Activate Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial in 2025: Step-by-Step Guide

If you're the proud owner of a Nintendo Switch or eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2, you're likely no stranger to the benefits of Nintendo Switch Online. This service is crucial for engaging in multiplayer gaming and connecting with friends across a range of popular titles. Beyond online play, it's your gateway to an expansive library of classic Nintendo games, spanning over four decades. This includes beloved titles from the NES, SNES, Game Boy, and Nintendo 64, with the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 set to introduce GameCube games into the mix.

Haven't yet delved into Nintendo Switch Online? No worries—we're here to guide you through everything you need to know. We'll detail how to activate the free trial, explore the different subscription tiers, provide pricing information, and more.

Does Nintendo Switch Online Have a Free Trial?

Yes, Nintendo offers a **seven-day free trial** for Nintendo Switch Online. This trial grants access to online multiplayer for both your current Nintendo Switch games and future Nintendo Switch 2 titles, cloud backup for your save data, the ability to enjoy select game soundtracks via Nintendo Music, and a vast library of over 100 NES, SNES, and Game Boy classics.

Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial

- Seven days free, then renewed at a monthly rate of $3.99. Note that this trial does not include Expansion Pack benefits.

[ttpp]Click the link above to sign up for the free trial. Be aware that after your trial period ends, you'll be automatically charged for your subscription unless you cancel it.

What Is Nintendo Switch Online?

Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription service designed for use with Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 consoles. It's your ticket to online multiplayer and additional features in supported games, plus it offers automatic cloud backups for your save data.

However, the service's allure extends beyond just online play. Subscribers gain access to a continually growing catalog of Nintendo Classics covering more than 40 years of gaming history. The standard subscription includes a carefully curated selection of NES, SNES, and Game Boy games. Opting for the Expansion Pack elevates your experience by adding titles from the Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis. For those upgrading to the Nintendo Switch 2, the Expansion Pack will also unlock select GameCube games at launch.

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

- $49.88 at Walmart - $49.88 at Target

Alongside the retro gaming catalog, Nintendo introduced the Nintendo Music app in late 2024, allowing subscribers to stream and download tracks from iconic franchises like Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, Metroid, and many more.

How Much Does Nintendo Switch Online Cost?

Nintendo Switch Online offers both individual and family plans, the latter of which can support up to eight accounts. Individual subscriptions are available at **$3.99 per month**, **$7.99 for three months**, or **$19.99 annually**. Family plans are exclusively annual, priced at **$34.99 per year**.

Nintendo Switch Online

- Compare plans, prices, and perks

[ttpp]See it at Nintendo

The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, which enhances your access to 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

Primarily, Nintendo Switch Online is accessible on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 systems. With the introduction of the Nintendo Music app, the service's benefits have now extended to mobile devices as well.