Nintendo Switch Online is a paid service that lets members enjoy the following features:

• Online play and the Nintendo Switch App

  The Nintendo Switch Online service lets Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch console owners enjoy online play in compatible games like Mario Kart World, Splatoon 3 and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

  Nintendo Switch Online members can also access the Nintendo Switch App to send play invitations and participate in voice chat (restricted to members aged 13+) for compatible games.

• Classic game libraries

  Members can enjoy a growing library of classic games for Nintendo Entertainment System, Game Boy and more - with added online play features. For additional information, please review our Classic Game Library FAQ.

  For a complete list of included games, please visit our website.

• Save Data Cloud backup

  Players with a Nintendo Switch Online membership can save game data to the server for compatible games. Save data is linked to your Nintendo Account, so you can access it from any Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch console by signing in and downloading your save data.

• Exclusive offers

  Members in Europe have access to exclusive benefits, including Game Trials events, Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers, exclusive games and certain physical products from My Nintendo Store that cannot be purchased otherwise.

• Nintendo Music app

  Listen to Nintendo soundtracks on your smart device with this exclusive app for Nintendo Switch Online members.

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack memberships are also available, which offer further benefits such as additional classic game libraries and access to select downloadable content at no additional charge.

Learn more or get started by visiting the Nintendo Switch Online website.

General Information:

• Can I play games online without becoming a member?

  A Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to participate in co-op and competitive online features for many first- and third-party Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch games, including Mario Kart World, Splatoon 3 and Nintendo Switch Sports.

  Some games, including free-to-play titles like Fortnite, can be played online without a Nintendo Switch Online membership.

  Additionally, many functions of the Nintendo Switch console – including access to Nintendo eShop, friend registration and management, sharing screenshots and videos over social networks, Parental Controls, software and system updates, game news and other service functionality – are available without a Nintendo Switch Online membership.

• Which games require Nintendo Switch Online?

  Games that require a Nintendo Switch Online membership for online play can be identified in Nintendo eShop and in the game's product information on the Nintendo website. Additional online features (such as Nintendo Switch App and Save Data Cloud compatibility) will also be displayed there.

  For games with physical versions released after 19 September 2018, the online requirements and features are also noted on the back of the game's box.

  For additional assistance locating compatible games, please visit the Nintendo website.

• Where is the service available?

  Nintendo Switch Online is available in the following countries:

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Ireland
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • South Africa
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • United Kingdom

  More countries may be added in the future.

• How can I purchase a membership?

  Nintendo Switch Online individual and family memberships can be purchased directly through Nintendo eShop (either on your console or through the Nintendo website).

  Additionally, download codes can be purchased through selected retailers.

• How much does it cost?

  For a list of current membership plans and pricing, click here.

• Can I try Nintendo Switch Online for free?

  You can sign up for a free trial to try out Nintendo Switch Online for 7 days.

• What are the requirements to use the Nintendo Switch Online service?

  You will need the following:

  • A Nintendo Account
  • Internet access
  • Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch console with system menu version 6.0 or higher
  • A smart device with the Nintendo Switch App version 1.4.0 or higher (only required for in-game voice chat features)
• Is a Nintendo Switch Online membership needed for Wii U or Nintendo 3DS games?

  The paid online service is for Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch games only. As of 8 April 2024, online play and other functionality that uses online communication ended service for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS software.

• Can I use My Nintendo Gold Points to purchase the Nintendo Switch Online membership?

  Gold Points can be used when purchasing a new membership from Nintendo eShop. They cannot be used for automatic renewal.

• Questions about the Nintendo Switch App

  For information about the Nintendo Switch App for smart devices, please click here.

• Questions about the Nintendo Music app

  For information about the Nintendo Music application for smart devices, please visit the official FAQ page.

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 12-month increments.

  A family membership provides the Nintendo Switch Online service to everyone in the purchaser's Nintendo Account family group (up to 8 people). Family memberships are available in 12-month increments only. For additional information about the benefits of a family membership, click here.

• Can I change the members in my family membership?

  Yes. Members added to the owner's family group will be included in any active 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/region settings share a family membership?

  Yes. However, not all features are available in all countries/regions.

• Do all family members need to use the same console or live in the same household?

  No. A Nintendo Switch Online family membership is linked to the Nintendo Account, not a specific console. It can be used on any 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 Nintendo eShop.

  You may also find our Information on Changing a Nintendo Switch Online Membership Type (Individual or Family) helpful.

• If I purchase additional memberships, will they extend my current membership time?

  You can purchase multiple memberships of the same type (individual or family) to extend your overall membership time to up to three years in 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 to up to three 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 online services with that Nintendo Account.

  If you have purchased a family membership, the other members of your family group will also no longer be able to use online services.

