Nintendo Switch Online Subscription: Cost Explained

Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) offers a robust suite of services that enhance your gaming experience, providing access to iconic games from previous console generations and expansions for major releases. If you're exploring the Nintendo Store for new Switch games, consider how a subscription can unlock a wealth of additional content and benefits.

With the confirmation that NSO will transition to the Switch 2, you can rest assured that these memberships will continue to deliver the same advantages, including access to retro game libraries, on the new console. To make the most of your gaming experience, it's essential to choose the right membership plan from the two available options, tailored to your needs and the best offers available.

Whether you're eager to dive into classics like Ocarina of Time and Super Mario 64, or simply want to enjoy Mario Kart online with friends, understanding the full range of NSO membership plans is crucial for making an informed decision.

### Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial

Nintendo Switch Online offers a seven-day free trial of its basic membership, allowing you to experience online play in your existing Switch games and access a diverse library of NES, SNES, and Game Boy titles. To get started, sign up on your Switch or via the Nintendo Online website by logging into your Nintendo account and following the prompts in the eShop. Note that after the trial, your subscription will automatically renew at a monthly rate of $3.99. Each Nintendo account is eligible for one free trial period only.

How Much Is Nintendo Switch Online?

### Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo offers two Nintendo Switch Online membership plans: Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. These can be purchased as individual or family packages, affecting how many accounts can access the plan’s benefits. Here’s a breakdown of what each plan includes, along with their respective pricing and features.

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

This plan grants one account access to online play, the full Switch Online NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, and the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app. It also includes unique offers and discounts. The flexibility of this plan allows you to subscribe monthly, quarterly, or annually, with significant savings for the yearly option.

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

You can purchase a $19.99 gift card at Amazon for a year of individual membership.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

This plan extends the benefits of the Individual plan to up to eight accounts, offering access to online play, the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, the mobile app, and exclusive deals. It's an economical choice for families, requiring an upfront yearly payment but providing substantial savings over multiple individual subscriptions.

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

This enhanced plan includes all the features of the standard Nintendo Switch Online for one account, plus access to the N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, and major expansions for games like Mario Kart 8, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Splatoon 2. It's designed for avid gamers looking to enjoy a broader range of classic games and expansions. Note that this plan requires a year-long subscription.

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

Similar to the Individual Expansion Pack, this family plan extends the benefits to up to eight accounts, including access to all the additional libraries and expansions. It's the ultimate package for households wanting to share the full range of NSO benefits, though it comes at a higher cost.

Additional Subscription Details

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

The base Nintendo Switch Online plan is perfect for solo players focused on online multiplayer. It grants access to Nintendo’s online multiplayer services and the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries. These classics are playable offline if you've logged in within the last seven days, ideal for gaming on the go. However, this tier does not include access to N64, Game Boy Advance, or SEGA Genesis libraries. Additional perks include cloud saving, exclusive offers, and the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app. The flexible payment options allow you to choose between monthly, quarterly, or annual subscriptions, with the annual plan offering a significant saving.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

The Family plan mirrors the Individual tier but extends the benefits to up to eight accounts. It requires a yearly upfront payment, making it a cost-effective option for families or groups sharing a Switch. You get the same online play, retro game libraries, cloud saving, and access to the mobile app, tailored for households looking to enjoy Nintendo's online ecosystem.

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

For dedicated Switch users, this plan adds value with access to the N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, alongside expansions for major titles. It's an ideal choice for those who want to delve into a broader selection of classic games and enjoy extra content without the need for separate purchases. However, it requires a full-year commitment.

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

This comprehensive family plan offers all the benefits of the Individual Expansion Pack but extends them to up to eight accounts. It includes access to the expanded game libraries and major expansions, making it the best choice for families eager to explore Nintendo’s extensive gaming catalog. Keep in mind the higher price point, though, and that the included expansions can be bought separately if needed.