Is Nintendo Switch Online with Expansion Pack Better? A Comprehensive Review

The simple answer? Yes, for many Nintendo Switch owners, the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is indeed better than the base Nintendo Switch Online service. However, like most things, the “better” option is subjective and depends heavily on your individual gaming habits and preferences. This article will delve deep into the features and benefits of both services, helping you determine which membership is the right fit for you.

Breaking Down the Nintendo Switch Online Services

To understand whether the Expansion Pack is worth the upgrade, it’s crucial to understand what each service offers.

Nintendo Switch Online: The Foundation

The base Nintendo Switch Online service is the bedrock for online Nintendo Switch gaming. Without it, you’ll miss out on key features:

• Online Play: This is the core feature. You need Nintendo Switch Online to play most multiplayer games online, including Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 3, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

• Classic NES, SNES, and Game Boy Games: Enjoy a growing library of retro titles from Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Nintendo Entertainment System and Game Boy. These games often include added online functionality, allowing you to play with friends remotely.

• Save Data Cloud Backup: This feature automatically backs up your game save data to the cloud, protecting your progress in case your console is lost, stolen, or damaged. Important Note: Not all games support cloud saves.

• Nintendo Switch Online App Features: The smartphone app offers voice chat and special features for select games like Splatoon 3.

• Exclusive Offers: Access to exclusive deals and special offers, such as themed in-game items.

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: The Upgrade

The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack includes everything in the base Nintendo Switch Online service, PLUS these key additions:

• Nintendo 64 Games: A library of classic Nintendo 64 titles, often considered some of the best games of all time. Online play is available for select titles.

• Sega Genesis/Mega Drive Games: A collection of retro Sega Genesis games, bringing iconic titles from Sega’s 16-bit era to your Nintendo Switch. Similar to the N64 library, online play is included for some games.

• Game Boy Advance Games: A selection of classic titles from the handheld Game Boy Advance that have now been made available to play on the Switch.

• Downloadable Content (DLC): Access to major DLC packs for specific first-party Nintendo games at no additional cost. This includes the Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise DLC and the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass. If you own the base games, this adds significant value.

The Price Difference and Value Proposition

The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is more expensive than the base service. Currently, the annual cost is $49.99 for an individual membership, compared to $19.99 for the standard Nintendo Switch Online. This represents a significant price increase.

The question then becomes, is the additional content worth the extra cost? This depends on:

• Your Interest in Retro Games: If you have no interest in playing N64, Sega Genesis, or Game Boy Advance games, the Expansion Pack loses much of its appeal.

• Whether You’d Buy the DLC Anyway: If you were planning to purchase the Animal Crossing: New Horizons DLC or the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass separately, the Expansion Pack becomes a much more attractive option. Consider that these DLC packs can cost almost as much as the base Nintendo Online subscription.

• Online Play Habits: How often do you engage in online multiplayer? If online play is your primary motivation for subscribing, the base service may suffice.

Making the Decision: Who Should Upgrade?

The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is a compelling option for:

• Retro Game Enthusiasts: Those who grew up with and enjoy playing classic N64, Sega Genesis and Game Boy Advance titles.

• Animal Crossing & Mario Kart Fans: If you enjoy Animal Crossing and Mario Kart, and you plan to buy the DLC, this is the logical choice. The DLC included in the Expansion Pack more than justifies the price difference between the two subscriptions.

• Families: A Family Membership for the Expansion Pack offers significant value if multiple family members have Nintendo Switch accounts and would benefit from the included games and DLC.

The base Nintendo Switch Online is a better fit for:

• Casual Gamers: Those who primarily play single-player games or only occasionally engage in online multiplayer.

• Budget-Conscious Players: If you’re on a tight budget and the extra features don’t appeal to you, the base service provides essential online functionality at a lower cost.

Addressing Initial Criticisms

When the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack first launched, it faced criticism for the emulation quality of the retro games and the limited initial library of titles. However, Nintendo has addressed many of these concerns by improving the emulation and consistently adding more games to the service. These improvements make the Expansion Pack even more valuable.

