by Michael May 13,2025
Nintendo's online services offer a rich experience for Switch users, providing access to iconic games from past console generations and various expansions for major releases. If you're exploring the Nintendo Store for new Switch games, consider the added benefits that come with a Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) membership. With the confirmation that NSO will transition to the Switch 2, you can be assured that these memberships will retain their value, including access to retro game libraries, on the upcoming console. Choosing the right membership plan depends on the perks you're looking for and the best deals available when you sign up.
Whether you're eager to dive into classics like Ocarina of Time and Super Mario 64 or simply want to race with friends in Mario Kart online, understanding the full range of Nintendo Switch Online membership plans will help you make an informed choice.
Does Nintendo Switch Online Have a Free Trial? -----------------------------------------------Experience the benefits of Nintendo Switch Online with a seven-day free trial, which includes online play for your existing Switch games and access to a vast library of NES, SNES, and Game Boy titles. Sign up directly on your Switch or through the Nintendo Online website by logging into your Nintendo account and navigating to the eShop. Post-trial, the subscription automatically renews at $3.99 per month, and each account is eligible for one free trial only.
Explore the two Nintendo Switch Online membership plans - the standard Nintendo Switch Online and the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, available in individual or family packages. Each plan offers different benefits and pricing, designed to cater to different user needs.
This plan grants online play access and full libraries for NES, SNES, and Game Boy games to one account. Additional perks include cloud saving, the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app, and exclusive offers and discounts.
12-Month Individual Membership
Purchase a $19.99 gift card at Amazon for a year-long individual membership.
This plan extends the same benefits as the Individual plan to up to eight accounts. It's ideal for households where multiple users want to enjoy online play and the retro game libraries at a more affordable rate.
For avid players, this plan includes everything in the standard plan plus access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, along with major expansions like Mario Kart 8: Booster Course Pass, Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise, and Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion.
This plan offers the same extensive benefits as the Individual Expansion Pack, but for up to eight accounts, making it perfect for families or groups wanting to explore a wider range of classic and expanded content.
This basic plan is perfect for solo players primarily interested in online multiplayer. You'll gain access to a curated list of NES, SNES, and Game Boy classics, playable offline if you've logged in within the last seven days. While it doesn't include access to N64, Game Boy Advance, or SEGA Genesis libraries, it does offer cloud saving, exclusive deals, and the mobile app. Its flexible pricing allows you to subscribe monthly or annually, with a significant discount for a year-long commitment.
The Family plan mirrors the Individual plan but extends the benefits to up to eight accounts. It's cost-effective for households but requires a year-long commitment. It offers online play, access to NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, and the mobile app, making it a great choice for families focused on online gaming.
This plan is tailored for dedicated players who want more from their subscription. Alongside the standard NSO features, you get access to additional emulators for N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis games, as well as expansions for popular titles like Animal Crossing, Mario Kart, and Splatoon. While these expansions can be bought separately, the bundled approach offers convenience and savings for frequent players.
The Family Expansion Pack extends all the benefits of the Individual Expansion Pack to up to eight accounts. It's ideal for families where everyone wants to enjoy a broad range of classic games and expansions. Despite the higher cost, it remains a valuable option if the whole household is engaged with the additional content offered by the Expansion Pack.
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