Everything You Need to Know About Nintendo Switch Online

Do you enjoy playing classic game titles but wish you could take them on the go? If you have a Nintendo Switch, you’re in luck!  Nintendo Switch Online is the ultimate blend of nostalgia and convenience – classic games on a modern, portable console.

Nintendo Switch Online members receive a variety of benefits, including the classic game library with over 100 titles. The Expansion Pack tier adds even more games and benefits for members. 

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Nintendo Switch Online, including pricing, perks, and global availability.

What Is Nintendo Switch Online?

Nintendo Switch Online is Nintendo’s online subscription service for the Nintendo Switch console. It was initially launched in late 2018, about 18 months after the Switch was introduced.  

At launch, Nintendo Switch Online offered one subscription tier.  In late 2021, Nintendo introduced a second subscription tier with additional benefits. The service is available for all Switch models, including standard, OLED, and Lite.

What Tiers Are Available?

The Nintendo Switch Online tiers are:

• Nintendo Switch Online
• Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack

Each tier offers an individual and family option.

The chart below has an overview of the key benefits for each tier.

Nintendo Switch Online is available in 32 of the 40 regions supported by Nintendo. It is not available in China, Taiwan (start date TBD), Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, or Greece. At the time of writing, it is suspended in Russia. 

Not sure which Nintendo Switch Online membership is right for you? Continue reading for an in-depth look at each tier and its benefits.

Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo Switch Online is the original tier launched in 2018. After the addition of the Expansion Pack, Nintendo Switch Online serves as the introductory tier for the service.

Members of Nintendo Switch Online get access to online play, the classic game library, save data cloud, the Nintendo Switch Online app, and exclusive offers.

The game library includes over 100 classic Nintendo (NES), Super Nintendo (SNES), and Game Boy games. The save data cloud automatically backs up your save data for compatible games.

Exclusive offers include free games, Nintendo Switch game vouchers, and in-game bonuses. Select regions also have access to the classic controller collection, which offers wireless versions of the NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, and Sega Mega Drive controllers.

This tier is available globally in all regions that support Nintendo Switch Online.  Pricing varies by region; see the chart below for sample pricing.

Monthly pricing is not available in all regions. Check your specific region for pricing details.

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack

The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack tier includes all the benefits of the original Nintendo Switch Online membership, plus additional games and access to select downloadable content (DLC).

The Expansion Pack for Nintendo Switch Online adds games from the Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis consoles. DLC is available for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Splatoon 2. You must own the full version of the game to take advantage of the free DLC offer.

This tier is available globally in all regions that support Nintendo Switch Online.  Pricing varies by region; see the chart below for sample pricing.

Annual pricing is the only option for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack memberships.

Family Memberships

In addition to individual memberships, Nintendo offers family memberships. Family memberships allow up to eight users. Anyone with a Nintendo Account can be added to a family membership. 

Both Nintendo Switch Online and the Expansion Pack offer a family membership option. Each user on a family membership will have access to all the benefits of the chosen subscription tier. 

Family memberships are available globally in all regions that support Nintendo Switch Online. Pricing varies by region; see the chart below for sample pricing.

Annual pricing is the only option for family memberships, regardless of membership tier.

Which Membership Tier Should I Choose?

At a minimum, everyone who owns a Switch should have at least the base Nintendo Switch Online membership. At only $20 per year (or your local equivalent), the benefits are well worth the price. Plus, the membership pays for itself if you take advantage of the member-exclusive game vouchers, which offer two new-release titles for $99.98.

If you’re really into Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advanced, or Sega Genesis games or want access to the DLC for Splatoon, Mario Kart, or Animal Crossing, go for the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack tier. Otherwise, save your money and stick with the basic membership.

Family memberships are a great option if you have a lot of friends or family members who also own a Switch. Even if you only split a family membership with one other person, it is still cheaper than a yearly individual subscription. If you manage to find seven other people to split the cost with, an annual Nintendo Switch Online membership would only cost $4.37!

Is Nintendo Switch Online Worth It?

In a word, yes. Nintendo Switch Online is incredibly affordable for the benefits it offers and the number of classic games available to subscribers. It’s a small price to play classic games such as Super Mario Bros. and Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.

If you’re not sure about signing up, Nintendo offers a 7-day free trial for Nintendo Switch Online. Start by creating a Nintendo Account and then sign up for the free trial. Happy gaming!

Featured Image: Nintendo