Nintendo Switch Online Subscription Costs Explained

Nintendo's online services have revolutionized the way players experience their beloved games, especially with the Nintendo Switch Online membership plans. These plans not only offer access to online multiplayer but also enrich your gaming experience with a vast library of retro games and expansions for some of Nintendo's biggest titles. If you're browsing the Nintendo Store for new Switch games, a subscription can unlock a plethora of additional content.

With the confirmation that Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) will transition seamlessly to the upcoming Switch 2, you can rest assured that your membership will continue to provide the same valuable perks, including access to classic game libraries, on the new console. But choosing the right membership plan is crucial. Nintendo offers two plans, each with its own set of benefits and pricing, making it essential to understand what you're looking for before you commit.

Whether you're eager to dive into timeless classics like Ocarina of Time and Super Mario 64 or simply want to race against friends in Mario Kart online, understanding the full scope of Nintendo Switch Online's membership plans will help you make the best choice for your gaming needs.

### Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial

Nintendo Switch Online offers a seven-day free trial of its basic membership, allowing you to experience online play and explore a wide range of NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries. To get started, sign up for the free trial either directly on your Switch or through the Nintendo Online website by logging into your Nintendo account and following the prompts on the eShop. Post-trial, your subscription will automatically renew at a monthly rate of $3.99. Remember, each Nintendo account is entitled to just one free trial period, and this trial does not include Expansion Pack benefits.

How Much Is Nintendo Switch Online?

### Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo offers two distinct Nintendo Switch Online membership plans: the standard Nintendo Switch Online and the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Both plans are available in individual and family packages, which determine how many accounts can access the plan's benefits. Below, we'll detail what each plan offers, including their respective perks 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, offering access to online play, full access to the Switch Online NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app, and exclusive offers and discounts. The flexibility of this plan allows you to choose between monthly, quarterly, or annual subscriptions, making it ideal for solo players primarily interested in online multiplayer.

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

For a convenient way to gift or purchase a year's subscription, you can find the Nintendo Switch Online gift card for $19.99 at Amazon.

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 with multiple gamers. It includes access to online play, the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, the mobile app, and exclusive deals. This plan requires a year-long commitment but offers significant savings compared to purchasing multiple individual subscriptions.

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

The Expansion Pack enhances the standard plan with additional emulators and expansions. It includes access to the N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, alongside the Mario Kart 8: Booster Course Pass, Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise, and Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion. This plan is suited for avid gamers looking to enjoy a broader range of classic titles and expansions without the need for separate purchases. Note that this plan requires an annual subscription.

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

The Family version of the Expansion Pack extends all the benefits of the Individual plan to up to eight accounts. It's the perfect choice for households where multiple members want to enjoy the expanded game libraries and additional content. While this plan comes with a higher price tag, it offers a comprehensive gaming experience for everyone in the family.

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 focused on online multiplayer. It grants access to Nintendo's online multiplayer services and includes the full Switch Online NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries. You can play these games offline if you've logged in within the last seven days, making it great for gaming on the go. However, it 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 allows you to tailor your membership to your gaming habits.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

The Family plan mirrors the Individual plan but extends its benefits to up to eight accounts. It's designed for households where multiple people use different accounts, requiring a year-long commitment but offering a cost-effective solution. You'll enjoy online play, access to the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, the mobile app, and exclusive deals, making it an excellent choice for families looking to play online without the extras offered by the Expansion Pack.

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

For dedicated Nintendo Switch players, the Expansion Pack adds significant value. It includes all the features of the standard plan for one account, plus access to the N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, and major expansions for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Splatoon 2. While the annual subscription is mandatory, it's ideal for those looking to play a wide array of classic games without sourcing old hardware. If online multiplayer is your primary interest, the standard plan might be sufficient, but the Expansion Pack is perfect for those wanting a comprehensive gaming experience.

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

This plan offers the same expanded benefits as the Individual Expansion Pack but for up to eight accounts. It's tailored for families where everyone wants to access both the standard Nintendo Switch Online services and the additional content from the Expansion Pack. While the price increase is notable, the value lies in the shared access to a broad range of games and expansions. Keep in mind that the included expansions can be purchased separately if that's your main interest.