enjoy some online Mario Kart with friends, understanding the different NSO membership plans can help you make an informed decision that best suits your gaming needs.
Does Nintendo Switch Online Have a Free Trial? -----------------------------------------------
### Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial
Nintendo Switch Online offers a seven-day free trial for its basic membership. This trial grants access to online play for your existing Switch games, as well as a vast selection of NES, SNES, and Game Boy titles. You can start the trial directly on your Switch or via the Nintendo Online website by signing into your Nintendo account and navigating to the eShop. Post-trial, the subscription auto-renews at a monthly rate of $3.99. Note that the free trial is limited to one per Nintendo account and does not include Expansion Pack benefits.
How Much Is Nintendo Switch Online?
### Nintendo Switch Online
Nintendo Switch Online offers two membership plans: the standard Nintendo Switch Online and the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Both are available in individual and family packages, which determine the number of accounts that can access the benefits. Below, we'll detail each plan, their offerings, and pricing.
Nintendo Switch Online: Individual - 1 month: $3.99, 3 months: $7.99, 1 year: $19.99
This plan provides a Nintendo Switch Online pass for one account, granting access to online play, full libraries of Switch Online NES, SNES, and Game Boy games, cloud saving, and the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app. You'll also enjoy exclusive offers and discounts. The flexibility of this plan allows you to choose between monthly, quarterly, or annual subscriptions, with the annual plan offering a significant savings of $27 over monthly payments.
12-Month Individual Membership### Nintendo Switch Online Gift Card
For an annual commitment, you can purchase a Nintendo Switch Online gift card for $19.99 at Amazon.
Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99
The Family plan is nearly identical to the Individual plan but extends the benefits to up to 8 accounts. This is an excellent choice for households with multiple gamers, as it's more cost-effective than purchasing multiple Individual subscriptions. The plan includes online play, access to NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, the mobile app, and exclusive deals. The only catch is that you must purchase a year-long subscription upfront.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Individual - 1 year: $49.99
The Expansion Pack enhances the Individual plan with access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, along with major expansions for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Splatoon 2. This plan is ideal for those who want to experience a broader range of classic games and additional content. Note that you must commit to a year-long subscription with this plan, and the expansions can also be purchased separately.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Family - 1 year: $79.99
The Family version of the Expansion Pack extends all the benefits of the Individual plan to up to 8 accounts. This includes access to online play, the full range of retro libraries, cloud saving, the mobile app, and the various expansions. It's perfect for families where multiple members want to enjoy both the standard NSO features and the added bonuses of the Expansion Pack. Keep in mind that while the price increase is significant, the expansions can also be bought separately if that's your main interest.
Additional Subscription Details
Nintendo Switch Online: Individual - 1 month: $3.99, 3 months: $7.99, 1 year: $19.99
The basic Nintendo Switch Online plan is perfect for solo gamers primarily interested in online multiplayer. It includes access to online play for your favorite games, full access to the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, and the ability to play these games offline within a seven-day login period. Additionally, you get cloud saving, the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app, and member-exclusive deals. This plan's flexibility allows you to pay monthly, quarterly, or annually, making it easier to manage your subscription without a long-term commitment.
Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99
The Family plan mirrors the Individual plan but caters to larger households, allowing up to 8 accounts to benefit from NSO features. This plan is a cost-effective solution for families where multiple members play on different accounts. It requires an upfront annual payment but offers substantial savings over individual subscriptions. You'll enjoy online multiplayer, access to the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, the mobile app, and exclusive deals.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Individual - 1 year: $49.99
For dedicated Nintendo Switch players, the Expansion Pack adds value with access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, as well as expansions for popular games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Splatoon 2. This plan is for those who want to explore a wider range of classic games and enjoy additional content. While it requires a year-long commitment, it's a great way to dive into nostalgia without hunting for old consoles and cartridges.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Family - 1 year: $79.99
The Family Expansion Pack extends all the benefits of the Individual plan to up to 8 accounts, making it ideal for families where everyone wants access to both standard NSO features and the Expansion Pack's extras. This includes online play, all retro libraries, cloud saving, the mobile app, and the various expansions. Although the price jump is notable, consider that the expansions can be purchased separately if they're your primary interest.
