Nintendo Switch Online, Explained: How Much Does a Subscription Cost?

Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) enhances your gaming experience by providing access to a wealth of online services, including the ability to play iconic games from past console generations and enjoy expansions for some of the biggest releases. If you're browsing the Nintendo Store for new Switch games, an NSO subscription can unlock a plethora of additional content and features.

With the confirmation that NSO will transition to the Nintendo Switch 2, players can look forward to continued access to retro game libraries and other perks on the new console. When choosing between the available membership plans, it's crucial to consider which benefits align with your gaming preferences and to take advantage of the best offers during sign-up.

Whether you're eager to dive into classics like Ocarina of Time and Super Mario 64, or you're looking to engage in online battles with friends in Mario Kart, understanding the full spectrum of NSO membership plans is key to making an informed decision that suits your needs.

### Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial

Nintendo Switch Online offers a seven-day free trial for its basic membership, allowing you to experience online play and access a wide range of NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries. To start your trial, simply sign up on your Switch or through the Nintendo Online website by logging into your Nintendo account and following the prompts in the eShop. Remember, after the trial, your subscription automatically renews at $3.99 per month, and each Nintendo account is eligible for only one free trial period. No Expansion Pack benefits are included during the trial.

How Much Is Nintendo Switch Online?

### Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo offers two Nintendo Switch Online membership plans: the standard Nintendo Switch Online and the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Both are available as individual or family packages, impacting the number of accounts that can enjoy the plan’s benefits. Below, we'll explore the offerings, advantages, and pricing of each plan to help you choose the best fit for your gaming needs.

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

The individual plan is perfect for solo players focused on online multiplayer. It grants access to online play across your favorite Switch games, plus full access to the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries. With cloud saving, you can transfer game data between Switch consoles. Additionally, you'll enjoy exclusive offers, discounts, and full access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app. A major advantage is the flexibility to subscribe monthly or save by committing to a year upfront, which offers a $27 reduction over monthly payments.

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

For those looking for a convenient way to gift a membership, the 12-month individual membership can be purchased as a gift card for $19.99 at Amazon.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

The family plan extends all the benefits of the individual plan to up to 8 accounts, making it a cost-effective choice for households. It includes access to online play, the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, and the mobile app, along with exclusive deals. While you must pay for a full year upfront, it's significantly cheaper than purchasing individual plans for multiple users.

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

For avid gamers, the Expansion Pack adds value with access to additional emulators and expansions. Alongside the standard NSO features for one account, you'll get N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, plus expansions for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Splatoon 2. These expansions can also be bought separately if you prefer. This plan suits players interested in exploring classic games without the hassle of old hardware, but it's a yearly commitment without monthly options.

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

The family version of the Expansion Pack offers the same expanded content as the individual plan but for up to 8 accounts. It includes all the benefits of the standard NSO plan, making it an excellent choice for families looking to enjoy a wide range of games and expansions. The price jump is notable, so consider whether the included expansions justify the cost, as they can be purchased separately.

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 gamers primarily interested in online multiplayer. It provides access to the online components of your favorite games and the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries. Offline play is available if you've logged in within the past seven days, adding portability to your gaming experience. Cloud saving allows data transfer between consoles, and the mobile app enhances your gaming with additional features and exclusive offers. The ability to subscribe month-to-month or save with a yearly plan offers flexibility for those who play intermittently.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

Designed for larger households, the family plan shares all the benefits of the individual plan across up to 8 accounts. It's an economical choice for families, providing online play, access to classic game libraries, cloud saving, and the mobile app, all at a fraction of the cost of multiple individual memberships. The yearly commitment is offset by the savings and convenience it offers for multiple users.

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

This plan is ideal for dedicated gamers who want more than just online play. It includes everything in the standard NSO plan, plus access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, and major expansions for popular titles. The addition of Rare games and other classics adds significant value for retro gaming enthusiasts. Remember, you need to commit to a year, but the range of games and expansions offers a rich gaming experience.

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

For families where multiple members are keen on both online play and exploring a broader range of games, the family Expansion Pack is a comprehensive solution. It encompasses all the benefits of the standard NSO plan and extends the Expansion Pack's offerings to up to 8 accounts. The higher price reflects the added value, but the expansions can be purchased separately if that's the main draw for you.