Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) offers a robust suite of online services that enhance your gaming experience, from playing iconic titles from past console generations to accessing expansions for major releases. If you're browsing the Nintendo Store for new Switch games, the right NSO subscription can unlock a multitude of additional features and benefits.
With Nintendo confirming that NSO will transition to the upcoming Switch 2, subscribers can look forward to continued access to retro game libraries and other perks on the new console. When choosing between the two available membership plans, it's important to consider which benefits align best with your gaming needs and to take advantage of the best available offers.
Whether you're eager to dive into classics like "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" and "Super Mario 64," or simply want to enjoy online multiplayer with friends in games like "Mario Kart," understanding the full scope of Nintendo Switch Online membership plans will 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 of its basic membership, allowing you to experience online play in your existing Switch games and access a variety of NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries. You can initiate the trial directly on your Switch or through the Nintendo Online website by signing into your Nintendo account and following the prompts in the eShop. Post-trial, the subscription auto-renews at a monthly rate of $3.99, and each Nintendo account is eligible for just one free trial period.
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 can be obtained as individual or family packages, impacting the number of accounts that can enjoy the plan's benefits. Below, we detail what each plan includes, along with their respective benefits, drawbacks, and pricing.
Nintendo Switch Online: Individual - 1 month: $3.99, 3 months: $7.99, 1 year: $19.99
This plan is perfect for solo Switch users who primarily want to engage in online multiplayer. It grants access to Nintendo's online multiplayer services, the Switch Online NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, and the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app. Additionally, subscribers benefit from unique offers and discounts. You can play these retro games offline if you've logged in within the last seven days, making it convenient for on-the-go gaming. While the N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries are not included, the flexibility to subscribe on a monthly basis, rather than committing to a full year, is a significant advantage, especially for those who play intermittently.
12-Month Individual Membership### Nintendo Switch Online Gift Card
Available for $19.99 at Amazon, this gift card provides a year's access to the individual membership plan.
Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99
The Family plan mirrors the Individual tier but extends the benefits to up to eight accounts. A year-long commitment is required, but it's a cost-effective solution for households with multiple users. You get access to online multiplayer, the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, the mobile app, and member-exclusive offers. This plan is ideal for families looking to enjoy online gaming without the extras offered by the Expansion Pack.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Individual - 1 year: $49.99
For avid Switch gamers, the Expansion Pack adds value with access to the N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, as well as expansions for "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe," "Animal Crossing: New Horizons," and "Splatoon 2." You'll enjoy all the features of the standard NSO plan, but note that this subscription requires a yearly commitment. This plan is best for those keen on exploring a broader range of classic games and wanting additional content without the hassle of sourcing old hardware. If your focus is solely on multiplayer gaming, the standard plan may suffice.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Family - 1 year: $79.99
This plan extends the benefits of the Individual Expansion Pack to up to eight accounts. It includes everything in the standard NSO plan, plus the additional emulators and expansions. It's the go-to choice for households where multiple members want to enjoy both the online features and the Expansion Pack's bonuses. Keep in mind, though, that the expansions can also be purchased separately, which might be a more economical option if those are your main interest.
Additional Subscription Details
Nintendo Switch Online: Individual - 1 month: $3.99, 3 months: $7.99, 1 year: $19.99
This base plan is tailored for individual players who mostly play online multiplayer on their Switch. It provides full access to Nintendo's online services, including the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, and the mobile app. The flexibility to choose monthly, quarterly, or annual subscriptions makes it convenient for those who don't play regularly. You can save $27 by opting for the annual plan upfront, but the monthly option is perfect for those who play sporadically.
Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99
Designed for larger households, this plan offers the same benefits as the Individual plan but for up to eight accounts. It's a year-long subscription, making it a cost-effective solution for families. You'll enjoy online multiplayer, access to the retro game libraries, cloud saving, the mobile app, and exclusive offers. It's the best value for families looking to play online without the added features of the Expansion Pack.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Individual - 1 year: $49.99
For dedicated Switch gamers, this plan includes everything in the standard NSO plan plus additional emulators and expansions. You'll have access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis games, as well as major expansions for popular titles. This subscription is ideal for those who want to explore a wider range of classic games and enjoy extra content without needing old consoles. However, if your primary interest is online multiplayer, the standard plan might be more suitable.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Family - 1 year: $79.99
This plan extends the benefits of the Individual Expansion Pack to up to eight accounts, making it perfect for households where everyone wants to enjoy the full range of NSO features and the Expansion Pack's additional content. While it's a significant investment, remember that the expansions can be bought separately, offering a more budget-friendly option if those are your primary focus.
