Nintendo Switch Online - Is the subscription worth it?

What can I expect from this article?

Just like PlayStation Plus on PlayStation and Xbox Live on Xbox, Nintendo also offers an online service that allows players to meet and play online on the Nintendo Switch. If you want to get the most out of Mario Kart, Tekken, Animal Crossing and many other popular multiplayer titles, then you can't afford to miss out on Nintendo Switch Online. In this article we show you:

• Exactly what you get for each membership

• The prices for a single and family membership for 12 months

• Step-by-step instructions on how to subscribe to Switch-Online

Let's start with the basic membership. What do you get in a basic membership?

The two different memberships

The basic membership

With the Switch Online Basic Membership, you can play any game on the Switch that has multiplayer with friends and people around the world. However, there are other features that you can access:

• If you get the basic membership, you get access to the old NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) and Super NES games. These old console classics can be streamed and played online on the Switch.

• Another advantage is that you can back up your own storage data on Switch Online. So if the Switch should ever break, you can easily continue playing where you left off with a new Switch.

• There are also many online games, such as Pac-Man, that are only available to members and cannot be purchased separately.

• One cool feature of this membership we found was the exclusive access to trialling new upcoming games, where you can decide if you want to buy the full version upon release later or not

• Under Missions & Rewards, you can receive prizes when you complete certain tasks in your games, for example profile or wallpapers. You also earn platinum points here, which you can spend in the MyNintendo Store on various fan products such as posters or keychains.

The basic membership plus extension package

The extension package is the same as the basic membership and you can also play games from two other old console systems:

• You get access to the N64 games in the library. Whether Super Mario 64, Ocarina of Time or Mario Kart. 'N64 nostalgics' will find what they're looking for here!

• Sega Megadrive games can also be played here. Here you will find many classics such as Sonic, Golden Axe and Shinobi.

How much does Nintendo Switch Online cost?

A basic membership of 12 months costs £17.99 for one person and a family membership with up to 8 accounts currently costs £31.49.

For the basic membership plus expansion pack you pay £34.99 for 12 months and the family membership costs £59.99 for 12 months for up to 8 accounts (Nintendo / 30.07.2023). 

The trial period during which you can cancel your membership without paying any money is seven days.

Do I have to sign up for a Nintendo Switch subscription to play online?

Many of the most popular games, such as Mario Kart and Smash Bros, require an online membership to play the games online with other people. However, there are also many games that can be played online with the Switch without having to pay money. Rocket League and Fortnite for example, can be played without a membership.

So before you sign up for a membership, it's worth Googling whether the games in question even require a membership!

How can I subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online?

To be able to use the online service, your Switch must be up to date. We show you all the steps here.

How to update your Nintendo Switch:

1. Go to the console settings from the home screen. 

2. Scroll down to the Console section.

3. Click on Update Console.

4. The update will be installed automatically.

Although some games do not require a Wifi connection, it is essential for accessing Nintendo Switch Online.

How to connect your Nintendo Switch to the Wi-Fi:

1. Go to the settings.

2. Scroll to the Internet section.

3. Select Internet Settings.

4. Select the desired network and enter the password for this network.

Your switch is now connected to the internet!

Create a Nintendo Switch account

To use the Nintendo Switch Online service or to access the eShop on your Switch, you need a Nintendo account. If you don't already have one, follow these steps:

1. Go to the settings of your Switch.

2. Scroll down and select Users.

3. Select Create new account and then Send account creation instructions by email. 

4. Enter your email address and click Send Email.

5. Click on the link in the email and select Add account for me.

6. Fill in the required fields and tick the boxes you want and click Send to confirm your registration.

If you already have a Nintendo account, simply go to System Settings > Users > Select the appropriate profile, > Select Link to Nintendo account here.

Sign up for the Nintendo Switch Online subscription

To do this, go to the Nintendo eShop > Click on your profile > Select Nintendo Switch Online > Click on the Subscriptions tab and select the subscription you want > Now enter your bank details

And that's it! You are now one of over 32 million subscribers to the Nintendo Switch Online service!

Here are a few more of the best multiplayer games for the Nintendo Switch:

Buy your next Nintendo Switch refurbished!

Here at Back Market, you can buy your next Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, or Nintendo Switch OLED refurbished and save a lot of money (between 30% to 70% off the price of new). Unlike used or second hand Nintendo Switch consoles with no professional vetting and fixes after, our consoles are thoroughly inspected by experts and reconditioned if necessary.

Not only will you save money, but you'll also help reduce e-waste and save resources for the production of new devices. Do something for your wallet and your karma when you buy your next refurbished Nintendo Switch!