Nintendo Switch Online Subscription: Cost Explained

Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) memberships offer a wealth of benefits for gamers, from access to iconic games from past console generations to expansions for some of the biggest releases on the platform. If you're browsing the Nintendo Store for new Switch games, you'll discover that the right NSO subscription can unlock a multitude of additional features to enhance your gaming experience.

With the confirmation that NSO will transition to the upcoming Switch 2, these memberships are set to continue delivering the same advantages, including access to retro game libraries. When deciding on the perfect membership plan for you, it's crucial to weigh the benefits and the best deals available.

Whether your interest lies in revisiting classics like "Ocarina of Time" and "Super Mario 64" or engaging in multiplayer sessions of "Mario Kart" with friends, we'll outline the full spectrum of Nintendo Switch Online membership options to help you make an informed choice.

Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial

Nintendo Switch Online offers a seven-day free trial of its basic membership, allowing you to dive into online play for your existing Switch games, as well as explore a broad selection of NES, SNES, and Game Boy titles. To start your free trial, simply sign into your Nintendo account on your Switch or via the Nintendo Online website and follow the prompts in the eShop. Post-trial, the subscription automatically renews at $3.99 per month, but remember, each Nintendo account is entitled to only one free trial.

How Much Is Nintendo Switch Online?

Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo provides two membership options - Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. These can be purchased as individual or family packages, impacting the number of accounts that can enjoy the plan’s benefits. Here's a breakdown of what each plan offers, along with their pricing.

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

This plan grants a single account access to online play, the full 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 is a major advantage, allowing you to subscribe monthly or save with longer-term options.

Nintendo Switch Online Gift Card

$19.99 at Amazon

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

The Family plan extends the benefits of the Individual plan to up to eight accounts. It's a cost-effective choice for households with multiple gamers, providing the same access to online multiplayer, retro game libraries, cloud saving, and the mobile app, all at a discounted rate compared to multiple individual subscriptions.

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

This premium option includes everything in the standard plan but adds access to the N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries. It also includes major expansions like "Mario Kart 8: Booster Course Pass," "Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise," and "Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion." This plan is ideal for those looking to explore a broader range of classic games and expansions without the need for separate purchases.

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

The Family version of the Expansion Pack extends all the benefits of the Individual plan to up to eight accounts. It's the perfect choice for families who want to enjoy an extensive selection of retro games and expansions at a shared 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 package is ideal for solo players focused primarily on online multiplayer. It includes access to the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, which you can enjoy offline if you've logged in within the last seven days. Although it doesn't cover N64, Game Boy Advance, or SEGA Genesis titles, it offers cloud saving, exclusive deals, and access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app. The option to subscribe on a monthly basis makes it convenient for players who don't use their Switch frequently.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

The Family plan is nearly identical to the Individual plan but allows up to eight accounts to benefit from the service. It's the best value for larger households looking to play online without the additional features of the Expansion Pack.

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

For avid Switch users, the Expansion Pack adds significant value with additional emulators and expansion packs for popular games. You gain access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis titles, as well as key expansions for "Animal Crossing: New Horizons," "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe," and "Splatoon 2." This plan is perfect for those who enjoy a wide variety of classic and modern gaming experiences.

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

The Family Expansion Pack offers all the benefits of the Individual plan but for up to eight accounts. It's tailored for households that want to explore a comprehensive range of gaming options, from retro classics to modern expansions, at a shared cost. Keep in mind that the expansions can be purchased separately if that's the primary interest.