Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) offers a robust suite of services that enhance the gaming experience for players, providing access to online multiplayer, a vast library of classic games, and exclusive expansions for some of the console's most popular titles. When browsing the Nintendo Store for new Switch games, opting for the right NSO subscription can unlock a plethora of additional content and features.
With the confirmation that NSO will transition to the upcoming Switch 2, players can rest assured that their memberships will continue to deliver the same benefits, including access to retro game libraries, on the new system. The choice between the two available membership plans hinges on understanding which features and offers align best with your gaming needs.
Whether you're eager to dive into timeless classics like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Super Mario 64, or simply want to enjoy some online multiplayer action in Mario Kart with friends, it's crucial to understand what each NSO plan brings to the table. Let's explore the full range of Nintendo Switch Online membership options to help you make an informed decision.
Does Nintendo Switch Online Have a Free Trial? -----------------------------------------------
Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial
Nintendo Switch Online provides a seven-day free trial for its basic membership, allowing you to experience online play in your existing Switch games and access a wide range of NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries. To sign up, simply log into your Nintendo account on your Switch or via the Nintendo Online website and navigate to the eShop. After the trial, the subscription automatically renews at a monthly rate of $3.99. Note that each Nintendo account is eligible for only one free trial period, and the trial does not include Expansion Pack benefits.
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 are available in individual and family packages, which determine the number of accounts that can benefit from the plan. Here's a detailed look at what each plan offers, including their benefits, drawbacks, and pricing.
Nintendo Switch Online: Individual - 1 month: $3.99, 3 months: $7.99, 1 year: $19.99
- Provides a Nintendo Switch Online pass to 1 account.
- Access to online play.
- Full access to the Switch Online NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries.
- Cloud saving.
- Full access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app.
- Unique offers and discounts.
Nintendo Switch Online Gift Card
Available for $19.99 at Amazon, this gift card offers a convenient way to purchase a 12-month individual membership.
Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99
- Provides a Nintendo Switch Online pass to up to 8 accounts.
- Access to online play.
- Full access to the Switch Online NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries.
- Cloud saving.
- Full access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app.
- Unique offers and discounts.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Individual - 1 year: $49.99
- Provides a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack pass to 1 account.
- Access to online play.
- Includes Mario Kart 8: Booster Course Pass, Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise, and Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion.
- Full access to the Switch Online N64, Game Boy Advance, SEGA Genesis, NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries.
- Cloud saving.
- Full access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app.
- Unique offers and discounts.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Family - 1 year: $79.99
- Provides a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack pass to up to 8 accounts.
- Access to online play.
- Includes Mario Kart 8: Booster Course Pass, Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise, and Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion.
- Full access to the Switch Online N64, Game Boy Advance, SEGA Genesis, NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries.
- Cloud saving.
- Full access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app.
- Unique offers and discounts.
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 perfect for solo players primarily interested in online multiplayer. It grants access to Nintendo's online multiplayer services, enabling you to enjoy the online features of your favorite games. Additionally, subscribers receive full access to the Switch Online NES, SNES, and Game Boy game libraries, featuring classics like Super Mario Bros. 3, F-ZERO, and Donkey Kong Country. These games can be played offline if you've logged into your NSO account within the last seven days, ideal for gaming on the go. However, this plan does not include access to the N64, Game Boy Advance, or SEGA Genesis libraries. Benefits also include cloud saving for game data transfer between Switch consoles, access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app, and exclusive offers and discounts. Notably, the individual plan allows flexibility with monthly, three-month, or annual subscriptions, with significant savings when opting for a year-long commitment.
Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99
The Nintendo Switch Online Family plan mirrors the Individual plan but extends its benefits to up to eight accounts. This plan requires an upfront annual payment, yet it offers substantial savings compared to purchasing individual memberships for each user. It provides access to online multiplayer, the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, exclusive offers, and the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app. This plan is ideal for large households looking to enjoy online gaming without the additional features of the Expansion Pack.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Individual - 1 year: $49.99
For avid Nintendo Switch users, the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Individual plan adds significant value. In addition to all features of the standard NSO plan, it includes access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, featuring beloved titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Banjo-Kazooie, Super Mario 64, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and Metroid Fusion. Furthermore, it provides access to major expansions for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Splatoon 2. While these expansions can be bought separately, the Expansion Pack offers a comprehensive package for a year-long subscription. This plan is best for those keen on experiencing 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 Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack mirrors the Individual plan but allows up to eight accounts to enjoy its benefits. This includes all the features of the standard NSO plan, plus access to the N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, and the expansions for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Splatoon 2. This plan is ideal for households where multiple users want to access both the standard NSO benefits and the additional features of the Expansion Pack. However, the price increase over the standard family plan is notable, so consider whether the included expansions are worth the additional cost, as they can also be purchased separately.
