Nintendo Switch Online is a paid service launched on September 18, 2018 that lets members enjoy online play in compatible Nintendo Switch games, access a selection of classic NES games with new online functionality, back up save data for most games, and use additional features for the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app.
Additionally, Nintendo Switch Online members in the U.S. and Canada can take advantage of exclusive special offers from Nintendo.
- Online play and Nintendo Switch Online app
The Nintendo Switch Online service lets Nintendo Switch owners enjoy online play in compatible games like Splatoon 2, ARMS, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
Nintendo Switch Online members can also access the Nintendo Switch Online app to send play invitations and participate in voice chat (restricted to members aged 13+) for compatible games such as Splatoon 2.
- Classic Game Libraries
Members can enjoy a growing library of NES games and Super NES games with added online play as part of the paid Nintendo Switch Online membership. With the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app, you can also voice chat during your play sessions. The service includes 20 games at launch, with new NES and Super NES games added in the future. For additional information, please review our .
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members also gain access to libraries of classic Nintendo 64 and SEGA Genesis games.
- Save Data Cloud Backup
Players with a Nintendo Switch Online membership can save game data online for compatible games. Save data is linked to your Nintendo Account, so you can access it from any Nintendo Switch system by signing in and downloading your save data.
- Special Offers
Nintendo Switch Online members in the U.S. and Canada have access to exclusive special offers, such as the option to purchase specially designed classic game controllers for use with the classic game libraries.
- General Information
- Can I play Nintendo Switch games online without subscribing to the service?
Beginning September 18, 2018, 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, including Splatoon 2, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, ARMS, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Some games, such as Fortnite, can be played online without a Nintendo Switch membership.
Additionally, Nintendo eShop, friend registration and management, sharing screen shots and video over social networks, parental controls, game software and system software updates, game news, and other service functionality will be available without becoming a Nintendo Switch Online member.
- Which games require Nintendo Switch Online?
Beginning September 18, 2018, games that require a Nintendo Switch Online membership for online play will be identified in Nintendo eShop and in the game's product information on the Nintendo website. Additional online features (such as Nintendo Switch Online app and Save Data Cloud backup compatibility) will also be displayed there.
For games released after September 18, 2018, the online requirements and features will also be noted on the back of the game's box.
For additional assistance locating compatible games, please visit the Nintendo Switch Online website.
- Where is the service available?
In the Americas, Nintendo Switch Online is available in the following countries:
- U.S.
- Canada
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Peru
For a complete list showing what features and services are available in each country, please read Nintendo Switch Online Service and Feature Availability by Country.
We will have additional information about other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean in the future.
- How can I purchase a membership?
Since September 18, 2018 Nintendo Switch Online individual and family memberships can be purchased directly through the Nintendo eShop (either on Nintendo Switch or through the My Nintendo™️ Store).
Additionally, download codes for individual and family memberships (including Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack memberships) can be purchased through select retailers.
- How much does it cost?
For a list of current subscription plans and pricing, please read How Much Does a Nintendo Switch Online Membership Cost?.
- Can I try Nintendo Switch Online for free?
You can sign up for a free trial membership to try Nintendo Switch Online for free for 7 days. For information about signing up for a free trial membership, please read How to Sign Up for a Free Nintendo Switch Online Trial Membership.
- What are the requirements to use the Nintendo Switch Online service?
You will need the following:
- A Nintendo Account
- Internet access
- Nintendo Switch system with system menu version 6.0 or higher
- Smart device with Nintendo Switch Online app version 1.4.0 or higher (only required for in-game voice chat features)
- How is this service different from the previous free service?
Nintendo Switch Online offers much more than just the ability to play online multiplayer games. Members also have access to a library of classic NES and Super NES games that can be played online with friends, Save Data Cloud backup, the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app and special offers.
- Is a Nintendo Switch Online membership needed for Wii U or Nintendo 3DS games?
The paid online service is for Nintendo Switch games only. Online play for the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS systems will continue as normal, at no additional cost.
