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

Author:Kristen Update:Apr 22,2025

If you're a proud owner of a Nintendo Switch or eagerly awaiting the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, you're likely already familiar with the benefits of Nintendo Switch Online. Not only is it essential for enjoying multiplayer features and playing online with friends in your favorite games, but it also offers a gateway to over four decades of classic Nintendo games. From the nostalgic NES, SNES, and Game Boy titles to the more recent Nintendo 64 games, and with the upcoming launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, you'll soon have access to the exciting GameCube library as well.

If you haven't yet explored Nintendo Switch Online, don't worry—we're here to guide you through it. Below, we'll walk you through how to activate the free trial, explain the different subscription tiers, provide pricing details, and more.

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 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. As the name implies, it enables you to enjoy online multiplayer and additional features for supported games, along with the convenience of cloud backups for your save data.

But the perks don't stop at online play. With a subscription, you'll also unlock access to a continually expanding 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 the Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis. For those who will own a Nintendo Switch 2, the Expansion Pack subscription tier will also allow you to play select GameCube games right from 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 launched the new Nintendo Music app in late 2024, allowing you to stream and download your favorite tracks from a wide range of beloved franchises, including Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, Metroid, and many more.

How Much Does Nintendo Switch Online Cost?

Nintendo Switch Online is available as 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**. Family plans, which are only available annually, cost **$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 available as an annual subscription only. 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 available on the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 systems. However, with the recent addition of the Nintendo Music app, its benefits are now also accessible on mobile devices, enhancing your gaming experience beyond the console itself.