If you own a Nintendo Switch or are planning to purchase a Nintendo Switch 2, you’ve likely heard of Nintendo Switch Online. This service is key for online multiplayer gaming with friends and offers access to a vast library of classic Nintendo titles spanning over four decades, including games from NES, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and, with the Nintendo Switch 2 launch, GameCube collections.
New to Nintendo Switch Online? No problem. Below, we’ll guide you through activating the free trial, detail the subscription options, provide pricing information, and more.
Is There a Free Trial for Nintendo Switch Online?
Yes, Nintendo provides a seven-day free trial for Nintendo Switch Online, granting access to online multiplayer for Nintendo Switch (and soon Nintendo Switch 2) games, cloud save backups, select game soundtracks via Nintendo Music, and a collection of over 100 NES, SNES, and Game Boy titles.

Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial
Enjoy seven days free, then continue at $3.99 monthly. Expansion Pack features are not included. Visit Nintendo to start.
Click the link above to begin your free trial. Unless canceled, your subscription will automatically renew after the trial ends.
What Is Nintendo Switch Online?
Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription service for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 consoles. It enables online multiplayer for supported games and automatically backs up your save data to the cloud.
Beyond online play, subscribers enjoy a growing library of Nintendo Classics spanning over 40 years. The standard plan includes NES, SNES, and Game Boy games, while the Expansion Pack adds Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis titles. Nintendo Switch 2 users with the Expansion Pack can also access select GameCube games at launch.

Nintendo Switch Online 12-Month Individual Membership + Expansion Pack eGift Card
$49.88 at Walmart | $49.88 at Target
In late 2024, Nintendo introduced the Nintendo Music app, letting subscribers stream and download iconic tracks from franchises like Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, Metroid, and more.
How Much Does Nintendo Switch Online Cost?
Nintendo Switch Online offers individual and family plans, the latter supporting up to eight accounts. Individual subscriptions cost $3.99 monthly, $7.99 for three months, or $19.99 annually. Family plans are available for $34.99 per year.

Nintendo Switch Online
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The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, which includes additional classic games and select game DLCs, is available annually only, priced at $49.99 for individuals and $79.99 for family plans.
Where Can You Use Nintendo Switch Online?
Nintendo Switch Online is primarily designed for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 consoles. With the recent launch of the Nintendo Music app, its features are now also accessible on mobile devices.