Nintendo Switch Online has revealed a new seven-day free trial for those who aren't already members. While Nintendo has offered opportunities to check out Nintendo Switch Online for free in the past, this latest promotion is particularly exciting as it gives those who have already participated in a trial the chance to try the service again.
Since its launch in 2018, Nintendo Switch Online has expanded significantly. While the service originally featured only NES titles, the base library has grown to include games from the SNES and Game Boy. 2021 saw the launch of the Expansion Pack tier, with games from Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance and most recently GameCube added over the years. These games, along with NSO's other benefits, such as online play and Nintendo Music, have made the service popular with Switch and Switch 2 owners. While the base subscription costs $19.99 per year and $49.99 for the NSO + Expansion Pack, a new promotion lets players try before they buy.
Nintendo Switch Online is getting a new 7-day free trial to start in 2026
On January 12, Nintendo of America announced a new free trial for Nintendo Switch Online. This latest promotion offers seven days of access to the service, giving Switch and Switch 2 owners the chance to check out the various benefits. However, it's worth noting that this trial version does not include the expansion pack, which means that select game collections and some game DLCs will not be available. There was no expiration date for this promotion.
Nintendo Switch Online features
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Play online
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GameChat
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Nintendo classic
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Nintendo music
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Save data cloud
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Special offers
Fortunately, this free trial is open to any Switch or Switch 2 owner without a current NSO membership. As a result, those who have tried the service via a free trial in the past can still participate in this latest promotion. While game collections tied to the expansion pack aren't available, the base tier of the service has a wide variety of SNES, Game Boy, and NES titles, making now a potentially ideal time for gamers looking to experience some Nintendo nostalgia. In addition, this seven-day trial provides access to online play for games such as Mario Kart Worldand users can download the Nintendo Music app, which offers a plethora of music tracks to choose from.
It should be noted that players will be signed up for auto-renewal when they activate the free trial offer on the official website or eShop. However, it's easy to cancel the subscription if they decide Nintendo Switch Online isn't for them. This can be done by navigating to Account Information on the eShop or on the associated Nintendo Account. From there, there is an option to turn off auto-renewal.
Nintendo Switch Online and its expansion packs continue to receive new games
This latest NSO promotion comes as Nintendo recently released the Shadow Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance for the service. As part of the expansion pack, this game was added to the already growing GameCube series. In addition, those who paid for the basic subscription received several new games for Game Boy and NES last November, including Of myths and monstersa sequel to the original Kid Icarus.
Unsurprisingly, NSO has focused on adding GameCube games following the Switch 2 release in June. More classic titles from the 2001 console are likely to come out this year, with Super Mario Sunshine, Pokemon Coliseumand Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness planned to release sometime in the future. That said, titles from its other classic consoles will likely be added in the coming months as well. It will be interesting to see what other updates are planned for the services in 2026.
