Nintendo's online services offer a robust selection of features that enhance the gaming experience on the Nintendo Switch, including access to iconic games from previous console generations and expansions for some of its most popular releases. When browsing the Nintendo Store for new Switch games, a Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) subscription can significantly enhance your gaming library with a host of added extras.

With the confirmation that NSO will carry over to the upcoming Switch 2, it's clear that these memberships will continue to deliver the same advantages, including access to retro game libraries, on the new console. To help you choose the right plan, let's dive into the two available membership options and explore the best deals you can snag when signing up.

Whether you're eager to revisit classics like Ocarina of Time and Super Mario 64, or you're looking to join friends in online Mario Kart sessions, we'll guide you through the complete range of Nintendo Switch Online membership plans to ensure you make an informed choice.

Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial

0Seven days free, then renewed at a monthly rate of $3.99. No Expansion Pack benefits are included. See it at Nintendo

Nintendo Switch Online provides a seven-day free trial for its basic membership, allowing you to experience online play for your existing Switch games and access a wide range of NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries. You can sign up for the free trial either directly on your Switch or through the Nintendo Online website by logging into your Nintendo account and following the prompts in the eShop. After the trial, your subscription will automatically renew at a monthly rate of $3.99. Remember, each Nintendo account is eligible for only one free trial period.

How Much Is Nintendo Switch Online?

Nintendo Switch Online

0Compare plans, prices, and perksSee it at Nintendo

Nintendo offers two Nintendo Switch Online membership plans: Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Both plans are available in individual or family packages, which determines the number of accounts that can benefit from the plan. Below, we'll detail what each plan offers, along with their respective benefits, drawbacks, and pricing.

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

• Provides a Nintendo Switch Online pass to 1 account.
• Access to online play.
• Full access to the Switch Online NES library.
• Full access to the Switch Online SNES library.
• Full access to the Switch Online Game Boy library.
• Cloud saving.
• Full access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app.
• Unique offers and discounts.

12-Month Individual Membership

Nintendo Switch Online Gift Card

0$19.99 at Amazon

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

• Provides a Nintendo Switch Online pass to up to 8 accounts.
• Access to online play.
• Full access to the Switch Online NES library.
• Full access to the Switch Online SNES library.
• Full access to the Switch Online Game Boy library.
• Cloud saving.
• Full access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app.
• Unique offers and discounts.

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

• Provides a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack pass to 1 account.
• Access to online play.
• Mario Kart 8: Booster Course Pass included.
• Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise expansion included.
• Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion included.
• Full access to the Switch Online N64 library.
• Full access to the Switch Online Game Boy Advance library.
• Full access to the Switch Online SEGA Genesis library.
• Full access to the Switch Online NES library.
• Full access to the Switch Online SNES library.
• Full access to the Switch Online Game Boy library.
• Cloud saving.
• Full access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app.
• Unique offers and discounts.

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

• Provides a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack pass to up to 8 accounts.
• Access to online play.
• Mario Kart 8: Booster Course Pass included.
• Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise expansion included.
• Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion included.
• Full access to the Switch Online N64 library.
• Full access to the Switch Online Game Boy Advance library.
• Full access to the Switch Online SEGA Genesis library.
• Full access to the Switch Online NES library.
• Full access to the Switch Online SNES library.
• Full access to the Switch Online Game Boy library.
• Cloud saving.
• Full access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app.
• Unique offers and discounts.

Additional Subscription Details

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

The basic Nintendo Switch Online package is perfect for solo players primarily interested in online multiplayer. Upon purchasing the pass, you gain access to Nintendo’s online multiplayer services, enabling you to enjoy the online features of your favorite games.

Additional perks include full access to the Switch Online NES, SNES, and Game Boy games emulator libraries, featuring classics like Super Mario Bros. 3, F-ZERO, and Donkey Kong Country. As long as you've logged into your account within the last seven days, you can play these games offline, making them ideal for on-the-go gaming. However, this tier does not include access to the N64, Game Boy Advance, or SEGA Genesis libraries.

You also receive exclusive deals and offers, cloud saving capabilities for transferring saves between Switch consoles, and full access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app.

A key advantage of this plan is its flexibility; you don't have to commit to a year-long membership upfront. While opting for a yearly subscription saves you $27, the monthly and three-month options allow you to subscribe only when you need it, especially if you mainly play on other consoles and occasionally return to your Switch for new releases.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

The Nintendo Switch Online Family plan mirrors the Individual tier but extends the benefits to up to 8 accounts. This plan requires an upfront annual payment, but it's a more economical choice for large households compared to purchasing multiple Individual subscriptions.

Like the Individual plan, you'll have access to online play for all of Nintendo's multiplayer titles, as well as the NES, SNES, and Game Boy emulated libraries. You'll also enjoy member-exclusive offers and deals, cloud saving, and full access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app.

The Nintendo Switch Online Family package is the most cost-effective option for households that mainly want to enjoy online gaming without the additional features provided by the Expansion Pack.

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

Designed for avid Nintendo Switch players, the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Individual plan includes all the features of the standard Nintendo Switch Online plan, plus additional emulators and expansion packs. Unlike the standard plan, this requires a year-long commitment.

You'll gain access to the N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis emulated libraries, enabling you to play classics like Ocarina of Time, Banjo-Kazooie, Super Mario 64, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and Metroid Fusion. Nintendo has also recently expanded its library to include more Rare games.

Additionally, you'll have access to significant expansions for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Splatoon 2. Note that these expansions can also be purchased separately via the Nintendo eShop if you're interested in the DLC without a subscription.

This plan is ideal for those who want to enjoy a variety of classic games on their Switch without the hassle of sourcing old consoles and games. If multiplayer gaming with friends is your main focus, the standard Nintendo Switch Online plan might be more suitable than the added cost of the Expansion Pack.

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

Similar to the Individual version, the Family Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack plan offers access to the N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, as well as the expansions for Animal Crossing, Splatoon 2, and Mario Kart 8. The key difference is that up to eight accounts can enjoy these benefits simultaneously.

This package also includes everything in the standard Nintendo Switch Online plan, such as the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, online multiplayer, cloud saving, and exclusive deals and discounts.

The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Family package is the best choice for households where everyone wants access to Nintendo Switch Online and the additional bonuses from the Expansion Pack. However, consider that the price increase is significant, and the included expansions can be bought separately if those are your primary interest.