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Activate Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial 2025: A Guide

Authore: AudreyUpdate:May 01,2025

If you're a proud owner of a Nintendo Switch or eagerly awaiting the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, you're likely no stranger to Nintendo Switch Online. This service is not only vital for engaging in multiplayer fun and playing online with friends in beloved games, but it's also your gateway to a treasure trove of classic Nintendo titles. From the nostalgia-inducing NES, SNES, and Game Boy eras to the iconic games of the Nintendo 64, and with the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, even the beloved GameCube library, Nintendo Switch Online offers an unparalleled journey through gaming history.

If you haven't yet experienced the magic of Nintendo Switch Online, fear not—we're here to guide you through it all. We'll walk you through activating the free trial, delve into the various subscription tiers, provide detailed pricing information, and much more.

Does Nintendo Switch Online Have a Free Trial?

Yes, Nintendo generously offers a seven-day free trial for Nintendo Switch Online. This trial gives you a taste of online play for both Nintendo Switch and future Nintendo Switch 2 games, secure cloud backups for your save data, access to select game soundtracks through Nintendo Music, and a vast library of over 100 classic games from the NES, SNES, and Game Boy eras.

Nintendo Switch Online

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

Click the link above to sign up for the free trial. Remember, after your trial period ends, you'll be automatically charged for your subscription unless you cancel it.

What Is Nintendo Switch Online?

Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription service designed for Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 consoles. It's your key to unlocking online multiplayer capabilities and a host of additional features for supported games, alongside the convenience of automatic cloud backups for your save data.

But the perks don't stop there. Subscribers also gain access to an ever-growing catalog of Nintendo classics, spanning over four decades of gaming history. The standard subscription offers a curated selection of NES, SNES, and Game Boy games, while the Expansion Pack adds titles from the Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and even Sega Genesis. And for those with a Nintendo Switch 2, the Expansion Pack subscription will include select GameCube games right from the start.

Nintendo Switch Online 12 Month Individual Membership + Expansion Pack eGift Card

Nintendo Switch Online 12 Month Individual Membership + Expansion Pack eGift Card

  • $49.88 at Walmart
  • $49.88 at Target

In addition to the retro game catalog, Nintendo introduced the Nintendo Music app in late 2024, allowing you to stream and download your favorite tracks from iconic franchises like Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, Metroid, and more.

How Much Does Nintendo Switch Online Cost?

Nintendo Switch Online offers both individual and family plans. The individual plan is available at $3.99 per month, $7.99 for three months, or $19.99 per year. The family plan, which supports up to eight accounts, is priced at $34.99 per year.

Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo Switch Online

For those seeking even more, the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription, which includes additional classics and specific game DLC packs, is available annually at $49.99 per year for individual subscribers and $79.99 per year for family memberships.

How to Use Nintendo Switch Online - Available Platforms

Primarily, Nintendo Switch Online is accessible on the Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 systems. However, with the introduction of the Nintendo Music app, its benefits have now extended to mobile devices, enhancing your gaming experience on the go.