With the Nintendo Switch 2 set to launch later this year, you may be thinking about a Nintendo Switch Online membership. This service provides various features, including access to emulators for older consoles, and currently offers two membership options. The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack was introduced in 2021 to enhance the standard Nintendo Switch Online experience with additional features.
The differences between the two membership tiers are quite noticeable. The original service has aged nearly a decade and has received few updates compared to other console subscription services. The NSO + Expansion Pack served as the first significant upgrade, and while it has evolved since its launch, its value took some time to establish. If you are considering upgrading to the NSO + Expansion Pack before the Nintendo Switch 2 debuts, now could be the ideal moment to do so.
What is the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Upgrade?
The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is an upgraded version of the existing online service that lets players enjoy multiplayer gaming and enhanced game interaction. In addition to the NES, SNES, and Game Boy games available with the standard plan, the Expansion Pack also includes titles from the Game Boy Advance, N64, and Sega Genesis. This provides players access to classic games such as Zelda: The Minish Cap and the Nintendo 64 classic Ocarina of Time.
One of the biggest attractions for many players is free access to major DLC expansions for games like Animal Crossing New Horizons, Mario Kart 8, and Splatoon 2. Additionally, Nintendo Switch Online offers a wide variety of mobile app tie-ins for numerous games, including the new Nintendo Music app, which allows fans to enjoy popular soundtracks. Overall, the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is a fantastic way to explore classic games while also enjoying new DLC and multiplayer features.
How to Upgrade NSO to Include the Expansion Pack
Use Either a Browser or Your Switch
If you don’t currently have a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription, it costs $49.99 per year for an individual plan or $79.99 annually for a family plan that covers up to 8 users. If you already subscribe to the base service, you are eligible for a discount based on your current plan.
While the standard Nintendo Switch Online subscription has a monthly payment option, the NSO + Expansion Pack is only available as an annual subscription.
To upgrade to the Expansion Pack, visit the membership page on the Nintendo website or access the eShop directly on your Switch. From the console, select the Nintendo Switch Online icon on the home screen, then navigate to membership options. Any checkout process will clearly outline the cost of upgrading from your current plan.
Source: Nintendo