How to Cancel Your Nintendo Online Subscription and Navigate Refunds
The allure of online multiplayer and retro gaming classics can be strong, but sometimes, you need to cancel your Nintendo Switch Online membership. Whether you’re cutting costs, switching to a different platform, or just not using the service as much as you thought you would, understanding the cancellation process and your refund options is crucial. Let’s break down the steps and explore what you need to know.
Can You Get a Refund? The Short Answer
Unfortunately, Nintendo does not typically offer refunds or credits for the remaining time on your Nintendo Switch Online subscription once you cancel. This policy is clearly stated in their Terms of Service. While you won’t get money back for the unused portion, you will maintain full access to the service until the end of your current billing period. This means you can keep playing online and enjoying the benefits until your subscription officially expires, even after canceling.
How to Cancel Your Nintendo Switch Online Subscription
The process of canceling your subscription is straightforward and can be completed through the Nintendo website. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Steps to Cancel Online
- Visit the Nintendo Account website: Go to accounts.nintendo.com using your web browser.
- Sign in to your Nintendo Account: Use the same account you used to purchase your Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
- Navigate to the Shop Menu: Look for and click on the “Shop Menu” option, usually located on the left side of the screen.
- Find Nintendo Switch Online: Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and select the “Nintendo Switch Online” option.
- Turn Off Automatic Renewal: You will see an option labeled “Turn Off Automatic Renewal.” Select this.
- Confirm Your Decision: A prompt will appear to confirm that you want to disable automatic renewal. Select “Turn Off” to finalize the cancellation.
By completing these steps, you will have effectively canceled your Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Your service will remain active until your current subscription period ends, but it will not renew for another term.
Important Notes on Cancellation
- Automatic renewal must be disabled: Canceling merely prevents further charges; it doesn’t end your subscription immediately.
- No refunds for unused time: Remember, canceling does not trigger any refund for the remaining time of your current membership. You still get to use it till its expiry.
- Access to online services stops: Once your subscription period ends, you will no longer have access to online multiplayer and other online features associated with the service, such as cloud saves.
What Happens After Cancellation?
After you cancel your Nintendo Switch Online membership:
- You lose access to online play: This is the primary feature of the subscription, so you won’t be able to participate in online multiplayer games.
- Cloud saves are no longer accessible: Any save data backed up to the cloud via Nintendo Switch Online will not be accessible unless you resubscribe.
- Free games are no longer playable: Games provided as part of the subscription, such as those from the NES and SNES libraries, will become unavailable.
- Your account and digital purchases remain: Importantly, your Nintendo account and any digitally purchased games or content remain fully accessible. Cancellation of the membership only affects the online service.
- You can resubscribe anytime: If you decide to return to Nintendo Switch Online later, you can easily subscribe again.
How to Cancel Automatic Renewal Through Google Play (Android)
If you purchased your subscription through the Google Play Store, follow these steps to cancel the auto-renewal:
- Open the Google Play application: Launch the Google Play app on your Android device.
- Access Payments and subscriptions: Tap your profile picture, then select “Payments and subscriptions.”
- Select the subscription to cancel: Choose your Nintendo Switch Online subscription from the list.
- Cancel the subscription: Tap on “Cancel subscription” and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the cancellation.
What About Other Purchases?
Nintendo Store Purchases
If you purchased physical goods directly from the My Nintendo Store, you have 30 days after delivery to return or exchange them. Nintendo will not refund the cost of shipping unless the return is due to an error on Nintendo’s part (e.g., damaged, defective, or wrong item).
Digital Game Purchases
Unfortunately, digital game purchases are generally non-refundable. However, if there is a rare instance of the game being defective you need to contact Nintendo support for a remedy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Get a Refund if I Don’t Use My Nintendo Online Subscription?
Unfortunately, no. Nintendo does not offer refunds or credits for unused subscription time. You can cancel to stop future charges, but you’ll have access until the end of your current payment period.
2. What If I Cancel Early in My Subscription Period?
Even if you cancel immediately after starting or renewing your subscription, you will not receive a refund. You maintain access until the end of the period you already paid for.
3. Is There a Cooling-Off Period for Nintendo Online?
No, Nintendo does not provide a cooling-off period. Once you subscribe, you’re committed to the current billing period.
4. How Long Do Nintendo Online Memberships Last?
Individual memberships are available in 1-month, 3-month, or 1-year increments. Family memberships are available for a 12-month duration only.
5. What is the Benefit of a Family Membership?
A family membership allows up to eight members of your family group to enjoy the Nintendo Switch Online service under a single subscription.
6. Can I Cancel an Auto-Renewal Contract?
Yes, you can cancel an auto-renewal contract. You need to turn off automatic renewal before the next billing cycle starts.
7. How Do I Stop Auto-Renewal Payments from my Bank Account?
While Nintendo itself can’t directly take money from your bank account, you can call your bank or card issuer to stop automated payments from specific merchants.
8. How Can I Confirm if My Auto-Renewal is Turned Off?
Check your account settings on accounts.nintendo.com. If the option to turn off automatic renewal appears, it is currently enabled. Once it’s disabled, that option won’t appear.
9. Is Nintendo Switch Online Permanent?
No. It’s a subscription service that will automatically renew unless you turn off automatic renewal.
10. Can I Change or Cancel My Order on the My Nintendo Store?
If your order hasn’t shipped, contact support to request changes or cancellation. If shipped, refuse delivery or return it with a written request for a refund/exchange.
11. Is There a Right of Withdrawal on Subscriptions?
Yes, generally, there is a right of withdrawal that allows you to cancel a contract without reason within a certain timeframe. This is subject to local consumer protection laws and varies by product. The 14-day withdrawal period is not something that Nintendo offers on their online subscriptions, but rather for other products.
12. Can I Cancel a Contract Without Paying?
You may be able to cancel a contract without penalties if the price goes up, or you are within the “cooling-off” period as stipulated in the contract. However, there is no cooling-off period for Nintendo Online Subscriptions.
13. What Happens If I Uninstall the Nintendo Online App on My Phone?
Uninstalling the app will not cancel your subscription. You must manually cancel through the Nintendo Account website or Google Play (if applicable).
14. How Do I Get My Money Back from a Free Trial That Charged Me?
File a dispute (chargeback) with your bank or card issuer to have the charge reversed. It is always recommended to cancel a trial before the end date, because of this reason.
15. How Do I Contact Nintendo Customer Support?
Visit support.nintendo.com or call their Consumer Assistance Hotline at 1-800-255-3700. They are available 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Pacific Time, Monday-Sunday.
Conclusion
While canceling your Nintendo Switch Online subscription is easy, getting a refund for unused time isn’t an option. Understanding the cancellation process, automatic renewal settings, and the terms of service will help you manage your subscription effectively. Make sure to disable the automatic renewal feature to prevent unwanted charges in the future. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can navigate the process smoothly and be aware of your rights.