Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial: 2025 Guide

If you own a Nintendo Switch (or plan to get the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2), you're likely familiar with Nintendo Switch Online. More than just enabling multiplayer features for playing online with friends in popular titles, it's also your gateway to enjoying over four decades of classic Nintendo gaming - including access to retro libraries from NES, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and (upon the Nintendo Switch 2 launch) the newly added GameCube collection.

Haven't tried Nintendo Switch Online yet? No problem. Our guide below will show you how to activate the free trial, break down the different subscription options, explain pricing details, and more.

Does Nintendo Switch Online Have a Free Trial?

Yes! Nintendo currently offers a seven-day free trial of Nintendo Switch Online, giving you full access to online play on Nintendo Switch (and eventually Switch 2 games), cloud backup for your save data, selected game soundtracks through Nintendo Music, plus an extensive library featuring over 100 classic NES, SNES and Game Boy titles.

Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial

1Seven days free, then auto-renews at $3.99/month. Expansion Pack benefits excluded. View offer at Nintendo

Click the link above to start your free trial. Remember to cancel before the trial period ends if you don't wish to continue with the paid subscription.

What Is Nintendo Switch Online?

Nintendo Switch Online is Nintendo's premium subscription service for Switch and Switch 2 consoles. As the name implies, it unlocks online multiplayer functionality while automatically backing up your game saves to the cloud.

But the benefits extend beyond online play. Subscribers gain instant access to a growing collection of classic Nintendo games spanning over 40 years of gaming history. The base subscription includes curated NES, SNES and Game Boy titles, while the Expansion Pack adds Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis games. Switch 2 owners will enjoy bonus GameCube games at launch with the Expansion Pack tier.

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

1$49.88 at Walmart$49.88 at Target

Beyond retro games, Nintendo also introduced the Nintendo Music app in late 2024, letting you stream and download iconic soundtracks from beloved franchises including Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, Metroid and more.

How Much Does Nintendo Switch Online Cost?

Nintendo offers Switch Online subscriptions in individual and family plans (supporting up to eight accounts). Individual pricing options include $3.99 monthly, $7.99 quarterly, or $19.99 annually. Family plans are only available as an annual subscription for $34.99.

Nintendo Switch Online Subscriptions

1Compare all plan options and benefitsView at Nintendo

The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, which includes bonus classic games and select DLC, is only available as an annual subscription - $49.99 for individuals and $79.99 for families.

How to Use Nintendo Switch Online - Available Platforms

While primarily designed for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 systems, the service's benefits expanded with the Nintendo Music app, making select features accessible on mobile devices as well.