How Much Does It Cost to Play Online with Friends on Nintendo Switch?

The short answer is: it almost always costs money. To play most online multiplayer games with friends on your Nintendo Switch, you’ll need a Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) membership. However, there are a few exceptions and different tiers of membership that affect the overall cost. Let’s break down the details to help you understand the pricing and options.

Understanding Nintendo Switch Online Memberships

Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription service that unlocks a variety of features, with online multiplayer being the most prominent. Without a membership, you’ll be largely limited to single-player experiences and local multiplayer (playing with friends in the same room). Nintendo offers two main tiers of NSO membership:

• Nintendo Switch Online (Basic): This is the standard subscription, and it’s the most affordable option. It grants access to online multiplayer, a library of classic NES and Super NES games, cloud saves for backing up your game data, and the Nintendo Switch Online app for voice chat in compatible games.

• Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: This tier includes everything in the basic NSO membership, plus access to a selection of Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis games, as well as downloadable content (DLC) for certain games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Booster Course Pass) and Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Happy Home Paradise).

Individual vs. Family Memberships

Both the basic NSO and the Expansion Pack are available in two types: individual and family.

• Individual Membership: This covers one Nintendo Account.
• Family Membership: This covers up to eight Nintendo Accounts within a single family group.

NSO Pricing Breakdown

Here’s a look at the current pricing for Nintendo Switch Online memberships:

• Nintendo Switch Online (Basic):

  • Individual 12-Month: $19.99
  • Individual 1-Month: $3.99
  • Individual 3-Month: $7.99
  • Family 12-Month: $34.99

• Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack:

  • Individual 12-Month: $49.99
  • Family 12-Month: $79.99

Important Considerations:

• Family Membership Savings: If you have multiple people in your household who want to play online, a family membership is significantly more cost-effective. Splitting the cost of a family membership among eight users can bring the individual cost down considerably.
• Free Trials: Nintendo occasionally offers free trials of NSO, typically for a week. These trials let you experience the benefits of the service before committing to a paid subscription.
• Automatic Renewal: NSO memberships often have automatic renewal enabled by default. Be sure to disable this if you don’t want to be automatically charged when your subscription expires.
• Region Locking: NSO memberships are tied to your Nintendo Account’s region. Make sure you’re purchasing a membership that’s compatible with your region.

Free-to-Play Games and Online Access

While a Nintendo Switch Online membership is generally required for online multiplayer, there’s a notable exception: free-to-play games. Games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, Rocket League, and Pokémon Unite can be played online without an NSO subscription. This makes the Nintendo Switch an attractive option for gamers who primarily play these types of games. This list of free to play games is also not exhaustive, and new games are constantly being released. It’s always worth checking if a game is truly free-to-play!

Is Nintendo Switch Online Worth It?

Whether NSO is worth the cost depends on your gaming habits. If you frequently play online multiplayer games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, or Splatoon 3, an NSO membership is almost essential. The basic tier is generally considered a good value, especially if you take advantage of the family membership option.

The Expansion Pack is a more subjective decision. If you have a strong interest in playing classic N64, Game Boy Advance, or SEGA Genesis games, or if you want the DLC included with certain games, the upgrade may be worthwhile. However, some gamers may find the additional cost too high for the content offered.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need Nintendo Switch Online to play with friends locally?

No, Nintendo Switch Online is not required for local multiplayer. If you and your friends are in the same physical location and playing on separate consoles connected via local wireless, or sharing a screen, you don’t need an NSO membership.

2. Can I play Minecraft online without Nintendo Switch Online?

For the most part, no. While Minecraft on Nintendo Switch supports cross-platform multiplayer, a Nintendo Switch Online membership is required for online multiplayer functionality.

3. What happens if my Nintendo Switch Online subscription expires?

If your NSO subscription expires, you’ll lose access to online multiplayer features, cloud saves, and the library of classic games. Nintendo does give you a grace period to renew the subscription and keep your cloud saves, but it’s best to renew promptly to avoid any data loss.

4. Can I use the same Nintendo Account on multiple Switches?

Yes, you can link your Nintendo Account to multiple Switches, but you can only designate one console as your “primary” console. On a non-primary console, you can only play your digital games using your Nintendo Account while connected to the internet.

5. Are there any games that don’t require Nintendo Switch Online for online play?

Yes, free-to-play games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, Rocket League, Warframe and Pokémon Unite typically don’t require a Nintendo Switch Online membership for online multiplayer.

6. How do I invite friends to play online on Nintendo Switch?

You can invite friends to play online through the Nintendo Switch Online software. From the main menu, select “Play Online,” then choose the game you want to play and invite your friends from your friend list.

7. Can I share my Nintendo Switch Online Family membership with people outside my household?

Technically, Nintendo’s terms of service state that a family membership is intended for people within the same household. However, enforcement of this policy can vary.

8. How do I find my friends code for nintendo switch?

To find your friend code on Nintendo Switch: From the HOME Menu, select your User Page on the top left, and select Add Friend and it will appear on your profile.

9. Is voice chat available on Nintendo Switch?

Voice chat is available on Nintendo Switch, but it often requires using the Nintendo Switch Online app on your smartphone. Some games have built-in voice chat functionality, but it’s less common.

10. Can I play classic NES and Super NES games without Nintendo Switch Online?

No, access to the library of classic NES and Super NES games is a perk of Nintendo Switch Online. You need an active subscription to play these games.

11. How much data does Nintendo Switch Online use?

The amount of data used by Nintendo Switch Online varies depending on the game you’re playing. Generally, online multiplayer games use a relatively small amount of data, but downloading games and updates can consume a significant amount.

12. Does the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack give me access to all Nintendo 64 games?

No, the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack gives you access to a curated selection of Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis games, not the entire library of each console. The selection of games is updated over time.

13. Can I buy Nintendo Switch Online as a gift for someone?

Yes, you can often buy Nintendo Switch Online membership codes as gifts from various retailers. These codes can be redeemed on the recipient’s Nintendo Account.

14. Are there any discounts on Nintendo Switch Online memberships?

Nintendo occasionally offers discounts on NSO memberships, especially around holidays or special events. Keep an eye out for deals on the Nintendo eShop or at participating retailers.

15. Is cloud save data automatically uploaded with Nintendo Switch Online?

Cloud save data is automatically uploaded for most games with a Nintendo Switch Online membership, but some games may not support cloud saves due to competitive balance or other reasons. It is also possible to adjust those settings on Nintendo Switch.