With the new Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack announced by Nintendo, there is now a way to get your hands on even more iconic games and get access to a free DLC for one of the Switch’s most popular games. This is such an exciting opportunity for many people. With all of these classic titles now part of this newly expanded service, there has never been a better time to be a fan of Nintendo. That said, this Expansion Pack may not be the perfect fit for everyone.
In this article, we’re going to take a close look at the new Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription service and compare it to the original Nintendo Switch Online to see what’s changed and find out what the new Expansion Pack brings to the table.
When we are done you will be able to decide if the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is a good investment for you or if you would be better served with the standard Nintendo Switch Online service.
![Nintendo Switch Online 3-Month Individual Membership [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41CfddNU8CL._SL160_.jpg)
Table of Contents
What is Nintendo Switch Online Membership?
This subscription membership service will allow players to enjoy online multiplayer gaming on the Nintendo Switch console, which is the main reason it is so highly sought after by gamers. In addition to online gameplay Nintendo Switch Online enhances your gameplay experience by also offering members:
- Access to play both Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Super NES games, which include both multiplayer and online play.
- Game save data gets automatically backed up in the cloud.
- It connects to a smartphone app that lets you voice chat with friends while playing certain titles. The app even has the ability to connect to and enhance certain games.
- It gives you access to special offers.
Both individual and family memberships are available.
What is the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Membership?
The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is a Nintendo Switch Online membership plan with expanded benefits. So in other words, you can think of it as an add-on to the standard Nintendo Switch Online membership plan.
What is included in the Expansion Pack?
In addition to the things we mentioned above, the Expansion Pack includes these additional benefits:
- Nintendo 64 Games – You will get access to play select games from the Nintendo 64 system, with more games to be added in the future. When playing these games you can create suspend points to save your progress. Plus, you can also play multiplayer games locally or online with up to 4 people. The following N64 games were available at launch with more to be added to the lineup later.
- Dr. Mario 64 – 2001
Mario Kart 64 – 1997
Mario Tennis – 2000
Sin & Punishment – 2000
Star Fox 64 – 1997
Super Mario 64 – 1996
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time – 1998
WinBack: Covert Operations – 1999
Yoshi’s Story – 1998
- Dr. Mario 64 – 2001
- Free DLC for Animal Crossing: New Horizons – The paid DLC, Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise, which is normally priced at $24.99, is included at no additional cost. https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/animal-crossing-new-horizons-switch/
- SEGA Genesis Games – You can play SEGA Genesis games on your Nintendo Switch. Plus, you can save your game progress whenever you like and you even have the option to rewind gameplay. In addition, multiplayer games can be played online with up to 2 people. Just as with the Nintendo 64 games, there will be more SEGA Genesis games added to the library in the future. The following games were available at launch with more to follow later.
- Castlevania: Bloodlines – 1994
Contra: Hard Corps – 1994
Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine – 1993
Ecco the Dolphin – 1992
Golden Axe – 1990
Gunstar Heroes – 1993
MUSHA – 1991
Phantasy Star IV: The End of the Millennium – 1995
Ristar -1995
Shining Force – 1993
Shinobi III – 1993
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 – 1992
Streets of Rage 2 – 1992
Strider – 1990
- Castlevania: Bloodlines – 1994
What was the Release Date for the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack?
The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack became available for purchase on October 25, 2021. So if you are looking for a new Nintendo Switch Online subscription, then now is the perfect time to do it.
Nintendo Switch Online vs Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
![Nintendo Switch Online 12-Month Individual Membership [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Y9KbnDQKL._SL160_.jpg)
![Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack 12-month Individual Membership – [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ymOZ0eCCL._SL160_.jpg)
Price Comparison of Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
As mentioned earlier, the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is essentially an add-on to the standard Nintendo Switch Online membership plan. So when talking about the price of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is best to compare it to the standard Nintendo Switch Online subscription. That way if you opt for the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack you will have a better idea of the value that you are getting for your money.
To add another level of complexity to your buying decision both options are offered with individual and family membership options. But don’t worry we break it all down for you below.
Price Breakdown Based on Subscription Type and Duration (Based on 2023 pricing)
Individual Membership Options |
|
| Nintendo Switch Online | Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack |
| $3.99 for a 1 month (30 day subscription) | NA |
| $7.99 for a 3 month (90 day subscription) | NA |
| $19.99 for a 1 year subscription | $49.99 for a 1 year subscription |
If you have 2 or more people using the membership getting a family membership is the best way to go.
Family Membership Options (for up to 8 people) |
|
| Nintendo Switch Online | Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack |
| $34.99 per year | $79.99 per year |
What If I Already Have the Standard Nintendo Switch Online Membership?
If you’re a current Nintendo Switch Online member or unsure about whether you want to buy the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack instead of the standard Nintendo Switch Online membership, remember that you can change over to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack at any time and receive a pro-rated discount, which is based on the number of days remaining in your current membership.
So if you want to upgrade to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack there is no need to try and cancel your standard membership early or wait for it to expire.
Is the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Worth It?
As it relates to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack most people fall into one of four categories. The category that most accurately describes you will help determine if moving up to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack makes sense for you.
The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership is a great value if you like to play Animal Crossing: New Horizons and are a fan of SEGA Genesis or Nintendo 64 games.
If you are a big fan of the Sega Genesis or Nintendo 64 consoles, or both, upgrading to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack makes sense regardless of whether you are an Animal Crossing: New Horizons fan or not. The time you will spend playing those classic titles would more than justify the additional cost of the Expansion Pack.
For people who don’t play Animal Crossing and aren’t into playing the classic Sega Genesis and Nintendo 64 games, you are better off saving your money and sticking with the standard Nintendo Switch Online membership.
Lastly, if the only reason you are interested in the Expansion Pack is for the Animal Crossing: New Horizons DLC, don’t buy the Expansion Pack. You will save money by buying the DLC separately and opting for the standard Online membership.
Final Thoughts
This new Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription membership service is basically the original Nintendo Switch Online membership with additional features added on. In addition to online gameplay and the other features of the standard subscription, the Expansion Pack also offers members the ability to play classic SEGA Genesis or Nintendo 64 games along with a free DLC offering. Your level of interest in these features will determine how useful the Expansion Pack is to you.
As discussed earlier, if you aren’t a big fan of playing classic games you will probably be happier saving some money and sticking with the original Nintendo Switch Online membership. If you are trying to decide which membership to buy for someone as a gift I would suggest getting them the standard membership unless you know they specifically want the Expansion Pack. Remember that you can upgrade the standard membership to the Expansion pack at any time for a prorated price.
Last update on 2025-03-18 at 05:57 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
