Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial: 2025 Activation Guide

If you own a Nintendo Switch (or plan to get a Nintendo Switch 2), you've likely heard about Nintendo Switch Online. This essential service unlocks multiplayer gaming and provides one of the best ways to enjoy Nintendo's gaming legacy spanning four decades - including classic titles from NES, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and (with the Nintendo Switch 2 launch) upcoming GameCube titles.

New to Nintendo Switch Online? We'll guide you through the free trial process, explain subscription options, pricing details, and more.

Does Nintendo Switch Online Offer a Free Trial?

Yes, Nintendo provides a 7-day free trial for Nintendo Switch Online. This gives temporary access to online multiplayer, cloud save backups, select game soundtracks via Nintendo Music, and a library of over 100 NES, SNES, and Game Boy classics.

Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial

7-day free access, then $3.99/month automatic renewal. Expansion Pack features excluded. See it at Nintendo

The trial converts to a paid subscription automatically unless canceled before the trial period ends.

What Is Nintendo Switch Online?

Nintendo Switch Online is the premium subscription service for Switch and upcoming Switch 2 consoles. It enables online multiplayer gameplay and automatic cloud save backups for supported titles.

The service offers much more than just online play. Subscribers gain access to Nintendo's extensive back catalog of classic games. The base membership includes NES, SNES, and Game Boy titles, while the Expansion Pack adds Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis games. Switch 2 owners will gain access to GameCube titles at launch through the Expansion Pack tier.

Nintendo Switch Online 12-Month Individual Membership + Expansion Pack

$49.88 at Walmart | $49.88 at Target

Additionally, Nintendo Music (launched late 2024) lets subscribers stream and download iconic music tracks from popular franchises like Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, and Metroid.

Nintendo Switch Online Pricing

The service offers individual and family plans (supporting up to eight accounts). Individual options include $3.99/month, $7.99/quarter, or $19.99/year. Family plans are annual at $34.99/year.

Nintendo Switch Online Plans

Compare features and pricing See it at Nintendo

The premium Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is available as annual subscriptions only: $49.99/year for individuals and $79.99/year for families.

How to Use Nintendo Switch Online - Platform Availability

While primarily for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 consoles, the Nintendo Music app extends some service benefits to mobile devices.