If you're the proud owner of a Nintendo Switch or eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2, you're likely well-acquainted with Nintendo Switch Online. This service is vital not just for multiplayer gaming and connecting with friends across titles, but it's also your golden ticket to exploring more than four decades of iconic Nintendo games. From the nostalgia of NES, SNES, and Game Boy to the excitement of Nintendo 64, and with the Nintendo Switch 2's upcoming launch, the addition of GameCube libraries, Nintendo Switch Online offers a rich gaming experience.
If you haven't yet dived into Nintendo Switch Online, fret not—we're here to guide you through it. We'll outline how to kickstart your journey with a free trial, delve into the various subscription tiers, provide pricing insights, and more.
Does Nintendo Switch Online Have a Free Trial?
Absolutely, Nintendo offers a seven-day free trial for Nintendo Switch Online. This trial grants you access to online multiplayer for your Nintendo Switch (and future Nintendo Switch 2 games), cloud backup for your save data, select game soundtracks via Nintendo Music, and a treasure trove of over 100 classic games from the NES, SNES, and Game Boy eras.
Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial
- Seven days free, then renews at a monthly rate of $3.99.
- No Expansion Pack benefits included.
- See it at Nintendo
Click the link above to sign up for the free trial. Remember, once your trial concludes, you'll be automatically charged for your subscription unless you cancel it.
What Is Nintendo Switch Online?
Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription service designed for Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 consoles. It enables online multiplayer and additional features for supported games, alongside automatic cloud backups of your save data.
But the perks don't stop at online play. A subscription unlocks a continually expanding library of Nintendo Classics spanning over 40 years. The standard plan includes a curated selection of NES, SNES, and Game Boy titles, while the Expansion Pack enhances your experience with games from the Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis. For those with a Nintendo Switch 2, the Expansion Pack tier will also include select GameCube titles at launch.
Nintendo Switch Online 12 Month Individual Membership + Expansion Pack eGift Card
- $49.88 at Walmart
- $49.88 at Target
Alongside the retro gaming catalog, Nintendo introduced the Nintendo Music app in late 2024. This app lets you stream and download favorite tracks from iconic franchises like Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, Metroid, and beyond.
How Much Does Nintendo Switch Online Cost?
Nintendo Switch Online comes in two main flavors: an individual plan and a family plan that supports up to eight accounts. The individual plan costs $3.99 per month, $7.99 for three months, or $19.99 annually. The family plan, available only annually, is priced at $34.99 per year.
Nintendo Switch Online
- Compare plans, prices, and perks
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For those opting for the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, which includes additional classic games and specific game DLC packs, the annual subscription fee is $49.99 for individuals and $79.99 for family memberships.
How to Use Nintendo Switch Online - Available Platforms
Primarily, Nintendo Switch Online is accessible on the Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 systems. With the introduction of the Nintendo Music app, its benefits now extend to mobile devices as well, broadening your gaming and entertainment horizons.