Nintendo Switch Online: Subscription Costs Explained

Nintendo Switch Online offers a comprehensive package that extends beyond just playing the latest games. With a subscription, players can dive into iconic titles from past console generations and enjoy a variety of expansions for major releases. The Nintendo Store is brimming with new Switch games, and with the right membership plan, you can unlock a wealth of additional content.

With the confirmation that Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) will transition to the upcoming Switch 2, fans can rest assured that their subscriptions will carry over, continuing to offer access to retro game libraries and other perks on the new console. Choosing the right membership plan is crucial, as Nintendo provides two distinct options, each with unique benefits and pricing structures.

Whether you're eager to revisit classics like "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" and "Super Mario 64," or you're looking to race in "Mario Kart" online with friends, understanding the full spectrum of Nintendo Switch Online membership plans will help you make the best choice for your gaming needs.

Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial

Nintendo Switch Online provides a seven-day free trial for its basic membership. This trial lets you experience online play in your existing Switch games and explore a vast collection of NES, SNES, and Game Boy titles. You can sign up for the trial directly on your Switch or via the Nintendo Online website by logging into your Nintendo account and navigating to the eShop. Post-trial, the subscription auto-renews at a monthly rate of $3.99, but remember, each Nintendo account is eligible for only one free trial period.

How Much Is Nintendo Switch Online?

Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo offers two primary Nintendo Switch Online membership plans: the standard Nintendo Switch Online and the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Both are available in individual or family packages, which determine the number of accounts that can access the plan's benefits. Below, we delve into what each plan offers, their pros and cons, and their pricing.

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

This plan is perfect for solo gamers, offering a Nintendo Switch Online pass to one account. It includes access to online multiplayer, full libraries for Switch Online NES, SNES, and Game Boy games, cloud saving, and the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app. Additionally, members enjoy unique offers and discounts.

12-Month Individual Membership

Nintendo Switch Online Gift Card

$19.99 at Amazon

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

Designed for larger households, this plan extends the benefits of the individual tier to up to eight accounts. It requires a year-long upfront payment but remains more cost-effective than purchasing multiple individual subscriptions. The plan includes online play, access to NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, the mobile app, and exclusive deals.

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

This plan is tailored for avid Nintendo Switch users, bundling all the features of the standard plan with additional perks. It includes access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, along with major expansions for "Mario Kart 8," "Animal Crossing: New Horizons," and "Splatoon 2." The subscription is yearly and not available on a monthly basis.

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

This family package offers the same enhancements as the individual Expansion Pack plan but extends them to up to eight accounts. It combines the standard Nintendo Switch Online features with the expanded game libraries and additional content, making it a comprehensive choice for households passionate about gaming.

Additional Subscription Details

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

The basic Nintendo Switch Online plan is ideal for solo gamers focused primarily on online multiplayer. It provides full access to Nintendo's online services, including multiplayer modes in your favorite games. The package also includes access to curated libraries of NES, SNES, and Game Boy games, playable offline within seven days of last logging into your account. However, it does not cover N64, Game Boy Advance, or SEGA Genesis libraries. Members also benefit from cloud saving, exclusive deals, and the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app.

The flexibility of this plan lies in its various subscription lengths, allowing gamers to choose between monthly, three-month, or yearly options. Opting for the yearly subscription offers a significant savings, but the monthly plan suits those who play intermittently.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

The Family plan mirrors the Individual tier's offerings but extends them to up to eight accounts. It requires a yearly commitment but offers a cost-effective solution for families or groups of friends. You'll enjoy online multiplayer, access to the same game libraries, cloud saving, the mobile app, and exclusive member deals.

This plan is the go-to choice for households looking to maximize their gaming experience 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 significant value to the standard plan. It includes all the features of the basic plan for one account, plus access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, and expansions for "Animal Crossing: New Horizons," "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe," and "Splatoon 2." Note that these expansions can also be bought separately if you're only interested in specific DLCs.

The Expansion Pack is perfect for those who want to enjoy classic gaming without the hassle of sourcing old consoles and games. However, if your primary interest is online multiplayer, sticking with the standard plan might be more cost-effective.

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

This family-oriented package offers everything in the individual Expansion Pack but for up to eight accounts. It combines the standard Nintendo Switch Online benefits with the expanded game libraries and additional content, making it ideal for gaming enthusiasts in larger households.

While the price increase is notable, the included expansions can be purchased separately, so consider your gaming priorities when choosing this plan.