Nintendo Switch Online Service FAQ
Nintendo Switch Online is a paid service that lets members enjoy online play in compatible Nintendo Switch games, access a selection of classic NES™ and Super NES™ games with new online functionality, back up save data for most games, and use additional features for the Nintendo Switch Online smart device app.
Additionally, Nintendo Switch Online members in Europe can take advantage of exclusive special offers from Nintendo.
- Online play and Nintendo Switch Online app
The Nintendo Switch Online service lets Nintendo Switch owners enjoy online play in compatible games like Splatoon 2, ARMS, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
Nintendo Switch Online members can also access the Nintendo Switch Online app to send play invitations and participate in voice chat for compatible games such as Splatoon 2.
- Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online and Super NES – Nintendo Switch Online
Members can enjoy a growing library of NES and Super NES games with added online play as part of the paid Nintendo Switch Online membership. With the Nintendo Switch Online smart device app, you can also voice chat during your play sessions. The service includes 20 games at launch, with new NES and Super NES games added in the future. For additional information, please review our Nintendo Switch Online Classic Games – Overview & FAQ.
- Save Data Cloud
Players with a Nintendo Switch Online membership can save game data online for compatible games. Save data is linked to your Nintendo Account, so you can access it from any Nintendo Switch console by signing in and downloading your save data.
- Exclusive Offers for Members
Nintendo Switch Online members in Europe have access to exclusive special offers, such as the option to purchase specially designed controllers for use with NES & Super NES - Nintendo Switch Online games on Nintendo Switch.
General Information:
Can I play Nintendo Switch games online without becoming a member of the service?
A Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to participate in co-op and competitive online features for many first- and third-party Nintendo Switch games, including Splatoon 2, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, ARMS, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Some games, such as Fortnite, can be played online without a Nintendo Switch Online membership.
Additionally, Nintendo eShop, friend registration and management, sharing screenshots and video over social networks, Parental Controls, software and system updates, game news, and other service functionality are available without becoming a Nintendo Switch Online member.
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 Online app and Save Data Cloud backup compatibility) will also be displayed there.
For games 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 Nintendo Switch or through the Nintendo website).
Additionally, download codes can be purchased through select 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
- A Nintendo Switch console with system version 6.0 or higher
- Smart device with Nintendo Switch Online app version 1.4.0 or higher (only required for in-game voice chat features)
How is this service different from the free service that was offered when Nintendo Switch launched?
Nintendo Switch Online offers much more than just the ability to play online multiplayer games. Members also have access to a library of classic NES and Super NES games that can be played online with friends, Save Data Cloud backup, the Nintendo Switch Online smart device app and special offers.
Additionally, we continually invest in and improve upon the online functionality of our products. The paid service will help support the continued implementation of online play and promote future expansion of online features.
Is a Nintendo Switch Online membership needed for Wii U or Nintendo 3DS games?
The paid online service is for Nintendo Switch games only. Online play for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS will continue as normal, at no additional cost.
Can I use My Nintendo Gold Points to purchase the Nintendo Switch Online membership?
Gold Points can be used when purchasing a membership in the Nintendo eShop. They cannot be used for automatic renewal.
Questions about the Nintendo Switch Online app
For information about the Nintendo Switch Online application for smart devices, please click here.
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 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 the 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 settings share a family membership?
Yes. However, not all features are available in all countries.
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 Nintendo Switch console. It can be used on any Nintendo Switch 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 out 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 the online service with that account.
If you have purchased a family membership, the other members of your family group will also no longer be able to use the service.
Additionally, we are 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 "Nintendo Switch Online" in your Nintendo eShop or Nintendo Account settings. Once it's turned off, it cannot be turned on 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 Auto-Renewal Settings helpful.
How can I see my current membership information?
You can view your current membership plan from "Nintendo Switch Online" in your Nintendo eShop or Nintendo Account settings, or by selecting Nintendo Switch Online from the HOME Menu of your 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?
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 Nintendo Switch HOME menu, then "Data Management" and "Save Data Cloud".
Which games are compatible with Save Data Cloud backup?
The vast majority of Nintendo Switch games support Save Data Cloud backup.
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 Online app and Save Data Cloud backup compatibility) will also be displayed there.
For additional information about compatible games, please read Which Nintendo Switch Titles Are Compatible with Save Data Cloud Backup.
Is my save data retained if my Nintendo Switch Online membership ends?
Does Nintendo Switch support local save data backups?
Local save data backups are not currently supported on 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.
Does Save Data Cloud backup work with Wii U or Nintendo 3DS titles?
Special Offers
What special offers are currently available?
For the most up-to-date information on special offers, select Nintendo Switch Online from the HOME Menu of your Nintendo Switch console. Special offers include:
- NES Controllers
- Nintendo Switch Online members in Europe can purchase exclusive NES controllers for use with Nintendo Entertainment System - Nintendo Switch Online 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 Switch Online games, which looks and operates like the original controller for the 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 Switch Online games collection on Nintendo Switch, which looks and operates like the original controller for the Nintendo 64. For additional information about the Nintendo 64 controller, please read Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Switch Online.
- 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 the SEGA Mega Drive. For additional information about the SEGA Mega Drive Control Pad, please read SEGA Mega Drive – Nintendo Switch Online.
- Splatoon 2 DLC
- Everyone with an individual 12-month membership or a family membership will receive a download code for an exclusive in-game outfit in Splatoon 2. For additional information about this offer, click here.
- 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.
- Special My Nintendo Missions and 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. You can redeem the Platinum Points you earn for special user icons that are available exclusively to Nintendo Switch Online members.
- Game Trials
- Everyone with an active, paid Nintendo Switch Online membership can download and play Game Trials for popular games on Nintendo Switch as they are made available. A Game Trial 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 Trial 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 as of 16 May 2019. Each of these vouchers can then be redeemed for a select digital game on Nintendo Switch. Additional information can be found in our Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers FAQ.
What additional special offers are planned?
For news on special deals and offers for Nintendo Switch Online members, please keep an eye on the Nintendo Switch Online website.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
Please see Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack FAQ.