Nintendo Switch Online Plans: Which Benefits Make Them Worth It?
Nintendo Switch Online and its Expansion Pack tier are subscription services that add online multiplayer, classic game libraries, cloud saves, and other perks to the Switch console. The base plan is worth it for most owners because it unlocks online play and the NES/SNES libraries at a low annual cost, while the Expansion Pack adds N64, Sega Genesis, and DLC for a higher price that only pays off for specific players. Here is a breakdown of exactly what each plan includes, how they compare, and how to decide which one fits your habits.
Background: How Nintendo Switch Online Started
Nintendo launched Switch Online in September 2018, replacing the free online service that had been available since the Switch’s release in 2017. The service was introduced alongside a paid tier that bundled online multiplayer with a rotating selection of classic NES games. In October 2021, Nintendo added the Expansion Pack tier, which brought Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis titles, plus downloadable content (DLC) for select games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Unlike Xbox Live Gold or PlayStation Plus, which focus on monthly free games and online play, Nintendo’s service is more tightly integrated with its legacy catalog. The company has gradually added features like cloud saves, mobile app integration, and exclusive in-game items, but the core value remains the retro libraries and online multiplayer.
How the Plans Work: Base vs. Expansion Pack
Nintendo offers two main subscription tiers, each with individual and family options. The family plan covers up to eight Nintendo Accounts, which is the most cost-effective way to subscribe if you live with other Switch users.
- Base Plan (Individual): $19.99 for 12 months, or $3.99 for one month.
- Base Plan (Family): $34.99 for 12 months, covering up to 8 accounts.
- Expansion Pack (Individual): $49.99 for 12 months.
- Expansion Pack (Family): $79.99 for 12 months.
Both plans include the same core features: online multiplayer for games like Splatoon 3, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate; cloud saves for most games; the NES and SNES libraries; and the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app for voice chat and game-specific features. The Expansion Pack adds the N64 and Sega Genesis libraries, plus the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass and the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Happy Home Paradise DLC.
What You Get with the Base Plan
The base plan is the entry point, and for many players it is all they need. Here are the key benefits:
- Online multiplayer: Required for any game that uses Nintendo’s online service, including co-op and competitive modes.
- Classic NES and SNES games: A rotating library of over 100 titles, including Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Super Metroid, and EarthBound. These are playable with online co-op for two players.
- Cloud saves: Automatic backup of save data for most games, which protects against console loss or damage. Note that some games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Splatoon 2 do not support cloud saves.
- Smartphone app: Voice chat and game-specific tools, such as the Splatoon 3 stage scheduler and Super Smash Bros. replay uploads.
- Exclusive offers: Occasional in-game items, such as the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe vehicle parts or Fortnite cosmetics, given to subscribers.
The NES and SNES libraries are the standout value for retro fans. The emulation is solid, and the online co-op feature lets you play classic two-player games with friends over the internet, which was not possible on the original hardware.
What the Expansion Pack Adds
The Expansion Pack is a significant price jump, so it is worth understanding exactly what you are paying for:
- Nintendo 64 library: Around 20 titles, including Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Mario Kart 64, and GoldenEye 007. The emulation has improved since launch, but some games still have minor glitches.
- Sega Genesis library: Around 20 titles, including Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Streets of Rage 2, and Castlevania: Bloodlines.
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass: This DLC adds 48 additional tracks to the game, normally priced at $24.99. With the Expansion Pack, you get it included for as long as you subscribe.
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons Happy Home Paradise: A full expansion that normally costs $24.99, adding a new island design career and hundreds of items.
The DLC inclusion is the most concrete value. If you own either of those games and want the DLC, the Expansion Pack effectively pays for itself compared to buying the DLC outright. However, you lose access to the DLC if you cancel your subscription, so it is a rental rather than a purchase.
How to Choose: Which Plan Fits You?
Your choice depends on your library and play habits. Here is a practical decision guide:
- If you play any online multiplayer game regularly – you need at least the base plan.
- If you are a retro fan who wants N64 or Genesis games – the Expansion Pack is the only way to legally play them on Switch.
- If you own Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and want all tracks – the Expansion Pack is cheaper than buying the Booster Course Pass separately, as long as you stay subscribed for at least a year.
- If you own Animal Crossing: New Horizons and want the Happy Home Paradise DLC – same logic applies; the Expansion Pack is cheaper than buying the DLC alone.
- If you only play single-player games – you likely do not need any subscription, unless you want the retro libraries.
For families or groups of friends, the family plan is almost always the better deal. Splitting the base family plan among eight people costs about $4.38 per person per year, while the Expansion Pack family plan costs about $10 per person per year. That is far cheaper than individual subscriptions.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
Several issues and misunderstandings come up frequently with Switch Online:
- “I lose my games when I cancel.� You do not lose any games you purchased; you lose access to the NES/SNES/N64/Genesis libraries and the included DLC. Your save files remain on your console, and if you resubscribe later, you can play again.
- “Cloud saves are automatic.� They are automatic for most games, but some titles like Pokémon Sword/Shield and Splatoon 2 do not support them. You can also manually back up saves from the system settings.
- “The Expansion Pack includes all DLC.� It only includes the two DLC packs mentioned above. Other paid DLC, such as Breath of the Wild expansion or Splatoon 3 DLC, is not included.
- “Online play is free on Switch.� It was free before 2018, but now it requires a subscription, just like on PlayStation and Xbox.
Comparison with Other Services
Compared to Xbox Game Pass Core (which includes online play and a small game library) or PlayStation Plus Essential (which includes monthly free games), Nintendo Switch Online is cheaper but offers fewer new games. The retro libraries are unique to Nintendo, but they are not updated with new titles as frequently as other services. The Expansion Pack’s price is comparable to PlayStation Plus Extra, but it offers far fewer games. If you value modern game catalogs, you may be disappointed; if you value classic Nintendo games, it is excellent.
Costs and Payment Options
All plans require a Nintendo Account and a payment method, such as a credit card or PayPal. You can also purchase prepaid Nintendo eShop cards that include Switch Online codes. There is no free tier, but Nintendo occasionally offers 7-day free trials for new users. The family plan is the best value for multiple users, and you can upgrade from an individual to a family plan by paying the difference, but you cannot downgrade mid-subscription.
Safety and Account Considerations
When sharing a family plan, the administrator must be at least 18 years old. Each member needs their own Nintendo Account, and child accounts must be linked to a parent account. The administrator can remove members, which revokes their access immediately. Be cautious about sharing your account credentials, as that violates Nintendo’s terms and can lead to a ban. Also, cloud saves are tied to your Nintendo Account, so if you share a console, each user should have their own profile and subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play N64 games on the base plan?
No. The N64 and Sega Genesis libraries are exclusive to the Expansion Pack tier. The base plan only includes NES and SNES games.
Do I need Switch Online to play free-to-play games like Fortnite?
No. Free-to-play games on Switch do not require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription for online multiplayer. This is a Nintendo policy that has been in place since the service launched.
What happens to my Expansion Pack DLC if I cancel?
You lose access to the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass and the Animal Crossing Happy Home Paradise DLC. If you resubscribe later, the DLC becomes available again, and your progress is preserved.
Can I share my subscription with friends who are not in my family?
Technically, the family plan allows up to 8 Nintendo Accounts, but Nintendo expects them to be members of the same household. Sharing codes with strangers is against the terms of service and could result in a ban.
Is the Expansion Pack worth it if I only want the retro games?
If you are a dedicated N64 or Genesis fan, the Expansion Pack is the only way to play those games on Switch. However, the library is small (around 40 combined titles), so consider whether you have already played the classics on other platforms.
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