Nintendo Switch Online: Subscription Costs Explained

With its online services, Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) offers players a rich array of features, from playing iconic games from previous console generations to accessing expansions for some of its biggest releases. If you're exploring the Nintendo Store for new Switch games, having the right NSO subscription can significantly enhance your gaming experience.

Nintendo has confirmed that NSO will carry over to the Switch 2, ensuring that these memberships will continue to deliver the same perks, including access to retro game libraries, on the new console. With two membership plans available, it's essential to choose the one that best aligns with your gaming needs and take advantage of the best offers when signing up.

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, we'll guide you through the full spectrum of Nintendo Switch Online membership plans to 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 access to online play for your existing Switch games and a diverse selection of NES, SNES, and Game Boy titles. You can initiate the free trial directly on your Switch or via the Nintendo Online website by signing into your Nintendo account and navigating to the eShop. Post-trial, your subscription will automatically renew at $3.99 per month, and note that each Nintendo account is limited to one free trial period.

How Much Is Nintendo Switch Online?

### Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo provides two Nintendo Switch Online membership plans: Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, available in both individual and family packages. Below, we detail what each plan offers, their respective benefits, 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 you access to online play, full access to the Switch Online NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app, and exclusive offers and discounts.

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

$19.99 at Amazon### Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

This plan extends the benefits of the individual plan to up to eight accounts. It's perfect for households where multiple users want to enjoy online play, access to the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, the mobile app, and exclusive offers.

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

This enhanced plan includes all features of the standard Nintendo Switch Online plan for one account, plus additional benefits such as access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, and expansions like Mario Kart 8: Booster Course Pass, Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise, and Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion. Note that this plan requires a year-long commitment.

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

Similar to the individual Expansion Pack, this plan offers the same additional libraries and expansions but extends the benefits to up to eight accounts. It includes everything in the standard NSO plan, making it ideal for larger households seeking the full range of NSO features.

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 primarily interested in online multiplayer. It grants you full access to Nintendo’s online multiplayer services, the Switch Online NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, and offline play if you've logged in within the last seven days. You also receive cloud saving, access to the mobile app, and exclusive deals. A key advantage is the flexibility to subscribe monthly or annually, with a significant saving if you opt for the yearly plan.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

This plan mirrors the individual tier but extends the benefits to eight accounts, requiring a year-long commitment upfront. It's cost-effective for households where multiple users want to enjoy online play and access to classic game libraries, cloud saving, and the mobile app.

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

For avid Nintendo Switch users, this plan adds value with access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, along with major expansions for popular titles. It's tailored for those interested in a broader range of classic games and additional content without the need for separate purchases. However, it requires a yearly subscription.

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

This plan is designed for households where multiple users want to experience the full suite of NSO features, including the additional libraries and expansions. It's a comprehensive package that offers everything from the standard NSO plan but at a higher price point, suitable for families who want to maximize their gaming experience on the Switch.