Is the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack Worth It? A Deep Dive
The burning question for many Nintendo Switch owners is whether the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack is truly worth the extra cost. The answer, like many things in gaming, is: it depends. It’s not a simple yes or no, but rather a nuanced consideration of your gaming habits, preferences, and financial priorities. At its core, the Expansion Pack is an upgrade to the base Nintendo Switch Online service, offering access to a library of classic games and select DLC content. Whether that justifies the price increase is what we’ll dissect in this comprehensive guide.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
The Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack isn’t cheap. It significantly increases the cost compared to the standard subscription. However, it also offers considerably more, appealing to different types of players:
Benefits of the Expansion Pack
- Classic Games Library: The most compelling draw for many is access to Nintendo 64, SEGA Genesis (Mega Drive), Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games. This is a nostalgia trip for older gamers and an opportunity for newer players to experience these iconic titles. These aren’t just basic emulations, they include online multiplayer support for many games, adding a fresh dimension to the classics.
- Select DLC at No Extra Cost: The Expansion Pack includes access to major DLCs such as the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass, Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise, and Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion. These DLCs represent a significant value proposition, as they add substantial content to their respective base games.
- All the Benefits of the Base Nintendo Switch Online: You retain all the perks of the standard Nintendo Switch Online membership, including cloud saves, access to the classic NES and SNES libraries, and online multiplayer for supported games.
Potential Drawbacks
- Higher Price Tag: The annual subscription cost of $49.99 is a major increase over the $19.99 base subscription. For some, this cost might be hard to justify. It’s a significant increase that will make some pause and think about their spending budget.
- Emulated Games Limitations: While these classics are great to have, the emulation isn’t always perfect. Some players may encounter occasional graphical hiccups or input lag. This may not be a dealbreaker for casual players but can be a concern for hardcore enthusiasts.
- Limited Library: The library of available N64, SEGA Genesis, Game Boy, and Game Boy Advance games is not exhaustive. It’s a curated collection, which can leave some players wanting more titles or their personal favorites.
- Value Based on DLC Ownership: If you already own the included DLC, the value of the Expansion Pack decreases significantly, unless the classic libraries are a large part of your interest. This means that the value proposition decreases if you have already purchased these DLC’s separately.
Who is it For?
The Expansion Pack is a great fit for:
- Nostalgia-Driven Gamers: If you grew up playing N64 or SEGA Genesis games and want to relive those experiences with the added convenience of online play, the Expansion Pack is a solid choice.
- Dedicated Players of Included DLC Games: If you frequently play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, or Splatoon 2, the inclusion of their respective DLCs significantly enhances your gaming experience at no additional cost.
- Players Who Value Variety: If you enjoy playing a wide variety of games, including retro titles and modern classics, the Expansion Pack provides a good amount of content.
Who Might Want to Skip It?
The Expansion Pack might not be worth it if:
- You rarely play the games mentioned above. If you seldom use online multiplayer, have little interest in retro games, or have already purchased the DLC separately, the extra cost isn’t worth it.
- The cost is a financial burden. With other subscription services and games available, if you have a tight budget, it might be wiser to stick with the basic membership.
- You’re not interested in the classic games or the included DLC. If the main draws of the Expansion Pack don’t appeal to you, you’re better off saving your money.
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack is a bundle of content that can be a great value if the package appeals to your interests. The expansion pack isn’t universally beneficial to every Nintendo Switch owner. The key to deciding if it’s right for you lies in assessing your gaming preferences, your budget, and whether the specific benefits justify the significant price increase. It is not a clear cut yes or no decision. Ultimately, it requires the player to consider their personal gaming interest and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What exactly does the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack include?
The Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack includes access to a library of classic Nintendo 64, SEGA Genesis (Mega Drive), Game Boy, and Game Boy Advance games with online play, access to DLC content for select titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Splatoon 2, and all the benefits of the standard Nintendo Switch Online membership (online play for other games, cloud saves, access to NES and SNES libraries).
Is the expansion pack a one-time purchase, or is it a subscription?
The Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack is only available as an annual membership. There is no option to pay monthly like the standard Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
How much does the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack cost?
The Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack costs $49.99 USD for a 12-month individual membership. A family membership option is also available for a higher price but can be shared amongst multiple Nintendo Accounts.
If I already own the DLC, is the expansion pack still worth it?
If you already own the DLCs such as the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass and Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise, the value of the Expansion Pack will be less, and will mostly come down to how much you value the classic game libraries.
What N64 games are included in the expansion pack?
The lineup changes periodically, but current notable N64 games include Banjo-Kazooie, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and Super Mario 64.
What SEGA Genesis games are included in the expansion pack?
The selection includes titles like Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Streets of Rage 2, and Ecco the Dolphin.
What are some of the games included in the Game Boy and Game Boy Advance collections?
The Game Boy and Game Boy Advance collections include Pokemon Trading Card Game, The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap and more.
Do I need the base game to play the DLC included in the expansion pack?
Yes, you need the base game to play the DLCs. For example, you need to own Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to play the Booster Course Pass included in the Expansion Pack.
Can I play the included classic games online?
Yes, many of the classic N64, SEGA Genesis, Game Boy, and Game Boy Advance games in the Expansion Pack support online multiplayer or co-op play, enhancing the experience.
What is the difference between the basic Nintendo Switch Online and the Expansion Pack?
The basic Nintendo Switch Online provides online multiplayer, cloud saves, and a library of NES and SNES games. The Expansion Pack includes all of that, plus the classic libraries of N64, SEGA Genesis, Game Boy, and Game Boy Advance games, and access to select DLCs at no additional cost.
Can I get the Expansion Pack on a free trial?
Unfortunately, there is no separate free trial for the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack. A free trial for the base Nintendo Switch Online subscription is sometimes available which can then be upgraded to the Expansion Pack by paying for the difference.
How do I get the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass or the Animal Crossing DLC with the expansion pack?
If you are an Expansion Pack subscriber, these DLCs are unlocked automatically and can be accessed within their respective games by updating them.
Are new classic games added to the expansion pack regularly?
Yes, Nintendo does occasionally add new titles to the N64, SEGA Genesis, Game Boy and Game Boy Advance collections.
Is the Nintendo Switch Online membership required to play all online games?
No, some games on the Switch, particularly some free-to-play ones, do not require a Nintendo Switch Online membership to play online.
Where can I find a list of all the games available with the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack?
You can find the most up-to-date list of available classic games and DLCs on the official Nintendo Switch Online website or in the Nintendo Switch Online app on your console.