Nintendo's online services offer an enriched gaming experience, bundling a plethora of benefits into their Nintendo Switch Online membership plans. For those exploring the Nintendo Store for new Switch games, these subscriptions unlock a range of exciting extras, enhancing your gameplay and providing access to iconic titles from past console generations.
With Nintendo confirming that NSO will transition to the Switch 2, you can be confident that your membership will continue to deliver the same perks, including access to retro game libraries, on the new console. Choosing the right plan depends on what 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 enjoy multiplayer sessions of Mario Kart with friends, let's explore the full spectrum of Nintendo Switch Online membership plans to help you make an informed choice.
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, allowing you to experience online play and explore a vast library of NES, SNES, and Game Boy games. You can start your trial directly on your Switch or via the Nintendo Online website by logging into your Nintendo account and following the prompts in the eShop. Post-trial, your subscription will auto-renew at $3.99 per month unless cancelled. Remember, each Nintendo account is eligible for one free trial only.
How Much Is Nintendo Switch Online?
### Nintendo Switch Online
Nintendo Switch Online comes in two plans - the standard Nintendo Switch Online and the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Both are available in individual or family packages, affecting the number of accounts that can benefit from the plan. Let's delve into what each plan offers, their pros and cons, and the pricing details.
Nintendo Switch Online: Individual - 1 month: $3.99, 3 months: $7.99, 1 year: $19.99
This plan is perfect for solo gamers primarily interested in online multiplayer. It grants access to online play, and you'll enjoy full libraries of NES, SNES, and Game Boy games. Cloud saving, the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app, and exclusive deals and discounts are also included. A 12-month individual membership can be conveniently purchased as a gift card for $19.99 on Amazon.
Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99
The Family plan mirrors the Individual tier but extends benefits to up to 8 accounts, making it an economical choice for households with multiple gamers. It includes online play, access to the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, the mobile app, and special offers. This plan requires a year-long commitment upfront but offers significant savings over individual subscriptions.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Individual - 1 year: $49.99
Designed for avid Nintendo Switch players, this plan includes everything in the standard plan plus additional perks. You'll access N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis game libraries, as well as major expansions for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Splatoon 2. Although you must commit to a year-long subscription, this plan is ideal for those wanting to revisit classic games without hunting down old consoles.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Family - 1 year: $79.99
This plan is tailored for families where up to eight accounts can enjoy all the benefits of the standard plan and the Expansion Pack simultaneously. It includes the expanded game libraries and major game expansions, providing excellent value for households looking to maximize their Nintendo Switch experience. However, the price increase is significant, and remember that the expansions are available for separate purchase 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 base Nintendo Switch Online package is ideal for players who are the sole users of their Switch and mainly interested in online multiplayer. It provides full access to online play, and you'll enjoy curated libraries of NES, SNES, and Game Boy games. These can be played offline if you've logged in within the last seven days, perfect for gaming on the go. However, this plan does not include access to N64, Game Boy Advance, or SEGA Genesis libraries. Additional perks include cloud saving, exclusive deals, and the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app. This plan's flexibility allows you to subscribe for shorter periods without committing to a year-long membership upfront, though you'll save $27 by choosing the annual option.
Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99
The Nintendo Switch Online Family plan is nearly identical to the Individual tier but designed for up to 8 accounts. It requires a year-long commitment, yet it's cost-effective for families. It offers 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 mainly focused on online play without the need for the Expansion Pack's extras.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Individual - 1 year: $49.99
For frequent Nintendo Switch users, the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack plan adds value with additional emulators and major game expansions. It includes everything in the standard plan for one account, plus access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, and expansions for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Splatoon 2. While you must purchase a year-long subscription, this plan is perfect for those wanting to play classic games and enjoy the extra content without sourcing old consoles. If online multiplayer is your primary focus, the standard plan might be more suitable.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Family - 1 year: $79.99
The Family version of the Expansion Pack plan extends all the benefits of the Individual plan to up to eight accounts. It includes the expanded game libraries and major game expansions, making it an excellent choice for families wanting to fully leverage their Nintendo Switch. While the price jump is notable, remember that the included expansions can be bought separately if that's your main interest.
