If you own a Nintendo Switch, you’ve probably heard of Nintendo Switch Online—and if you haven’t signed up yet, you’re missing out on a whole world of gaming fun! This nifty service lets you play your favorite games online with friends, dive into a treasure trove of classic NES and SNES titles, and get your hands on exclusive offers. Signing up is as easy as pie—you can do it right from your Switch or hop onto the Nintendo website.
The service offers a few different membership options, whether you’re a solo player or have a family of gamers.
You can select from monthly, quarterly, or annual subscriptions to fit your gaming habits and your wallet.
Once you’re all set up, you’ll instantly unlock a fantastic world of multiplayer gaming and timeless classics.
Key Takeaways
- Nintendo Switch Online membership opens doors to online multiplayer and classic game access.
- Sign-up is a breeze through the Switch eShop or directly on Nintendo’s website.
- There’s a membership plan for everyone—choose what suits you best!
How to Get Started with Nintendo Switch Online
Nintendo Switch Online is all about fun, convenience, and jumping into gaming action without a hitch.
Let’s break it down!
Getting a Grip on Nintendo Switch Online
This service lets you connect with friends and play games online, plus dive into a library of classic NES and Super NES gems.
You can even back up your game saves in the cloud—no more anxiety about losing your progress if your Switch takes an unexpected tumble.
You’ll need a subscription to play popular titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe online, though some free-to-play games can be enjoyed without a membership.
Just fair warning!
Plus, with Nintendo Switch Online, you’ll often find special offers like discounts on games or exclusive in-game items.
Who doesn’t love a good deal?
Creating Your Nintendo Account and Accessing the eShop
First, you’ll need a Nintendo Account to dive into Nintendo Switch Online.
This account gives you full access to the Nintendo eShop, where the magic happens!
Setting up your Nintendo Account is a snap:
- Head over to the Nintendo website.
- Click “Sign Up.”
- Fill in your info, and voila!
- Choose a password that’s a bit tricky to guess.
Once you’ve got your account, you can link it to your Switch.
Just go to System Settings, then User, and hit “Link Nintendo Account.” Easy peasy!
The eShop is like a candy store for gamers.
Buy games, discover new titles, and purchase that online membership—all while adding funds with a credit card or PayPal.
Membership Options Made Simple
Nintendo Switch Online offers different membership plans:
- Individual: Just for you.
- Family: Share the fun with up to 8 users.
You can even try it out for free for 7 days—no strings attached! After that, just pick a plan that fits:
| Plan | 1 Month | 3 Months | 12 Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual | $3.99 | $7.99 | $19.99 |
| Family | – | – | $34.99 |
Memberships auto-renew, but you can switch that off in your account settings if you don’t want it to.
Ready to sign up? Just pop into the eShop on your Switch.
Select “Nintendo Switch Online,” then choose your plan.
You can also sign up on the website.
Fill in your payment details, confirm, and you’re off to the races! If you’re curious about setting up a family plan, you can invite up to eight family members to enjoy all the benefits together.
Benefits and Features You’ll Love
The perks of Nintendo Switch Online are sweet! Members gain access to classic games, online play, and a lot of additional content.
Classic Games and Exclusive Offers
With a Nintendo Switch Online membership, you can access an extensive library of over 100 classic games from the NES, Super NES, Game Boy, and Game Boy Advance.
Who else remembers the joy of smashing blocks in Super Mario Bros? Or solving puzzles in The Legend of Zelda? Oh, the nostalgia!
The Expansion Pack enhances your experience with more games from Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis, plus bonus content for modern games.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons fans can grab the Happy Home Paradise DLC, and if you’re a Mario Kart 8 Deluxe aficionado, new tracks from the Booster Course Pass add more excitement to the race.
Don’t forget about those Gold Points you can earn on purchases—these give you discounts on games in the eShop.
And sometimes, Nintendo rolls out special deals just for subscribers, so keep your eyes peeled!
Online Features That Rock
Online play is one of the best parts of Nintendo Switch Online! Members can jump into multiplayer matches in games like Splatoon 2 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to race and compete against friends or challenge players worldwide.
You’ll also benefit from cloud save functionality, which securely backs up your game progress.
If you ever misplace or break your Switch (yikes!), your saves can be restored without a hitch.
If you’re into using your phone while gaming, there’s a handy app that offers voice chat for compatible games and game-specific services.
For instance, in Splatoon 2, it shows you match results and lets you gear up.
And with Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers, you can score discounts on select digital games.
Managing your account is effortless through the Nintendo Account settings.
Questions We All Want Answers To
Got questions? You’re not alone! Here are answers to the most common queries about Nintendo Switch Online, including signing up, included features, and how to make the most of your membership.
How do I get a Nintendo Switch Online account?
Getting started is simple! Head to the Nintendo eShop on your Switch, find the Nintendo Switch Online section, and select “Membership Options.” Choose your desired plan and complete the purchase to activate your account.
What’s the difference between a Nintendo Account and Nintendo Switch Online?
A Nintendo Account is free and allows access to basic services, while Nintendo Switch Online is a paid membership that unlocks premium features like online play.
Just remember, you need a Nintendo Account to sign up for Nintendo Switch Online.
What’s included in a Nintendo Switch Online membership?
With your membership, you get online multiplayer, cloud saves, and classic games.
Dive into online gaming with titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and explore a collection of NES and SNES games.
Can you play online without a Nintendo Switch Online subscription?
Most Nintendo Switch games require a subscription to play online.
There are a few exceptions like Fortnite, which is free-to-play.
And good news—local multiplayer doesn’t require a subscription!
Steps to subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack?
Want in on the Expansion Pack? Follow these easy steps:
- Open the Nintendo eShop on your Switch.
- Select Nintendo Switch Online.
- Choose “Membership Options.”
- Pick the Expansion Pack plan.
- Complete the purchase, and you’re good to go!
How do I access my Nintendo Switch Online games collection?
To enjoy classic NES, SNES, and Game Boy games as part of your membership, do the following:
- Download the specific app (NES, SNES, or Game Boy) from the eShop.
- Open the app on your Switch.
- Pick a game to start playing.
The games are yours at no extra charge!