Nintendo Switch Online vs Buying Mario Games: Which Is Right for You?
If you want to play classic Mario titles on your Switch, you have two main options: subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online for a library of NES, SNES, Game Boy, and N64 games, or buy individual Mario games like Super Mario Odyssey or Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The right choice depends on whether you prefer a rotating selection of retro games for a low annual fee or owning modern, full-featured titles outright. This article breaks down the costs, content, and limitations of each approach so you can decide what fits your gaming habits.
What Nintendo Switch Online Actually Includes
Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription service that gives you access to a curated library of classic games from older Nintendo consoles. The base tier (Individual or Family) costs $19.99 per year for an individual and $34.99 for a family plan that covers up to eight accounts. This tier includes:
- NES and SNES game libraries, with titles like Super Mario Bros., Super Mario World, and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.
- Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games (added in 2023), including Super Mario Land 2 and Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga.
- Online play for compatible Switch games, cloud saves, and exclusive in-game offers (like Splatoon 3 gear).
The Expansion Pack tier costs $49.99 per year (or $79.99 for family) and adds Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games, plus downloadable content (DLC) for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The N64 library includes Super Mario 64 and Mario Kart 64.
What Buying Mario Games Gives You
Purchasing a Mario game separately means you own a digital or physical copy that you can play anytime, even if your subscription lapses. Modern Mario titles on Switch include:
- Super Mario Odyssey (3D platformer, $59.99)
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (racing, $59.99)
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder (2D side-scroller, $59.99)
- Super Mario 3D All-Stars (limited release, now unavailable digitally, but physical copies exist)
- Various spin-offs like Mario Party Superstars and Paper Mario: The Origami King
These games are full-priced at launch and rarely go on sale, though Nintendo occasionally discounts first-party titles during special events. Buying gives you permanent access, no internet required after download, and the ability to resell physical copies.
Comparing Costs: Subscription vs. One-Time Purchase
The cost difference is stark. A single modern Mario game costs $59.99, which is roughly three years of a base Switch Online subscription. If you only want to play a few retro Mario games, the subscription is far cheaper. However, if you want the latest Mario experiences—like Odyssey or Wonder—you must buy them separately; the subscription does not include modern titles.
Consider your playstyle: Do you enjoy revisiting old games for nostalgia? Then the subscription is a bargain. Do you prefer the latest graphics and gameplay mechanics? Then buying individual games is necessary. A hybrid approach works too: subscribe for a year to try the retro library, then buy the modern games you really want.
Game Library: Retro vs. Modern
The subscription’s Mario offerings are almost entirely retro. You get the original Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World, Super Mario 64, and Mario Kart 64. These are classic, but they are not the full modern experience. Buying games gives you access to the latest entries with online multiplayer, updated graphics, and new mechanics.
One notable exception: The Expansion Pack includes the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass DLC, which adds 48 extra tracks. This is a significant value if you already own Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and want more content. But without the base game, the DLC is useless.
Common Problems and Limitations
Nintendo Switch Online has several drawbacks that might make buying games more appealing:
- No permanent ownership: If you cancel your subscription, you lose access to the game library. Your save data is stored online, but you cannot play the games.
- Limited selection: The retro library is not complete. For example, Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Galaxy are not available on Switch Online (they were in the limited 3D All-Stars collection).
- Online play requires the subscription: Even if you buy Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, you need a Switch Online subscription to play online multiplayer. This is an additional cost to consider.
- Input lag and emulation issues: Some players report input lag on N64 games, which can be frustrating for platformers.
How to Choose: A Practical Guide
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I care about the latest Mario games? If yes, buy them individually. The subscription won’t give you Odyssey or Wonder.
- Do I enjoy retro gaming? If you love the 8-bit and 16-bit era, the base subscription is a low-cost way to access many classics.
- Will I play online multiplayer? If you plan to play Mario Kart or Super Smash Bros. online, you need the subscription regardless. In that case, the retro library is a bonus.
- How much am I willing to spend? If you’re on a tight budget, the subscription gives you more games for less money upfront.
- Do I want to own my games? If you like collecting physical copies or reselling, buying is the only option.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re not sure, there are other ways to play Mario games:
- Super Mario 3D All-Stars (if you can find a physical copy) includes three classic 3D games in one cartridge.
- Used physical copies of older Switch Mario games can be cheaper than digital.
- Nintendo eShop sales occasionally discount first-party games, though rarely more than 30%.
- Emulation on PC is a legal gray area and not recommended for most users; it also requires ROMs you may not own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Nintendo Switch Online to play Mario games I bought?
No. You can play single-player modes of any purchased game without a subscription. The subscription is only required for online multiplayer features and cloud saves.
Can I play Super Mario Odyssey with Nintendo Switch Online?
No. The subscription only includes retro games from NES, SNES, Game Boy, N64, and Sega Genesis. Modern titles like Odyssey must be bought separately.
Is the Expansion Pack worth it for Mario fans?
If you already own Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and want the Booster Course Pass, the Expansion Pack is cheaper than buying the DLC separately ($24.99). It also includes N64 and Genesis games, but if you don’t play those, the value is lower.
What happens to my save data if I cancel Nintendo Switch Online?
Your cloud saves are kept for a limited time (typically 180 days) after cancellation. After that, they may be deleted. Local saves on your console remain, but you cannot access online features.
Are there any free Mario games on Switch?
No. All Mario games on Switch are paid, either through the subscription or individual purchase. There are free demos for some games, like Super Mario Odyssey, but the full game is not free.
Can I share a Nintendo Switch Online subscription with family?
Yes, the Family Plan allows up to eight Nintendo Accounts to share the subscription. This is the most cost-effective way if multiple people in your household play.
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