Nintendo Switch Online
Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription-based online service for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 consoles. Unlike all previous internet services offered through Nintendo's line of consoles, the Nintendo Switch Online service is the first one that requires a paid subscription to access. The service launched on September 18, 2018, in North America and September 19, 2018 in Europe and Japan.[1][3][2]
Prior to the launch of the service, the Nintendo Switch console offered free online service as a trial period until the service could be fully developed. The service was originally intended to launch in fall of 2017, but was pushed back to the following year.[4]
Overview
The service allows users to play various Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 games online, utilize the Nintendo Switch App with compatible games, backup save data through a cloud-based server, and play a continuously updated library of Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and Game Boy titles via dedicated Nintendo Classics apps, with online multiplayer support. The service also provides access to the Nintendo Music mobile app, and the GameChat functionality for Nintendo Switch 2 users. Other online services, such as access to the Nintendo eShop, system and software updates, friend management, and screenshot uploading, do not require the paid service.[5]
The service offers multiple memberships and pricing plans. For example, in the United States, the Individual Membership allows a single Nintendo Account holder to access the service, and offers three pricing plans: $3.99 USD for one month, $7.99 USD for three months, and $19.99 USD for twelve months. The Family Membership allows a Nintendo Account holder to invite up to seven other users to access the same services as a family group, and is priced at $34.99 USD for 12 months. A seven-day free trial is also available for individual first-time users.[6]
A secondary tier subscription known as Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack grants access to Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, Virtual Boy, and Sega Genesis/Mega Drive games, as well as Nintendo GameCube games available only for Nintendo Switch 2 users, along with a small selection of DLC and upgrade packs at no additional charge. This is only available as a 12-month subscription. In the United States, the cost for Individual Membership is $49.99 USD for 12 months, and the Family Membership costs $79.99 USD for 12 months. It is possible for basic Nintendo Switch Online subscribers to upgrade to the Expansion Pack tier at any time.
Online Play
The Nintendo Switch Online service allows many Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 games with online play to be played over an internet connection.[7] However, not all games released for the consoles require the subscription to play online. The service also allows users to use the Nintendo Switch App with compatible games, enabling users to use voice chat while playing various Nintendo Switch titles, or the GameChat functionality on Nintendo Switch 2 with any playable game.[7]
| Game | Online Compatibility | Subscription Required |
|---|---|---|
| Breath of the Wild | 
|
— |
| Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition |
|
— |
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | 
|
|
| Super Smash Bros. Ultimate |
|
|
| Cadence of Hyrule |
|
? |
| Link's Awakening for Nintendo Switch |
|
— |
| Age of Calamity |
|
— |
| Skyward Sword HD |
|
— |
Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Classics
 |
Exclusively available through the service, users may download a dedicated app and play a number of Nintendo Entertainment System titles, with more games to be added regularly following the service's launch. Each Nintendo Entertainment System title supports online functionality.[8] Online features vary from game to game, with some including co-op or competitive play, or enabling turn-taking with the controls in single-player games.[9] It is also possible in some games for players to watch another's gameplay and take control of a hand-shaped cursor to guide and point out hints.[10] The Nintendo Entertainment System titles are also compatible with the Nintendo Switch App, enabling users to use voice chat as games are played.[11] The Nintendo Entertainment System titles partly requires internet connection to access and play, as users may play them offline for up to seven days until they are required to connect to the internet with an active service subscription.[12]
The Legend of Zelda is one of the 20 Nintendo Entertainment System titles that was launched with the service, available from September 18, 2018.
| Game | Release Date |
|---|---|
| The Legend of Zelda | September 18, 2018 |
| The Legend of Zelda: Living the life of luxury! | October 10, 2018 |
| The Adventure of Link | January 16, 2019 |
| Zelda II - The Adventure of Link: Link, warrior without equal. | March 13, 2019 |
Super Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Classics
 |
During the September 4, 2019 Nintendo Direct, Shinya Takahashi announced that 20 Super Nintendo Entertainment System games would be playable as of September 5, 2019.[13] A Link to the Past was included among the 20 playable games available at launch.
| Game | Release Date |
|---|---|
| A Link to the Past | September 5, 2019 |
Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics
 |
During the September 23, 2021 Nintendo Direct, it was announced that nine Nintendo 64 games would be made available as part of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, to be released sometime in late October 2021. Ocarina of Time was among the games immediately available to play, with Majora's Mask releasing in February of 2022.
| Game | Release Date |
|---|---|
| Ocarina of Time |
|
| Majora's Mask |
|
Game Boy – Nintendo Classics
 |
During the February 8, 2023 Nintendo Direct, it was announced that nine Game Boy games would be released a short time after the presentation.[15] Link's Awakening DX was among the games immediately available to play, while Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages were released on July 27, 2023.[16]
| Game | Release Date |
|---|---|
| Link's Awakening DX | February 8, 2023 |
| Oracle of Seasons | July 27, 2023 |
| Oracle of Ages | July 27, 2023 |
Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Classics
 |
During the February 8, 2023 Nintendo Direct, it was announced that six Game Boy Advance games would be released a short time after the presentation, exclusively to members with the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.[15] The Minish Cap was among the games immediately available to play.