- Can I use My Nintendo Gold Points to purchase the Nintendo Switch Online membership?
Gold Points can be used when purchasing a membership in the Nintendo eShop. They cannot be used for auto-renewal.
- Questions about the Nintendo Switch Online app
For information about the Nintendo Switch Online application for smart devices, please read Nintendo Switch Online App Overview and FAQ.
- Can I play Nintendo Switch games online without subscribing to the service?
- Account Settings & Membership Plans
- What is the difference between an individual membership and a family membership?
An individual membership provides Nintendo Switch Online service to the Nintendo Account that purchased the service. Individual memberships are available in 1-month, 3-month, or 1-year increments.
A family membership provides the Nintendo Switch Online service to everyone in the purchaser's family group (up to 8 people). Family memberships are available in 12-month increments only. To learn more about the benefits of a family membership, please read Information About Nintendo Switch Online Family Memberships.
- Can I change the members in my family membership?
Yes. Members added to the owner's family group will be included in the family membership plan for as long as they remain in the group.
Learn more about How to Add Members to a Family Group.
- Can Nintendo Accounts with different country settings share a family membership?
Yes. However, not all features are available in all countries.
- Do all family members need to use the same system or live in the same household?
No. A Nintendo Switch Online family membership is linked to the Nintendo Account - not a specific Nintendo Switch console. It can be used on any Nintendo Switch console that the member signs in from.
- Can I change from a family membership to an individual membership (or vice versa)?
If you are already part of a family membership, it is not possible to purchase or change to an individual membership. Additionally, download codes for individual memberships cannot be redeemed by someone who is already covered by a family membership. However, if someone else in your family group purchased the family membership, you can leave the family group and purchase an individual membership for yourself.
If you already have an individual membership, you can purchase a family membership at a discounted price from the Nintendo eShop, where available.
You may also find our Information on Changing a Nintendo Switch Online Membership Type (Individual or Family) helpful.
- If I purchase additional memberships, will it extend out my current membership time?
You can purchase multiple memberships of the same type (individual or family) to extend your overall membership time, up to 3-years (1,095 days) total. Please note that you cannot combine time from a family membership and an individual membership.
You may also find our information on Can I Purchase Multiple Nintendo Switch Online Memberships to Extend My Membership Time helpful.
- How long can I extend my membership?
You can purchase multiple memberships of the same type (individual or family) to extend your overall membership time, up to 3-years (1,095 days) total.
You may also find our information on Can I Purchase Multiple Nintendo Switch Online Memberships to Extend My Membership Time helpful.
- What happens if I delete a Nintendo Account with a Nintendo Switch Online membership?
If you delete a Nintendo Account with a Nintendo Switch Online membership, you will no longer be able to use the online service with that account.
If you have purchased a family membership, the other members of your family group will also no longer be able to use the service.
Additionally, we are unable to guarantee that cloud save data will be retained after an extended period of time from when your membership is ended. However, you can continue to use the save data that is saved to your system memory.
Please note that we are unable to refund remaining time on the membership if your Nintendo Account is deleted.
You may also find our information on How to Delete a Nintendo Account helpful.
- How can I adjust my auto-renewal settings?
Auto-renewal can be turned off through "Your Subscriptions" in your Nintendo eShop or Nintendo Account settings. Once it's turned off, it cannot be turned on again.
Whenever you change your membership type or duration, you should also verify that your auto-renewal settings are set correctly for your preferred membership plan.
We may receive updated information from your issuing bank or applicable payment service provider about the credit card that you have stored in your Nintendo Account for auto-renewal. This means we may update the saved credit card's number and expiration date if it is replaced or it expired. This helps ensure that your subscriptions automatically renew successfully, even if your credit card information changes.
You may also find our information on How to Adjust Nintendo Switch Online Auto-Renewal Settings helpful.
- How can I see my current membership information?
You can view your current membership plan through "Your Subscriptions" in your Nintendo eShop or Nintendo Account settings, or by selecting Nintendo Switch Online from the HOME Menu of your Nintendo Switch.
