Updated — In Gaming → Standalone, Nintendo Switch Online is available on Direct. We took the Nintendo Switch Online free trial for a spin and found it’s a straightforward way to unlock online play and dip into classic game libraries. The draw is nostalgia and utility: NES and SNES staples like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda, plus cloud saves to protect progress.
Key details
| Service | Nintendo Switch Online |
|---|---|
| Platforms | Direct |
| Trial available | Yes |
| Trial length | 7 days |
| Trial type | Standard |
| Credit card required | Yes |
| After the trial | $3.99/mo |
| Included plan(s) | Standard |
Start your free trial
Choose one of the official options below to start the Nintendo Switch Online free trial. Links open in a new tab.
Our quick take
We found the Nintendo Switch Online free trial to be a clean snapshot of the everyday experience: online multiplayer works as expected, and the retro libraries are the star. The NES and SNES collections scratch the nostalgia itch, while cloud saves add practical value. It’s a short test drive, but enough to confirm if the $3.99/mo plan fits your routine.
What you get with the trial
The Nintendo Switch Online free trial reflects the Standard plan. That means access to online play and a retro library anchored by classics, plus helpful save features. Highlights include:
- Online multiplayer access for supported games.
- NES and SNES game libraries, featuring staples like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda.
- Cloud saves to back up your progress.
- Awareness of the broader catalog: Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis titles are available with the Expansion Pack (think Mario Kart 64 or GoldenEye 007). The trial centers on the Standard experience.
In our testing, that retro catalog is easy to browse and jump into. It’s a quick way to see whether the mix of online features and classic games matches what you want from a monthly membership.
Who this trial is best for
The Nintendo Switch Online