Nintendo Switch Online Subscription: Cost Explained

Nintendo Switch Online offers a range of services that enhance the gaming experience for players. With its online services, you can enjoy iconic games from past console generations and access expansions for some of Nintendo's biggest titles. When browsing the Nintendo Store for new Switch games, consider the added value that comes with a Nintendo Switch Online membership.

With the confirmation that Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) will carry over to the upcoming Switch 2, it's clear that these memberships will continue to offer the same perks, including access to retro game libraries. To make the most of your gaming, it's essential to choose the right membership plan for your needs. Nintendo offers two plans, each with its own set of benefits and price points, making it crucial to understand what each offers before you sign up.

Whether you're eager to dive into classics like Ocarina of Time and Super Mario 64, or simply want to enjoy some Mario Kart online with friends, understanding the full range of Nintendo Switch Online membership plans will help you make an informed decision.

Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial

Nintendo Switch Online provides a seven-day free trial for its basic membership. This trial grants you access to online play for your existing Switch games, along with a rich collection of NES, SNES, and Game Boy titles. You can start your free trial directly on your Switch or via the Nintendo Online website by logging into your Nintendo account and navigating to the eShop. After the trial, your subscription will automatically renew at a monthly rate of $3.99, and each Nintendo account is eligible for only one free trial period.

How Much Is Nintendo Switch Online?

Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo offers two membership plans: Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Both plans are available as individual or family packages, affecting the number of accounts that can benefit from the subscription. Below, we break down the details of each plan, their benefits, and pricing.

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

This plan provides access to online play, the full NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, and the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app. It also includes unique offers and discounts. You can purchase a 12-month individual membership as a gift card for $19.99 at Amazon.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

Similar to the individual plan, the family plan extends the benefits to up to eight accounts. It includes online play, access to the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, and the mobile app, as well as exclusive offers and discounts. This plan is ideal for larger households.

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

This enhanced plan includes all the features of the standard Nintendo Switch Online plan for one account, plus additional emulators and expansions. You'll gain access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, along with expansions for Mario Kart 8, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Splatoon 2. Note that this plan requires a year-long subscription.

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

The family version of the Expansion Pack plan extends the benefits to up to eight accounts. It includes everything in the standard plan, plus the N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, and the same expansions as the individual plan. This is the best option for households where multiple users want to enjoy both the standard and expansion benefits.

Additional Subscription Details

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

This plan is perfect for solo players who primarily use their Switch for online multiplayer. It offers full access to Nintendo's online services, allowing you to enjoy online play in your favorite games. You also get access to a curated list of classic games from the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, playable offline if you've logged into your account within the last seven days. While this plan doesn't include access to N64, Game Boy Advance, or SEGA Genesis libraries, it does offer cloud saving, exclusive deals, and the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app. The flexibility of monthly or short-term subscriptions is a significant advantage for casual players.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

The family plan mirrors the individual tier but extends the benefits to up to eight accounts, making it cost-effective for households with multiple gamers. It requires a year-long commitment, but the price is significantly lower than purchasing individual subscriptions for each member. Like the individual plan, it grants access to online play, the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, and the mobile app, along with member-exclusive offers.

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

For avid Switch players, this plan adds value with access to the N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, as well as expansions for major titles like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Splatoon 2. It's ideal for those who enjoy diving into classic games without the need for old consoles. However, the requirement for a year-long subscription may not suit everyone, and the expansions can be purchased separately if you don't need the full package.

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 perfect for families where everyone wants to enjoy the additional content. It includes everything in the standard plan, plus the expanded libraries and major game expansions. While the price is higher, it's still more economical than purchasing individual Expansion Pack subscriptions for each family member. Keep in mind that the expansions are also available for separate purchase if you're mainly interested in those.