Nintendo Switch Online: A SuperParent Guide
Everything you need to know about the Switch's online membership.
Nintendo Switch Online launched on September 18, 2018. This premium subscription service is similar to PlayStation Plus and Xbox Live Gold, but is it right for your family?
We’re here with a complete guide to Nintendo’s online service, so you can make that decision.
What is the Nintendo Switch Online service?
Nintendo Switch Online is a premium subscription service that gives subscribers access to a variety of benefits. The service is similar to PlayStation Plus and Xbox Live Gold (which both cost $59.99 per year), but some Nintendo Switch Online plans have a cheaper price tag (starting at $19.99 for 12 months, depending on the plan you choose).
What’s included in the Nintendo Switch Online membership?
There are two Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions to choose from: The basic Nintendo Switch Online membership and the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
The Nintendo Switch Online membership plan allows you to play Nintendo Switch games online with others, both competitively and cooperatively. Many games, such as Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, require players to have a Nintendo Switch Online membership in order to access online features. Other games (like Fortnite) don't require the Nintendo Switch Online membership to play online, but it depends on the game.
Subscribers also have full access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app on iOS and Android devices. The app lets users send invitations to their friends to play online games on the Switch, as well as chat with others. It also includes game-specific services, such as NookLink for Animal Crossing: New Horizons and SplatNet 2 for Splatoon 2. These areas give players access to features that may improve their experience with each game. For instance, the NookLink service allows Animal Crossing: New Horizons players to collect free points each day, which they can redeem for in-game items in New Horizons.
Nintendo Switch Online also allows you to create an online backup of your game save data (all of your in-game progress) for "most" (but not all) Nintendo Switch games, so you won't need to start all over in these games if something happens to your Switch, or you decide to pick up another Switch console.
Nintendo Switch Online subscribers can play a curated selection of over 100 classic games that were originally released on the Nintendo Entertainment System and Super Nintendo. Some highlights include The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Metroid, and Super Mario Kart, just to name a few. Some games include support for multiplayer gameplay. You can play these games as often as you want and for as long as you want, so long as you have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership.
In addition to these classic games, a few new games have been released that are only available for subscribers to play. For instance, as of this writing, Nintendo Switch Online susbcribers can play Pac-Man 99, as well as access online gameplay in Tetris 99 (that is, online play in Tetris 99 requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership).
Finally, subscribers have access to special deals and offers that may only be available to subscribers.
The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership includes all of the benefits from the standard Nintendo Switch Online membership, and it also gives subscribers access to additional benefits:
- Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers can play a growing selection of games that were originally released on the Sega Genesis and Nintendo 64 on their Nintendo Switch.
- Subscribers can access the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Happy Home Paradise downloadable content (DLC) without purchasing it separately.
- Subscribers can access the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Booster Course Pass DLC without purchasing it separately.
- Subscribers can access the Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion DLC without purchasing it separately.
How much does the service cost?
Nintendo Switch Online is available in "individual membership" and "family membership" options. An individual membership is for a single person, while a family membership can be shared by everyone in your family group.
An individual membership for the basic Nintendo Switch Online plan has the following prices:
- 1 Month - $3.99
- 3 Months - $7.99
- 12 Months - $19.99
A family membership for the basic Nintendo Switch Online plan costs $34.99 for 12 months.
An individual membership for the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack plan costs $49.99 for 12 months.
A family membership for the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack plan costs $79.99 for 12 months.
Am I required to subscribe to the Nintendo Switch Online service?
Absolutely not. If you choose not to subscribe, you won’t have access to any of the premium features we talked about above, but you’ll still be able to play the games you’ve purchased. In addition, you’ll still have access to some online features, such as the Nintendo eShop, the friends system, and the ability to share screenshots and videos on social media.
Is there anything else I need to know?
If you’re undecided on whether or not the Nintendo Switch Online service is right for your family, you can sign up for a 7-day free trial of the service by visiting the Nintendo eShop on your Switch.
Disclosure: SuperParent's parent company, ReKTGlobal, works with Tetris as a client. SuperParent's coverage remains objective.
Editor's note: This article has been updated since it was originally published.
Brandy Berthelson has been writing about video games and technology since 2006, with her work appearing on sites including AOL Games, Digital Spy, and Adweek’s Social Pro Daily. When she’s not gaming, Brandy enjoys crafting, baking, and traveling with her husband.
