Nintendo Switch Online Subscription: Pricing Explained

Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) offers a robust set of features that enhance the gaming experience for Switch users. With online services that let players dive into iconic games from past console generations and access expansions for major titles, Nintendo's subscription plans are a treasure trove for gamers. If you're browsing the Nintendo Store for new Switch games, consider how a subscription can add value to your gaming library.

With the confirmation that NSO will transition to the Switch 2, subscribers can look forward to enjoying the same great perks, including access to retro game libraries, on the next-generation console. When choosing between the two available membership plans, it's crucial to consider which benefits align with your gaming needs and which deals you can leverage upon signing up.

Whether you're eager to revisit classics like "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" and "Super Mario 64," or you want to join friends for some online "Mario Kart" action, understanding the full scope of Nintendo Switch Online membership plans will 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 across your existing Switch games, as well as access extensive libraries 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. After the trial, the subscription will automatically renew at a monthly rate of $3.99, but note that the Expansion Pack benefits are not included during the trial. Each Nintendo account is eligible for just one free trial.

How Much Is Nintendo Switch Online?

Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo provides two tiers of Nintendo Switch Online membership plans - the standard Nintendo Switch Online and the enhanced Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Both can be subscribed to either individually or as a family package, which affects the number of accounts that can benefit from the plan. Let's explore what each plan offers, their respective advantages, and their pricing.

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

The Individual plan grants one account access to online play, full libraries of NES, SNES, and Game Boy games, cloud saving, and the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app, along with exclusive offers and discounts. This plan is perfect for solo gamers who mainly want to engage in online multiplayer and enjoy classic games.

12-Month Individual Membership

Nintendo Switch Online Gift Card

$19.99 at Amazon

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

The Family plan extends the same benefits to up to eight accounts, making it an economical choice for households with multiple gamers. It requires a yearly upfront payment but offers significant savings over buying multiple individual subscriptions.

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

The Individual Expansion Pack plan adds value with access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, along with expansions for "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe," "Animal Crossing: New Horizons," and "Splatoon 2." This plan suits avid gamers looking to delve into a broader range of classic titles and expansions without the need for monthly payments.

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

The Family Expansion Pack plan provides the same enhanced features as the Individual plan but for up to eight accounts. It's the ultimate choice for families who want to fully immerse themselves in Nintendo's expansive online offerings.

Additional Subscription Details

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

The basic Nintendo Switch Online plan is ideal for solo players focused on online multiplayer. It includes access to online play, NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, and the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app. You can play these classic games offline if you've logged in within the last seven days. However, it does not include access to N64, Game Boy Advance, or SEGA Genesis libraries. The flexibility of this plan lies in its monthly and quarterly subscription options, allowing you to pause and resume your subscription as needed.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

The Family plan mirrors the Individual plan's features but extends them to eight accounts, making it cost-effective for families. It requires a yearly payment, offering savings over multiple individual subscriptions. This plan is perfect for households looking to enjoy online play and classic games without needing the additional features of the Expansion Pack.

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

This plan enhances the basic offerings with access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, as well as major expansions for key titles. It's tailored for dedicated gamers who want to explore a wider variety of retro games and expansions. Note that this plan requires a year-long commitment and is best for those who don't need monthly flexibility.

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

The Family Expansion Pack plan provides all the benefits of the Individual Expansion Pack to up to eight accounts. It's designed for families who want comprehensive access to Nintendo's online services, including the full range of classic game libraries and expansions. While the price is higher, it's a cost-effective option for larger groups wanting to maximize their gaming experience.