Activate Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial in 2025: A Guide

If you own a Nintendo Switch or are planning to purchase the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, you're likely acquainted with Nintendo Switch Online. This service is crucial not only for engaging in multiplayer gaming and playing online with friends but also for accessing over four decades of classic Nintendo titles, including games from the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and with the imminent launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, the GameCube library as well.

If you're new to Nintendo Switch Online, don't fret—we're here to guide you through the process. We'll explain how to activate the free trial, detail the various subscription tiers, discuss pricing, and offer more insights.

Does Nintendo Switch Online Have a Free Trial?

Yes, Nintendo provides a **seven-day free trial** for Nintendo Switch Online, allowing you to experience online play on your Nintendo Switch (and soon, Nintendo Switch 2 games), cloud backup for your save data, access to select game soundtracks via Nintendo Music, and a library of over 100 NES, SNES, and Game Boy games.

Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial

Seven days free, then renewed at a monthly rate of $3.99. No Expansion Pack benefits are included. See it at Nintendo. Click the link above to sign up for the free trial. Remember, after your trial period ends, you'll be automatically charged for your subscription unless you cancel it.

What Is Nintendo Switch Online?

Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription service designed for use with Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 consoles. It enables online multiplayer gaming and additional features for supported games, along with automatic cloud backups for your save data.

However, the benefits extend beyond online play. Subscribers gain access to a growing catalog of Nintendo Classics spanning over 40 years. The standard subscription includes a curated collection of NES, SNES, and Game Boy games, while the Expansion Pack adds titles from the Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis. For Nintendo Switch 2 owners, the Expansion Pack will also include select GameCube games at launch.

Nintendo Switch Online 12 Month Individual Membership + Expansion Pack eGift Card

$49.88 at Walmart | $49.88 at Target. Alongside the retro game catalog, Nintendo introduced the Nintendo Music app in late 2024, allowing you to stream and download tracks from a wide range of franchises, including Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, Metroid, and more.

How Much Does Nintendo Switch Online Cost?

Nintendo Switch Online offers individual and family plans. Individual plans are priced at **$3.99 per month**, **$7.99 for three months**, or **$19.99 per year**. Family plans, which support up to eight accounts, are available annually for **$34.99 per year**.

Nintendo Switch Online

Compare plans, prices, and perks. See it at Nintendo. The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription, which includes additional Nintendo Classics and specific game DLC packs, is available annually at **$49.99 per year for individual subscribers** and **$79.99 per year for family memberships**.

How to Use Nintendo Switch Online - Available Platforms

Nintendo Switch Online is primarily designed for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 systems. However, with the addition of the Nintendo Music app, its benefits are now also accessible on mobile devices.