| Game | Release Date |
|---|---|
| The Minish Cap | February 8, 2023 |
| A Link to the Past & Four Swords | June 18, 2024 |
Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics
 |
During the April 2, 2025 Nintendo Direct, which was dedicated to the Nintendo Switch 2, three Nintendo GameCube games were announced to be released to members with the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Two of these games feature The Legend of Zelda series content.[17]
| Game | Release Date |
|---|---|
| The Wind Waker | June 5, 2025 |
| SoulCalibur II | June 5, 2025 |
Save Data Cloud
Users with a service subscription can access a cloud-based server where they may upload and retrieve the save data of compatible games.[18] Save data automatically uploads to the cloud so long as there is an internet connection.[19] The save data is linked to the player's Nintendo Account, enabling players to access their save data by signing in and easily transfer data between Nintendo Switch and/or Nintendo Switch 2 consoles.[20] Not all Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 games can have their save data uploaded to the cloud.[21] Save data is stored in the cloud for as long as the user's subscription is active; should their subscription expire, the save data will be unavailable until the player subscribes again.[22]
Nintendo Switch App
The Nintendo Switch App (formerly called the Nintendo Switch Online app) is a smart device application that is designed to complement and enhance the online experience while playing compatible Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 games.[23] It was released for iOS and Android devices worldwide on July 19, 2017.[24] Prior to the launch of the Nintendo Switch Online service, the app and all its features could be used freely.[23] As of the version 3.0.1 update, released May 29, 2025, the app no longer required a Nintendo Switch Online subscription for certain functions.
The main feature of the application is to enable users to voice chat with one another while playing.[23] Some Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 games also have exclusive features that can be utilized with the app.
Most Nintendo Classics titles released as part of the Nintendo Switch Online service are also compatible with the app.[11]
Special Offers
Special offers through the service are also periodically made available, which are meant to incite interest and make use of the service. These offers are exclusively available to users with an active subscription, and at times are only available to certain payment plans.[25]
Users with a subscription are eligible to purchase retro-styled controllers starting in December 2018. These wireless controllers, which are modeled after the original NES, Super NES, Nintendo 64, Nintendo GameCube, and Sega Genesis/Mega Drive controllers, can be used to play respective Nintendo Classics titles.[26] In particular, the NES controllers come in a package of two, and can be recharged by attaching the controllers to the Nintendo Switch console or any Joy-Con rail grip charging station, similar to Joy-Con controllers. The NES controllers cost $59.99 USD, and are limited to one purchase per Nintendo Account.
Missions & Rewards
On March 1, 2022, the Missions & Rewards section was added to the Nintendo Switch Online service. User can win My Nintendo Platinum Points by completing special "missions", which they can then use to purchase icon elements, consisting of a character, background, and frame. The user can only make an icon when a character is selected. Characters cost 10 Platinum Points, while background and frames cost 5 Platinum Points. Every month features a different game, while a special Animal Crossing: New Horizons section features villagers currently celebrating their birthday within the current month. Occasionally, another game can be added, such as Kirby and the Forgotten Land, as a special reward.
Nintendo 64
From September 6, 2022 to October 4, 2022, icon elements pertaining to the Nintendo 64 were available on the service.
Nintendo Entertainment System
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Breath of the Wild
From June 6, 2022 to July 4, 2022, icon elements pertaining to Breath of the Wild were available on the service, with the icons swapping every week. An * indicates a "character with background".
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Tears of the Kingdom
Gallery
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A promotional screenshot of the GameCube menu
External Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "#NintendoSwitchOnline memberships will start on 9/18. You can sign-up for a 7-day free trial from Nintendo #eShop at launch! We will introduce more information during the Nintendo Direct on 9/13." — @NintendoAmerica on Twitter, September 12, 2018 (Archive)
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "See what the paid #NintendoSwitchOnline membership service has to offer when it launches on 19/09! #NintendoDirect" — @NintendoEurope on Twitter, September 13, 2018 (Archive)
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Nintendo Switchをもっと楽しく、もっと便利にする新サービス『Nintendo Switch Online』は9月19日より開始。公式ホームページでサービス詳細や紹介映像を公開。 #NintendoDirectJPNintendo Switch o Motto Tanoshiku, Motto Benri ni Suru Shin Sābisu "Nintendo Switch Online" wa 9 Tsuki 19-Nichi Yori Kaishi. Kōshiki Hōmu Pēji de Sābisu Shōsai ya Shōkai Eizō o Kōkai. #NintendoDirectJP (The new service "Nintendo Switch Online", which makes the Nintendo Switch more fun and more convenient starts on September 19. Service details and an introduction video have been released on the official website. #NintendoDirectJP)" — @Nintendo on Twitter, September 13, 2018 (Archive)
- ↑ "Paid service launching fall 2017" — Brian, Nintendo Switch Online Service details – SNES games with online play for members, more (web archive), Nintendo Everything, published January 13, 2017, retrieved September 15, 2018.
