If you're a proud owner of a Nintendo Switch or eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2, you're likely well-acquainted with the benefits of Nintendo Switch Online. This service is not just essential for multiplayer gaming and connecting with friends online; it also offers a treasure trove of nostalgia, granting access to classic Nintendo games spanning over four decades. From the iconic NES and SNES to the beloved Game Boy, and the groundbreaking Nintendo 64, the service is set to expand further with the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, adding the much-anticipated GameCube library to the mix.
For those yet to dive into the world of Nintendo Switch Online, fear not—we're here to guide you through it all. In this article, we'll detail how to activate the free trial, explore the different subscription tiers, discuss pricing, and much more.
Yes, Nintendo offers a generous **seven-day free trial** for Nintendo Switch Online. This trial gives you a taste of online multiplayer for your Nintendo Switch (and soon, Nintendo Switch 2 games), cloud backup for your save data, access to select game soundtracks through Nintendo Music, and a library boasting over 100 classic titles from the NES, SNES, and Game Boy eras.
- Seven days free, then renewed at a monthly rate of $3.99. Note that this trial does not include Expansion Pack benefits. - [ttpp]Click the link above to sign up for the free trial. After your trial period ends, you'll be automatically charged for your subscription if it's not canceled.
Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription service tailored for both the Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. It's your gateway to enjoying online multiplayer and additional features in supported games, as well as the invaluable service of cloud backups for your save data.
But the perks don't stop at online play. Subscribers also unlock a growing catalog of Nintendo Classics, stretching back over 40 years. The standard subscription offers a curated selection of NES, SNES, and Game Boy games, while the Expansion Pack elevates your experience by including titles from the Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and even Sega Genesis. And for Nintendo Switch 2 owners, the Expansion Pack will also include select GameCube games right from the launch.
- $49.88 at Walmart - $49.88 at Target
Alongside the retro game catalog, Nintendo introduced the Nintendo Music app in late 2024. This app lets you stream and download tracks from a vast array of beloved franchises, including Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, Metroid, and many more.
Nintendo Switch Online comes in two main plan types: individual and family. Individual plans are available at **$3.99 per month**, **$7.99 for three months**, or **$19.99 annually**. The family plan, which can support up to eight accounts, is only available yearly at **$34.99 per year**.
- Compare plans, prices, and perks - [ttpp]See it at Nintendo
The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription, which enhances your access to additional Nintendo Classics and specific game DLC packs, is exclusively available as an annual subscription. It's priced at **$49.99 per year for individual subscribers** and **$79.99 per year for family memberships**.
Primarily, Nintendo Switch Online is accessible on the Nintendo Switch and the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2. However, with the recent launch of the Nintendo Music app, its benefits have extended to mobile devices as well, allowing you to enjoy your favorite game soundtracks on the go.