Nintendo Switch Online Subscription: Cost Explained

Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) offers a comprehensive suite of services that enhance your gaming experience, from online multiplayer to access to a vast library of retro games from various console generations. If you're browsing the Nintendo Store for new Switch games, an NSO subscription can unlock a wealth of additional content and features. With Nintendo confirming that NSO will carry over to the upcoming Switch 2, these memberships are set to remain a valuable part of the gaming ecosystem, providing the same perks on the new console. Choosing the right NSO membership plan depends on your gaming needs and preferences. Below, we'll explore the available plans to help you make an informed decision.

### Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial

Nintendo Switch Online offers a seven-day free trial for its basic membership, which grants access to online play for your existing Switch games and a wide range of NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries. You can sign up for this trial directly on your Switch or through the Nintendo Online website by logging into your Nintendo account and following the prompts in the eShop. Post-trial, the subscription automatically renews at $3.99 per month, but note that the Expansion Pack benefits are not included during the trial. Each Nintendo account is eligible for only one free trial period.

How Much Is Nintendo Switch Online?

### Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo Switch Online provides two membership options: the standard Nintendo Switch Online and the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Both are available in individual or family packages, which determine the number of accounts that can access the plan's benefits. Below, we'll delve into the specifics of each plan, highlighting their features, benefits, and pricing.

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

This plan grants a Nintendo Switch Online pass to one account, providing access to online play and full access to the Switch Online libraries for NES, SNES, and Game Boy. It also includes cloud saving and full access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app, along with exclusive offers and discounts. For those looking to play online without committing to a year-long subscription, this plan offers flexibility with monthly and three-month options.

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 benefits of the Individual plan to up to eight accounts, offering great value for households with multiple gamers. It includes access to online play, the full Switch Online libraries for NES, SNES, and Game Boy, cloud saving, the mobile app, and exclusive offers. The catch is that you must purchase a year upfront, but it remains cost-effective compared to buying individual subscriptions for multiple users.

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

This upgraded plan adds significant value for avid gamers. In addition to all the features of the standard plan for one account, it includes access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, as well as expansions for major titles like Mario Kart 8, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Splatoon 2. While you must commit to a year-long subscription, this plan is ideal for those who enjoy classic gaming and want to explore additional content without the hassle of separate purchases.

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

Similar to the Individual Expansion Pack, this plan extends the benefits to up to eight accounts. It includes all the features of the standard Nintendo Switch Online plan, plus the additional libraries and expansions. This option is perfect for households where multiple members want to enjoy the enhanced offerings of the Expansion Pack, though the price jump from the standard family plan is notable.

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 primarily interested in online multiplayer. It provides access to Nintendo's online services and includes the full Switch Online libraries for NES, SNES, and Game Boy, featuring classics like Super Mario Bros. 3 and Donkey Kong Country. Offline play is available if you've logged in within the last seven days, but this plan does not include access to N64, Game Boy Advance, or SEGA Genesis libraries. Additional perks include cloud saving, exclusive deals, and the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app. The flexibility of monthly and three-month options makes it ideal for casual players.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

The Family plan mirrors the Individual plan but extends the benefits to up to eight accounts, making it a cost-effective choice for larger households. It includes online play, access to the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, the mobile app, and exclusive offers. The requirement to pay for a year upfront is offset by the significant savings over multiple individual subscriptions.

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

For dedicated Nintendo Switch users, the Expansion Pack adds value with access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, along with expansions for popular games. This plan is perfect for those who want to dive into classic gaming and enjoy additional content without separate purchases. However, it requires a year-long commitment, making it less suitable for casual players.

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

This plan offers the same enhanced features as the Individual Expansion Pack but for up to eight accounts. It includes all the standard Nintendo Switch Online benefits, plus the additional libraries and expansions. It's the best choice for households where multiple members want to enjoy the full range of NSO offerings, though the price increase is significant compared to the standard family plan.