gls-featured

Is Nintendo online expensive?

by

Is Nintendo Switch Online Expensive? A Deep Dive into Value and Cost

The question of whether Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) is expensive isn’t a simple yes or no. It’s a question of value. Compared to other console online services like PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass, NSO is generally considered to be more affordable. However, affordability doesn’t automatically equate to value for every gamer. The “expensive” factor is subjective and depends on how much you utilize its features and whether those features align with your gaming habits. So, while the sticker price may seem appealing, let’s dissect what you actually get for your money to determine if it’s a good investment for you.

Breaking Down the Nintendo Switch Online Offerings

To properly assess the cost, we need to understand what NSO actually offers. There are two primary tiers:

  • Nintendo Switch Online (Base): This is the basic subscription, offering the fundamental necessities for Switch gamers.

  • Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: This tier adds more features, including classic Nintendo 64 and Game Boy Advance games.

Let’s break down the cost of each.

Nintendo Switch Online (Base) Pricing

The base NSO subscription comes in several flavors:

  • Individual Membership:

    • Monthly: $3.99
    • 3-Month: $7.99
    • 12-Month: $19.99

  • Family Membership (12-Month): $34.99 (Supports up to 8 Nintendo Accounts)

Clearly, the annual subscription offers the best value, significantly reducing the monthly cost compared to paying month-to-month or quarterly. The family plan is exceptionally cost-effective if you have multiple Switch users in your household.

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Pricing

The Expansion Pack comes with a heftier price tag:

  • Individual Membership (12-Month): $49.99

  • Family Membership (12-Month): $79.99 (Supports up to 8 Nintendo Accounts)

Here, the price jump is substantial. The Expansion Pack is more than double the price of the base individual plan and a significant increase over the base family plan.

What Do You Get For Your Money?

The cost is one thing, but what do you actually get? Here’s a detailed breakdown of the features included in each tier:

Nintendo Switch Online (Base) Features:

  • Online Play: This is the core functionality. To play most Switch games online with friends or other players, you need NSO. Games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 3, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate rely on this service for their online multiplayer modes.

  • Cloud Saves: Back up your save data for compatible games to the cloud. This is crucial if your Switch is lost, stolen, or damaged, as it allows you to retrieve your progress on a new console. However, not all games support cloud saves.

  • NES and Super NES Games: Access a library of classic Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) games. These games include added online functionality, allowing you to play with friends remotely.

  • Nintendo Switch Online App: Enhance your online play experience with voice chat and other features for specific games through the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app. (Frankly, not many people use this).

  • Special Offers: Access to exclusive deals and promotions, such as special in-game items or exclusive Nintendo-branded merchandise.

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Features:

  • All the benefits of the base NSO plan, PLUS:

  • Nintendo 64 Games: Access a selection of Nintendo 64 games, complete with online multiplayer capabilities. This is a major selling point for retro gamers.

  • Game Boy Advance Games: A growing library of Game Boy Advance titles is now available for subscribers.

  • SEGA Genesis Games: Another library of retro games from the SEGA Genesis console.

  • Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise DLC: Gain access to this popular DLC expansion for Animal Crossing: New Horizons. If you plan on buying the DLC anyway, this essentially offsets the cost of the Expansion Pack.

  • Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass DLC: Similarly, access to this DLC for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe can offset the cost if you plan to purchase it separately.

Is It Worth It? Evaluating Your Needs

The “worth” factor depends entirely on your gaming habits. Consider these questions:

  • Do you play online multiplayer games frequently? If yes, NSO (base) is practically a necessity.

  • Are you a fan of retro games? If you enjoy playing NES, SNES, N64, Game Boy Advance, or SEGA Genesis games, the Expansion Pack may be appealing.

  • Do you own Animal Crossing: New Horizons or Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and plan to purchase their DLC? If so, the Expansion Pack becomes significantly more attractive.

  • Do you have multiple Switch users in your household? The family plan is a no-brainer for families, as it offers significant savings.

  • Are you concerned about data loss? Cloud saves are a valuable feature if you worry about losing your game progress.

If you primarily play single-player games offline, and have no interest in classic games, NSO may not be worth the cost. However, for anyone who regularly engages with online multiplayer or enjoys retro gaming, it’s a valuable service.

Consider that the cost of one new AAA Nintendo game is equivalent to multiple years of NSO. When viewed in that light, it becomes a very affordable addition to the Nintendo Switch ecosystem. Furthermore, consider visiting Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to read more about gaming.

Weighing the Alternatives

It’s also worth comparing NSO to other subscription services. PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass offer broader benefits, including monthly free games and access to a larger library of titles. However, they also come at a higher price.

Ultimately, the best way to determine if NSO is “expensive” is to weigh the cost against the features you will actually use. If you find yourself regularly using the online play functionality, enjoying the classic games, and utilizing cloud saves, then the subscription is likely a good value for you. If not, you may be better off sticking to single-player games or exploring other gaming options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Nintendo Switch Online to help you make an informed decision:

1. What happens if I don’t renew my Nintendo Switch Online membership?

You will lose access to online play for most games, cloud saves, and the library of classic games. Games you downloaded as part of the service will become unplayable.

2. Can I play Nintendo Switch games online without a subscription?

No, a Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to participate in co-op and competitive online features for many first- and third-party Nintendo Switch games.

3. Does Nintendo Switch Online give you free games?

Yes, the basic membership gives you access to a library of classic NES and Super NES games. The Expansion Pack adds Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis titles to the library.

4. How do I get Nintendo Switch Online for free?

Nintendo occasionally offers free trials. Keep an eye on the Nintendo website and social media channels for announcements. It is important to note that you will be charged automatically once the free trial expires.

5. How do I cancel my Nintendo Switch Online subscription?

You can cancel your subscription through your Nintendo Account settings on the Nintendo website.

6. Can I use my Nintendo Switch Online membership on multiple consoles?

Your membership is tied to your Nintendo Account, so you can use it on multiple consoles, but only one console can be actively using the online services at a time.

7. Is the Nintendo Switch Online family plan worth it?

If you have multiple Switch users in your household (up to 8), the family plan is significantly cheaper per person than individual memberships.

8. Can I play Mario Kart online without Nintendo Switch Online?

No, a Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe online with friends or other players.

9. What games are included with the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack?

The selection varies, but it includes popular titles from the Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis consoles. Check the Nintendo website for the most up-to-date list.

10. Does Nintendo Switch Online offer discounts on games?

Unlike PlayStation Plus, Nintendo Switch Online does not offer discounts on digital games.

11. Are cloud saves available for all Nintendo Switch games?

No, some games do not support cloud saves due to their design or to prevent cheating. Check the game’s description on the Nintendo eShop to confirm if cloud saves are supported.

12. How often does Nintendo add new games to the classic game libraries?

Nintendo adds new games to the NES, SNES, N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries periodically, but there’s no fixed schedule.

13. Is Nintendo Switch Online required for all online games on Switch?

While NSO is required for the vast majority of online multiplayer games, some free-to-play games like Fortnite and Apex Legends do not require a subscription for online play.

14. How long does a Nintendo Switch Online membership last?

Individual memberships are available in 1-month, 3-month, and 12-month increments. Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Individual memberships are available in 12-month increments.

15. What happens if my child has a Nintendo Switch Online membership that I don’t want them to have?

You can manage your child’s Nintendo Account through the Nintendo Account website or app. From there you can restrict access to online play and disable automatic renewal of their Nintendo Switch Online membership.

Hopefully, this comprehensive overview has helped you determine whether Nintendo Switch Online is a worthwhile investment for your gaming needs. Happy gaming!

Leave a Comment