How Much is the Nintendo Switch Online Family Plan? Your Comprehensive Guide
The Nintendo Switch has become a staple in many households, offering a wide array of gaming experiences for players of all ages. Central to maximizing the console’s potential is the Nintendo Switch Online service. One of the most cost-effective ways to access this service, especially for families, is through the Family Plan. So, how much does it actually cost?
The Nintendo Switch Online Family Plan costs $34.99 per year. This allows up to 8 Nintendo Accounts within a family group to access the benefits of Nintendo Switch Online. However, for an enhanced experience, there’s also the Family Plan + Expansion Pack, which costs $79.99 per year.
This article will dive deep into the details of the Nintendo Switch Online Family Plan, answering all your burning questions and helping you decide whether it’s the right choice for your family.
Understanding the Nintendo Switch Online Family Plan
The Nintendo Switch Online service unlocks several key features that significantly enhance the Nintendo Switch experience:
- Online Play: Engage in multiplayer games with friends and other players around the world.
- Classic Games: Access a library of classic NES and Super NES games, playable online with friends.
- Cloud Saves: Back up your game data to the cloud, ensuring you never lose progress.
- Smartphone App: Use the Nintendo Switch Online app for voice chat and special game-specific features.
- Exclusive Offers: Get access to exclusive deals and discounts on digital games and accessories.
The Family Plan extends these benefits to up to eight members of a family group, making it a much more economical option than purchasing individual memberships for each family member.
The Expansion Pack: Adding More Value
The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack builds upon the core benefits of the standard Family Plan by adding even more value:
- Nintendo 64 Games: Play a selection of classic Nintendo 64 games with enhanced features, like online multiplayer.
- Sega Genesis Games: Relive the golden age of Sega with a library of Genesis classics.
- Game Boy Advance and Game Boy Games: The service has expanded to include a range of popular GBA and Game Boy titles
- DLC Access: Gain access to downloadable content (DLC) for select Nintendo Switch games, such as the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass and the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Happy Home Paradise DLC.
While the Expansion Pack comes at a higher price point, the additional content and nostalgic appeal can be well worth the investment, especially for families with diverse gaming tastes. The Games Learning Society recognizes the educational and social value of these classic games and the engagement they provide. More information about the GamesLearningSociety.org can be found on their website.
Deciding Between the Standard Family Plan and the Expansion Pack
Choosing between the standard Family Plan and the Expansion Pack depends on your family’s gaming preferences and budget. Consider these factors:
- Number of Family Members: If you have more than two family members actively using the Nintendo Switch Online service, the Family Plan is likely more cost-effective than individual memberships.
- Interest in Retro Games: If your family enjoys classic Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games, the Expansion Pack is a must-have.
- DLC Desires: If you plan on purchasing the DLC for games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or Animal Crossing: New Horizons, the Expansion Pack offers significant savings.
- Budget Constraints: If you’re on a tight budget, the standard Family Plan provides a solid foundation of online features and classic games at a more affordable price.
Cost Breakdown: Individual vs. Family Plan
To illustrate the cost savings, let’s compare the annual cost of individual memberships versus the Family Plan:
- Individual Membership: $19.99 per year
- Family Plan: $34.99 per year
- Individual Membership + Expansion Pack: $49.99 per year
- Family Plan + Expansion Pack: $79.99 per year
As you can see, the Family Plan offers significant savings for families with multiple Nintendo Switch users. Even with just two users, the Family Plan offers a better value proposition than buying two individual plans.
Nintendo Switch Online Family Plan FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the details of the Nintendo Switch Online Family Plan:
1. What is a Nintendo Account family group?
A family group is a collection of up to eight Nintendo Accounts linked together under a single administrator account. This allows all members of the family group to share the benefits of a Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership.
2. How do I create a Nintendo Account family group?
You can create a family group through your Nintendo Account settings on the Nintendo website. The administrator account (usually the parent or guardian) will invite other members to join the group.
3. Can I add or remove members from my family group?
Yes, the administrator of the family group can add or remove members at any time through the Nintendo Account settings.
4. Does each family member need their own Nintendo Account?
Yes, each family member needs their own Nintendo Account to be added to the family group and access the Nintendo Switch Online benefits.
5. Can I use the Family Plan on multiple Nintendo Switch consoles?
Yes, the Family Plan covers all Nintendo Switch consoles used by members of the family group, regardless of location.
6. What happens if a family member leaves the family group?
If a family member leaves the family group, they will no longer be covered by the Family Plan and will lose access to the Nintendo Switch Online benefits.
7. Can I upgrade from an Individual Membership to a Family Plan?
Yes, but there isn’t an automated way to do it. You’ll need to wait until your current Individual Membership expires and then purchase the Family Plan.
8. Can I stack Nintendo Switch Online memberships?
No, you cannot stack Nintendo Switch Online memberships. If you purchase a new membership while an existing one is active, the new membership will not be added to the existing one.
9. What happens if my Nintendo Switch Online Family Plan expires?
When your Family Plan expires, all members of the family group will lose access to the Nintendo Switch Online benefits, including online play, cloud saves, and classic games.
10. Can I share digital games with other members of my family group?
Digital games are tied to the Nintendo Account that purchased them. However, all users on a system that has been registered as the primary console for the Nintendo Account that purchased the game can play the game.
11. How do I share games with my family on Nintendo Switch?
Register one Nintendo Switch as the primary console for the Nintendo Account that owns the digital games. All users on that console can then access and play the games.
12. Can two Nintendo Switch consoles use the same Nintendo Account simultaneously?
No, you cannot use the same Nintendo Account to access games on multiple consoles simultaneously.
13. What is the difference between a Nintendo Account and a child account?
Nintendo Accounts for children can be created for users age 0 through 17. General Nintendo Accounts can only be created by users age 13 and older who have an email account.
14. Can I get a discount on Nintendo Switch Online?
Nintendo occasionally offers promotions and discounts on Nintendo Switch Online memberships, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for special deals.
15. Is the Nintendo Switch Online Family Plan worth it?
For families with multiple Nintendo Switch users, the Family Plan is almost always worth the investment, offering significant cost savings and access to a wide range of online features and classic games. The Expansion Pack further enhances the value with access to Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance games and DLC content.