Nintendo Switch Online Subscription: Cost Explained

Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) enhances the gaming experience by offering a suite of online services, including access to iconic games from past console generations and expansions for some of its most popular releases. Whether you're shopping for new Switch games on the Nintendo Store or looking to maximize your gaming experience, a Nintendo Switch Online subscription can add significant value.

With the confirmation that NSO will carry over to the Switch 2, subscribers can rest assured that their memberships will continue to provide the same benefits, including access to retro game libraries, on the new console. When choosing a membership plan, it's important to consider which features are most appealing to you and to take advantage of the best available offers.

From classics like "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" and "Super Mario 64" to online multiplayer sessions of "Mario Kart," the Nintendo Switch Online service caters to a variety of gaming preferences. Here, we'll explore the different membership plans to help you make an informed decision tailored to your gaming needs.

Does Nintendo Switch Online Have a Free Trial?

Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial

Nintendo Switch Online offers a seven-day free trial for its basic membership, providing access to online play and a broad selection of NES, SNES, and Game Boy titles. To start your trial, sign into your Nintendo account on your Switch or via the Nintendo Online website and follow the prompts in the eShop. Post-trial, the subscription auto-renews at $3.99 per month, and each account is eligible for only one trial period.

How Much Is Nintendo Switch Online?

Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo offers two primary membership plans: Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Both are available in individual and family packages, influencing the number of accounts that can access the benefits. Let's delve into the details of each plan, their perks, and pricing.

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

This plan provides access to online play, the full Switch Online NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, and the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app, along with unique offers and discounts. The flexibility of monthly or short-term subscriptions makes it ideal for those who may not use their Switch regularly.

Nintendo Switch Online Gift Card

For a one-year individual membership, you can also purchase a gift card for $19.99 at Amazon.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

Similar to the individual plan, the Family plan offers access to online play and the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, but it extends these benefits to up to eight accounts. This plan is cost-effective for households with multiple Switch users, as it requires a one-year upfront payment.

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

This premium plan includes everything from the standard plan, plus access to the N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, as well as expansions for "Mario Kart 8," "Animal Crossing: New Horizons," and "Splatoon 2." It's perfect for avid gamers interested in classic titles and additional content but requires a yearly commitment.

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

The Family version of the Expansion Pack offers the same premium features as the Individual plan but extends them to up to eight accounts. It's the ultimate choice for families or groups looking to enjoy the full spectrum of Nintendo Switch Online services.

Additional Subscription Details

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

The basic NSO plan is perfect for solo players focused on online multiplayer, providing access to Nintendo's online services and a variety of classic games. The included emulator libraries allow offline play for up to seven days after logging in, adding convenience for gamers on the go. However, this plan does not include access to the N64, Game Boy Advance, or SEGA Genesis libraries.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

The Family plan mirrors the Individual plan but extends its benefits to up to eight accounts, making it a cost-effective choice for larger households. It requires a yearly subscription but offers significant savings over purchasing multiple individual memberships.

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

For dedicated Switch users, the Expansion Pack adds value with additional emulators and expansions. It's designed for those who want to explore a wider range of classic games and enjoy exclusive content. However, it's a yearly commitment, and the expansions can be bought separately if needed.

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

This comprehensive plan is ideal for families or groups, offering all the benefits of the Individual Expansion Pack to up to eight accounts. It's a premium service with a higher price tag, but it includes everything from online play to extensive retro game libraries and popular game expansions.