How Much Does the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack Really Cost? A Deep Dive
So, you’re eyeing that Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership and wondering how much it’s really going to set you back? Let’s cut to the chase: the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack starts at $49.99 USD for a 12-month individual membership. While that averages out to just over $4 per month, understanding the total cost and what you get for your money is crucial before clicking that “Purchase” button. This article explores the value proposition, weighs the costs, and answers all your burning questions about the Expansion Pack, so you can make an informed decision.
Unpacking the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a whole new level of Nintendo goodness. In addition to everything you get with the standard Nintendo Switch Online membership (online play, save data cloud, a library of classic NES, Super NES, and Game Boy games), the Expansion Pack unlocks a treasure trove of retro games and DLC.
What Do You Get?
- Nintendo 64 Games: Relive classics like Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and Mario Kart 64. More games are being added regularly.
- Sega Genesis/Mega Drive Games: Dive into the library of iconic Sega Genesis titles such as Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Streets of Rage 2.
- Game Boy Advance Games: Play some of your favorite GBA titles.
- DLC Goodies: Access add-on content like the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass, the Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion, and the Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise DLC. Remember, the base games are required to play these DLCs.
Is the Price Justified?
This is the million-dollar (well, $49.99) question! Whether the Expansion Pack is “worth it” depends entirely on your gaming habits and preferences.
- Retro Game Enthusiast: If you have fond memories of the N64 and Sega Genesis, the nostalgia factor alone might justify the price.
- DLC Lover: If you were already planning on purchasing the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass and/or the Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise DLC, the Expansion Pack can be a cost-effective way to get them.
- Family Gamer: The Family Membership option (which we’ll discuss below) can be a fantastic value if multiple people in your household play Nintendo Switch.
Decoding the Membership Options
Nintendo offers two main membership tiers for its online service:
- Nintendo Switch Online: This gives you online play, save data cloud backup, and a library of classic NES and Super NES games.
- Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: This includes everything in the base Nintendo Switch Online membership plus access to N64, Sega Genesis, Game Boy Advance games, and select DLC.
Each tier is available in two forms: Individual Membership and Family Membership.
- Individual Membership: For one user.
- Family Membership: For up to eight Nintendo Account holders.
Family Matters: The Family Membership Option
The Family Membership is where the real savings potential lies. The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Family Membership costs significantly more than the individual membership. However, if you can fill all eight slots with family members or friends, the cost per person drops dramatically, making it an incredibly attractive option.
Understanding the Fine Print: Expiration and DLC Access
It’s crucial to understand what happens when your Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership expires. Short answer: you lose access to the N64, Sega Genesis, and Game Boy Advance games, as well as any DLC you obtained through the membership (like the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe tracks or the Animal Crossing content). Think of it like a streaming service – your access is contingent on your active subscription. However, any unlocks or progress made on the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass, the Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion, and the Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise DLC will be saved, so if you purchase them at a later date you can pick up where you left off!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much is Nintendo expansion pack a month?
While the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack 12-month memberships start at $49.99 USD, which averages out to just over $4 per month for an individual membership, there is no option to purchase the Expansion Pack on a monthly basis. It is an annual membership that allows you to get N64, Sega Genesis, Game Boy Advance games, and select DLC at a cost-effective manner.
2. What is the expansion pack with Nintendo Online membership?
The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack provides access to a library of Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis, and Game Boy Advance games, as well as select DLC, such as the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass, the Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion, and the Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise DLC. It also includes all the benefits of the standard Nintendo Switch Online membership.
3. Is the Nintendo online expansion pack free? Is a free trial available for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack?
No, the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is a paid service. While a free trial is available for the standard Nintendo Switch Online service, a free trial is not available for the Expansion Pack.
4. Why is the Nintendo online expansion so expensive?
The price is likely influenced by licensing costs for the retro games, as well as the value of the included DLC. Getting the rights to third party games can get expensive as the gaming industry grows.
5. What is the difference between Nintendo online membership and expansion pack?
The main difference is the content. Both offer online play and save data cloud backup. The Expansion Pack adds N64, Sega Genesis, Game Boy Advance games, and select DLC.
6. How do I pay for switch online expansion pack?
You can purchase the Expansion Pack through the Nintendo eShop on your Nintendo Switch. You can use Nintendo eShop funds, credit card, or PayPal.
7. Is the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack individual membership worth it?
If you enjoy retro games and want the DLC mentioned above, the individual membership can be a good value, but you may want to consider the family membership option, especially if there are multiple people in your household that want the Expansion Pack.
8. Does the Nintendo Expansion Pack expire?
Yes, the Nintendo Expansion Pack is a subscription service. When your subscription ends, you lose access to the N64, Sega Genesis, Game Boy Advance games, and DLC included with the membership.
9. Is the Nintendo Online Expansion permanent?
No, it’s not permanent. It’s a subscription that automatically renews unless you turn off automatic renewal.
10. Can I upgrade my Nintendo online to expansion pass?
Yes, you can upgrade from a standard Nintendo Switch Online membership to the Expansion Pack. The remaining balance of your standard membership will likely be factored into the price of the upgrade.
11. Can you buy just the expansion pack of switch online?
No, you cannot buy just the expansion pack. You need to be a Nintendo Switch Online member in order to get the expansion pack. You can buy the individual DLC separately if you choose to.
12. What is the Nintendo Switch Online expansion pack in 2023?
In 2023, the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack continued to offer a library of N64, Sega Genesis, and select DLC, with games like 1080 Snowboarding, Excitebike 64, GoldenEye 007, Mario Party 3, and both Pokemon Stadium games being added to the N64 library. The library of Game Boy Advance games was also being built out.
13. Can you refund switch online expansion pack?
Nintendo typically does not offer refunds for digital content purchased through the Nintendo eShop, including the Expansion Pack.
14. Is Happy Home Paradise a one-time purchase?
Happy Home Paradise can be purchased separately as a one-time purchase. If you have an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, you already have access to it.
15. Do you keep DLC after expansion pack expires?
No, when your Expansion Pack subscription ends, you lose access to the DLC included with the membership. But remember, any unlocks or progress made on the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass, the Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion, and the Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise DLC will be saved, so if you purchase them at a later date you can pick up where you left off!
Making the Right Choice
Ultimately, the decision to subscribe to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is a personal one. Consider your gaming habits, your love for retro games, and whether you plan to purchase the included DLC separately. Don’t forget to explore the Family Membership option if you have multiple Nintendo Switch users in your household. By weighing the costs and benefits, you can determine if the Expansion Pack is the right fit for your Nintendo Switch experience. It’s a service that can significantly enhance your gaming experience, but only if its offerings align with your gaming preferences and financial considerations.
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