Nintendo Switch Online: Subscription Costs Explained

Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) membership plans offer a plethora of benefits for gamers, including access to online multiplayer, a vast library of classic games from past console generations, and exclusive expansions for some of Nintendo's most popular titles. If you're browsing the Nintendo Store for new Switch games, consider how a subscription can enhance your gaming experience with these added perks.

With the recent confirmation that NSO will transition to the Nintendo Switch 2, you can rest assured that your membership will continue to offer the same advantages on the new console. This includes access to retro game libraries and more. To help you choose the right plan, let's dive into the details of the two available NSO membership options and explore the best deals available when you sign up.

Whether your goal is to relive the nostalgia of classics like Ocarina of Time and Super Mario 64, or to enjoy online multiplayer with friends in games like Mario Kart, understanding the full range of Nintendo Switch Online membership plans will guide you to the perfect choice for your gaming needs.

### Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial

Nintendo Switch Online offers a seven-day free trial for its basic membership. During this period, you can enjoy online play with your existing Switch games and access a wide range of classic titles from the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries. To start your trial, sign up either on your Switch console or via the Nintendo Online website by logging into your Nintendo account and following the prompts in the eShop. Be aware that after the trial, your subscription will automatically renew at a monthly rate of $3.99, and each Nintendo account is eligible for only one free trial.

How Much Is Nintendo Switch Online?

### Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo Switch Online offers two membership plans: the standard Nintendo Switch Online and the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Each plan is available in individual or family packages, affecting the number of accounts that can benefit. Let's explore the options, their perks, and the associated costs:

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 multiplayer and the full libraries of NES, SNES, and Game Boy games. It also includes cloud saving, access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app, and exclusive offers and discounts. The flexibility of this plan allows you to choose between monthly, quarterly, or annual subscriptions, with significant savings when opting for a year-long commitment.

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

For those interested in gifting or purchasing a year-long membership, a 12-month individual membership card is available for $19.99 at Amazon.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

Designed for larger households, this plan allows up to eight accounts to enjoy all the benefits of the individual plan. It requires a year-long upfront payment but offers a cost-effective solution for families, providing the same access to online play, classic game libraries, cloud saving, and more at a fraction of the cost of multiple individual subscriptions.

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

This enhanced plan includes everything from the standard plan and adds access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis game libraries. It also includes major expansions like the Mario Kart 8: Booster Course Pass, Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise, and Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion. This is ideal for dedicated Switch players wanting to dive into a broader range of classic games and enjoy additional content without needing to buy expansions separately.

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

The family version of the Expansion Pack extends the benefits to up to eight accounts, offering all the perks of the individual Expansion Pack, including the expanded game libraries and exclusive expansions. This option is perfect for households where multiple gamers want to access both the standard NSO features and the additional content provided by the Expansion Pack.

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 perfect for solo players primarily interested in online multiplayer. Alongside online play, you'll gain access to curated libraries of classic NES, SNES, and Game Boy games, which you can play offline if you've logged in within the last seven days. This plan does not include access to N64, Game Boy Advance, or SEGA Genesis libraries. Additional benefits include cloud saving, exclusive deals, and access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app. The flexibility of subscription durations makes this plan attractive for casual Switch users.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

The Family plan mirrors the Individual tier but extends the benefits to up to eight accounts, making it a cost-effective choice for households. It requires a year-long commitment but offers substantial savings over purchasing multiple individual subscriptions. Like the Individual plan, it includes online play, access to NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, and the mobile app, making it an excellent choice for families focused on online gaming without the need for additional expansions.

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

For avid Switch gamers, the Expansion Pack adds significant value with access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, along with major expansions for popular titles. This plan is ideal for those who want to explore a wider variety of classic games and enjoy exclusive content. While it requires a year-long subscription, the added benefits justify the increased cost for dedicated players.

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. This plan is perfect for households where multiple gamers want to access both the standard NSO features and the additional content provided by the Expansion Pack. While the price is higher, it remains a cost-effective option compared to purchasing multiple individual Expansion Pack subscriptions, especially when considering the value of the included expansions and classic game libraries.