Nintendo Switch online has unveiled a new seven-day free trial for those who aren't already members. While Nintendo has offered the chance to try Nintendo Switch Online for free in the past, this latest promotion is especially exciting because it gives those who have already taken part in the trial a chance to try the service again.
Since its release in 2018, Nintendo Switch Online has grown considerably. While the service initially featured only NES titles, the core library has grown to include SNES and Game Boy games. 2021 saw the launch of the Expansion Pack layer, which added games from the Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and most recently GameCube over the years. These games, along with other NSO perks like online play and Nintendo Music, have made the service popular with Switch and Switch 2 owners. While the basic subscription costs $19.99 per year and $49.99 for the NSO + Expansion Pack, the new promotion allows players to try before they buy.
Nintendo Switch Online is getting a new 7-day free trial starting 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 a chance to try 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 DLC will not be available. There is no expiration date listed for this promotion.
Nintendo Switch Online Features
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Play online
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GameChat
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Nintendo Classics
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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 all Switch or Switch 2 owners without a current NSO membership. As a result, those who have tried the service through the free trial in the past can still participate in this latest promotion. While the game collections tied to the Expansion Pack aren't available, the base tier of the service has a wide variety of titles from the SNES, Game Boy, and NES, making now a potentially perfect time for gamers looking to experience a bit of Nintendo nostalgia. Additionally, this seven-day trial provides access to online gaming 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 activating the free trial offer on the official website or eShop. However, canceling the subscription is easy if they decide Nintendo Switch Online isn't for them. This can be done by going to Account Information in the eShop or your associated Nintendo Account. From there, there is an option to turn off auto-refresh.
Nintendo Switch Online and its expansion pack continue to get new games
This latest NSO promotion comes as Nintendo has recently been cast in the shade Fire Emblem: Path of Shining for service. The game joined the already growing GameCube line as part of an expansion pack. In addition, those paying for a basic subscription received several new Game Boy and NES games last November, including About myths and monsterscontinuation of the original Baby Icarus.
Unsurprisingly, NSO focused on adding GameCube games after the Switch 2 release in June. More classic titles from the 2001 console are likely to be released this year Super Mario Sunshine, Pokemon Colosseumand Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness plans to drop sometime in the future. That being 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.
