If you own a Nintendo Switch or are eagerly awaiting the Nintendo Switch 2, you're likely well-acquainted with Nintendo Switch Online. This service is essential for accessing multiplayer features and playing online with friends across a variety of popular games. But it's not just about online play; it's also your gateway to over four decades of classic Nintendo games, from the NES and SNES to the Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and soon, with the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, the GameCube library.

If you're yet to dive into Nintendo Switch Online, don't fret—we've got all the details you need. We'll guide you through activating the free trial, explain the various subscription tiers, provide pricing information, and more.

Does Nintendo Switch Online Have a Free Trial?

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

Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial

The trial lasts for seven days, after which it renews at a monthly rate of $3.99. Note that no Expansion Pack benefits are included during the trial period. To sign up, click the link above. Remember to cancel before the trial ends if you don't wish to be automatically charged for the subscription.

What Is Nintendo Switch Online?

Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription-based service designed for use with Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 consoles. It not only allows you to engage in online multiplayer and additional features for supported games but also automatically backs up your save data to the cloud.

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 those with a Nintendo Switch 2, you'll have the added perk of playing select GameCube games at launch with the Expansion Pack subscription tier.

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

Available for $49.88 at Walmart and $49.88 at Target, this membership not only provides access to the retro game catalog but also includes the newly launched Nintendo Music app in late 2024, allowing you to stream and download your favorite tracks from a wide range of franchises, including Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, Metroid, and more.

How Much Does Nintendo Switch Online Cost?

Nintendo Switch Online is offered as an individual plan or a family plan that supports up to eight accounts. The individual plan is priced at **$3.99 per month**, **$7.99 for three months**, or **$19.99 per year**. The family plan is only available annually and costs **$34.99 per year**.

Nintendo Switch Online

Compare plans, prices, and perks at the Nintendo website. The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription, which includes additional Nintendo Classics and specific game DLC packs, is available as an annual subscription only, costing **$49.99 per year for individual subscribers** and **$79.99 per year for family memberships**.

How to Use Nintendo Switch Online - Available Platforms

Primarily, Nintendo Switch Online is accessible on the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 systems. However, with the introduction of the Nintendo Music app, its benefits are now extended to mobile devices as well.