  Additionally, Nintendo is 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 console's 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 automatic renewal settings?

  Automatic renewal can be terminated from the "Nintendo Switch Online" section of your Account Information in Nintendo eShop or on the Nintendo Account portal. Once it's been terminated, it cannot be activated again.

  Whenever you change your membership type or duration, you should also verify that your automatic renewal settings are set correctly for your preferred membership plan.

  You may also find our information on How to Adjust Nintendo Switch Online Automatic Renewal Settings helpful.

• How can I see my current membership information?

  You can view your current membership plan from the "Nintendo Switch Online" section of your Account Information in Nintendo eShop, on the Nintendo Account portal or by selecting Nintendo Switch Online from the HOME Menu of your Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch console.

  You may also find our information on How to View Your Nintendo Switch Online Status helpful.

• Can I suspend my Nintendo Switch Online membership if I won't be using it for a while?

  No, it is not possible to suspend use of the service.

  Please note that if your console is sent to Nintendo for repair, your Nintendo Switch Online membership time will automatically be extended accordingly.

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 2 and Nintendo Switch games when your console is connected to the internet. Nintendo Switch Online members can access the save data from any Nintendo Switch 2 or 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.

  The setting can be manually adjusted for each game and user by selecting System Settings on the HOME Menu, then selecting Data Management, followed by Save Data Cloud.

• Which games are compatible with Save Data Cloud backup?

  The vast majority of Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch games support Save Data Cloud backup.

  You can identify compatible games in Nintendo eShop and in the game's product information on the Nintendo website.

  For additional information about compatible games, please read Which Nintendo Switch 2 and 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 renew their membership within 180 days to access their previous Save Data Cloud backups.
• Does Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch support local save data backups?

  Local save data backups are not currently supported on Nintendo Switch 2 or 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 console.

Exclusive Benefits

• What exclusive benefits are currently available?

  For the most up-to-date information on exclusive benefits, open the Nintendo Switch Online app on your Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch console. Exclusive benefits include:

  • 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 game page for more details.

  • F-ZERO 99

    Members can download F-ZERO 99 and race online in high-speed 99-player battles. Visit the game page for more details.

  • Missions & 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. Moreover, Nintendo Switch Online members can earn Platinum Points by accessing the Nintendo Switch Online app on their Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch console and completing the missions featured there. These Platinum Points can be redeemed in the console’s Nintendo Switch Online app for special user icons available exclusively to Nintendo Switch Online members.

  • Game Trials

    Nintendo Switch Online members can take part in Game Trials events for popular games on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch as they are made available. Game Trials software 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 Trials event 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.

  • Members-only bonus items

    Players in Europe with an active, paid Nintendo Switch Online membership can download bonus items, such as sets of items in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate to help you challenge Spirits. Learn how to download bonus items.

  • Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers

    Players in Europe with an active, paid Nintendo Switch Online membership are eligible to purchase sets of two Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers. Each of these vouchers can then be redeemed for a selected digital Nintendo Switch game, allowing two games to be purchased at a reduced price. Additional information can be found in our Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers FAQ.

    Regarding Nintendo Switch 2 games

    Please note that Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers cannot be redeemed for Nintendo Switch 2 games.

  • NES Controllers

    Nintendo Switch Online members in Europe can purchase exclusive NES controllers for use with Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Classics games. The controllers add an authentic feel to playing classic NES games. For additional information about the NES controllers, please read NES Controller Overview & FAQ.

  • Super NES Controller

    Nintendo Switch Online members in Europe can purchase an exclusive Super NES controller for use with Super NES – Nintendo Classics games, which looks and operates like the original controller for Super NES. For additional information about the Super NES controller, please read Super NES Controller Overview & FAQ.

  • Nintendo 64 Controller

    Nintendo Switch Online members in Europe can purchase an exclusive Nintendo 64 controller for use with Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics games, which looks and operates like the original controller for Nintendo 64. For additional information about the Nintendo 64 controller, please read Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics.

  • SEGA Mega Drive Control Pad

    Nintendo Switch Online members in Europe can purchase an exclusive SEGA Mega Drive Control Pad for use with SEGA Mega Drive – Nintendo Switch Online games, which looks and operates like the original controller for SEGA Mega Drive. For additional information about the SEGA Mega Drive Control Pad, please read SEGA Mega Drive – Nintendo Switch Online.

  • Nintendo GameCube Controller

    The Nintendo GameCube controller is for use with the Nintendo GameCube - Nintendo Classics game library on Nintendo Switch 2. The controller is designed to look and operate like the original controller for Nintendo GameCube, which adds an authentic feel to playing Nintendo GameCube games. For additional information about the Nintendo GameCube controller, please see this page.

• What additional exclusive benefits are planned?

