Nintendo Switch Online Subscription: Cost Explained

Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) offers a comprehensive suite of services that enhance your gaming experience, from playing iconic games from past console generations to accessing 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 transition to the upcoming Switch 2, subscribers can look forward to enjoying the same benefits, including access to retro game libraries, on the new console. When choosing between the two available membership plans, it's crucial to consider which features align with your gaming needs and the best deals available at the time of sign-up.

Whether you're eager to dive into classics like "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" and "Super Mario 64," or you're looking to race online with friends in "Mario Kart," 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 initiate the free trial directly on your Switch or via 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. Remember, each Nintendo account is eligible for only one free trial period, and the trial 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 are available in individual and family packages, which determine the number of accounts that can access the plan's benefits. Below, we detail what each plan offers, their pros and cons, 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, granting access to online play, full libraries of NES, SNES, and Game Boy games, 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 subscribe monthly, quarterly, or annually, with the annual option offering a significant saving of $27 over monthly payments. This is ideal for solo players who primarily want to engage in online multiplayer and enjoy classic games without committing to a year-long subscription upfront.

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

Available for $19.99 at Amazon, this gift card is a convenient way to purchase a year's subscription to the Individual plan.

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. Unlike the Individual plan, the Family plan requires a year-long commitment upfront, but it's significantly cheaper than purchasing eight Individual memberships separately.

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

This plan is tailored for avid Nintendo Switch players, offering all the features of the standard plan plus access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, and expansions for "Mario Kart 8," "Animal Crossing: New Horizons," and "Splatoon 2." While it requires a year-long subscription, it's perfect for those who want to explore a broader range of classic games and enjoy additional content without the need for separate purchases. Note that these expansions can also be bought individually if you prefer not to subscribe to the Expansion Pack.

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

Similar to the Individual Expansion Pack, the Family version extends these benefits to up to eight accounts. It includes everything in the standard plan, plus the additional libraries and expansions. This plan is ideal for families where multiple members want to enjoy the full range of Nintendo Switch Online services and the added bonuses of the Expansion Pack. However, the price increase is notable, so consider whether the included expansions justify the cost or if purchasing them separately might be more economical.

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 focused on online multiplayer. It provides access to Nintendo's online services, including the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, which you can play offline if you've logged in within the last seven days. This plan does not include access to N64, Game Boy Advance, or SEGA Genesis libraries. Additional perks include cloud saving, exclusive deals, and the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app. The flexibility of monthly, quarterly, or annual subscriptions makes it easy to manage your gaming expenses.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

The Family plan mirrors the Individual plan but extends the benefits to up to eight accounts, making it a cost-effective solution for households. It requires a year-long commitment but offers significant savings over multiple Individual subscriptions. You'll enjoy online play, access to classic game libraries, cloud saving, the mobile app, and exclusive offers, making it the best choice for families primarily interested in online gaming without the Expansion Pack's additional features.

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

For dedicated Nintendo Switch users, the Expansion Pack adds value with access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, along with major expansions for popular titles. This plan is ideal for those who want to delve into a wider array of classic games and enjoy additional content without separate purchases. However, it requires a year-long commitment, so consider your gaming habits before subscribing.

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

The Family Expansion Pack extends all the benefits of the Individual plan to up to eight accounts, offering a comprehensive gaming experience for the whole household. It includes online play, access to all game libraries, cloud saving, the mobile app, and exclusive offers, plus the added expansions. While the price is higher, it's a worthwhile investment for families who want to maximize their Nintendo Switch experience. Keep in mind that the expansions can be purchased separately if you're unsure about the full package's value.