With its robust online services, Nintendo enhances the gaming experience on the Nintendo Switch by offering a variety of benefits through its Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) membership plans. These plans not only allow players to dive into iconic games from past console generations but also provide access to several expansions for some of the most popular releases. If you're exploring the Nintendo Store for new Switch games, the right NSO subscription can unlock a wealth of additional content and features.
Nintendo has confirmed that NSO will carry over to the Switch 2, ensuring that these memberships will continue to offer the same perks, including access to retro game libraries, on the new console. When choosing between the two available plans, it's crucial to consider which benefits align with your gaming needs and to take advantage of the best offers available when signing up.
Whether you're eager to relive classics like Ocarina of Time and Super Mario 64 or simply want to enjoy Mario Kart online with friends, understanding the details of Nintendo Switch Online's membership plans will help you make an informed decision tailored to your gaming preferences.
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, providing access to online play for your existing Switch games and a wide range of NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries. You can sign up for the free trial directly on your Switch or through the Nintendo Online website by signing into your Nintendo account and following the prompts in the eShop. After the trial, your subscription automatically renews at a monthly rate of $3.99. Note that the free trial does not include Expansion Pack benefits, and each Nintendo account is eligible for only 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. Both plans are available in individual or family packages, which determine 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
This plan offers a Nintendo Switch Online pass to one account, providing access to online play, full access to the Switch Online NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, full access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app, and unique offers and discounts.
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. It includes access to online play, the Switch Online NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app, and exclusive offers and discounts. The Family plan requires a yearly subscription upfront but offers significant savings over individual subscriptions for multiple users.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Individual - 1 year: $49.99
This plan includes everything in the standard Nintendo Switch Online plan for one account, plus additional benefits. It offers access to the N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, and includes expansions such as Mario Kart 8: Booster Course Pass, Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise, and Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion. This plan is ideal for avid gamers looking to enjoy classic games and expansions without the need for separate purchases.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Family - 1 year: $79.99
Similar to the Individual Expansion Pack plan, this package extends the benefits to up to eight accounts. It includes all the features of the standard Nintendo Switch Online plan, along with access to the N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, and the same expansions. This plan is perfect for households where multiple members want to enjoy both the standard NSO benefits 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 solo players primarily interested in online multiplayer. It grants access to Nintendo's online multiplayer services and includes the full Switch Online NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries. These games can be played offline if you've logged into your account within the last seven days, making them great 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, access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app, and exclusive deals and discounts. One of the key advantages of this plan is the flexibility to subscribe on a monthly or quarterly basis, allowing you to pause and resume your subscription as needed without committing to a full year.
Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99
The Family plan mirrors the Individual plan but extends the benefits to up to eight accounts. It's an economical choice for households where multiple users want to enjoy online multiplayer and the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries. The plan requires a yearly commitment but offers substantial savings compared to multiple individual subscriptions. It also includes cloud saving, the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app, and member-exclusive deals.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Individual - 1 year: $49.99
Designed for frequent Nintendo Switch players, this plan includes all the features of the standard Nintendo Switch Online plan and adds access to the N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, as well as major expansions for popular games. It's an excellent choice for those who want to experience a broader range of classic games and expansions without purchasing them separately. Note that this plan requires a yearly subscription and is best for gamers looking to delve into Nintendo's rich history of gaming.
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, making it ideal for households with multiple gamers. It includes access to all the standard NSO features, the additional emulator libraries, and the same expansions. While the price increase is significant, it offers great value for families interested in both the standard NSO services and the additional content from the Expansion Pack. Keep in mind that the expansions can also be purchased separately if you're primarily interested in those specific additions.