- ↑ "Yes. Online features including Nintendo eShop, Friend registration and management, the sharing of screenshots over social networks, Nintendo Switch Parental Controls, system and software updates, and Nintendo Switch News will not be affected by the launch of the Nintendo Switch Online paid service." — Nintendo of America, Nintendo Switch Online FAQ (web archive), Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 12, 2018.
- ↑ "One free, seven-day trial per Nintendo Account is available through Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch." — Nintendo of America, Nintendo Switch Online FAQ (web archive), Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Nintendo Switch Online memberships include online play in games including Splatoon™ 2, Super Smash Bros.™ Ultimate, and more. You can also voice chat while you play via the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app* (in supported games)." — Nintendo of America, Online Play – Nintendo Switch Online (web archive), Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
- ↑ "Play NES games anytime, anywhere, with a growing selection of classic games—with newly added online play—available exclusively for members. Get 20 games at launch, with new games added regularly." — Nintendo of America, Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online , Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
- ↑ "Connect with friends online and share your screen for co-op or competitive play. Select a 1- or 2-player mode and go. In single-player games, you can take turns at the controls." — Nintendo of America, Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online , Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
- ↑ "When playing online, you can display a hand-shaped cursor on your friend's screen. Use it to give hints or point out strategic locations. You can even clap to congratulate them." — Nintendo of America, Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online , Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 "You can use voice chat in these games via the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app. It’s the next best thing to hanging out together." — Nintendo of America, Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online , Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
- ↑ "Yes, these games can be played offline for up to 7 days as long as you have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership." — Nintendo of America, Nintendo Switch Online FAQ (web archive), Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
- ↑ Nintendo Direct 9.4.2019, @NintendoAmerica on YouTube, Uploaded September 4, 2019 (Archive)
- ↑ "The Legend of #Zelda: Majora's Mask comes to #NintendoSwitch for #NintendoSwitchOnline + Expansion Pack members in February!" — @NintendoAmerica on Twitter, January 21, 2022 (Archive)
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 Nintendo Direct 2.8.2023 - Nintendo Switch, @NintendoAmerica on YouTube, Uploaded February 8, 2023
- ↑ Game Boy – July 2023 Game Updates – Nintendo Switch Online, @NintendoAmerica on YouTube, Uploaded July 27, 2023 (Archive)
- ↑ Nintendo GameCube - Nintendo Classics – Nintendo Direct | Nintendo Switch 2, @NintendoAmerica on YouTube, Uploaded April 2, 2025 (Archive)
- ↑ "Back up your game save data to the cloud*. This makes it easy to retrieve your game data if you lose your system or start using a new one." — Nintendo of America, Save Data Cloud Backup – Nintendo Switch Online (web archive), Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
- ↑ "Game data will automatically save to the cloud when you have an internet connection. No complicated settings or updates required." — Nintendo of America, Save Data Cloud Backup – Nintendo Switch Online (web archive), Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
- ↑ "Save data is linked to your Nintendo Account, so you can access it by signing in. If you move to a new system, you can pick up right where you left off in your game by downloading your data." — Nintendo of America, Save Data Cloud Backup – Nintendo Switch Online (web archive), Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
- ↑ "*Save Data Cloud backup compatibility varies per game. Some titles, including Splatoon 2 and 1-2-Switch, are not compatible." — Nintendo of America, Save Data Cloud Backup – Nintendo Switch Online (web archive), Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
- ↑ "Save data stored via the Save Data Cloud backup is available for as long as you have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership." — Nintendo of America, Nintendo Switch Online FAQ (web archive), Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 "The Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app* is designed to enhance your online experience for compatible games. Open the app while playing compatible games to voice chat with your friends as you play. You can use the Nintendo Switch Online app for free until the paid Nintendo Switch Online membership launches on September 18, 2018." — Nintendo of America, Nintendo Switch Online app – Nintendo Switch Online (web archive), Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
- ↑ "The Nintendo Switch Online app looks to be launching slightly early. Nintendo had intended to release it alongside Splatoon 2 on Friday, but it’s already appearing around the world." — Brian, Nintendo Switch Online app has launched (web archive), Nintendo Everything, published July 18, 2017, retrieved September 15, 2018.
- ↑ "Exclusively for Nintendo Switch Online members
New offers will be added, so be sure to check back regularly." — Nintendo of America, Special Offers – Nintendo Switch Online (web archive), Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018. - ↑ "With a Nintendo Switch Online membership, you can play enhanced NES™ games the way they're meant to be played—using Nintendo Entertainment System-style controllers!" — Nintendo of America, Special Offers – Nintendo Switch Online (web archive), Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.