Nintendo Switch Online Subscription: Cost Explained

Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) offers a treasure trove of benefits that extend well beyond just playing games online. With two distinct membership plans, NSO provides access to iconic games from previous console generations and expansions for some of the biggest releases on the Nintendo Store. Whether you're looking to dive into new Switch games or enjoy classic titles, the right subscription can significantly enhance your gaming experience.

With Nintendo confirming that NSO will carry over to the upcoming Switch 2, it's clear that these memberships will continue to deliver the same perks, including access to retro game libraries, on the new console. The key is to determine which plan aligns best with your gaming needs and take advantage of the best offers available when signing up.

Whether you're eager to revisit classics like Ocarina of Time and Super Mario 64 or prefer engaging in online battles with friends in Mario Kart, below is a comprehensive guide to help you choose the perfect Nintendo Switch Online membership plan for you.

### Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial

Nintendo Switch Online offers a generous seven-day free trial for its basic membership. This trial gives you access to online multiplayer for your existing Switch games, as well as a diverse library of NES, SNES, and Game Boy games. To sign up, simply navigate to your Switch or the Nintendo Online website, log into your Nintendo account, and follow the prompts in the eShop. After the trial, the subscription auto-renews at $3.99 per month, but remember, each Nintendo account is eligible for only one free trial.

How Much Is Nintendo Switch Online?

### Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo Switch Online offers two membership tiers - the standard plan and the Expansion Pack. Both are available in individual or family packages, influencing the number of accounts that can benefit from the plan's features. Let's explore the specifics of each plan, including their benefits, drawbacks, and pricing.

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

This plan is perfect for solo gamers who primarily want online multiplayer access. It provides:

• Online play for one account.
• Full access to the Switch Online NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries.
• Cloud saving for your game data.
• Full access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app.
• Exclusive offers and discounts.

12-Month Individual Membership### Nintendo Switch Online Gift Card

You can also purchase a $19.99 gift card for a 12-month individual membership at Amazon.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

Designed for households, this plan extends the benefits of the Individual plan to up to eight accounts. Key features include:

• Online play for up to eight accounts.
• Full access to the Switch Online NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries.
• Cloud saving.
• Full access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app.
• Exclusive offers and discounts.

This family plan is an excellent value, especially for larger households, as it's significantly cheaper than buying individual memberships for each member.

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

Aimed at dedicated Nintendo Switch players, this plan includes everything in the standard plan plus additional perks:

• Online play for one account.
• Mario Kart 8: Booster Course Pass.
• Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise expansion.
• Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion.
• Full access to the Switch Online N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, in addition to the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries.
• Cloud saving.
• Full access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app.
• Exclusive offers and discounts.

This plan is ideal for those looking to explore a broader range of classic games and enjoy additional content without sourcing old consoles.

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

This plan extends the benefits of the Expansion Pack to up to eight accounts, making it perfect for families or groups of friends. It includes:

• Online play for up to eight accounts.
• All the expansions and additional libraries mentioned in the Individual Expansion Pack plan.
• Cloud saving.
• Full access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app.
• Exclusive offers and discounts.

The family plan offers great value for households looking to enjoy a wide array of gaming experiences together.

Additional Subscription Details

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

The base plan is tailored for solo players who mainly want to engage in online multiplayer. It includes access to online multiplayer, the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, and the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app. A key advantage is the flexibility to subscribe monthly or for a longer term, with a significant discount for annual subscriptions.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

This plan mirrors the Individual tier but extends the benefits to up to eight accounts. It's a cost-effective solution for families, offering all the features of the Individual plan at a lower per-person rate.

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

For avid gamers, this plan adds significant value by including access to the N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, along with major expansions for popular titles. It's a yearly commitment, but the added content makes it worthwhile for those who want to delve deeper into Nintendo's gaming history.

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

This plan is the ultimate package for households, providing all the benefits of the Individual Expansion Pack to up to eight accounts. It's perfect for families who want to enjoy a wide variety of games and expansions together, though the price increase is notable compared to the standard plan.