You may also find our information on How to View Your Nintendo Switch Online Status helpful.
- Can I suspend my Nintendo Switch Online membership for a while?
No, it is not possible to suspend use of the service.
Please note that if your system is sent to Nintendo for repair, your Nintendo Switch Online membership time will automatically be extended accordingly. This does not apply to repairs for standalone accessories, including Joy-Con.
- Will I keep my Nintendo Switch Online membership if I change countries?
Yes. Your Nintendo Switch Online membership will remain active if you change your Nintendo Account settings to a country that supports Nintendo Switch Online.
- What is the difference between an individual membership and a family membership?
- Save Data Cloud Backup
- How does Save Data Cloud backup work?
Save Data Cloud backup creates a backup copy of save data for the vast majority of Nintendo Switch games. Nintendo Switch Online members can access the save data from any Nintendo Switch console by signing in with their Nintendo Account and downloading the save data.
- Where can I change my Save Data Cloud settings?
When you become a Nintendo Switch online member, backup will be set automatically for all compatible save files - you don't need to do anything else to start using Save Data Cloud. Automatic save-data download, however, must be enabled on each Nintendo Switch console you wish to use it on.
Settings can be manually adjusted for each game and user by selecting System Settings on the Nintendo Switch HOME menu, then Data Management, and Save Data Cloud.
- Which games are compatible with Save Data Cloud backup?
The vast majority of Nintendo Switch games support Save Data Cloud backup.
Beginning September 18, 2018, games that require a Nintendo Switch Online membership for online play will be identified in Nintendo eShop and in the game's product information on the Nintendo website. Additional online features (such as Nintendo Switch Online app and Save Data Cloud backup compatibility) will also be displayed there.
For additional information about compatible games, please read Which Nintendo Switch Titles Are Compatible with Save Data Cloud Backup.
- Is my save data retained if my Nintendo Switch Online membership ends?
If your Nintendo Switch Online membership expires, you won’t be able to access your Save Data Cloud backups. However, Nintendo will allow users who resubscribe within 180 days to access their previous Save Data Cloud backups.
- Does Nintendo Switch support local save data backups?
Local save data backups are not currently supported on Nintendo Switch.
While we have nothing additional to announce on this topic, please be assured that we listen carefully to the feedback from our customers. We are constantly working on ways to further enhance the experience of using the system.
- Does Save Data Cloud backup work with Wii U or Nintendo 3DS titles?
Save Data Cloud backup is available for compatible Nintendo Switch titles only.
- How does Save Data Cloud backup work?
- Special Offers
- What special offers are currently available?
For the most up-to-date information on special offers, select Nintendo Switch Online from the HOME Menu of your Nintendo Switch console. Special offers include:
- NES Controller
- Nintendo Switch Online members in the U.S. and Canada can purchase a pair of exclusive NES controllers for use with NES - Nintendo Switch Online games, which adds an authentic feel to playing classic NES games. For additional information about the NES controllers, please read .
- Super NES Controller
- Nintendo Switch Online members in the U.S. and Canada can purchase an exclusive Super NES controller for use with Super NES - Nintendo Switch Online games, which looks and operates like the original controller for the Super NES. For additional information about the Super NES controller, please read .
- Splatoon 2 DLC
- Everyone with an individual 12-Month membership or a family membership will receive a download code for an exclusive in-game outfit in Splatoon 2. For additional information about this offer, please read Splatoon 2 DLC Special Offer - FAQ.
- Tetris® 99
- With a Nintendo Switch Online membership, you'll be able to download Tetris® 99 and play online in massive 99-player battles. Visit the Tetris® 99 game page for more details.
- Special My Nintendo Missions and Rewards
- You can earn My Nintendo Platinum Points by using Nintendo Switch Online services, like playing games that use online play or Save Data Cloud services. You can redeem the Platinum Points you earn for custom user icons that are available exclusively to Nintendo Switch Online members. Additionally, users with an active, paid Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership may from time to time have access to exclusive icon elements.
