Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) offers a comprehensive suite of online services that enhance your gaming experience with the ability to play iconic games from past console generations and access numerous expansions for popular titles. For those exploring the Nintendo Store for new Switch games, the right NSO subscription can unlock a wealth of additional content and features.
With Nintendo confirming that NSO will transition to the upcoming Switch 2, subscribers can rest assured that their memberships will continue to deliver the same valuable perks, including access to retro game libraries, on the new console. Choosing the right membership plan involves considering the benefits you desire and the best deals available when signing up.
Whether you're eager to revisit classics like "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" and "Super Mario 64" or simply wish to join friends for a round of "Mario Kart" online, understanding the different NSO membership plans is crucial for making an informed decision.
Does Nintendo Switch Online Have a Free Trial? -----------------------------------------------
### Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial
0Seven days free, then renewed at a monthly rate of $3.99. No Expansion Pack benefits are included. See it at NintendoNintendo Switch Online offers a seven-day free trial for its basic membership, providing access to online play for your existing Switch games and a vast library of NES, SNES, and Game Boy titles. 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, your subscription will auto-renew monthly at $3.99. Note that each Nintendo account is eligible for only one free trial period.
How Much Is Nintendo Switch Online?
### Nintendo Switch Online
0Compare plans, prices, and perksSee it at NintendoNintendo Switch Online offers two membership plans: the standard Nintendo Switch Online and the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Both are available in individual and family packages, which determine the number of accounts that can benefit from the plan. Here’s a detailed look at each plan, including their benefits, limitations, and 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, offering access to online play, full access to the Switch Online libraries for NES, SNES, and Game Boy, cloud saving, the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app, and exclusive offers and discounts.
12-Month Individual Membership### Nintendo Switch Online Gift Card
0$19.99 at Amazon### Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99
This plan extends the benefits of the Individual plan to up to eight accounts, making it a cost-effective choice for families. It includes access to online play, the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, the mobile app, and exclusive offers and discounts.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Individual - 1 year: $49.99
This plan includes all features of the standard Nintendo Switch Online plan for one account, plus access to additional emulators such as N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis, and expansions for games like "Mario Kart 8: Booster Course Pass," "Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise," and "Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion." It's designed for avid Switch gamers looking for more classic gaming options and expansions.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Family - 1 year: $79.99
This plan offers the same expanded features as the Individual Expansion Pack but extends them to up to eight accounts. It's ideal for households where multiple members want to enjoy the full suite of Nintendo Switch Online services and the additional content from 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 includes full access to Nintendo’s online multiplayer services, along with the NES, SNES, and Game Boy emulator libraries. These libraries offer 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, making them great for on-the-go gaming. However, this plan does not include access to N64, Game Boy Advance, or SEGA Genesis libraries. Additional benefits include cloud saving, exclusive deals and offers, and access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app. The flexibility of monthly subscriptions is a key advantage, allowing you to subscribe only when you need it, although opting for a full year saves you $27.
Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99
This plan mirrors the Individual tier but extends the benefits to up to eight accounts, requiring a year-long commitment upfront. It's a cost-effective option for larger households where multiple users need access to online play and the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries. The plan also includes member-exclusive deals, cloud saving, and the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app. It's the best choice for families primarily interested in online multiplayer without the additional features of the Expansion Pack.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Individual - 1 year: $49.99
This plan is tailored for frequent Switch players seeking more from their membership. It includes all the features of the standard plan, plus access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, allowing you to enjoy classics like "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time," "Banjo-Kazooie," "Super Mario 64," "Sonic the Hedgehog 2," and "Metroid Fusion." Additionally, you get major expansions for "Animal Crossing: New Horizons," "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe," and "Splatoon 2," though these can be purchased separately if desired. This plan is ideal for those interested in a broad range of classic games and expansions without the need for old consoles.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Family - 1 year: $79.99
Similar to the Individual Expansion Pack, this plan extends the benefits to up to eight accounts. It includes all the features of the standard Nintendo Switch Online plan, such as NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, online multiplayer, cloud saving, and exclusive deals, along with the additional emulators and expansions. This plan is perfect for households where multiple members want to access both the standard and expanded offerings of Nintendo Switch Online. However, consider that the expansions can be bought separately, which might affect your decision based on the price increase.
