How much is Nintendo Online and is a Switch subscription worth it?

What is Nintendo Switch Online?

Nintendo Switch Online is an optional service that can be bought for the Switch, allowing you to play your favourite games with friends online. While this is a paid subscription, there are multiple benefits, including:

• 7-day free trial to explore the features

• Play team games with friends anywhere in the world

• Access to iconic game titles from NES, SNES and Game Boy back catalogues

• Save Data Cloud access to automatically keep your game save data secure

• Access to special features in a variety of games through the Nintendo Switch Online app

• Exclusive member-only offers including game trials, games and merchandise

• Choice of individual or family membership plans

How much is Nintendo Online in the UK?

There are several Nintendo Switch subscription packages to choose from, each of which offers great value for money. These include individual plans, and family plans which can be used by as many as eight players for just one great Nintendo Switch Online price. But how much is Nintendo Online?

The Nintendo Switch Online price becomes cheaper the longer you take out a subscription for, and a family subscription is far cheaper per person than eight individual subscriptions. You can take out a family subscription with a group of friends, as well as those in your household.

What is the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack?

The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is an add-on to Nintendo Switch Online with additional features. These include access to hundreds of classic Sega Genesis, Game Boy Advance and Nintendo 64 games, plus a variety of downloadable content (DLC) at no extra charge. 

Top Nintendo 64 games:

• Mario Kart 64

• The Legend of Zelda

• Goldeneye 007

• Ocarina of Time

Top Sega Genesis games:

• Sonic the Hedgehog 2

• Golden Axe

• Ecco the Dolphin

• Streets of Rage 2

Top Game Boy Advance games:

• The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap

• Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros 3

• Mario Kart Super Circuit

• Kuru Kuru Kururin

Top DLC for no extra charge:

• Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise

• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass

• Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion

All this and more, plus the same great features you get with Nintendo Switch Online, priced affordably for a 12-month subscription.

How to buy Nintendo Switch Online?

There are several ways you can buy Nintendo Switch Online. You can do so via your Switch console, on the Nintendo website, or at participating external retailers.

Buying through the Switch console

To purchase a Nintendo Switch subscription via your console:

• Head to the Home menu and select Nintendo eShop

• Choose the account you want to use

• Choose your payment method

• Choose Nintendo Switch Online, which you will see on the left of the screen

• See current membership pricing and options in the View/Change Membership menu

• Select Proceed to Purchase once you’ve chosen your plan, or Redeem Code if you have a prepaid code

• Follow the instructions to enter your payment details

• Choose whether to set up automatic renewal or not

• Hit Confirm to finalise the transaction

Buying on the Nintendo website

To purchase a Nintendo Switch subscription via the Nintendo website:

• Visit the Nintendo Switch Site in your web browser

• Sign in to your Nintendo account

• Choose the Switch subscription you want to purchase

• Select Proceed to Purchase once you’ve chosen your plan, or Redeem Code if you have a prepaid code

• Follow the instructions to enter your payment details

• Choose whether to set up automatic renewal or not

• Hit Confirm to finalise the transaction

Buying at external retailers

You can also purchase a Switch subscription at various participating retailers. This will result in you getting a prepaid code. Simply choose “Redeem Code” rather than “Proceed to Purchase” on your Switch or on the Nintendo website and follow the instructions as above.

Which Nintendo Switch Online plan is right for me?

The best Nintendo Switch Online plan for you will depend on various factors, including how many devices you want to get online and what extra features you want to access. A family subscription can be used for up to eight people, including children and friends. An individual plan is just for you, but you can still use it to play against others online.

Are there any other Nintendo Switch subscription deals?

At present, Nintendo only offers Switch subscription deals as outlined above. However, you may find Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or other sales packages from various retailers offering bundles that include Nintendo Switch Online at a price that’s discounted as part of a package with the console and/or certain games.

You can also save money by buying a refurbished Nintendo Switch console from Back Market, where prices are as low as – or lower – than most sale prices all year round. With the money you save on the console, you can treat yourself to a Nintendo Switch subscription.

All Nintendo Switch consoles sold refurbished on Back Market come with a warranty of at least 12 months and a 30-day money-back guarantee.