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"Activate Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial in 2025: Guide"

Author:Kristen Update:May 07,2025

If you own a Nintendo Switch or are considering the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, you're likely aware of Nintendo Switch Online. This service is essential for engaging in multiplayer games and playing online with friends. It also offers an unparalleled opportunity to dive into over four decades of classic Nintendo games, including titles from the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and, with the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, the new GameCube libraries.

If you're new to Nintendo Switch Online, don't worry—we've got you covered. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to activate the free trial, explain the different subscription tiers, share pricing details, and more.

Does Nintendo Switch Online Have a Free Trial?

Yes, Nintendo provides a seven-day free trial for Nintendo Switch Online. This trial gives you access to online play for your Nintendo Switch (and future Nintendo Switch 2 games), cloud backup for your save data, select game soundtracks on Nintendo Music, and a library of over 100 NES, SNES, and Game Boy games.

Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial

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 if it's not 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. It enables online multiplayer and additional features for supported games, along with cloud backup for your save data.

Beyond online play, a subscription grants access to a growing catalog of Nintendo Classics spanning over 40 years. The standard subscription includes a curated collection of NES, SNES, and Game Boy games, while the Expansion Pack adds titles from Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis. For Nintendo Switch 2 owners, the Expansion Pack will also include select GameCube games at launch.

Nintendo Switch Online 12 Month Individual Membership + Expansion Pack eGift Card

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 franchises like Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, Metroid, and more.

How Much Does Nintendo Switch Online Cost?

Nintendo Switch Online offers both individual and family plans. The individual plan costs $3.99 per month, $7.99 for three months, or $19.99 per year. The family plan, which supports up to eight accounts, is available annually for $34.99 per year.

Nintendo Switch Online

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 only available annually. It costs $49.99 per year for individual subscribers and $79.99 per year for family memberships.

How to Use Nintendo Switch Online - Available Platforms

Nintendo Switch Online is primarily accessible on the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 systems. With the recent addition of the Nintendo Music app, its benefits are also available on mobile devices.