Nintendo Switch Online Subscription: Cost Explained

Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) offers a comprehensive suite of services that enhance your gaming experience, including access to iconic games from past console generations and expansions for some of the biggest releases. If you're browsing the Nintendo Store for new Switch games, a subscription can unlock a wealth of additional content and features.

With the confirmation that NSO will carry over to the upcoming Switch 2, you can rest assured that these memberships will continue to deliver the same benefits, including access to retro game libraries, on the new console. When choosing between the two available plans, consider what you're looking to gain from your Nintendo Switch Online membership and the best deals available when you sign up.

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 membership plans will help you make an informed decision.

### Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial

Nintendo Switch Online offers 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. 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, your subscription will automatically renew at a monthly rate of $3.99. Note that the free trial is limited to one per Nintendo account and 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 plans are available in individual or family packages, which determine the number of accounts that can access the plan's benefits. Below, we'll detail what each plan offers, their benefits and drawbacks, and the associated pricing.

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

This plan provides a Nintendo Switch Online pass for one account, granting access to online play, full access to the Switch Online NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, and the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app. You'll also enjoy unique offers and discounts. The flexibility of this plan allows you to choose between monthly, quarterly, or annual subscriptions, with the annual option offering a significant saving of $27 over monthly payments.

12-Month Individual Membership### Nintendo Switch Online Gift Card

Available for $19.99 at Amazon, this gift card provides a convenient way to purchase a 12-month individual membership.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

The Family plan extends the benefits of the Individual plan to up to eight accounts, making it a cost-effective choice for households. It includes access to online play, the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, the mobile app, and exclusive offers. The plan requires a year-long commitment upfront, but it's a more economical option than purchasing multiple individual memberships.

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

This plan enhances the standard Nintendo Switch Online offering with additional emulators and expansions. It includes 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. While it requires a year-long subscription, it's ideal for avid gamers looking to enjoy a broader range 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 all the benefits of the Individual plan to up to eight accounts. It includes the same additional libraries and expansions, making it perfect for households where multiple members want to enjoy the full range of Nintendo Switch Online features and the added bonuses of the Expansion Pack.

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 provides access to Nintendo's online multiplayer services and includes the full Switch Online NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, featuring classics like Super Mario Bros. 3, F-ZERO, and Donkey Kong Country. You can play these games offline if you've logged into your account within the last seven days. However, this plan does not include access to the N64, Game Boy Advance, or SEGA Genesis libraries. Additional perks include cloud saving, access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app, and exclusive deals and offers. The flexibility of monthly, quarterly, or annual subscriptions makes it easy to manage your commitment.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

The Family plan mirrors the Individual plan but extends the benefits to up to eight accounts. It's ideal for larger households where multiple users want to enjoy online play and access to the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries. The plan requires a year-long commitment, but it's a more cost-effective solution than purchasing individual memberships for each user. You'll also benefit from cloud saving, the mobile app, and exclusive offers.

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

For dedicated Nintendo Switch players, the Expansion Pack adds significant value. It includes all the features of the standard plan for one account, plus access to the N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, featuring classics like Ocarina of Time, Banjo-Kazooie, and Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Additionally, you get expansions for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Splatoon 2, which can also be purchased separately. This plan is best for those who want to explore a wider range of classic games and expansions without the need for additional purchases.

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

The Family version of the Expansion Pack plan offers the same enhanced features as the Individual plan but for up to eight accounts. It includes access to the N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, as well as the expansions for Animal Crossing, Splatoon 2, and Mario Kart 8. This plan is ideal for households where multiple members want to enjoy the full range of Nintendo Switch Online features and the added benefits of the Expansion Pack. While the price increase is notable, the included expansions can also be purchased separately if that's your primary interest.