Nintendo Switch Online: Expansion Pack vs Basic Tier

What Nintendo Switch Online includes

Nintendo Switch Online is the membership service for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 systems. It covers the basics: online play, cloud saves, and a rotating library of classic games from older Nintendo systems. The official Nintendo pages describe the service as part of the Switch experience, and the Switch 2 bundles often include a three-month individual membership.

When you see a listing for a Nintendo Switch or Switch 2, check whether it mentions a membership. Some bundles include a short membership, as the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle does with a three-month individual membership. If a listing does not state a membership, you will need to buy one separately after setting up the console.

The basic tier is the entry point. It gives you access to online multiplayer for games that support it, which is essential if you want to play with friends or family who are not in the same room. Cloud saves are another key feature: they back up your game progress to the cloud, so you can restore it if something happens to your console. The classic game library is a rotating selection of titles from the NES and SNES eras, giving you a taste of gaming history without an extra purchase.

• Online play for supported games
• Cloud saves for compatible titles
• A library of classic games from older systems
• Access to the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app

What the Expansion Pack adds

The Expansion Pack is a higher tier of Nintendo Switch Online. It includes everything in the basic tier plus a broader selection of retro games from other classic systems and extra downloadable content for certain games. The exact list of included games and content changes over time, so the best way to know what is currently available is to check the official Nintendo page for the service.

The Expansion Pack is a separate purchase from the console itself. It is not included in any of the bundles shown on the official Nintendo pages, which only mention the standard membership. If you want the Expansion Pack, you will need to upgrade your membership after your initial term ends or before it starts.

The extra content in the Expansion Pack can be a deciding factor for some players. For example, certain games offer additional downloadable content that is only available to Expansion Pack members. This can extend the life of a game you already own, but it is not something you need if you are happy with the base game.

How to choose a tier

Start with what you need. If you only want to play online with friends and family, the basic tier is enough. If you are interested in the larger retro library or the extra content for specific games, the Expansion Pack may be worth the upgrade.

Consider who will use the console. A family with multiple players might benefit from a family membership, which covers several accounts. The official Nintendo pages do not list family plans in the source material, so check the Nintendo website for current options.

Think about your game habits. If you mostly play new releases and do not care about retro titles, the basic tier is likely sufficient. If you enjoy revisiting classic games or want the additional content, the Expansion Pack adds value.

Also think about the long term. If you are buying a console for a child, the basic tier may be all they need for now. You can always upgrade later if they show interest in the extra content. The choice is not permanent, so you can start small and expand as needed.

• Do you play online multiplayer often?
• Do you want access to the full retro library?
• Do you care about the extra downloadable content?
• Will multiple people in your household use the membership?

Membership and bundles

Some console bundles include a short membership. For example, the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle includes a three-month individual membership, and the Nintendo Switch 2 + Nintendo Switch Sports Resort Bundle does the same. These bundles are a way to start playing immediately without an extra purchase.

If you buy a bundle with a membership, remember that it auto-renews after the initial term at the then-current price unless you cancel. The official Nintendo pages state this clearly. If you do not want to continue, cancel before the renewal date.

When comparing bundles, look at what is included: the console model, the game, and the membership length. A bundle with a game and a membership can be a good starting point, but you should compare it with a console-only listing to see which fits your budget and needs. For more on bundles, see our guide to console bundles.

What to check before buying

Before you choose a tier, read the listing carefully. Does it mention a membership? If so, which tier and for how long? The official Nintendo pages only mention the standard membership in bundles, not the Expansion Pack.

Also check the console model. The Nintendo Switch 2 is the latest system, but the original Switch, Switch OLED, and Switch Lite are still available. The membership works across these systems, but the experience differs. For example, the Switch 2 has a larger screen and supports higher resolutions, as described on the official page. If you are deciding between models, our Nintendo Switch buying guide can help.

Finally, consider your internet connection. Online play requires an internet connection, and the quality of your experience depends on your network. The official pages do not provide specific requirements, so check your setup before committing. If you are unsure about your network, our guide to online multiplayer offers general advice. For a broader look at subscription services, see online service tiers.

Frequently asked questions

Here are answers to common questions about Nintendo Switch Online tiers.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

What is the difference between Nintendo Switch Online and the Expansion Pack?

The basic tier includes online play, cloud saves, and a library of classic games from older Nintendo systems. The Expansion Pack adds a broader selection of retro games from other systems and extra downloadable content for certain games.

Does the Expansion Pack come with a console bundle?

The official Nintendo pages show bundles that include a three-month individual membership of the standard Nintendo Switch Online, not the Expansion Pack. You would need to upgrade separately.

Can I use the same membership on multiple consoles?

A single membership is tied to your Nintendo Account. If you have multiple systems, you may need a family membership to cover multiple accounts. Check the Nintendo website for current options.

What happens when the included membership expires?

The membership auto-renews at the then-current price unless you cancel. You can cancel before the renewal date to avoid charges.

Is the Expansion Pack worth it?

It depends on your interest in the extra retro games and content. If you do not care about those, the basic tier is sufficient.