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If you’re interested in retro gaming or co-op Switch titles, chances are you’ve looked at the Nintendo Switch Online subscription or the matching Expansion Pack.
While the idea of adding a subscription to an expensive console might not be appealing at first, this particular subscription is worth a look. Here’s a breakdown of whether the Nintendo Switch Online subscription is worth it in 2026.
Nintendo Switch Online review in 2026
The Nintendo Switch Online subscription gives Switch players access to online gaming, a library of retro games, and a host of other perks. Coming in at $20 for a yearly subscription, it’s on the cheaper side for an online gaming service.
While I’m someone who does prefer to avoid online gaming subscriptions where possible – I pay for World of Warcraft every month, and that’s about it – I have found the Nintendo Switch Online subscription to be worth the money in 2026, particularly as a fan of retro games.
The best Nintendo Switch Online features include:
- A library of classic games
- Online gameplay in titles like Mario Kart World
- GameChat, the Nintendo Switch app, and the Nintendo Music app
- Exclusive offers, e.g., special merch or game trials
- The Save Data Cloud service allows for automatic, easily accessible backups
The retro games are arguably the best thing about the NSO service. As a subscriber, I can dig into games originally released on consoles like the Game Boy or Super NES; some of the physical versions of these titles are ridiculously expensive, so this has made some retro gems much more accessible.
The retro library is updated somewhat regularly, too. When I initially signed up to the service a few years back, it was admittedly less of a selling point, but the library includes more titles and franchises in 2026.
Being able to dig into games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Mario Kart World with my friends makes the subscription feel worth it, too. The Switch is a console that feels like a natural fit for co-op games and online play.
While I wouldn’t say that it’s essential to have an NSO subscription as a Nintendo Switch user – particularly if you’re uninterested in retro games or prefer to play single-player games – it is a fun and valuable service.
NSO Expansion Pack price in 2026
It’s not just the base Nintendo Switch Online price to consider when getting your Nintendo Switch set up – there’s an add-on called the Expansion Pack. It costs more than the standard NSO, coming in at $50 per year.
The Expansion Pack unlocks even more retro games, including titles from consoles like the N64, Virtual Boy, and Nintendo GameCube. The SEGA Mega Drive library is also included.
The Expansion Pack subscription also offers Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade packs, along with complimentary DLC for games like Mario Kart 8, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Splatoon 2. It’s significantly pricier than the standard NSO subscription, but for retro game obsessives, it’s worth considering.
FAQs
Yes, an NSO subscription is worth it in 2026, as it offers value for both modern and classic games. If you’re unconvinced and wondering how to cancel a Nintendo Switch Online membership, you can do so via the Nintendo eShop under Account Information.
There are some classic Pokémon games on Nintendo Switch, like Pokémon Fire Red, Pokémon Leaf Green, and Pokémon Snap.
Yes, you can play NSO games offline, but you’ll need to connect to the internet once every week to verify your active subscription.
Retro games are the main selling point to consider if you’re weighing up the Nintendo Switch Online vs Expansion Pack value. While the subscription and its more expensive counterpart do offer perks for modern games, the bulk of the value arguably comes from the retro library.
Yes, you can snag an NSO free trial via the official Nintendo website on your Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2. There is a limit of one free trial per account.
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