Nintendo Switch Online Subscription: Cost Explained

Nintendo's online services enrich the gaming experience for Switch owners, offering access to iconic games from past console generations and various expansions for popular titles. For gamers browsing the Nintendo Store for new Switch games, subscribing to the right Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) plan can unlock a plethora of additional content and features.

With Nintendo confirming that NSO will carry over to the Switch 2, players can rest assured that their memberships will continue to offer the same perks, including access to retro game libraries, on the upcoming console. Choosing the appropriate membership plan depends on the benefits you're seeking and the best deals available when you sign up.

Whether you're eager to dive into classics like Ocarina of Time and Super Mario 64, or you're more interested in engaging in online Mario Kart battles with friends, understanding the full range of Nintendo Switch Online membership plans is crucial for making an informed decision.

### Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial

Seven days free, then renewed at a monthly rate of $3.99. No Expansion Pack benefits are included. See it at Nintendo. Nintendo Switch Online offers a seven-day free trial of its basic membership, which provides access to online play for your existing Switch games, as well as a wide selection of NES, SNES, and Game Boy titles. You can sign up for the free trial directly on your Switch or via the Nintendo Online website by logging into your Nintendo account and following the prompts on the eShop. After the trial period, your subscription will automatically renew at $3.99 per month. Note that each Nintendo account is eligible for only one free trial.

How Much Is Nintendo Switch Online?

### Nintendo Switch Online

Compare plans, prices, and perks. See it at Nintendo. Nintendo offers two Nintendo Switch Online membership plans: the standard Nintendo Switch Online and the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. These plans are available as individual or family packages, which determine the number of accounts that can access the plan's benefits. Below is a detailed breakdown of what each plan offers, including benefits, limitations, 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 multiplayer, full libraries of Switch Online NES, SNES, and Game Boy games, cloud saving, and the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app. Additionally, members enjoy unique offers and discounts. For those looking to play solo or casually with friends, this plan is cost-effective and flexible, with the option to pay monthly or annually.

12-Month Individual Membership### Nintendo Switch Online Gift Card

$19.99 at Amazon### Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

This plan extends the benefits of the individual plan to up to eight accounts, making it ideal for households with multiple Switch users. It includes online multiplayer, full access to the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, the mobile app, and exclusive offers. The family plan requires a one-year upfront payment, providing significant savings over purchasing multiple individual accounts.

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Individual - 1 year: $49.99

This plan is tailored for avid Nintendo Switch players, offering all the features of the standard plan plus additional perks. It includes access to the N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis game libraries, and expansions like Mario Kart 8: Booster Course Pass, Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise, and Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion. This plan requires a year-long subscription and is perfect for those seeking a richer gaming experience with classic and expanded content.

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Family - 1 year: $79.99

Similar to the individual Expansion Pack plan, this option extends the benefits to up to eight accounts. It includes all the features of the standard Nintendo Switch Online plan, plus the additional emulators and expansions. This plan is best suited for households where multiple users want to enjoy the full range of Nintendo's online offerings, including retro games and expansions.

Additional Subscription Details

Nintendo Switch Online: Individual - 1 month: $3.99, 3 months: $7.99, 1 year: $19.99

The base Nintendo Switch Online plan is ideal for solo players primarily interested in online multiplayer. It grants access to Nintendo's online multiplayer services, the NES, SNES, and Game Boy game libraries, and additional perks like cloud saving and exclusive offers. You can play these classic games offline if you've logged in within the last seven days, making it perfect for gaming on the go. Note that this plan does not include access to N64, Game Boy Advance, or SEGA Genesis libraries.

The flexibility of this plan allows you to pay monthly or annually, with a significant discount for choosing the yearly option. This makes it suitable for gamers who may not use their Switch regularly but want to jump in for new releases or online play.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

The Nintendo Switch Online Family plan is nearly identical to the Individual plan but supports up to eight accounts. It requires a year-long commitment upfront, but offers a cost-effective solution for families or groups. It includes online play, access to the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, the mobile app, and exclusive deals. This plan is the best choice for households looking to enjoy online multiplayer without the additional features of the Expansion Pack.

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Individual - 1 year: $49.99

Designed for dedicated Nintendo Switch players, this plan includes all the features of the standard plan, plus access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis game libraries. It also includes major expansions for popular titles like Animal Crossing, Mario Kart 8, and Splatoon 2. While the expansions can be purchased separately, this plan offers a comprehensive package for those wanting to explore a wide array of classic and expanded content. The annual subscription is required, making it suitable for gamers who frequently play and want the full range of Nintendo's offerings.

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Family - 1 year: $79.99

This plan extends the benefits of the Individual Expansion Pack to up to eight accounts, providing a comprehensive gaming experience for the whole family. It includes everything from the standard plan, plus the N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, and the same expansions as the individual plan. This option is ideal for households where multiple users want to enjoy both online play and the expanded content. While the price increase is significant, it remains a cost-effective choice when compared to purchasing the expansions separately for each user.