When the Nintendo Switch launched in March 2017, Nintendo promised a premium online service. It arrived in September 2018 as Nintendo Switch Online (NSO), Nintendo's counterpart to Xbox Live and PlayStation Plus.
Unlike competitors from Sony and Microsoft, NSO is more affordable but offers fewer perks. Not every online game requires it, and support varies by title.
Here's everything you need to know about Nintendo Switch Online.
Nintendo Switch Online is the console's paid multiplayer service. Since September 2018, most online multiplayer games—like the hit Mario Kart 8 Deluxe—require an active subscription to play with others.
In the US, pricing starts at $3.99 for one month, $7.99 for three months, or $19.99 annually. The family plan, at $34.99 per year, covers up to eight Nintendo accounts under one primary holder—ideal for households and far better value than individual Xbox Live Gold or PlayStation Plus subscriptions.
From your Switch's Nintendo eShop, select Nintendo Switch Online in the left menu, then Membership Options to view regional pricing. New users get a free 7-day trial via the Free Trial option.
The trial defaults to a $3.99 monthly plan afterward. For savings, opt for annual or family memberships and disable auto-renewal in the eShop or on Nintendo's site.
Most paid games with online modes need NSO, plus many free-to-play titles. Exceptions include Fortnite and Paladins (though this may change). DLC for single-player games doesn't require it.
Beyond multiplayer, subscribers enjoy:
Cloud saves, the only backup option, require NSO and are enabled by default. Manage them in System Settings > Data Management > Save Data Cloud or per game via the "+" button and Save Data to Cloud.
They're perfect for switching consoles or peace of mind, but exclusions apply to competitive titles like Splatoon 2, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and FIFA 19 to prevent cheating. Unlike Sony and Microsoft, Nintendo limits these.
Nintendo hasn't clarified save retention post-subscription, unlike PlayStation's 6-month grace period, raising concerns for users.
Download the free Nintendo Entertainment System - Nintendo Switch Online app from the eShop (requires NSO). It appears in your library alongside other games.
Launch lineup includes: Balloon Fight, Baseball, Donkey Kong, Double Dragon, Dr. Mario, Excitebike, Ghosts 'n Goblins, Gradius, Ice Climber, Ice Hockey, The Legend of Zelda, Mario Bros., Pro Wrestling, River City Ransom, Soccer, Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, Tecmo Bowl, Tennis.
Play offline for up to 7 days. Optional NES controllers mimic Joy-Cons.
Download the free Nintendo Switch Online app on iOS/Android, sign in, and link your account. Enable notifications for game chat.
Essential for online play in Splatoon 2, Diablo III, and more—previously free, now required. At one-third the cost of rivals, family plans drop to ~$4.37 per account.
Cloud saves shine for long games like Breath of the Wild, but exclusions frustrate. Retro NES access is nostalgic but limited compared to free modern games from competitors. Voice chat via app remains clunky due to hardware limits.
For heavy online players, it's a no-brainer at this price.
With over 20 million Switches sold, NSO taps a massive audience. Explore top titles in our best Nintendo Switch games roundup.
