Nintendo Switch Online: Subscription Costs Explained

Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) offers a treasure trove of benefits for gamers, making it an essential part of the Nintendo ecosystem. With its online services, players can dive into iconic games from past console generations and enjoy numerous expansions for some of the platform's biggest hits. When browsing the Nintendo Store for new Switch games, opting for the right NSO subscription can unlock a plethora of additional content and features.

With the confirmation that NSO will transition to the Nintendo Switch 2, subscribers can look forward to the same fantastic perks, including access to retro game libraries, on the new console. This continuity ensures that your investment in NSO will remain valuable across different hardware generations. However, choosing the perfect membership plan hinges on understanding the specific benefits you seek and the best deals available during sign-up.

Whether your gaming heart yearns to revisit classics like "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" and "Super Mario 64," or you simply wish to race your friends online in "Mario Kart," let's explore the full spectrum of Nintendo Switch Online membership plans to help you make an informed decision.

Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial

0Seven days free, then renewed at a monthly rate of $3.99. No Expansion Pack benefits are included. See it at Nintendo

Nintendo Switch Online provides a seven-day free trial for its basic membership, which allows you to experience online multiplayer in your existing Switch games and explore a diverse range of NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries. To start your trial, simply sign up on your Switch or through the Nintendo Online website using your Nintendo account and follow the prompts in the eShop. After the trial period, the subscription automatically renews at a monthly rate of $3.99. Note that each Nintendo account is eligible for just one free trial.

How Much Is Nintendo Switch Online?

Nintendo Switch Online

0Compare plans, prices, and perksSee it at Nintendo

Nintendo offers two Nintendo Switch Online membership plans: the standard Nintendo Switch Online and the enhanced Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Both options are available in individual or family packages, which determine how many accounts can access the plan’s benefits. Let's delve into what each plan offers, including their advantages, limitations, and pricing.

Nintendo Switch Online: Individual - 1 month: $3.99, 3 months: $7.99, 1 year: $19.99

This plan provides a Nintendo Switch Online pass for one account, granting access to online play, full libraries of NES, SNES, and Game Boy games, cloud saving, the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app, and exclusive offers and discounts.

12-Month Individual Membership

Nintendo Switch Online Gift Card

0$19.99 at Amazon

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

This option extends the benefits of the individual plan to up to eight accounts, making it ideal for households. It includes access to online play, the full NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, the mobile app, and unique offers and discounts.

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Individual - 1 year: $49.99

This premium plan offers all the features of the standard plan for one account, plus access to the N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, and expansions for "Mario Kart 8," "Animal Crossing: New Horizons," and "Splatoon 2." However, it requires a year-long commitment.

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Family - 1 year: $79.99

Similar to the individual Expansion Pack, this plan extends its benefits to up to eight accounts, offering a comprehensive gaming experience for families or groups of friends.

Additional Subscription Details

Nintendo Switch Online: Individual - 1 month: $3.99, 3 months: $7.99, 1 year: $19.99

The basic Nintendo Switch Online package is perfect for solo players focused on online multiplayer. It includes access to Nintendo’s online services, allowing you to enjoy the multiplayer aspects of your favorite games.

Moreover, it offers access to the full Switch Online NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, featuring classics like "Super Mario Bros. 3," "F-ZERO," and "Donkey Kong Country." These games can be played offline if you've logged into your account within the last seven days, enhancing portability. However, this plan does not include access to the N64, Game Boy Advance, or SEGA Genesis libraries.

You'll also benefit from cloud saving, which facilitates data transfer between Switch consoles, and access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app. The flexibility of monthly or annual subscriptions makes this plan attractive for casual gamers who may not play consistently throughout the year.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

The Nintendo Switch Online Family plan mirrors the Individual plan but extends its benefits to up to eight accounts. This plan requires a year-long commitment upfront but offers significant savings over purchasing individual memberships for each family member.

Like the Individual plan, it includes online play, access to the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, and the mobile app. This package is ideal for larger households looking to enjoy online gaming without the additional features of the Expansion Pack.

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Individual - 1 year: $49.99

Designed for avid Switch players, the Expansion Pack adds value by including access to the N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, as well as major expansions for "Animal Crossing: New Horizons," "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe," and "Splatoon 2." This plan is perfect for those who want to relive classic gaming moments or enjoy additional content for popular titles.

Note that while the expansions can be purchased separately, the annual subscription for this plan provides a more comprehensive experience. If online multiplayer is your main interest, the standard NSO plan might be more cost-effective.

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 the ultimate choice for households seeking a full gaming experience. It includes everything from the standard NSO plan, plus the additional emulator libraries and expansions.

While the price jump is notable, it offers excellent value for groups looking to share the full range of NSO benefits. However, if the expansions are your primary focus, consider purchasing them separately, as they are available individually through the Nintendo eShop.