"Activate Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial in 2025: Guide"

If you own a Nintendo Switch or are planning to get a Nintendo Switch 2, you're likely already acquainted with Nintendo Switch Online. This service is essential not just for multiplayer features and playing online with friends in popular games, but also for diving into a vast library of classic Nintendo games. From the nostalgic NES, SNES, and Game Boy titles to the iconic Nintendo 64 games, and with the upcoming launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, the exciting new GameCube libraries, Nintendo Switch Online offers a journey through over four decades of gaming history.

If you're new to Nintendo Switch Online, don't worry—we've got all the information you need. We’ll guide you through activating the free trial, explain the different subscription tiers, provide pricing details, and more.

Does Nintendo Switch Online Have a Free Trial?

Yes, Nintendo offers a seven-day free trial for Nintendo Switch Online, which grants access to online play for your Nintendo Switch (and eventually Nintendo Switch 2 games), cloud backup for your save data, select game soundtracks on Nintendo Music, and a library of over 100 NES, SNES, and Game Boy games.

Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial

Seven days free, then renewed at a monthly rate of $3.99. No Expansion Pack benefits are included. See it at Nintendo. Click the link above to sign up for the free trial. After your trial period ends, you'll be automatically charged for your subscription if it's not canceled.

What Is Nintendo Switch Online?

Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription-based service designed for use with Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 consoles. It allows you to enjoy online multiplayer and additional features for supported games, along with the convenience of automatically backing up your save data to the cloud.

However, the benefits extend far beyond online play. A subscription also unlocks a growing catalog of Nintendo Classics spanning over 40 years. The standard subscription includes a curated collection of NES, SNES, and Game Boy games, while the Expansion Pack adds Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis games. For Nintendo Switch 2 owners, you'll also be able to enjoy select GameCube games at launch with the Expansion Pack subscription tier.

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

$49.88 at Walmart | $49.88 at Target. Along with the retro game catalog, Nintendo launched the new Nintendo Music app in late 2024, allowing you to stream and download your favorite tracks from a wide range of franchises, including Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, Metroid, and many more.

How Much Does Nintendo Switch Online Cost?

Nintendo Switch Online is available as an individual plan or a family plan that supports up to eight accounts. Individual plans are priced at $3.99 per month, $7.99 for three months, or $19.99 per year. Family plans are only available annually, priced at $34.99 per year.

Nintendo Switch Online

Compare plans, prices, and perks. See it at Nintendo. The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription, which adds additional Nintendo Classics and specific game DLC packs, is available as an annual subscription only. It costs $49.99 per year for individual subscribers and $79.99 per year for family memberships.

How to Use Nintendo Switch Online - Available Platforms

Nintendo Switch Online is primarily available on the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 systems. However, with the recent addition of the Nintendo Music app, its benefits are now also accessible on mobile devices.