Nintendo Switch Online: Subscription Costs Explained

Nintendo's online services enhance the gaming experience on the Nintendo Switch by offering access to iconic games from previous console generations and expansions for some of its biggest releases. When shopping for new Switch games on the Nintendo Store, a Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) membership can provide you with a wealth of additional content and perks.

With the confirmation that NSO will carry over to the upcoming Switch 2, you can rest assured that these memberships will continue to offer the same benefits, including access to retro game libraries, on the new console. When considering which plan to choose, it's crucial to understand the different benefits and the best deals available for signing up.

Whether you're eager to dive into classics like "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" and "Super Mario 64," or you're looking to enjoy online multiplayer sessions of "Mario Kart" with friends, we'll detail the full spectrum of Nintendo Switch Online membership plans to help you make an informed decision.

Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial

Nintendo Switch Online offers a seven-day free trial of its basic membership. This trial gives you access to online play for your existing Switch games, as well as a wide range of NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries. You can sign up for the free trial directly on your Switch or through the Nintendo Online website by logging into your Nintendo account and following the prompts in the eShop. After the trial period, your subscription will automatically renew at a monthly rate of $3.99. Note that each Nintendo account is limited to one free trial period, and no Expansion Pack benefits are included during this trial.

How Much Is Nintendo Switch Online?

Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo offers two types of Nintendo Switch Online membership plans: the standard Nintendo Switch Online and the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Each plan is available in individual or family packages, affecting the number of accounts that can benefit from the subscription. Let's explore what each plan offers, along with their benefits, drawbacks, and pricing.

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

The individual plan provides a Nintendo Switch Online pass for one account, granting access to online play, full access to the Switch Online libraries for NES, SNES, and Game Boy, cloud saving, full access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app, and unique offers and discounts. This plan is ideal for solo players who primarily engage in online multiplayer and enjoy classic games.

Nintendo Switch Online Gift Card

For those interested in an annual subscription, a 12-month individual membership can be purchased as a 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. It includes online play, access to the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, the mobile app, and exclusive offers. This plan is perfect for households with multiple users, offering a cost-effective solution compared to purchasing multiple individual memberships.

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

This enhanced plan includes everything in the standard plan for one account, plus additional features such as access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, and expansions for "Mario Kart 8," "Animal Crossing: New Horizons," and "Splatoon 2." It's designed for avid Nintendo Switch players 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, the family version extends the benefits to up to eight accounts. It includes all the features of the standard family plan, plus the additional emulators and expansions. This plan is ideal for households where multiple users want to enjoy the full range of Nintendo Switch Online features and the Expansion Pack's added value.

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 includes access to online play, the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, and the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app. Although it doesn't offer access to N64, Game Boy Advance, or SEGA Genesis libraries, it provides a cost-effective option with the flexibility of monthly, three-month, or annual subscriptions.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

The family plan mirrors the individual plan's features but extends them to up to eight accounts. It requires an annual upfront payment but offers significant savings for households with multiple Switch users. This plan provides access to online play, the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, the mobile app, and exclusive deals, making it an excellent choice for larger families.

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

For dedicated Nintendo Switch enthusiasts, the Expansion Pack individual plan offers additional value with access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, as well as major expansions for popular games. This plan is best suited for those who want to experience a wide variety of classic games and expansions without the need for separate purchases.

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

The family version of the Expansion Pack plan extends the benefits to up to eight accounts, providing all the features of the standard family plan plus the additional emulators and expansions. It's designed for households where multiple users want to enjoy the full range of Nintendo Switch Online benefits, including the added value of the Expansion Pack.