Nintendo Switch Online Subscription: Cost Explained

Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) membership plans offer a gateway to a plethora of gaming experiences, including access to iconic games from past console generations and expansions for some of their latest releases. If you're browsing the Nintendo Store for new Switch games, a subscription can enhance your gaming experience with numerous added benefits.

With Nintendo confirming that NSO will carry over to the Switch 2, you can rest assured that these memberships will continue to deliver the same perks, including access to retro game libraries, on the next generation console. But with two membership plans to choose from, it's important to decide which one aligns with your gaming needs and take advantage of the best offers available when signing up.

Whether you're eager to revisit classics like "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" and "Super Mario 64," or you're looking to engage in online multiplayer sessions of "Mario Kart" with friends, understanding the full range of Nintendo Switch Online membership options will help you make an informed decision tailored to your preferences.

### Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial

Nintendo Switch Online offers a seven-day free trial for its basic membership, allowing you to dive into online play for your existing Switch games and explore a vast library of NES, SNES, and Game Boy titles. You can initiate the free trial directly on your Switch or through the Nintendo Online website by signing into your Nintendo account and following the prompts in the eShop. Post-trial, the subscription will automatically renew at a monthly rate of $3.99, but remember, each Nintendo account is eligible for only one free trial period.

How Much Is Nintendo Switch Online?

### Nintendo Switch Online

There are two primary Nintendo Switch Online membership plans available: the standard Nintendo Switch Online and the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Both can be purchased as individual or family packages, impacting the number of accounts that can benefit from the plan. Let's delve into the specifics of each plan, their advantages, and the associated costs.

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

The Individual plan is perfect for solo gamers who primarily want to enjoy online multiplayer. It grants access to online play, the full Switch Online libraries for NES, SNES, and Game Boy, cloud saving, and the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app. Exclusive deals and discounts are also part of the package. This plan offers flexibility with monthly, quarterly, or annual subscriptions, with the annual subscription saving you $27 compared to paying monthly.

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

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

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

Designed for households, the Family plan extends the benefits of the Individual plan to up to 8 accounts. It includes access to online play, the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, and the mobile app. It's a cost-effective option for families, requiring a one-year upfront payment but offering significant savings compared to purchasing individual memberships for multiple users.

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

The Expansion Pack Individual plan is tailored for dedicated gamers seeking more from their membership. It includes everything from the standard plan, plus additional emulators for N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis, as well as major expansions for "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe," "Animal Crossing: New Horizons," and "Splatoon 2." This plan is ideal for those wanting to explore classic games without the need for old consoles. Note that the expansions can also be purchased separately if you're only interested in specific DLCs.

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

The Family version of the Expansion Pack extends the same benefits as the Individual plan but allows up to eight accounts to enjoy these perks simultaneously. This plan is perfect for households where multiple users want access to both the standard NSO features and the additional content provided by the Expansion Pack. While it's a more substantial investment, it's worth considering if your family is heavily invested in Nintendo's ecosystem.

Additional Subscription Details

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

The base NSO package is ideal for solo players who mainly want online multiplayer. It grants access to online play, the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, and additional features like cloud saving and the mobile app. You can enjoy these games offline for up to seven days after last logging into your account, making it perfect for gaming on the go. The flexible subscription options allow you to choose the duration that suits your gaming habits without the commitment of a year-long membership upfront.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

The Family plan offers the same benefits as the Individual plan but extends them to up to eight accounts, making it a cost-effective choice for households. It's designed for families where multiple users want to enjoy online play and access to the classic game libraries. The one-year upfront payment is a small price to pay for the convenience and savings it offers over separate individual subscriptions.

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

For avid gamers, the Expansion Pack Individual plan adds value with access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, alongside major expansions for popular titles. This plan is a must-have for those looking to dive into Nintendo's rich history of gaming without needing old hardware. Remember, the expansions are also available separately if you're interested in specific content without the full membership.

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

The Family Expansion Pack plan is the ultimate choice for households where multiple members want to enjoy all the benefits of NSO and the additional content from the Expansion Pack. It's a comprehensive package that ensures everyone can enjoy online play, classic games, and the latest expansions. However, if your main interest is in the expansions, consider purchasing them separately as they can be more cost-effective than the full membership.