Nintendo's online services offer a wealth of benefits for Switch owners, including access to iconic games from past console generations and expansions for some of their most popular titles. For gamers browsing the Nintendo Store for new Switch games, a Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) membership can unlock a host of additional content and features.
With the confirmation that NSO will carry over to the upcoming Switch 2, subscribers can look forward to enjoying the same perks, including a rich retro game library, on the new console. When choosing a membership plan, it's important to consider which benefits align with your gaming preferences and the best deals available during sign-up.
Whether you're eager to dive into classics like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Super Mario 64, or keen on racing online in Mario Kart with friends, understanding the different NSO membership plans is crucial for making an informed decision that suits your 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 provides access to online play for your existing Switch games, along with a comprehensive selection of NES, SNES, and Game Boy titles. You can initiate the trial directly on your Switch or through the Nintendo Online website by logging into your Nintendo account and following the prompts in the eShop. Post-trial, the subscription auto-renews at $3.99 per month. Note that this trial is limited to one per Nintendo account and does not include the Expansion Pack benefits.
How Much Is Nintendo Switch Online?
### Nintendo Switch Online
Nintendo offers two distinct Nintendo Switch Online membership plans: the standard Nintendo Switch Online and the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. These plans are available in individual or family packages, which dictate the number of accounts that can benefit from the plan's features. Below, we detail what each plan offers, their respective pros and cons, and their pricing.
Nintendo Switch Online: Individual - 1 month: $3.99, 3 months: $7.99, 1 year: $19.99
The Individual plan grants a single account access to online play, the full Switch Online libraries for NES, SNES, and Game Boy, cloud saving, and the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app. Additionally, members receive exclusive offers and discounts. This plan is ideal for solo gamers primarily interested in online multiplayer and retro gaming.
12-Month Individual Membership### Nintendo Switch Online Gift Card
You can purchase a 12-month Individual Membership for $19.99 at Amazon.
Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99
The Family plan extends the benefits of the Individual plan to up to eight accounts. It's perfect for households where multiple users want to enjoy online play and retro games. However, unlike the Individual plan, it requires a year-long commitment upfront.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Individual - 1 year: $49.99
The Individual + Expansion Pack plan includes everything in the standard plan but adds access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, along with major expansions for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Splatoon 2. This plan suits avid gamers interested in both retro gaming and the latest expansions.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Family - 1 year: $79.99
The Family + Expansion Pack plan mirrors the Individual version but extends the benefits to up to eight accounts. It's the best choice for families where everyone wants access to both the standard NSO features and the additional content offered by the Expansion Pack.
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 perfect for the solo player focused on online multiplayer. It includes full access to Nintendo's online services, plus a selection of NES, SNES, and Game Boy titles playable offline if you've logged in within the last seven days. However, it does not include access to N64, Game Boy Advance, or SEGA Genesis libraries. You also benefit from cloud saving, the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app, and exclusive deals. The flexibility of this plan lies in its short-term subscription options, allowing you to pause and resume as needed without committing to a full year.
Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99
The Family plan is nearly identical to the Individual plan but designed for households with multiple gamers. It provides all the same features, including online play and access to NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, but for up to eight accounts. This plan requires a year-long commitment but offers significant savings over buying multiple Individual plans.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Individual - 1 year: $49.99
For dedicated Nintendo Switch users, the + Expansion Pack adds value by including N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, along with expansions for popular titles. This plan is tailored for those who want to explore a broader range of retro games and enjoy the latest content without needing to purchase expansions separately. However, it requires a year-long subscription upfront.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Family - 1 year: $79.99
The Family + Expansion Pack plan extends the benefits of the Individual plan to up to eight accounts. It's the go-to choice for families where multiple members are interested in both the standard NSO features and the additional content from the Expansion Pack. While the price increase is notable, it remains a cost-effective solution compared to buying separate expansions and individual memberships.