The key is to stay informed and assess whether the available games and DLC align with your personal gaming preferences. By weighing the costs and benefits, you can determine whether the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is indeed the “better” option for you.

Understanding how gamers learn and engage with these platforms can also be beneficial. Consider exploring the work of the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to understand the broader implications of gaming and learning.

Nintendo Switch Online and Learning

This isn’t just about gaming, it’s about the future of learning. Understanding these gaming trends is vital for anyone interested in the intersection of learning and entertainment. This helps ensure that we can build engaging platforms for future generations. Check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What games are included in the Nintendo 64 library on the Expansion Pack?

The N64 library includes popular titles such as Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Mario Kart 64, Star Fox 64, Banjo-Kazooie, F-Zero X, Pokémon Stadium, Paper Mario, Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards and more. Nintendo regularly adds more games to this collection.

2. What games are included in the Sega Genesis library on the Expansion Pack?

The Sega Genesis/Mega Drive library includes classics like Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Streets of Rage 2, Golden Axe, Ecco the Dolphin, Gunstar Heroes, Castlevania: Bloodlines, Contra: Hard Corps, Shining Force and more. More titles are added over time.

3. What games are included in the Game Boy Advance library on the Expansion Pack?

The Game Boy Advance library includes fan favorites like Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3, WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames!, Kuru Kuru Kururin, The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, and Metroid Fusion. Expect this to be one of the fastest growing additions to the Expansion Pack.

4. Do I get to keep the Expansion Pack games forever?

No. Access to the N64, Sega Genesis, and Game Boy Advance games, as well as the included DLC, is tied to your active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. If your membership expires, you will lose access to these benefits until you renew your subscription.

5. Can I buy the Animal Crossing or Mario Kart DLC separately if I don’t have the Expansion Pack?

Yes, you can purchase the Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass DLC separately through the Nintendo eShop.

6. How much more expensive is the Expansion Pack compared to the base Nintendo Switch Online?

The Expansion Pack costs $49.99 per year for an individual membership, while the base Nintendo Switch Online costs $19.99 per year. This is a $30 difference.

7. Can I upgrade to the Expansion Pack if I already have a Nintendo Switch Online membership?

Yes, you can upgrade your existing Nintendo Switch Online membership to the Expansion Pack. The remaining time on your current membership will be factored into the price of the upgrade.

8. What happens to my cloud saves if my Nintendo Switch Online membership expires?

If your Nintendo Switch Online membership expires, you will no longer have access to your Save Data Cloud backups. Nintendo typically retains cloud saves for approximately 180 days after your membership expires, so you may be able to retrieve them if you resubscribe within that timeframe.

9. Can multiple users on the same Nintendo Switch share an Expansion Pack membership?

Yes, if you purchase a Family Membership for the Expansion Pack, up to eight Nintendo Accounts can share the benefits, regardless of whether they are on the same console or different consoles.

10. Is the Expansion Pack available as a monthly subscription?

No, the Expansion Pack is only available as an annual subscription.

11. What are the internet requirements to play Nintendo Switch Online?

Playing Nintendo Switch Online requires a stable internet connection. A wired connection is often recommended for optimal performance.

12. How do I access the classic games included with the Expansion Pack?

The classic games are accessed through dedicated apps available on the Nintendo eShop: “Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Switch Online”, “SEGA Genesis – Nintendo Switch Online” and “Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Switch Online”. These apps are free to download for Expansion Pack subscribers.

13. Can I stack multiple years of Nintendo Switch Online memberships?

Yes, you can stack multiple years of Nintendo Switch Online memberships. The maximum is typically three years.

14. If I have a family plan for the base Nintendo Switch Online, can I upgrade to a family plan for the Expansion Pack?

Yes, you can upgrade your family plan to the Expansion Pack. The price will be adjusted based on the remaining time on your existing family plan.

15. Are there any other benefits to the Expansion Pack besides classic games and DLC?

No, the main benefits of the Expansion Pack are the access to N64, Sega Genesis, and Game Boy Advance games, as well as the included DLC for Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Nintendo may add other benefits in the future, but currently, these are the primary draws.