Do You Get Free Games With Nintendo Online? A Deep Dive
Yes, you absolutely get access to a selection of games when you subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online, but the term “free” comes with some nuance. It’s more accurate to say you gain access to a library of games included as part of your subscription. Think of it like a streaming service: you pay a monthly fee to access a catalog that’s constantly evolving. The specific games available depend on your subscription tier, but both the standard Nintendo Switch Online and the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack offer “free” games as part of their benefits.
Nintendo Switch Online: The Base Subscription
The standard Nintendo Switch Online membership gives you access to a curated library of classic NES and Super NES games. These aren’t demo versions; they’re the full games you remember from your childhood (or have heard about if you’re a younger gamer!).
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Classic NES Games: This collection includes titles like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, Donkey Kong, and many more iconic games that defined a generation. Many of these games also feature newly added online play, allowing you to enjoy these classics with friends remotely.
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Classic Super NES Games: Building upon the NES library, this selection adds even more depth with titles such as Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Super Metroid, Super Punch-Out!!, and Star Fox. Again, online play has been added to several titles, greatly enhancing the retro experience.
It’s crucial to understand that you don’t own these games outright. Access is contingent on your active Nintendo Switch Online subscription. If your subscription lapses, you lose access to these titles until you renew your membership.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: A Bigger “Free” Game Library
Stepping up to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack unlocks an even larger “free” game library. In addition to everything included in the base subscription, you gain access to titles from the Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis eras.
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Nintendo 64 Games: This collection includes classics like Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Mario Kart 64, Star Fox 64, and Banjo-Kazooie. This also often provides access to online multiplayer.
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Sega Genesis Games: Adding another layer of retro goodness, this collection offers titles like Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Streets of Rage 2, Ecco the Dolphin, and Castlevania: Bloodlines.
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Game Boy Advance Games: A more recent addition, this selection includes titles like Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3, The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, and Metroid Fusion.
The Expansion Pack also offers free DLC (downloadable content) for select popular Switch games, most notably Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Booster Course Pass) and Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Happy Home Paradise). These DLC packs significantly expand the content of these already popular titles, adding substantial value to the Expansion Pack subscription.
A Note on Occasional “Original” Games
Occasionally, Nintendo releases entirely new games exclusively for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers. These games are often smaller in scope than retail releases, but they offer unique experiences that are included in the subscription cost. Tetris 99, a battle royale take on the classic puzzle game, is a prime example of this strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Nintendo Switch Online and “Free” Games
1. What exactly is Nintendo Switch Online?
Nintendo Switch Online is a paid subscription service that allows you to play compatible Nintendo Switch games online, access a library of classic games, back up save data to the cloud, and use the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app.
2. How much does Nintendo Switch Online cost?
The pricing varies based on the type of plan and the duration of the subscription. The Individual Nintendo Switch Online plan costs roughly $20 per year. The Expansion Pass significantly increases the price. Check the Nintendo website for the most up-to-date pricing.
3. Do I need Nintendo Switch Online to play all games online?
No, you do not need Nintendo Switch Online to play all games online. Some free-to-play games, such as Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Warframe, do not require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
4. Can I play my digital games offline on Nintendo Switch?
Yes, most digital games can be played offline as long as they have been downloaded to your Nintendo Switch. However, some games may require occasional online verification. As such, many of the games that have been released for the Switch have been specifically designed so that they don’t require an internet connection in order to be enjoyed.
5. What happens to the “free” games if my Nintendo Switch Online subscription expires?
If your subscription expires, you will lose access to the classic NES, Super NES, Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis games included with the service. You will need to renew your subscription to regain access.
6. Is there a free trial for Nintendo Switch Online?
Yes, Nintendo often offers a free 7-day trial for Nintendo Switch Online. This allows you to experience the benefits of the service before committing to a paid subscription.
7. Can I use my Nintendo Switch Online subscription on multiple consoles?
No, an individual Nintendo Switch Online subscription is tied to your Nintendo Account and can only be used on one console at a time. However, a Family Membership allows multiple accounts on multiple consoles to share the benefits.
8. Does Nintendo Switch Online include cloud saves?
Yes, cloud saves are a feature of Nintendo Switch Online. This allows you to back up your game save data to Nintendo’s servers, protecting your progress in case of console damage or loss. Please note that some games do not support cloud saves.
9. What are the benefits of the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app?
The Nintendo Switch Online app provides voice chat functionality for compatible games, access to game-specific services, and special features for certain titles.
10. Is the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack worth the extra cost?
Whether the Expansion Pack is worth the cost depends on your individual preferences. If you are a fan of Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis games, and want access to the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass and Animal Crossing: New Horizons Happy Home Paradise DLC, then the Expansion Pack may be a good value.
11. How often are new games added to the Nintendo Switch Online libraries?
Nintendo typically adds new games to the classic libraries periodically, but there is no set schedule. Announcements are usually made through Nintendo’s social media channels and news releases.
12. Are there any other “free” games on Nintendo Switch besides those offered through Nintendo Switch Online?
Yes, there are a number of free-to-play games available on the Nintendo eShop, such as Fortnite, Apex Legends, Warframe, and Pokémon Quest. These games do not require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
13. What is the difference between the Individual and Family Nintendo Switch Online memberships?
The Individual membership covers one Nintendo Account. The Family membership covers up to eight Nintendo Accounts, making it a more cost-effective option for households with multiple Switch users.
14. Can I play classic games online with friends using Nintendo Switch Online?
Yes, many of the classic NES, Super NES, Nintendo 64, and Sega Genesis games included with Nintendo Switch Online offer online multiplayer functionality. This allows you to play these games with friends remotely.
15. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of gaming?
To explore the power of games in education and learning, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. This organization researches and promotes the use of games for educational purposes.