Nintendo Switch Online Subscription: Cost Breakdown

Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) offers a comprehensive suite of services that enhance your gaming experience on the Switch. With access to iconic games from past console generations and expansions for some of the biggest titles, NSO packs a lot of value into its membership plans. If you're browsing the Nintendo Store for new Switch games, consider the added benefits that come with a subscription.

With the confirmation that NSO will carry over to the Switch 2, you can be assured that these memberships will continue to deliver the same perks, including access to a rich library of retro games. But how do you choose the right plan? There are two plans to consider, and it's important to weigh their benefits and offers to make an informed decision.

Whether you're eager to dive into classics like "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" and "Super Mario 64," or you want to enjoy online multiplayer sessions of "Mario Kart" with friends, we'll detail the full range of Nintendo Switch Online membership plans to help you find the perfect fit.

### Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial

Nintendo Switch Online offers a seven-day free trial for its basic membership, allowing you to experience online play for your existing Switch games and dive into a wide range of NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries. You can easily sign up for the trial on your Switch or through the Nintendo Online website by logging into your Nintendo account and following the prompts on the eShop. Keep in mind that after the trial, your subscription will automatically renew at a monthly rate of $3.99. Each Nintendo account is limited to one free trial period, and no Expansion Pack benefits are included during the trial.

How Much Is Nintendo Switch Online?

### Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo offers two Nintendo Switch Online membership plans: Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. These plans are available in both individual and family packages, affecting the number of accounts that can access the benefits. Below, we'll detail what each plan offers, along with their benefits, drawbacks, and pricing.

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

The individual plan provides a Nintendo Switch Online pass for one account, granting you access to online play, the full Switch Online NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app, and exclusive offers and discounts. This plan is perfect for solo players looking to enjoy online multiplayer and classic games without committing to a yearly subscription upfront. The 12-month option offers a $27 saving compared to paying monthly.

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

You can also purchase a $19.99 gift card at Amazon for a 12-month individual membership.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

The family plan extends the benefits of the individual plan to up to eight accounts, making it an excellent value for households with multiple players. It includes access to online play, the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, the mobile app, and exclusive deals. This plan requires a yearly commitment but is significantly cheaper than purchasing individual memberships for each family member.

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

This plan is tailored for avid Switch players, offering all the features of the standard NSO plan, plus additional emulators and expansion packs. You'll gain access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, as well as expansions for "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe," "Animal Crossing: New Horizons," and "Splatoon 2." This plan requires a yearly subscription and is ideal for those wanting to experience classic games and expansions without sourcing old consoles.

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

The family version of the Expansion Pack plan extends the benefits to up to eight accounts, making it a robust option for households. It includes everything in the standard NSO plan, plus the additional emulators and expansions. While the price increase is significant, it's a cost-effective way for families to enjoy all the perks of NSO and the Expansion Pack.

Additional Subscription Details

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

The basic NSO plan is ideal for solo players focused on online multiplayer. It grants access to online play, the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, and offers cloud saving, the mobile app, and exclusive deals. You can play these classic games offline if you've logged in within the last seven days. This plan allows flexibility without committing to a yearly subscription, with a significant saving if you choose the annual option.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

The family plan mirrors the individual plan but extends the benefits to up to eight accounts, making it cost-effective for larger households. It includes online play, access to the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, the mobile app, and exclusive offers. This plan is perfect for families wanting to play online without the additional features of the Expansion Pack.

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

For dedicated Switch gamers, the Expansion Pack adds value with access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, alongside expansions for major titles. It's a yearly commitment and best for those looking to enjoy a broader range of classic games and expansions. If you're mainly interested in online multiplayer, the standard plan might suffice.

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

This plan offers the same benefits as the individual Expansion Pack but for up to eight accounts. It's an excellent choice for families wanting to enjoy the full range of NSO features and the Expansion Pack's additional content. Note that the expansions can be purchased separately if you're primarily interested in those.