Nintendo Switch Online Subscription: Cost Explained

Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) offers a treasure trove of benefits for gamers, from accessing iconic games from past console generations to enjoying expansions for major titles. With the confirmation that NSO will transition to the Nintendo Switch 2, players can look forward to continuing these perks on the new console. If you're browsing the Nintendo Store for new Switch games, a subscription can unlock a wealth of additional content and features.

When choosing between the two available NSO membership plans, it's crucial to consider the specific benefits you're seeking. Whether you're eager to revisit classics like "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" and "Super Mario 64," or you're keen on racing online with friends in "Mario Kart," understanding the plans will help you make an informed decision.

### Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial

Nintendo Switch Online provides a seven-day free trial for its basic membership. This trial grants you access to online play for your existing Switch games, along with a broad selection of NES, SNES, and Game Boy games. To start your trial, you can sign up either directly on your Switch or via the Nintendo Online website by logging into your Nintendo account and following the prompts in the eShop. After the trial, the subscription auto-renews at a monthly rate of $3.99. Remember, each Nintendo account is eligible for only one free trial.

How Much Is Nintendo Switch Online?

### Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo offers two membership tiers for Nintendo Switch Online: the standard plan and the Expansion Pack. Each tier can be purchased as an individual or family package, affecting the number of accounts that can enjoy the benefits. Let's explore what each plan offers, their pros and cons, and their pricing.

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

The individual plan is perfect for solo gamers, offering a Nintendo Switch Online pass for one account. It includes access to online play, full access to the Switch Online libraries for NES, SNES, and Game Boy, cloud saving, and the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app. Additionally, you'll enjoy unique offers and discounts. This plan allows flexibility with monthly, quarterly, or annual subscriptions, with a significant discount if you opt for the year-long membership upfront.

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

Available at Amazon for $19.99, this gift card is a convenient way to purchase a year-long individual membership.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

The family plan extends the benefits of the individual plan to up to eight accounts, making it cost-effective for households. It requires a year-long commitment but offers the same features as the individual plan, including online play, access to the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, and the mobile app, along with exclusive offers and discounts. This plan is ideal for families or groups sharing a Switch console.

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

For avid gamers, the Expansion Pack adds value with additional content. It includes everything in the standard plan plus access to the N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, and expansions for "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe," "Animal Crossing: New Horizons," and "Splatoon 2." Note that this plan requires a year-long subscription, but it's perfect for those looking to dive into classic games and expansions without purchasing them separately.

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

The family version of the Expansion Pack offers the same enhanced benefits as the individual plan but extends them to up to eight accounts. This package includes all the features of the standard NSO plan, along with the additional emulated libraries and expansions. It's an excellent choice for households where multiple users want to enjoy the full range of Nintendo Switch 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 primarily interested in online multiplayer. It provides access to Nintendo's online services and a curated list of classic games from the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries. These games are playable offline if you've logged in within the last seven days, enhancing your gaming experience on the go. However, it does not include access to N64, Game Boy Advance, or SEGA Genesis libraries. The plan also offers cloud saving, exclusive deals, and the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app, making it a comprehensive package for those looking to save on a yearly commitment.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

Similar to the individual plan, the family plan offers access to online play and the same classic game libraries. It's designed for larger households, allowing up to eight accounts to enjoy these benefits at a lower cost than multiple individual subscriptions. It includes cloud saving, exclusive offers, and access to the mobile app, making it a cost-effective choice for families primarily interested in online multiplayer without the extra features of the Expansion Pack.

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

For dedicated Nintendo fans, the Expansion Pack enhances the standard NSO plan with access to additional classic game libraries and major expansions for popular games. This plan is suited for those who want to explore a broader range of Nintendo's gaming history and enjoy exclusive content without the need for separate purchases. The year-long commitment is a consideration, but the added value can be significant for avid gamers.

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

This plan extends the benefits of the individual Expansion Pack to up to eight accounts, making it an excellent choice for families or groups who want to access all that Nintendo Switch Online has to offer. It includes everything from the standard plan plus the additional libraries and expansions, ensuring everyone in the household can enjoy the full spectrum of Nintendo's online services and exclusive content.