Can You Upgrade Switch Online Family to Expansion? A Comprehensive Guide
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So, you’re rocking a Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership and the allure of retro games, DLC expansions, and more has you itching to upgrade to the Expansion Pack. But can you actually do it? The short answer is yes, but it’s not always straightforward and depends on several factors. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty details and explore all your options.
Understanding the Upgrade Path
The ability to upgrade from a standard Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Family Membership does exist. However, the process isn’t always seamless, and the specific steps can vary depending on who purchased the original membership. The main hurdle is that you can’t simply pay the difference. Think of it more like buying a new membership and potentially getting a discount based on your existing one.
Here’s the crucial point: the purchaser of the family membership is usually the one who needs to initiate the upgrade. This is because they are the account holder managing the subscription. If you’re a member within a family group, your upgrade options are limited. In most cases, you’ll need to discuss it with the family membership administrator.
If the family admin does the upgrade, all members of the family group instantly receive the benefits of the Expansion Pack.
How to Upgrade: Step-by-Step
Here’s the general process the family membership administrator can follow:
- Visit the Nintendo eShop: On your Nintendo Switch, navigate to the Nintendo eShop.
- Access Your Account: Click on your user icon in the upper-right corner of the screen to access your account information.
- Nintendo Switch Online: Select the Nintendo Switch Online option from the menu.
- Consider Your Options: You should see the option to upgrade to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Family Membership. The eShop should automatically calculate any discount based on your remaining days of the standard membership.
- Complete the Purchase: Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the purchase. The upgrade is effective immediately, and all members of your family group will gain access to the Expansion Pack features.
Key Considerations Before Upgrading
- Expiration Dates: Pay attention to the expiration dates of both your current membership and the new Expansion Pack membership. The system should prorate the cost, but double-check to ensure you’re getting the correct discount.
- Family Member Awareness: Inform all family members about the upgrade. They should understand what benefits they are now entitled to, such as access to classic games and DLC.
- Account Roles: Ensure that the person initiating the upgrade is indeed the administrator of the family membership. Otherwise, the upgrade will not apply to the entire group.
What Happens When You Upgrade?
Upgrading brings a host of new benefits to every member of the family group. These include:
- Access to Classic Games: Play a growing library of Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis, Game Boy Advance and Game Boy games.
- DLC Perks: Enjoy access to select DLC, such as the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass, Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise, and Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion (full games required).
- All Standard NSO Features: Retain all the benefits of the standard Nintendo Switch Online membership, including online play, cloud saves, and access to NES and SNES games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I upgrade if I’m just a member of a family group, not the administrator?
No, typically you cannot directly upgrade the family membership if you are not the administrator. You’ll need to coordinate with the administrator.
2. What if the family membership administrator doesn’t want to upgrade?
If the administrator isn’t interested in upgrading, you can wait until the current membership expires and then purchase an individual Expansion Pack membership for yourself.
3. How does the discount for my remaining NSO time work?
The Nintendo eShop should automatically calculate a discount based on the number of days remaining on your standard Nintendo Switch Online membership. This discount is applied towards the purchase of the Expansion Pack membership. Always verify this before completing the transaction.
4. Is the Expansion Pack Family Membership worth the extra cost?
This depends on your gaming habits. If you and your family enjoy retro games, the DLC offerings, and playing online, then it’s often a great value. If you mostly play single-player games and aren’t interested in the classic titles, the standard membership might suffice.
5. What happens to my cloud saves when I upgrade?
Your cloud saves are not affected by upgrading. They are tied to your Nintendo Account and will remain accessible.
6. Can I switch back to the standard NSO membership after upgrading?
You can, but only after your current Expansion Pack membership expires. There is no option to downgrade mid-subscription and receive a refund.
7. If I buy the Expansion Pack individually, can my family members use the DLC?
No, the DLC access from the Expansion Pack is tied to the specific Nintendo Account that holds the membership.
8. Are new games constantly being added to the Expansion Pack’s retro library?
Nintendo periodically adds new games to the Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis, Game Boy Advance and Game Boy libraries. There’s no set schedule, but they regularly update the offerings.
9. What if I purchase the Expansion Pack and then leave the family group?
If you leave the family group, you will lose access to the family membership benefits, including the Expansion Pack features, once you are removed from the group by the family admin. Consider your situation before taking this step. If you purchased the Expansion Pack you should become the admin, and invite your family members.
10. Can I use Nintendo eShop credit to upgrade?
Yes, you can typically use Nintendo eShop credit to upgrade your membership. Ensure you have sufficient funds in your account.
11. Does every family member need their own Switch to benefit from the family membership?
No, family members can use the Nintendo Switch Online services on different consoles, as long as they are linked to the family group.
12. What happens if the family membership administrator changes their Nintendo Account country setting?
Changing the country setting of the family membership administrator’s Nintendo Account can affect the availability of Nintendo Switch Online services for all members of the family group. Be cautious when making such changes.
13. Can I stack multiple years of the Expansion Pack membership?
While you can purchase multiple years of membership, they may not always stack seamlessly. It’s generally recommended to renew your membership closer to the expiration date to avoid potential complications.
14. What kind of internet connection do I need for the retro games?
A stable internet connection is required to download and play the retro games. While you can play them offline after downloading, you will need to connect periodically to verify your membership status.
15. Is there a free trial for the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack?
From time to time, Nintendo may offer trials or promotions related to Nintendo Switch Online services. Keep an eye on the Nintendo eShop and official Nintendo channels for announcements.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership to the Expansion Pack can be a fantastic way to enhance your gaming experience. By understanding the process, considering your options, and coordinating with the family membership administrator, you can seamlessly unlock a treasure trove of retro games and DLC content. Embrace the nostalgia and dive into a world of gaming possibilities!
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