Nintendo Switch Online Subscription Costs Explained

Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) offers a comprehensive suite of services that enhance your gaming experience, from playing iconic games from past console generations to accessing expansions for some of the biggest releases. If you're browsing the Nintendo Store for new Switch games, a subscription can unlock a wealth of additional content and features.

With the confirmation that NSO will carry over to the upcoming Switch 2, you can rest assured that these memberships will continue to deliver the same benefits, including access to retro game libraries, on the new console. But with two different plans available, it's crucial to understand which one aligns best with your gaming needs and the offers you can leverage when signing up.

Whether you're eager to dive into classics like Ocarina of Time and Super Mario 64, or you're looking to race with friends in Mario Kart online, we'll guide you through the full spectrum of Nintendo Switch Online membership plans to help you make an informed choice.

### Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial

Nintendo Switch Online offers a seven-day free trial for its basic membership, allowing you to experience online play in your existing Switch games and explore a wide range of NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries. You can sign up for this trial directly on your Switch or via the Nintendo Online website by logging into your Nintendo account and following the prompts in the eShop. Post-trial, the subscription auto-renews at a monthly rate of $3.99. Remember, each Nintendo account is eligible for only one free trial period, and this trial does not include Expansion Pack benefits.

How Much Is Nintendo Switch Online?

### Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo offers two Nintendo Switch Online membership plans: the standard Nintendo Switch Online and the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Both are available in individual and family packages, which determine the number of accounts that can access the plan's benefits. Let's delve into what each plan offers, their advantages and limitations, and the associated costs.

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

This plan is perfect for solo Switch users primarily interested in online multiplayer. It grants access to online play for your favorite games, along with full access to the Switch Online NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries. These libraries include classics like Super Mario Bros. 3, F-ZERO, and Donkey Kong Country, which you can play offline if you've logged in within the last seven days. Additionally, you'll enjoy cloud saving, access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app, and exclusive offers and discounts. A key advantage is the flexibility to subscribe monthly, though opting for a year upfront saves you $27.

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

Available for $19.99 at Amazon, this gift card provides a convenient way to purchase a year-long individual membership.

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's ideal for households where multiple users want to enjoy online play and access the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries. This plan requires a year-long commitment upfront but offers significant savings compared to purchasing individual memberships for each user. You'll also benefit from cloud saving, the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app, and exclusive deals.

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

Designed for avid Switch players, this plan includes everything in the standard NSO plan for one account, plus additional emulators and expansions. You'll gain access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, featuring classics like Ocarina of Time, Banjo-Kazooie, Super Mario 64, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and Metroid Fusion. Additionally, you'll receive major expansions for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Splatoon 2, which can also be bought separately. This plan requires a year-long subscription, making it suitable for those deeply invested in exploring classic games and enjoying the latest expansions without the need for additional hardware.

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

This plan extends the benefits of the Individual Expansion Pack to up to eight accounts, making it perfect for families or groups who want to share the experience. It includes all the features of the standard NSO plan, plus the N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, and the expansions for Animal Crossing, Splatoon 2, and Mario Kart 8. While the price jump is significant, it's worth considering that the expansions can be purchased separately if that's your primary interest.

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 tailored for solo players focused on online multiplayer. It provides access to online play, the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app, and exclusive offers. The flexibility to choose between monthly, three-month, or annual subscriptions makes it easy to manage your gaming budget, with the annual option offering the best value.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

The Family plan is nearly identical to the Individual plan but designed for multiple users. It's a cost-effective solution for households, offering all the benefits of the Individual plan to up to eight accounts. The annual commitment is offset by the savings compared to buying multiple individual memberships.

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

For dedicated Switch gamers, the Expansion Pack adds value with access to additional emulators and expansions. It's a comprehensive package for those who want to explore a broader range of classic games and enjoy the latest expansions without additional purchases. The annual subscription is a commitment, but it's ideal for those who plan to make the most of their Switch gaming experience.

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

This plan is the ultimate choice for families or groups, offering all the benefits of the Individual Expansion Pack to up to eight accounts. It's a significant investment, but it provides a shared experience of classic games and expansions, making it a worthwhile option for those who value the additional content and features.