- Game Trials
- Everyone with an active, paid Nintendo Switch Online membership can download and play Game Trials for popular games on the Nintendo Switch as they are made available. A Game Trial is available to download and play for a limited period of time and allows you to play a full version of the game. Your save data for a Game Trial will carry over to the game if you choose to purchase it, so you can pick up where you left off. Visit our Game Trials FAQ for more details.
- Nintendo Switch Online Membership-Exclusive DLC
- Players in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico with an active, paid Nintendo Switch Online membership can download membership-only DLC packs, such as sets of items in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate to help you challenge Spirits. Learn how to download membership-exclusive DLC.
- Nintendo Switch Game vouchers
- Players in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico with an active, paid Nintendo Switch Online membership were eligible to purchase sets of two Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers between May 15, 2019 and July 31, 2019. Any purchased vouchers can be redeemed for a select digital game on the Nintendo Switch within a year of the date of purchase. Additional information can be found in our Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers FAQ.
- NES Controller
- What additional special offers are planned?
For news on special deals and offers for Nintendo Switch Online members, please keep an eye on the Nintendo Switch Online website.
- What special offers are currently available?
- Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack - General Information
- How much does Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack cost?
A 12-Month Individual Membership to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is $49.99 USD. A 12-Month Family Membership is $79.99 USD and can be used by up to eight Nintendo Account holders.
- When will Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack become available?
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack launched on Oct. 25, 2021.
- What is included with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership?
For only $49.99 USD for an entire year (just over $4 a month), a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership includes libraries of classic Nintendo 64 and SEGA Genesis games with added online play, access to the Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Booster Course Pass DLCs at no additional cost, and all the benefits of a Nintendo Switch Online membership. These include online play and save data cloud backup for compatible Nintendo Switch games, classic NES and Super NES game collections with added online play, exclusive special offers and more.
The full list of Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack benefits includes:
- Online play and save data cloud backup for compatible Nintendo Switch games.
- Access to various classic game collections — Nintendo 64, SEGA Genesis, Super NES and NES — totaling over 130 titles, with more on the way, all with added online play!
- Access to exclusive icon elements that can be used to create custom user icons.
- Access to the Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise DLC at no additional cost.
- Access to the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Booster Course Pass DLC at no additional cost.
- Special offers such as the online multiplayer games PAC-MAN 99 and Tetris 99, in-game bonus items for select games, the option to purchase replica controllers for each classic game collection and limited-time game trials where members can download and play a full Nintendo Switch game at no additional charge.
- Voice chat and special features for select games via the Nintendo Switch Online app.
For more information on both Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack and Nintendo Switch Online, visit https://www.nintendo.com/switch/online-service.
- How can I get access to Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise?
Users can either play Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise by purchasing it in Nintendo eShop for $24.99, or by downloading it at no additional cost with an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise became available on November 5, 2021.
- How can I get access to the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Booster Course Pass?
Users can access the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Booster Course Pass DLC either by purchasing it in Nintendo eShop for $24.99, or by downloading it at no additional cost with an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Booster Course Pass DLC became available beginning on March 18, 2022.
- Can I change from Nintendo Switch Online to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack?
It is possible to change from an individual Nintendo Switch Online membership to an individual or family Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, or from a family Nintendo Switch Online membership to a family Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
Those who do so will receive a discount on their new membership determined by the number of days remaining on their current membership, up to the price of the new membership.
- Can I change from Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack to Nintendo Switch Online?
It is not possible to change from an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership to a Nintendo Switch Online membership. However, once the membership term ends, the user is free to choose any membership plan at that time.
- Can one Family Plan member change to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack?
No. Individual users on a Family Plan cannot be changed to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. But after purchasing a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack 12-Month Family Membership for $79.99, up to eight Nintendo Account holders can use it.
- Can I purchase a Nintendo Switch Online membership without the new benefits?
Yes, it is still possible to purchase an individual or family membership to Nintendo Switch Online without the additional benefits of Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. For details on features and pricing of Nintendo Switch Online, visit https://www.nintendo.com/switch/online-service/.
