Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) enhances your gaming experience by providing access to online multiplayer, a vast library of classic games, and additional content through its subscription services. Whether you're looking to dive into nostalgic titles or enjoy the latest online features, NSO has tailored plans to suit different needs. With the confirmation that NSO will transition to the Nintendo Switch 2, subscribers can look forward to continued benefits on the new console.
When you visit the Nintendo Store in search of new Switch games, a NSO subscription can unlock a plethora of extras, enhancing your gaming library and experience. Let's explore the available membership plans to help you decide which one fits your gaming preferences best.
Does Nintendo Switch Online Have a Free Trial? -----------------------------------------------
### Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial
Nintendo Switch Online offers a seven-day free trial of its basic membership, allowing you to explore online play in your existing Switch games and access a wide range of NES, SNES, and Game Boy titles. You can initiate the trial directly on your Switch or through the Nintendo Online website by signing into your Nintendo account and following the prompts in the eShop. After the trial, the subscription automatically renews at $3.99 per month, and note that each Nintendo account is eligible for only one free trial.
How Much Is Nintendo Switch Online?
### Nintendo Switch Online
Nintendo provides two main Nintendo Switch Online membership plans: the standard Nintendo Switch Online and the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Both can be purchased as individual or family packages, affecting the number of accounts that can access the benefits. Let's delve into the details of each plan, including their perks, 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 to engage in online multiplayer. It grants access to online play, the full Switch Online NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, and the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app. You'll also enjoy exclusive offers and discounts. The flexibility of monthly or short-term subscriptions makes it ideal for those who don't play regularly.
12-Month Individual Membership### Nintendo Switch Online Gift Card
$19.99 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. It includes online play, access to the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, the mobile app, and exclusive deals. The family plan requires a year-long commitment but offers significant savings compared to purchasing multiple individual memberships.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Individual - 1 year: $49.99
For avid gamers, this plan adds value with access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, along with expansions for popular titles like Mario Kart 8, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Splatoon 2. It includes all the features of the standard plan but requires a year-long subscription. This option is ideal for those who want to explore a broader range of classic games and enjoy additional content without needing to buy expansions separately.
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 perfect for families or groups of friends. It includes all the features of the standard NSO plan, plus the additional emulators and expansions. While the price is higher, it's a cost-effective solution for multiple users wanting to access the full range of NSO benefits.
Additional Subscription Details
Nintendo Switch Online: Individual - 1 month: $3.99, 3 months: $7.99, 1 year: $19.99
The base NSO package is tailored for solo players focused on online multiplayer. It provides access to online play, the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, and the mobile app. You can enjoy classics like Super Mario Bros. 3 and Donkey Kong Country offline if you've logged in within the last seven days. However, this plan does not include access to N64, Game Boy Advance, or SEGA Genesis libraries.
The flexibility of this plan allows you to subscribe for shorter periods, which is great if you're not a regular Switch player. You can save $27 by opting for the annual subscription, but the monthly option lets you pause and resume your subscription as needed.
Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99
The Family plan mirrors the Individual plan but extends the benefits to up to eight accounts. It's ideal for households where multiple people use different accounts. The annual commitment is required, but it's a more economical choice than buying individual memberships for each user.
You'll have access to online play, the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, the mobile app, and exclusive deals. This plan is the best value for families primarily interested in online play without the additional features of the Expansion Pack.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Individual - 1 year: $49.99
This plan is for dedicated Switch players who want more than just online play. It includes everything in the standard plan, plus access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, and expansions for major titles. You can enjoy classics like Ocarina of Time and Super Mario 64, as well as additional content for games like Mario Kart 8 and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
While the expansions can be purchased separately, this plan offers a comprehensive package for those who want to explore a wide range of gaming experiences. It's best suited for players who frequently use their Switch and want to delve into classic games and expansions without additional purchases.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Family - 1 year: $79.99
The Family Expansion Pack extends the benefits of the Individual plan to up to eight accounts. It includes all the features of the standard NSO plan, plus the additional emulators and expansions. This plan is perfect for households where multiple users want to access the full range of NSO benefits, including classic games and expansions.
While the price is higher, it's a cost-effective solution for families or groups of friends. Keep in mind that the expansions included can also be purchased separately, so consider your needs before opting for this plan.
