How to Activate the Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial in 2025

If you own a Nintendo Switch or are planning to get the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, you're likely no stranger to Nintendo Switch Online. This service is not only crucial for enjoying multiplayer features and connecting with friends in popular games, but it also offers a nostalgic journey through over four decades of classic Nintendo titles. From the NES, SNES, and Game Boy to the Nintendo 64, and with the anticipated launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, the GameCube library will soon be accessible too.

If you're new to Nintendo Switch Online, no worries—we've got all the information you need. Below, we'll guide you through how to activate the free trial, detail the different subscription tiers, provide pricing information, and much more.

Does Nintendo Switch Online Have a Free Trial?

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

Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial

• Seven days free, then renewed at a monthly rate of $3.99.
• No Expansion Pack benefits are included.
• Click here 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 service designed for use with Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 consoles. It enables online multiplayer and additional features for supported games, along with automatic cloud backups for your save data.

However, the perks extend beyond just online play. A subscription unlocks a vast catalog of Nintendo Classics spanning over 40 years. The standard subscription offers access to NES, SNES, and Game Boy games, while the Expansion Pack extends this to include Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis titles. For those with a Nintendo Switch 2, the Expansion Pack will also provide access to select GameCube games upon the console's launch.

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

• $49.88 at Walmart
• $49.88 at Target

In late 2024, Nintendo introduced the Nintendo Music app, allowing subscribers to stream and download tracks from beloved franchises like Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, Metroid, and more.

How Much Does Nintendo Switch Online Cost?

Nintendo Switch Online offers both individual and family plans. Individual plans are priced at **$3.99 per month**, **$7.99 for three months**, or **$19.99 per year**. Family plans, which support up to eight accounts, are available annually for **$34.99 per year**.

Nintendo Switch Online

• Compare plans, prices, and perks

The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription, which includes additional Nintendo Classics and specific game DLC packs, is available only as an annual subscription. 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 designed for use with the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 systems. However, with the introduction of the Nintendo Music app, its benefits are now also accessible on mobile devices.