Which Nintendo Switch Online subscription is right for you?

What is Nintendo Switch Online?

This is the subscription service for the Nintendo Switch console. As a member, you benefit from plenty of exclusive benefits and extras. For example, you get access to certain games and special items that are exclusively for Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) members. An endless amount of unique content for the real Nintendo fans out there!

What can you do with Nintendo Switch Online?

One of the most important features of Nintendo Switch Online is that you can play online with others. We have already listed some of the best Nintendo Switch Online games for you in one of our previous articles, in case you are still looking for inspiration. After all, gaming becomes more fun when you can do it together with friends!

Besides playing online with other Nintendo Switch Online users worldwide, there are a lot more benefits that come with NSO. Instant access to a huge collection of classic NES and SNES games is one of these benefits. Who didn't grow up with these classic titles? Go back in time and revisit Yoshi's Island or buckle up for the very first Mario Kart again. Are you gettin' rusty? Or are those skills still there, just like riding a bike? Time to find out, with Nintendo Switch Online.

Cloud storage and more extra features

You can count on reliable Cloud storage with Nintendo Switch Online. Has your Switch been stolen, broken, or lost? Nintendo Switch Online keeps your save files safe! But make sure to check Cloud storage options for each game, because some of them do not (yet) support Cloud storage. This includes Animal Crossing and Pokémon Sword & Pokemon Shield. Keep an eye out for these exceptions!

The Nintendo Switch Online App can be used to voice chat while gaming. Again, double check which games support this function as there are some exceptions here as well!

Additional exclusive benefits for NSO members include access to games like Tetris 99, various special items for your games, and the ability to purchase unique controllers or other hardware through the Nintendo store. All in all, with Nintendo Switch Online you always get the most out of your Switch console.

What is the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack?

This addition to the NSO subscription was introduced in 2021. This Expansion Pack is like a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, but with even more added benefits and exclusive access to some very special features!

What are the benefits of this Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack?

• Access to Nintendo 64 games
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Pass - Expansion
• Animal Crossing Happy Home Paradise - Expansion
• Access to SEGA Genesis games

Nintendo Switch Online 12 months

Digital code

£17.15

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Nintendo Switch Online 12 months | Family subscription

Digital code

£30.02

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Nintendo Switch Online 3 months

Digital code

£6.84

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How much does Nintendo Switch Online cost?

An individual Nintendo Switch Online membership of 12 months costs £16.84. For a Nintendo Switch Online Family subscription of 12 months you pay £29.44.

How much does the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack cost?

You already have Nintendo Switch Online access and you want to add the expansion pack to it? Adding the Expansion pack costs £34.99 for 12 months of Nintendo Switch Online and £59.99 for 12 months of Nintendo Switch Online Family.

Which Nintendo Switch Online subscription should I choose?

We are happy to help you find the Nintendo Switch Online subscription that suits you best. Individual, Family or an Expansion Pack? Nintendo Switch Online has an option for every type of Nintendo gamer!

Choose an individual membership (1, 3 or 12 months) if:

• You are the only user of your Nintendo Switch
• You like to play new games online, such as Animal Crossing, Mario Kart or if you like to trade Pokémon online
• You like to have a backup of your saved data, in case you ever lose your Switch
  
  

Choose a family membership (12 months) if:

• You share the Switch with your family. Create a 'family group' to which up to eight Nintendo Accounts can be linked.
• You have many friends with a Switch. This way you can share a subscription together: one person takes out the subscription, after which you can easily add new members with an email invite. The 'subscription holder' can then, for example, send a payment request to everyone who participates.
  
  

Choose the Expansion Pack (12 months) if:

• You want to play Nintendo 64 games
• You want to play SEGA Genesis games
• You want the expansions of Animal Crossing: New Horizons and/or Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
  
  

Please note that if the Expansion Pack subscription expires you will lose access to the Downloadable Content (DLC). So decide for yourself whether you want to pay once for this DLC with unlimited access. Or: get the NSO Expansion Pack with recurring subscription costs in order to keep the DLC.

Did you know that your subscription will never get automatically renewed when you get from Startselect? That means you’re not tied to anything and don’t have to cancel your subscription in time. But you will lose the DLC once your Expansion Pack is finished. Keep that in mind to avoid surprises!

How do I buy and activate Nintendo Switch Online?

Buy your Nintendo Switch Online prepaid cards at Startselect! You can easily pay with iDeal (or any of your other favorite payment methods). As mentioned earlier, you are never stuck with auto-renewal or billing and payment-surprises afterwards. You don't even need a credit card! After payment, you will immediately receive your unique code by email. You can exchange your code as follows:

Via your browser:

1. Go to ec.nintendo.com/redeem and log in to your Nintendo-account.
2. Enter the digital code you received from us, and follow the on-screen instructions.

Via your Nintendo Switch console:

1. Go to Nintendo eShop in the HOME menu.
2. Choose the account you want to use.
3. Choose 'Use code'.
4. Enter the digital code you received from us, and follow the on-screen instructions.
   

FAQ

Can you switch memberships?

Yes, you can switch from an individual membership to a family membership. If you buy your (new) membership at Startselect, it will start from the moment your previous subscription expires.

Do I have to take out a separate subscription for each Switch user?

No, that’s not necessary. With a family membership you can easily create a family group. Everyone has their own Nintendo Switch Online account within the family subscription. This way you can play together, or you can pick up where you left off individually as well!

How do I add the Expansion Pack to my current Nintendo Switch Online membership?

You can buy the expansion pack here, via Nintendo eShop or your Nintendo Switch system. If you already have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, you will receive a discount on your Expansion Pack. This discount is automatically applied to your purchase. After payment and activation, your current membership will automatically be converted to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.

Can I apply the Expansion Pack to one Nintendo Account in the Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership?

If you purchase an Expansion Pack with your current family membership, it can be used by all members of your family group. It is not possible to add the Expansion Pack to an individual Nintendo account within the family group.

Can I use the Expansion Pack without a Nintendo Switch Online subscription?

No, you need a Nintendo Switch Online membership to apply the Expansion Pack and access that content. However, it is possible to obtain some DLCs separately, like the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Circuit expansion and Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise. That way you don’t need the Expansion Pack subscription but you can still enjoy these DLC if you like! 

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Switch

£49.99

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Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Switch

£49.99

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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass

Switch

£21.62

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Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise

Switch

£21.62

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Hopefully now you know a bit more about the big, colorful world of Nintendo Switch Online and all its possibilities. Still got some questions? Feel free to ask our friendly customer service, they are always happy to help! 

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