Nintendo Switch Online Subscription: Cost Explained

Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) membership plans offer a wealth of benefits for gamers, including access to iconic games from past console generations and expansions for major titles. When you're browsing the Nintendo Store for new Switch games, a subscription can unlock a host of additional features and content, enhancing your gaming experience.

With the recent confirmation that NSO will carry over to the Switch 2, players can rest assured that these memberships will continue to deliver the same perks, including retro game libraries, on the new console. But which plan is right for you? With two distinct membership options, it's crucial to weigh the benefits and choose the best deal that aligns with your gaming needs.

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's membership plans is key to making an informed decision.

Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial

Nintendo Switch Online offers a seven-day free trial for its basic membership, giving you a taste of online play for your existing Switch games, as well as access to a vast selection of NES, SNES, and Game Boy titles. To sign up, simply navigate to the free trial option on your Switch or through the Nintendo Online website by signing 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. Please note that each Nintendo account is eligible for just one free trial.

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 come in individual and family packages, affecting the number of accounts that can enjoy the plan's benefits. Let's delve into what each plan offers, along with their respective prices and perks.

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

This plan is perfect for solo players who primarily want to enjoy online multiplayer. It includes:

• Access to online play for your favorite Switch games.
• Full access to the Switch Online NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, featuring classics like Super Mario Bros. 3, F-ZERO, and Donkey Kong Country.
• Offline play of these retro games if you've logged in within the last seven days.
• Cloud saving for transferring saves between Switch consoles.
• Access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app.
• Unique offers and discounts.

The flexibility of this plan allows you to subscribe month-to-month or save $27 by opting for a year-long membership upfront, ideal for those who play sporadically.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

Designed for larger households, the Family plan offers the same benefits as the Individual plan but for up to eight accounts. This requires a year-long commitment, yet it's a cost-effective solution for families or groups sharing a Switch console. You'll enjoy online multiplayer, access to the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, the mobile app, and exclusive deals.

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

For avid gamers, this plan includes everything in the standard NSO plan, plus additional perks:

• Access to the N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, featuring titles like Ocarina of Time, Super Mario 64, and Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
• Expansions for major titles such as Mario Kart 8: Booster Course Pass, Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise, and Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion.
• Note that these expansions are also available for separate purchase if you prefer not to subscribe to the full Expansion Pack.

This plan is ideal for those wanting to explore a broader range of classic games and expansions without needing to purchase old consoles or the expansions individually.

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

This package extends the benefits of the Individual Expansion Pack to up to eight accounts. It includes everything in the standard NSO plan, along with the additional N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, and the major expansions for Mario Kart 8, Animal Crossing, and Splatoon 2.

This plan is best suited for households where multiple members want to enjoy both the standard NSO benefits and the added features of the Expansion Pack. However, the price increase is significant, so consider whether the included expansions are worth the additional cost, as they can also be bought separately.

Additional Subscription Details

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

The base NSO plan is your gateway to online multiplayer and a treasure trove of retro games. With the ability to subscribe for as short as a month, it's perfect for those who want to dip in and out of online play without a long-term commitment.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

For families or shared living spaces, the Family plan is a cost-effective way to enjoy all the benefits of NSO across multiple accounts. It's the go-to choice for households looking to play online together without the extra features of the Expansion Pack.

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

If you're a dedicated Nintendo fan looking to expand your gaming horizons, the Individual Expansion Pack is tailored for you. It offers a year-long subscription packed with classic games and major expansions, perfect for those who want to fully immerse themselves in Nintendo's rich gaming history.

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

For larger households, the Family Expansion Pack plan is the ultimate package, providing comprehensive access to all NSO benefits and expansions for up to eight accounts. It's the best choice for families who want to share the full range of Nintendo's online and retro gaming offerings.