Nintendo's online services offer a wealth of benefits for Switch owners, providing access to iconic games from past console generations and expansions for major releases. For those exploring the Nintendo Store for new Switch games, a Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) membership can significantly enhance your gaming experience with a host of added extras.
With the confirmation that NSO will carry over to the Switch 2, these memberships are set to deliver the same advantages, including access to retro game libraries, on the new console. When considering an NSO membership, it's essential to weigh the benefits of each plan to choose the one that best suits your needs. Nintendo offers two distinct plans, each with unique offerings and pricing structures.
Whether your interest lies in playing classics like "Ocarina of Time" and "Super Mario 64," or you're eager to race in "Mario Kart" online with friends, understanding the full scope of Nintendo Switch Online's membership plans is crucial for making an informed decision.
Does Nintendo Switch Online Have a Free Trial? -----------------------------------------------
### Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial
Nintendo Switch Online offers a seven-day free trial of its basic membership, granting access to online play for your existing Switch games, as well as a wide range of NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries. You can sign up for this trial directly on your Switch or through the Nintendo Online website by logging into your Nintendo account and following the prompts on the eShop. After the trial, your subscription will automatically renew at a monthly rate of $3.99. Note that this trial does not include Expansion Pack benefits, and each Nintendo account is limited to one free trial period.
How Much Is Nintendo Switch Online?
### Nintendo Switch Online
Nintendo provides two Nintendo Switch Online membership plans - the standard Nintendo Switch Online and the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. These plans can be purchased individually or as a family package, affecting the number of accounts that can access the plan's benefits. Below, we detail what each plan offers, along with their respective benefits, drawbacks, and pricing.
Nintendo Switch Online: Individual - 1 month: $3.99, 3 months: $7.99, 1 year: $19.99
The Individual membership provides a Nintendo Switch Online pass to one account, offering 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 unique offers and discounts. This plan is ideal for solo players who primarily want to engage in online multiplayer gaming.
12-Month Individual Membership### Nintendo Switch Online Gift Card
Available for $19.99 at Amazon, this gift card is a convenient way to purchase a year-long individual membership.
Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99
The Family membership extends the same benefits as the Individual plan but to up to eight accounts. This plan is perfect for households with multiple Switch users, offering a more cost-effective solution than purchasing multiple Individual memberships. It includes access to online play, full access to the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, the mobile app, and exclusive offers and discounts.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Individual - 1 year: $49.99
The Individual + Expansion Pack membership enhances the standard plan with additional benefits for one account. This includes access to the N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, as well as major expansions like the Mario Kart 8: Booster Course Pass, Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise, and Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion. This plan is tailored for avid gamers looking to enjoy a broader range of classic games and expansions without the need for additional purchases.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Family - 1 year: $79.99
The Family + Expansion Pack plan extends the benefits of the Individual + Expansion Pack to up to eight accounts. This comprehensive package includes all the features of the standard plan, along with the additional libraries and expansions, making it an excellent choice for households where multiple members want to enjoy the full suite of Nintendo Switch Online offerings.
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 solo players focused on online multiplayer gaming. It provides full access to Nintendo’s online multiplayer services, the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, and the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app. A key advantage is the flexibility of monthly, quarterly, or annual subscriptions, with a significant discount for choosing the annual option.
Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99
The Family plan is nearly identical to the Individual plan but designed for larger households. It offers online play, access to the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, and the mobile app to up to eight accounts. This plan requires an upfront annual payment but provides a cost-effective solution for multiple users.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Individual - 1 year: $49.99
For dedicated Switch gamers, the + Expansion Pack adds significant value by including access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, as well as major expansions for popular games. While this plan requires an annual commitment, it's ideal for players wanting to explore a wider range of classic and expanded content.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Family - 1 year: $79.99
This plan is perfect for households where multiple members want to enjoy the full spectrum of Nintendo Switch Online services, including the additional libraries and expansions. It's a comprehensive option but comes with a higher price tag, reflecting the added value of the Expansion Pack's offerings.