- In what regions is Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack available?
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is offered everywhere that Nintendo Switch Online is available.
This includes the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Peru.
- Is Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Available as a Download Code?
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack can be purchased directly through the Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch or through the Online Game Store.
Additionally, download codes for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack memberships are available through select retailers in the United States and Canada.
- Can I get Expansion Pack content and not the base Nintendo Switch Online membership?
No, the additional content is only available with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
- Is a free trial available for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack?
One free, seven-day trial of the Nintendo Switch Online service is available per Nintendo Account, through Nintendo eShop. The free trial does not include any content exclusive to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
- Can my individual membership be used by other user profiles on my Nintendo Switch?
As with a Nintendo Switch Online membership, each Nintendo Account needs an Individual Membership or needs to be part of a Family Membership to access Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack benefits.
- How much does Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack cost?
- Nintendo Switch Online – Nintendo 64 and Nintendo Switch Online – SEGA Genesis
- What classic Nintendo 64 games will launch with the service? Which games come later?
Nine Nintendo 64 games will launch with Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack in late October. These games are:
- Dr. Mario 64
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
- Mario Kart 64
- Mario Tennis
- Sin & Punishment
- Star Fox 64
- Super Mario 64
- WinBack
- Yoshi's Story
Some of the Nintendo 64 games coming to the collection in the future include:
- Banjo-Kazooie
- F-Zero X
- Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards
- Mario Golf
- Paper Mario
- Pokémon Snap
- The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask
- What classic SEGA Genesis games will launch with the service? Which games come later?
Fourteen SEGA Genesis games will launch with Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack in late October. These games are:
- Castlevania: Bloodlines
- Contra: Hard Corps
- Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine
- Ecco the Dolphin
- Golden Axe
- Gunstar Heroes
- M.U.S.H.A
- Phantasy Star IV
- Ristar
- Shining Force
- Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master
- Sonic the Hedgehog 2
- Streets of Rage 2
- Strider
More games will be added to the SEGA Genesis collection in the future, but we aren’t announcing any specific titles at this time.
- How often will more games be added to each collection?
There is no set schedule for new releases, but each collection will continue to grow
- Will more games continue to be added to the existing NES and Super NES collections?
Yes, more games will be added to the NES and Super NES collections that are available with both the Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack memberships.
- Will Nintendo 64 and SEGA Genesis games be playable online?
Yes, games in the Nintendo 64 and SEGA Genesis collections will be playable online.
- Will it be possible for four players to play locally or online?
Yes, games that originally supported four players can be played that way both locally and online. When playing online, each Nintendo Switch system supports one player.
Additional systems and/or some accessories may be required and are sold separately.
- How does online functionality work for the classic collections?
- If the game originally had any kind of multiplayer features, those features will work online.
- Friends can even watch each other play single-player games online and virtually “pass the controller” at any time. You can display a hand-shaped cursor on your friend's screen and use it to give hints or point out strategic points. You can even clap to congratulate them.
- Voice chat is supported for all games in the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack game collections via the smartphone app.
- Will the classic games allow matchmaking with random players?
Games in the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack collections feature online play with friends only.
- Can these classic games be played while offline?
Yes, but users must have an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership and regularly verify their membership by connecting online.
It will be possible to play games in the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack collections up to seven consecutive days without connecting online.
- Can voice chat be used while playing these classic games online?
The Nintendo Switch Online app can be used for voice chat while playing any of the games in the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack collections online, even if the original game didn’t support multiplayer.
Some Nintendo Switch Online app features, including voice chat, are restricted to Nintendo Account holders age 13 and over.
- Can I purchase Nintendo 64 or Sega Genesis collections separately?
No. The Nintendo 64 (including Mature 17+) and Sega Genesis collections of games are exclusive benefits of the new Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership plans.
- What classic Nintendo 64 games will launch with the service? Which games come later?
- Nintendo 64 and SEGA Genesis Controllers
- Where can I find more information about the controllers?
Please see our or our .
- Where can I find more information about the controllers?
