Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) offers a robust suite of services that enhance your gaming experience on the Nintendo Switch. With NSO, you can dive into online multiplayer, access a treasure trove of classic games from past console generations, and enjoy various expansions for popular titles. When browsing the Nintendo Store for new Switch games, consider that a subscription can unlock a plethora of additional features, making it an essential part of your gaming arsenal.
With the recent announcement that NSO will transfer to the Nintendo Switch 2, you can rest assured that your investment in a membership will continue to pay off with the same benefits, including access to retro game libraries, on the new console. But with two different membership plans available, it's crucial to decide which one aligns with your gaming needs and take advantage of the best deals when subscribing.
Whether you're nostalgic for classics like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Super Mario 64, or eager to race online in Mario Kart with friends, let's explore the full spectrum of Nintendo Switch Online membership plans to help you make an informed choice.
Does Nintendo Switch Online Have a Free Trial?
Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial
Nintendo Switch Online offers a seven-day free trial for its basic membership, allowing you to experience online multiplayer and delve into a wide range of NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries. To get started, sign up for the trial on your Switch or through the Nintendo Online website by logging into your Nintendo account and following the prompts in the eShop. Post-trial, your subscription will automatically renew at a monthly rate of $3.99. Note that each Nintendo account is eligible for just one free trial period, and the Expansion Pack benefits are not included.
How Much Is Nintendo Switch Online?
Nintendo Switch Online
Nintendo offers two tiers of membership plans - Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, each available in individual or family packages, which determine the number of accounts that can access the benefits. Let's break down what each plan offers, their advantages, and the associated costs.
Nintendo Switch Online: Individual - 1 month: $3.99, 3 months: $7.99, 1 year: $19.99
This plan is tailored for solo gamers who primarily want to engage in online multiplayer. It provides access to online play and a full library of NES, SNES, and Game Boy games. You can enjoy these classics offline for up to seven days after last logging in, making it perfect for gaming on the go. Additional perks include cloud saving, exclusive offers, and access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app. For those who play sporadically, the flexibility of monthly or three-month subscriptions is a significant advantage, though opting for the annual plan saves $27.
Nintendo Switch Online Gift Card
For those looking to gift or purchase a year-long membership, a $19.99 gift card is available at Amazon.
Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99
Designed for households with multiple gamers, this plan extends the benefits of the individual plan to up to eight accounts. It's a cost-effective solution for families, offering the same access to online play, retro game libraries, cloud saving, and the mobile app. The only caveat is that you must commit to a year-long subscription upfront, but the savings compared to buying multiple individual accounts are substantial.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Individual - 1 year: $49.99
Aimed at avid Switch players, this plan includes everything in the standard NSO membership plus access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries. It also includes major expansions like the Mario Kart 8: Booster Course Pass, Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise, and Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion. Although these expansions can be bought separately, the bundle offers a comprehensive gaming experience for a single account. Note that this plan requires a year-long commitment.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Family - 1 year: $79.99
This plan mirrors the individual Expansion Pack but extends its benefits to up to eight accounts. It's the ultimate package for households wanting to enjoy all that NSO and the Expansion Pack have to offer, including the additional retro libraries and expansions. However, the significant price increase from the standard NSO family plan means it's worth considering whether the expansions alone are worth the extra cost, as they can be purchased separately.
In summary, Nintendo Switch Online memberships cater to a variety of gaming needs, from casual online play to a more comprehensive experience with retro gaming and expansions. Choose the plan that best fits your gaming lifestyle and enjoy the myriad of benefits Nintendo offers.
