During the festive season of Christmas, numerous delighted individuals in the UK will be unwrapping their fresh Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 consoles, eager to dive into the latest gaming experiences available on the platform. Enthusiastic Nintendo fans can indulge in popular titles like “Mario Kart: World,” “Donkey Kong Bananza,” and “Pokémon Legends: Z-A” during the holiday period.
For newcomers, exploring Nintendo’s online service, Nintendo Switch Online, may be a worthwhile consideration. This service presents a plethora of benefits for those who opt to subscribe. To shed light on what it entails, its cost, and the advantages it offers, we have compiled an informative guide, courtesy of Nintendo, to assist new Nintendo Switch console owners in maximizing their gaming experience.
Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) is a subscription service that grants Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 users the ability to play their games online, such as engaging in online races in “Mario Kart World” or participating in online matches in “Splatoon 3.” Additionally, members can access a collection of classic games, utilize cloud saving features, and more.
The subscription options for NSO consist of two types of memberships, each offering two tiers:
– Individual Membership (for a single Nintendo account) – Priced at £17.99 per year
– Individual Membership + Expansion Pack (includes extra benefits) – Priced at £34.99 per year
– Family Membership (allows up to 8 Nintendo accounts under one subscription) – Priced at £31.49 per year
– Family Membership + Expansion Pack (includes additional benefits) – Priced at £59.99 per year
Key features of NSO include:
– Online Play: Engage in online play with supported Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 titles like “Mario Kart World,” “Splatoon 3,” “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate,” and “Animal Crossing: New Horizons.”
– GameChat for Nintendo Switch 2: Utilize voice chat, screen sharing, and video chat features exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2, available for free until March 31, 2026.
– NES, SNES, and Game Boy – Nintendo Classics Library: Access and enjoy classic titles like “The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past,” “Super Mario World,” and “Donkey Kong Country,” with the ability to save progress and use the rewind function.
– Members’ Benefits: Exclusive perks for members include access to the Nintendo Music smart device app for listening to game soundtracks, limited-time Game Trials, exclusive games like “Tetris 99,” and the option to purchase physical products such as NES Controllers, SNES Controllers, N64 Controllers, SEGA Mega Drive Control Pad, and Nintendo GameCube Controller* for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 consoles (*compatible only with Nintendo Switch 2).
The Expansion Pack membership encompasses all standard features of the membership alongside additional offerings, including free access to select DLC and upgrade packs for Nintendo Switch 2 at no extra charge.