If you're a proud owner of a Nintendo Switch or planning to get the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, you're likely familiar with Nintendo Switch Online. This service isn't just crucial for multiplayer gaming and connecting with friends; it's your golden ticket to exploring over four decades of classic Nintendo games. From the nostalgic NES, SNES, and Game Boy titles to the beloved Nintendo 64 classics, and soon, with the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, the new GameCube libraries, there's a treasure trove of gaming history at your fingertips.
Haven't dived into Nintendo Switch Online yet? No worries—we're here to help. We'll guide you through activating the free trial, explain the different subscription tiers, provide pricing details, and more.
Does Nintendo Switch Online Have a Free Trial?
Yes, Nintendo offers a **seven-day free trial** for Nintendo Switch Online, which gives you a taste of 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 enables online multiplayer gaming and offers additional features for supported games, along with automatically backing up your save data to the cloud.
However, the benefits extend beyond online play. Subscribers 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 Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis titles. For those with a Nintendo Switch 2, the Expansion Pack subscription 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 Nintendo Music app in late 2024, allowing you to stream and download tracks from a wide range of beloved franchises, including Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, Metroid, and 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 at **$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 only available as an annual subscription. 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 available on the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 systems. However, with the addition of the Nintendo Music app, its benefits are now also accessible on mobile devices.
