Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 have provided a variety of games at no extra cost through the Nintendo Switch Online service. With a membership, users gain access to numerous classic games from the NES to GameCube eras. Currently, Nintendo is offering dozens of games for free — but only for a limited time.
On the official Nintendo website, the company outlines the different membership options for Nintendo Switch Online. Typically, an NSO subscription costs $19.99 per year or $49.99 for a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack individual membership. However, you can currently get a 7-day trial for free.
Nintendo Switch Online Has A Free Trial Now
The current free trial is for a standard NSO subscription (so… no Expansion Pack, unfortunately). Once you sign up, you’ll have access to all the games from various Classics catalogs. However, an upgrade to the Expansion Pack is necessary to access some of them. The trial lasts 7 days, but you will be billed afterward, so remember to cancel if you do not wish to continue.
After the free trial ends, you’ll be charged $3.99 (the monthly rate for an individual) every 30 days. You can disable automatic renewal in Account Information in the Nintendo eShop if you want to avoid this charge. To start the trial, linking a credit card or PayPal account is required.
Includes Limited-Time Access To Some All-Time Classics
Since the free trial does not include the Expansion Pack, you will miss out on games from Game Boy Advance, N64, and GameCube. However, you can still access games from the NES, SNES, and Game Boy Color. This means you can play classic titles like Super Mario Bros., which started it all, or experience the original Legend of Zelda ahead of its 40th Anniversary this year.
The original Mario Kart, outstanding Super Mario Bros. 3, and trilogy of Donkey Kong Country games are also available. In other words, there is plenty to keep you engaged during that 7-day trial. Additionally, features like rewind and saving at any time are beneficial if you lack time for challenges or become frustrated with some outdated mechanics.
Overall, the 7-day trial for Nintendo Switch Online is quite impressive. You gain access to online features, which is beneficial, but the real highlight is access to these classic games. Therefore, if you’re interested in exploring NSO, sign up for the free trial and discover everything this service offers. Just be cautious — you may get hooked.
