Nintendo Switch Online: Multiplayer, Cloud Saves & Classic Games

Updated 7 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

Nintendo Switch Online is a paid subscription service that adds online multiplayer, cloud saves for most games, and a rotating library of classic NES, SNES, and Game Boy titles. You pay a recurring fee (monthly, quarterly, or yearly) and in return you get access to these features across your Nintendo Switch consoles. This article breaks down exactly what each part includes, how it works, and what you need to know before subscribing.

What Exactly Does the Subscription Include?

The standard Nintendo Switch Online membership bundles three core features:

Online Multiplayer: Play compatible Switch games with friends or strangers over the internet. This is required for most online play in games like Splatoon 3, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Free-to-play games like Fortnite do not require the subscription.
Cloud Saves: Automatically back up your game save data to Nintendo’s servers. If your console is lost, stolen, or broken, you can download your saves to a new system. You can also manually upload a save to move between your own consoles.
Classic Game Library: Access a growing collection of retro games from the NES, Super NES, and Game Boy lineups. The library changes over time, with new titles added periodically. You can play these as long as your subscription is active.

In addition, the subscription includes a few smaller perks: the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app for voice chat and game-specific services, special offers and trials for some games, and access to the Nintendo Switch Online icon elements for your user profile.

The Expansion Pack: What Extra Do You Get?

In October 2021, Nintendo introduced a higher-priced tier called the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. It includes everything in the standard plan plus two major additions:

Nintendo 64 games: A library of classic N64 titles like Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and Mario Kart 64, with online play supported for some titles.
Sega Genesis (Mega Drive) games: A selection of Genesis classics such as Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Streets of Rage 2, and Castlevania: Bloodlines.

The Expansion Pack also adds the Booster Course Pass for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which adds 48 additional tracks over a series of waves. In 2023, Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games were added to the standard and Expansion Pack libraries respectively.

How Cloud Saves Work and Their Limitations

Cloud saves are enabled by default for any game that supports them. The process is automatic: when you close a game or put the console in sleep mode, the save data is uploaded to Nintendo’s servers. You can also manually trigger a backup from the game’s options menu.

There are important limitations to know:

Not all games support cloud saves. Nintendo excludes titles that could be exploited for cheating or trading, such as Splatoon 2, Pokemon Let’s Go, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. For these games, you cannot back up your save data at all.
Restoring a save requires the same Nintendo Account. You cannot download someone else’s save file.
Cloud saves are not a substitute for manual backups. If you want to transfer a save to a friend’s console (for local play), you still need to use the built-in transfer feature.

To restore a save, go to System Settings > Data Management > Save Data Cloud Backup on the new console and select the game you want to download.

How to Choose Between the Standard and Expansion Pack

If you only want online play and basic cloud saves, the standard plan is sufficient. If you are a fan of retro Nintendo 64 or Sega Genesis games, or you actively play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and want the extra tracks, the Expansion Pack is worth the higher price. Consider how often you play the classic libraries: if you rarely touch them, the standard plan is the better value.

You can start with the standard plan and upgrade later; you will only pay the difference for the remaining time on your current subscription. There is also a 7-day free trial for new users, and a family membership that covers up to 8 Nintendo Accounts.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Users often run into a few recurring issues with Switch Online:

Can’t connect to online multiplayer: Check your internet connection, restart the console, and make sure your subscription is active. If you are using a NAT type that is restricted, you may need to adjust your router settings (though this is not always possible).
Cloud save not appearing: Make sure you are logged into the same Nintendo Account on both consoles. Also check that the game supports cloud saves. If you recently changed consoles, wait a few minutes for the sync to complete.
Classic games not showing up: The library updates over time, so a title you expect may not be available yet. Also, the N64 and Genesis games are only in the Expansion Pack tier.

If a game is not saving to the cloud, try manually uploading the save from the game’s menu. If the issue persists, check Nintendo’s official support page for server status.

Cost Comparison and Payment Options

Prices vary by region and are subject to change. As of this writing, in the US, the standard individual plan is $3.99 per month, $7.99 for three months, or $19.99 for a year. The Expansion Pack is $49.99 per year for an individual. Family plans (up to 8 accounts) are $34.99 per year for standard and $79.99 per year for Expansion Pack.

You can pay with a credit card, PayPal, or Nintendo eShop funds. There is no free tier; the subscription is required for online play (except for free-to-play games).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Nintendo Switch Online to play free games like Fortnite?

No. Free-to-play games do not require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription for online multiplayer. You can play Fortnite, Apex Legends, and similar titles without any paid membership.

Can I play classic games offline?

Yes. Once you download a classic game from the library, you can play it offline for as long as your subscription is active. If your subscription lapses, the games become locked until you renew.

What happens to my cloud saves if I cancel my subscription?

Nintendo keeps your cloud saves for a limited time (typically 180 days) after your subscription ends. If you resubscribe within that window, your saves will be available again. After that period, they may be permanently deleted.

Can I share my subscription with my family?

Yes, a family membership covers up to 8 Nintendo Accounts. The family group must have a parent or guardian account, and all members must be in the same country region.

Are the classic games the original versions or remastered?

They are emulated versions of the original games, not remakes. Some games may have minor enhancements like rewind or save states, but the core gameplay is identical to the originals.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.