  For news on exclusive benefits for Nintendo Switch Online members, please keep an eye on your console’s Nintendo Switch Online app or the Nintendo Switch Online section of this website.

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack

• What’s the difference between Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack?

  A Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership gives you access to all the benefits of the standard Nintendo Switch Online membership, in addition to a growing library of classic Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance and SEGA Mega Drive games, plus access to downloadable expansions for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Splatoon 2.

• I currently have a Nintendo Switch Online membership. How can I change to a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership?

  You can purchase a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership here or via Nintendo eShop on your Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch console.

  If you currently have a Nintendo Switch Online membership, then you can purchase a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership at a discounted price, which will be applied automatically. Once purchased, your existing membership will automatically change to a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.

• I currently have a Nintendo Switch Online membership. I’d like to change to a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, but where can I check how much discount will be applied?

  You can see what the discounted price of a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership is on the purchase page here.

• I currently have a Nintendo Switch Online family membership. Is it possible to change just one of the Nintendo Accounts in my family group to a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership?

  If you have a Nintendo Switch Online family membership, it is not possible for individual Nintendo Accounts in your family group to change to a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack individual membership.

  When you purchase a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack family membership, it can be used by all members of your family group.

• Is it possible to make use of just the Expansion Pack content without a membership for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, which comes as a set with the five basic services of Nintendo Switch Online?

  No. A Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership is required to access the full content of the Expansion Pack.

  Selected paid downloadable content like the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass, Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise and Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion can be purchased separately.

• Is there a free trial of Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack?

  No. A free 7-day trial of Nintendo Switch Online is available via Nintendo eShop for each Nintendo Account. However, this free trial does not include content exclusive to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.

• If I purchase a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, can I play the contents of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass even if I don’t own a copy of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

  No, you must own Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (European version) to play the contents of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass.

• Is there a difference between purchasing the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass downloadable content and playing it as part of a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership?

  The following differences exist for the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass downloadable content:

  • When purchasing the downloadable content separately

    When purchased separately, the downloadable content can be played without an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.

    Only when playing on the pass-enabled console for the Nintendo Account that was used to purchase the content.

  • When playing via a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership

    The downloadable content can be played only while you have an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership and only by the Nintendo Account with the membership or, in the case of a family membership, each member of the family group.

    In order to launch the downloadable content, an internet connection is required. After launching, you can enjoy the downloadable content for up to seven days without an internet connection.

• If I purchase a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, can I play Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise even if I don’t own a copy of Animal Crossing: New Horizons?

  No, you must own Animal Crossing: New Horizons (European version) to play Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise.

• Is there a difference between purchasing the Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise downloadable content and playing it as part of a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership?

  The following differences exist for the Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise downloadable content:

  • When purchasing the downloadable content separately

    When purchased separately, the downloadable content can be played without an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.

    Only when playing on the pass-enabled console for the Nintendo Account that was used to purchase the content.

  • When playing via a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership

    The downloadable content can be played only while you have an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership and only by the Nintendo Account with the membership or, in the case of a family membership, each member of the family group.

    In order to launch the downloadable content, an internet connection is required. After launching, you can enjoy the downloadable content for up to seven days without an internet connection.

    Visit here for more information.

• If I purchase a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, can I play Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion even if I don’t own a copy of Splatoon 2?

  No, you must own Splatoon 2 (European version) to play Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion.

• Is there a difference between purchasing the Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion downloadable content and playing it as part of a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership?

  The following differences exist for the Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion downloadable content:

  • When purchasing the downloadable content separately

    When purchased separately, the downloadable content can be played without an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.

    Only when playing on the pass-enabled console for the Nintendo Account that was used to purchase the content.

  • When playing via a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership

    The downloadable content can be played only while you have an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership and only by the Nintendo Account with the membership or, in the case of a family membership, each member of the family group.

    In order to launch the downloadable content, an internet connection is required. After launching, you can enjoy the downloadable content for up to seven days without an internet connection.

• If I am using the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass, Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise or Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion through a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership and my membership expires, will my save data for these games disappear?

  Even if your Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership expires, save data will not disappear.

  By purchasing a new Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership (or by purchasing the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass, Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise or Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion downloadable content separately), you can continue to play from where you left off.

• Can the contents of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass, Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise and Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion DLC only be played where I have an active internet connection?

  You can enjoy playing the contents of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass, Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise and Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion DLC for up to seven days without an internet connection. If you are unable to launch the games, please try connecting to the internet again.

• Can Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics, Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Classics and SEGA Mega Drive – Nintendo Switch Online only be played where I have an active internet connection?

  You can enjoy Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics, Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Classics and SEGA Mega Drive – Nintendo Switch Online for up to seven days without an internet connection. If you cannot launch these services, please try connecting to the internet again.