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 the Nintendo Switch online for free in the past, this latest promotion is particularly exciting as 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 expanded greatly. While the service originally only featured NES titles, the base library has grown to include games from the SNES and Game Boy. In 2021, the expansion pack tier began, adding games from the Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and, most recently, the GameCube 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, the new promotion lets players try before they buy.
Nintendo Switch Online gets 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 check out the various benefits. However, it's worth noting that this trial does not include expansion packs, which means select game collections and some game DLC will not be available. No expiry date was mentioned for this promotion.
Nintendo Switch Online features
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Play online
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Game chat
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Nintendo Classics
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Nintendo Music
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Save data to the 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 tried the service through a free trial in the past can still participate in this latest promotion. While game collections tied to expansion packs aren't available, the base tier of the service has a wide range of titles from the SNES, Game Boy and NES, making now a potentially perfect time for gamers who want to experience Nintendo of old. Moreover, this seven-day trial offers access to online games like games Mario Kart WorldAnd users can download the Nintendo Music app, offering a plethora of music tracks to choose from.
It should be noted that gamers will be signed up for automatic renewal when activating the free trial offer on the official website or eShop. However, it's easy to cancel a subscription if they decide Nintendo Switch Online isn't for them. This can be done by navigating to Account Information or the corresponding Nintendo Account in the eShop. From there, there is an option to turn off automatic renewal.
Continue to get new games on Nintendo Switch Online and its expansion packs
This latest NSO promotion comes as Nintendo has just dropped the shade Fire Symbol: The Path of Shining for service. As part of an expansion pack, the game was added to the already growing GameCube lineup. Additionally, those who paid for a base subscription received several new games for the Game Boy and NES last November Of myths and monstersA sequel to the original Baby Icarus.
Surprisingly, NSO has focused on adding GameCube games since the Switch 2's release in June. More classic titles from the 2001 console will likely come out this year Super Mario Sunshine, Pokemon Colosseumand Pokemon XD: Storm of Darkness Plans to leave sometime in the future. That said, titles from its other classic consoles will likely be added in the coming months. It will be interesting to see what other updates are planned for the services in 2026.
