Nintendo Switch Online Subscription: Cost Explained

Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) offers a wealth of features that enhance your gaming experience, from playing iconic titles from past console generations to accessing expansive DLCs for some of the platform's biggest hits. If you're browsing the Nintendo Store for new Switch games, a NSO subscription can unlock a host of additional content, making your gaming library even richer.

With the confirmation that NSO will transfer to the upcoming Switch 2, you can rest assured that these benefits will continue to enrich your gaming on the new console. Choosing the right membership plan is crucial, as it depends on your gaming preferences and the offers available. Below, we'll explore the various NSO membership plans to help you select the one that best suits your needs.

Whether you're eager to dive into classics like "Ocarina of Time" and "Super Mario 64" or keen on racing in "Mario Kart" online with friends, understanding the different membership options will guide you to the perfect plan.

### Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial

Nintendo Switch Online offers a seven-day free trial for its basic membership, which includes access to online play for your existing Switch games and a broad selection of NES, SNES, and Game Boy titles. You can initiate this trial directly on your Switch or via the Nintendo Online website by logging into your Nintendo account and following the prompts in the eShop. Post-trial, the subscription auto-renews at $3.99 per month. Remember, each Nintendo account is eligible for only one free trial.

How Much Is Nintendo Switch Online?

### Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo offers two primary membership plans: Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Both can be purchased as individual or family packages, impacting the number of accounts that can enjoy the benefits. Let's delve into what each plan offers, along with their respective advantages and pricing.

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

This plan grants online access to one account, allowing you to play multiplayer games online and enjoy full access to the Switch Online libraries for NES, SNES, and Game Boy. It also includes cloud saving, access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app, and exclusive offers. The flexibility of this plan is ideal for solo players or those who occasionally use their Switch, as it allows you to subscribe monthly or annually, with significant savings on the yearly subscription.

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

Available at Amazon for $19.99, this gift card provides a straightforward way to purchase a year's subscription to the individual plan.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

This plan is similar to the Individual plan but extends the benefits to up to eight accounts. It's perfect for families or groups sharing a console, offering a cost-effective solution for online play and access to the classic game libraries. The annual commitment makes it a great deal for households, as it's far cheaper than purchasing individual plans for each member.

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

For avid Switch users, this plan includes all the features of the standard NSO plan plus additional benefits like access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, as well as major expansions for "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe," "Animal Crossing: New Horizons," and "Splatoon 2." This plan is suited for gamers interested in a broader range of retro games and expansions, though it requires an annual commitment.

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

This package extends the benefits of the Expansion Pack to up to eight accounts, offering the same access to classic games and expansions as the individual plan. It's an excellent choice for families or groups who want to explore a wide variety of gaming experiences together, despite the higher cost.

Additional Subscription Details

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

The base NSO package is perfect for solo players primarily interested in online multiplayer. You gain access to online play for your favorite games, plus the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, which you can play offline if you've logged in within the last seven days. However, this tier does not include access to N64, Game Boy Advance, or SEGA Genesis games. Additional perks include cloud saves, exclusive deals, and the NSO mobile app.

The flexibility of this plan is a significant advantage, allowing you to subscribe for as short as one month or save with a year-long commitment.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

Designed for larger households, this plan extends all the benefits of the Individual tier to up to eight accounts. While it requires an upfront annual payment, it's a cost-effective solution for families, providing access to online play, classic game libraries, cloud saves, and the NSO mobile app.

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

This plan is tailored for dedicated Switch users looking for more than just online multiplayer. In addition to the standard NSO benefits, you get access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis games, along with major expansions for popular titles. It's ideal for gamers wanting to explore a wider variety of games and content, though the annual commitment is required.

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

This plan offers the same expanded benefits as the Individual Expansion Pack but for up to eight accounts. It's the best choice for families or groups who want to enjoy a comprehensive gaming experience, including online play, classic games, and expansions. The higher cost reflects the added value, but remember that the expansions can also be purchased separately if that's your primary interest.