Nintendo Switch Online Subscription: Cost Explained

Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) offers a comprehensive suite of services that enhance your gaming experience, including access to iconic games from past console generations and expansions for some of the biggest releases. If you're browsing the Nintendo Store for new Switch games, a subscription can unlock a wealth of additional content and features.

With the confirmation that NSO will carry over to the upcoming Switch 2, you can rest assured that these memberships will continue to deliver the same benefits, including access to retro game libraries, on the new console. When choosing between the two available plans, it's crucial to consider which features align with your gaming needs and the best deals available at the time of sign-up.

Whether you're eager to dive into classics like Ocarina of Time and Super Mario 64 or simply want to enjoy 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 offers a seven-day free trial for its basic membership, allowing you to experience online play in your existing Switch games and access a wide range of NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries. You can sign up for the trial directly on your Switch or via the Nintendo Online website by logging into your Nintendo account and following the prompts in the eShop. After the trial, the subscription automatically renews at a monthly rate of $3.99. Note that the Expansion Pack benefits are not included in the trial, and each Nintendo account is eligible for only one free trial period.

How Much Is Nintendo Switch Online?

### Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo offers 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'll explore the offerings, advantages, and pricing of each plan.

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 access to the Switch Online NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, and the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app. You'll also enjoy unique offers and discounts. The flexibility of this plan allows you to choose between monthly, quarterly, or annual subscriptions, with the annual option offering a significant saving of $27 over monthly payments.

12-Month Individual Membership### Nintendo Switch Online Gift Card

Available for $19.99 at Amazon, this gift card provides a convenient way to purchase a 12-month individual membership.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

The Family plan extends the benefits of the Individual plan to up to eight accounts, making it a cost-effective choice for households. It includes access to online play, the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, the mobile app, and exclusive offers. This plan requires a year-long commitment upfront but offers substantial savings compared to purchasing individual memberships for each family member.

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 benefits such as access to the N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, and expansions for Mario Kart 8, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Splatoon 2. While it requires a year-long subscription, it's ideal for avid gamers looking to explore a broader range of 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, this plan extends the benefits to up to eight accounts. It includes all the features of the standard plan, plus the additional libraries and expansions. This option is perfect for families where multiple members want to enjoy the full range of Nintendo Switch Online services and the added bonuses of 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 package is perfect for solo players primarily interested in online multiplayer. It provides access to Nintendo's online multiplayer services and includes 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. However, this plan does not include access to the 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 offers. The flexibility of monthly, quarterly, or annual subscriptions makes it easy to manage your membership without a long-term commitment.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

The Family plan mirrors the Individual plan but extends the benefits to up to eight accounts, making it an economical choice for households. It requires a year-long commitment but offers significant savings compared to purchasing individual memberships for each family member. You'll enjoy online play, access to the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, the mobile app, and exclusive offers. This plan is ideal for families primarily interested in online multiplayer without the additional features of the Expansion Pack.

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

For dedicated Nintendo Switch players, the Expansion Pack adds value with access to the N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, featuring classics like Ocarina of Time, Banjo-Kazooie, Super Mario 64, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and Metroid Fusion. It also includes major expansions for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Splatoon 2, which can be purchased separately if desired. This plan is best for those who want to explore a wide range of classic games and expansions without the need for additional purchases. However, it requires a year-long commitment.

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

The Family Expansion Pack extends all the benefits of the Individual plan to up to eight accounts, making it ideal for households where multiple members want to enjoy the full range of Nintendo Switch Online services and the added bonuses of the Expansion Pack. It includes everything in the standard plan, plus the additional libraries and expansions. While the price increase is notable, the included expansions can be purchased separately, which is worth considering if those are your primary interest.