Activate Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial in 2025: Step-by-Step Guide

If you own a Nintendo Switch or are eagerly awaiting the Nintendo Switch 2, you're likely well-acquainted with Nintendo Switch Online. This service is your gateway to multiplayer gaming, allowing you to play online with friends in a host of popular titles. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. With Nintendo Switch Online, you can dive into a nostalgic journey through over four decades of classic Nintendo games, spanning from the NES and SNES to the Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and, with the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, the new GameCube libraries.

Haven't yet ventured into the world of Nintendo Switch Online? No problem! We're here to guide you through the process of activating the free trial, explore the different subscription tiers, discuss pricing, and more.

Does Nintendo Switch Online Have a Free Trial?

Yes, Nintendo provides a seven-day free trial for Nintendo Switch Online. This trial grants you access to online play for your Nintendo Switch (and eventually Nintendo Switch 2 games), cloud backup for your save data, select game soundtracks on Nintendo Music, and a library of over 100 NES, SNES, and Game Boy games.

Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial

Seven days free, then renewed at a monthly rate of $3.99. No Expansion Pack benefits are included. See it at Nintendo. Click the link above to sign up for the free trial. After your trial period ends, you'll be automatically charged for your subscription if it's not canceled.

What Is Nintendo Switch Online?

Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription-based service designed for use with Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 consoles. It's your key to enjoying online multiplayer and additional features in supported games, along with the convenience of automatic cloud backups for your save data.

But the perks don't stop at online play. Subscribers also gain access to a growing catalog of Nintendo Classics spanning over 40 years. The standard subscription includes a curated collection of NES, SNES, and Game Boy games, while the Expansion Pack adds titles from the Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis. For those with a Nintendo Switch 2, the Expansion Pack subscription tier will also unlock select GameCube games at launch.

Nintendo Switch Online 12 Month Individual Membership + Expansion Pack eGift Card

$49.88 at Walmart, $49.88 at Target. Alongside the retro game catalog, Nintendo introduced the new Nintendo Music app in late 2024, allowing you to stream and download your favorite tracks from a wide range of franchises, including Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, Metroid, and many more.

How Much Does Nintendo Switch Online Cost?

Nintendo Switch Online offers both individual and family plans. Individual plans are priced at $3.99 per month, $7.99 for three months, or $19.99 per year. Family plans, which support up to eight accounts, are available annually for $34.99 per year.

Nintendo Switch Online

Compare plans, prices, and perks. See it at Nintendo. The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription, which includes additional Nintendo Classics and specific game DLC packs, is available as an annual subscription only. It costs $49.99 per year for individual subscribers and $79.99 per year for family memberships.

How to Use Nintendo Switch Online - Available Platforms

Nintendo Switch Online is primarily accessible on the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 systems. However, with the recent launch of the Nintendo Music app, its benefits are now also available on mobile devices.