If you're a proud owner of a Nintendo Switch or eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2, you're likely already acquainted with Nintendo Switch Online. This service is vital for enjoying multiplayer features and connecting with friends in your favorite games. But that's not all—it's your golden ticket to over four decades of classic Nintendo titles, ranging from the iconic NES and SNES to the Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and, with the upcoming launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, the exciting addition of GameCube games.
If you're new to the scene and haven't tried Nintendo Switch Online yet, fear not—we're here to guide you through it all. In this article, we'll detail how to activate the free trial, break down the different subscription tiers, discuss pricing, and offer more insights.
Does Nintendo Switch Online Have a Free Trial?
Yes, Nintendo offers a **seven-day free trial** for Nintendo Switch Online, which 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 via Nintendo Music, and a library of over 100 classic games from the NES, SNES, and Game Boy eras.
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 unless it's 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. As the name implies, it enables online multiplayer and additional features for supported games, along with automatic cloud backups for your save data.
But the perks don't stop at online play. A subscription unlocks a growing catalog of Nintendo Classics spanning over 40 years. The standard subscription includes a selection of NES, SNES, and Game Boy games, while the Expansion Pack extends your library to include Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis titles. For those upgrading to the Nintendo Switch 2, the Expansion Pack also provides access to 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 beloved franchises like Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, Metroid, and more.
How Much Does Nintendo Switch Online Cost?
Nintendo Switch Online offers flexible plans: an individual plan or a family plan that supports up to eight accounts. Individual plans are priced at **$3.99 per month**, **$7.99 for three months**, or **$19.99 per year**. The family plan is 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 annually for **$49.99 per year for individual subscribers** and **$79.99 per year for family memberships**.
How to Use Nintendo Switch Online - Available Platforms
Primarily, Nintendo Switch Online is accessible on the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 systems. With the introduction of the Nintendo Music app, its benefits extend to mobile devices as well.
