Nintendo Switch Online Subscription: Cost Explained

Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) memberships pack a punch, offering a gateway to a treasure trove of gaming experiences, including iconic titles from past console generations and expansive DLCs for some of the biggest hits. If you're scouring the Nintendo Store for new Switch games, having the right subscription can unlock a plethora of additional perks and content.

With Nintendo confirming that NSO will transition to the upcoming Switch 2, fans can rest assured that their memberships will carry over, continuing to deliver the same beloved benefits, including access to retro game libraries. When choosing a membership plan, it's crucial to weigh the benefits each offers and the best deals available when you decide to sign up.

Whether you're eager to relive classics like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Super Mario 64, or you're looking to race in Mario Kart online with friends, understanding the full spectrum of Nintendo Switch Online membership plans will help you make an informed decision tailored to your gaming needs.

### Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial

Nintendo Switch Online offers a generous seven-day free trial for its basic membership. During this trial, you gain access to online play across your existing Switch games, as well as a vast selection of NES, SNES, and Game Boy classics. To start your trial, simply sign into your Nintendo account on your Switch or through the Nintendo Online website and follow the prompts in the eShop. Remember, post-trial, your subscription will auto-renew at $3.99 per month, and each Nintendo account is eligible for just one free trial.

How Much Is Nintendo Switch Online?

### Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo provides two distinct NSO membership plans: the standard Nintendo Switch Online and the premium Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. These plans are available in individual or family packages, which determine how many accounts can enjoy the benefits. Let's explore the offerings, pros, cons, and pricing of each plan.

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

Ideal for solo gamers, this plan grants one account access to online multiplayer for all compatible Switch games. You'll also dive into the full libraries of Switch Online's NES, SNES, and Game Boy emulators, featuring classics like Super Mario Bros. 3, F-ZERO, and Donkey Kong Country. Offline play is available if you've logged in within the last seven days. Additional perks include cloud saving, the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app, and exclusive discounts. The flexibility of this plan allows you to subscribe for as short as a month, though a year's subscription saves you $27 compared to monthly payments.

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

For those looking to gift a year of gaming fun, the Nintendo Switch Online Gift Card is available for $19.99 at Amazon.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

Designed for multi-account households, the Family plan extends all the benefits of the Individual plan to up to eight accounts for a year. It's a cost-effective solution for families or groups, offering significant savings over purchasing multiple individual memberships. You'll enjoy online play, access to the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, the mobile app, and special offers.

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

For avid Nintendo fans, the Expansion Pack adds value to the standard plan with additional emulator libraries for N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis, featuring iconic games like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Super Mario 64, and Sonic the Hedgehog 2. The package also includes expansions like the Mario Kart 8: Booster Course Pass, Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise, and Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion. While these expansions can be bought separately, the Expansion Pack offers a bundled approach at a yearly subscription. It's perfect for gamers looking to explore a rich catalog of classics without the need for old consoles.

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

The Family Expansion Pack mirrors the Individual version but extends the benefits to up to eight accounts. This package is ideal for households where multiple gamers want to access not only the standard NSO features but also the expansive libraries and DLCs offered by the Expansion Pack. While the price jump is notable, it's a comprehensive solution for families eager to dive into both modern and retro gaming experiences.

Additional Subscription Details

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

This base plan is perfect for the solo Switch user focused on online multiplayer. It offers full access to Nintendo's online services, allowing you to enjoy online components of your favorite games. The added libraries of NES, SNES, and Game Boy games are a delightful bonus, available offline if you've logged in recently. However, this tier does not include access to N64, Game Boy Advance, or SEGA Genesis titles. With cloud saving, the mobile app, and special deals, this plan is both flexible and economical, especially for those who play sporadically.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

The Family plan mirrors the Individual plan but caters to up to eight accounts, making it an excellent choice for multi-gamer households. You'll enjoy all the online play, classic game libraries, cloud saving, and more, but you'll need to commit to a year upfront. It's a more cost-effective option compared to purchasing individual memberships for each family member.

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

For dedicated Switch gamers, the Expansion Pack enhances the standard NSO offering with access to additional retro libraries and major expansions for popular titles. This plan is perfect for those who want to experience a wide range of classic and modern gaming content without needing separate purchases for the expansions. Keep in mind, though, that you'll need to subscribe for a full year at a time.

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

The Family Expansion Pack is designed for households where multiple gamers want to enjoy the full spectrum of NSO benefits, including the added value of the Expansion Pack. It offers the same games and expansions as the Individual plan but for up to eight accounts. While the price increase is significant, it's a comprehensive solution for families looking to maximize their gaming experience across a variety of titles and eras.