Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) membership plans are a gateway to a rich array of gaming experiences, including online multiplayer and a treasure trove of retro games from past console generations. If you're browsing the Nintendo Store for new Switch games, a subscription can unlock a host of additional benefits. With the confirmation that NSO will transition to the Nintendo Switch 2, these perks will continue to enhance your gaming on the new console. Let's explore the two membership plans to help you choose the best fit for your gaming needs.

Whether you're eager to dive into classics like "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" and "Super Mario 64," or you're keen on racing your friends in "Mario Kart" online, understanding the NSO plans is crucial. Below, we'll detail the full range of Nintendo Switch Online membership options to guide your decision-making process.

### Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial

Nintendo Switch Online offers a seven-day free trial of its basic membership, providing access to online play in your existing Switch games and an extensive library of NES, SNES, and Game Boy titles. You can sign up for this trial directly on your Switch or through the Nintendo Online website by logging into your Nintendo account and following the prompts in the eShop. After the trial, your subscription will automatically renew at a monthly rate of $3.99. Note that each Nintendo account is eligible for only one free trial period, and Expansion Pack benefits are not included during this trial.

How Much Is Nintendo Switch Online?

### Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo Switch Online offers two distinct membership plans: Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. These plans are available in individual or family packages, which determine the number of accounts that can access the benefits. Let's break down what each plan offers, their advantages, and the pricing.

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

The Individual plan provides online play access for one account, along with full access to the Switch Online libraries for NES, SNES, and Game Boy games. It also includes cloud saving, access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app, and exclusive offers and discounts. This plan is perfect for solo players who primarily want online multiplayer and retro gaming without committing to a full year upfront. A 12-month individual membership can be purchased as a gift card for $19.99 at Amazon.

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 ideal for households with multiple gamers. This plan requires a year-long commitment but offers a cost-effective solution compared to buying individual memberships for each family member. It includes online play, access to NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, cloud saving, the mobile app, and exclusive deals.

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

The Expansion Pack Individual plan enhances the standard NSO offerings with access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, as well as expansions for "Mario Kart 8," "Animal Crossing: New Horizons," and "Splatoon 2." This plan is tailored for avid gamers looking to relive classics and enjoy additional content without sourcing old consoles. However, it requires a year-long commitment and the expansions can be purchased separately if needed.

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

The Family version of the Expansion Pack plan mirrors the Individual plan but extends the benefits to up to eight accounts. This option is perfect for families where everyone wants to access the expanded retro libraries and additional game content. It includes all the features of the standard NSO plan, making it a comprehensive package for households.

Additional Subscription Details

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

The base Nintendo Switch Online plan is ideal for solo players focused on online multiplayer. It grants access to online play for your favorite games, along with the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, which can be played offline if you've logged in within the last seven days. This plan also offers cloud saving, the mobile app, and exclusive deals, with the flexibility to subscribe monthly or save by opting for a year-long membership.

Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99

The Family plan offers the same features as the Individual plan but for up to eight accounts, making it a cost-effective choice for larger households. It includes online play, access to retro game libraries, cloud saving, the mobile app, and exclusive offers, all for a year-long subscription.

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

For frequent players, the Expansion Pack Individual plan adds value with access to additional retro game libraries and major game expansions. It's suited for those who want a comprehensive gaming experience without the need for multiple accounts. Note that this plan requires a year-long commitment and the expansions can be purchased separately if desired.

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

The Family version of the Expansion Pack plan is designed for households where multiple gamers want to enjoy all the benefits of NSO, including expanded game libraries and additional content. It offers the same features as the standard NSO plan but for up to eight accounts, making it a premium option for families.