Nintendo Switch Online Subscription: Cost Explained

With its online services, Nintendo packs a wealth of gaming experiences into its Nintendo Switch Online membership plans. Whether you're looking to dive into iconic games from past console generations or gain access to expansive content for some of the biggest releases, the Nintendo Store has plenty to offer when you sign up for the right subscription. From retro gaming enthusiasts to multiplayer fans, there's a plan tailored to enhance your gaming journey on the Switch.

With Nintendo's confirmation that Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) will carry over to the Switch 2, you can rest assured that these memberships will continue to deliver the same rich benefits, including access to retro game libraries, on the next console. But choosing the right plan can be crucial. With two distinct options available, it's important to consider what you want to get out of your Nintendo Switch Online membership and the best deals you can snag when subscribing.

Whether you're eager to revisit classics like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Super Mario 64, or you're more interested in racing online in Mario Kart with your friends, we've got you covered. Below, we'll explore the full range of Nintendo Switch Online membership plans, helping you make an informed decision that suits your gaming needs.

Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial

Nintendo Switch Online offers a seven-day free trial of its basic membership, which allows you to experience online play in your existing Switch games, as well as access a wide range of NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries. You can easily 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. Keep in mind, after the trial period, your subscription will automatically renew at a monthly rate of $3.99, and each Nintendo account is limited to one free trial.

How Much Is Nintendo Switch Online?

Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo offers two membership plans for Nintendo Switch Online: the standard plan and the Expansion Pack. Both plans come in individual or family packages, affecting how many accounts can benefit from the plan's features. Let's delve into what each plan offers, their benefits and drawbacks, and the pricing structure.

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

This plan is perfect for solo players primarily interested in online multiplayer gaming. It provides:

• Access to online play for your favorite Switch games.
• Full access to the Switch Online NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, which include classics like Super Mario Bros. 3, F-ZERO, and Donkey Kong Country. You can enjoy these games offline if you've logged into your account within the last seven days.
• Cloud saving to transfer game saves between Switch consoles.
• Full access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app.
• Exclusive offers and discounts.

For those who don't play regularly on the Switch and prefer flexibility, the monthly or quarterly options allow you to subscribe without committing to a year-long membership upfront, although opting for the annual plan saves you $27.

Nintendo Switch Online Gift Card

$19.99 at Amazon

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

Designed for households with multiple gamers, this plan extends all the benefits of the Individual plan to up to 8 accounts. It's a cost-effective option compared to buying individual memberships for each family member, although it requires a year-long commitment.

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

This plan is ideal for avid Switch players seeking extra perks. It includes all the features of the standard Nintendo Switch Online plan for one account, plus:

• Access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis emulated libraries with classics like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Banjo-Kazooie, Super Mario 64, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and Metroid Fusion.
• Major expansions for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Splatoon 2. Note that these expansions can be purchased separately if you're only interested in specific DLCs.

This package suits players who want to explore a wider range of classic games without the hassle of sourcing old consoles, but if multiplayer is your main focus, the standard plan might be more cost-effective.

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

This family plan offers all the benefits of the Individual Expansion Pack, allowing up to eight accounts to access the expanded libraries and DLCs simultaneously. It's a comprehensive option for families where everyone wants to enjoy the full spectrum of Nintendo Switch Online and Expansion Pack benefits, although the price increase is notable compared to the standard plan.

Additional Subscription Details

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

This base plan is the go-to for solo gamers primarily interested in online multiplayer. It grants full access to online play, the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, and the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app, along with exclusive offers and discounts. The flexibility of monthly and quarterly subscriptions makes it perfect for those who don't play regularly but still want to enjoy the benefits of online gaming on the Switch.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

This plan mirrors the Individual tier but extends the benefits to up to 8 accounts, making it an economical choice for large households. It requires a year-long commitment but offers significant savings compared to purchasing individual memberships for each family member.

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

For dedicated Switch players, this plan adds value with access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, as well as major expansions for popular games. While it requires a year-long commitment, it's perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in classic gaming and enjoy additional content without the need for separate purchases.

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

This comprehensive plan extends all the benefits of the Individual Expansion Pack to up to eight accounts. It's the best choice for families where multiple members want to access a wide range of classic games and expansions, though it's worth considering that the expansions can be bought separately if they're the main attraction.