While it doesn't quite hold up to its competitors in its features, Nintendo Switch Online is still a solid console add-on for just $19.99 / £17.99 a year. However, if you're looking to boost your experience with one of the best Nintendo Switch accessories out there, you may be wondering whether you should buy the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion pack.
While the basic subscription gives you access to online play, a range of NES and SNES titles, the ability to save your data in the cloud, and the odd free game, the Expansion pack goes a step further. The boosted membership includes games from N64 and Sega Genesis, a Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass, the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Happy Home Paradise package, and the Splatoon 2 Octo Expansion.
It doesn't come quite as cheap though. You'll be paying $49.99 / £34.99 for the base membership and Expansion pack together - adding another $30 / £17 for an individual membership. A family membership includes up to eight accounts and will run you $79.99 / £59.99 for a full year.
Those costs are considerably higher than the base Nintendo Switch Online price, and they only make sense for certain players. That's why we're helping you decide whether you should buy the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion pack right here.
What's included in the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack?
As mentioned above, you're getting a lot of specific game content when you pick up a Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack. If you're not interested in the N64 or Sega Genesis libraries and don't play enough Animal Crossing, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, or Splatoon, then such an upgrade isn't for you. However, not everyone is going to make the most of every feature here - in fact, the majority of subscribers will likely get their money's worth from just two or three. It's worth making a note of the specific game packs and retro titles you're keen to get your hands on when considering if you should buy the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack.
Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pass Virtual Consoles
Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pass DLC
Should you buy the Nintendo Switch Expansion Pass?
There's a lot on the table here, but with the DLC options available to purchase separately, we'd balance your decision to buy the Nintendo Switch Expansion Pass on the virtual console offerings. If you're keen to get to grips with those N64 or Sega Genesis titles, the pass is a no-brainer, and you'll be able to happily play through any of the applicable DLCs while still comfortable in the knowledge that you're getting your money's worth. We wouldn't recommend buying if you're just interested in one or two of the Mario Kart / Animal Crossing / Splatoon DLCs on offer at the moment. You'll get far better value by picking each pack up separately, and you won't be tied to your subscription with regards to how long you can play.
There is a caveat here, though. If you're excited to test out the Animal Crossing and Splatoon DLCs (and play through at least the first eight courses of the Mario Kart Booster Course Pass) you will save money by opting for a year's worth of play at $49.99 / £34.99. Picking each one up separately will set you back $69.97 / £62.97 - $20 / £28 more than the price of the full subscription - when you add up all the virtual consoles, online play, cloud saves et al. Just note that you won't be able to play the full set of Mario Kart 8 courses heading our way within this 12 month subscription time - releases are scheduled to run through until 2023.
If you've already got Nintendo Switch Online, it's easier to consider upgrading to an Expansion Pass. The $30 / £17 extra cost will easily cover you for two or more of those DLC packs and you won't find this virtual console content elsewhere on the system.
Buy the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pass if you:
- Want to play N64 or Sega Genesis titles
- Want to play online
- Would benefit from cloud saves
- Fit all the above, and play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing, and Splatoon
- Don't mind only having DLC access while your subscription is live
Upgrade to the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pass if you:
- Want to play N64 or Sega Genesis titles
- Want to play at least two of the DLCs
- Don't mind only having DLC access while your subscription is live
How to upgrade to the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pass
If you already have the base Nintendo Switch Online subscription, you can upgrade to the Expansion Pass and claim the remaining days left of your membership as a discount. That means you can easily up your game without losing out on the subscription you've already paid for. This is applicable across both individual and family plans. To upgrade an individual Nintendo Switch Online subscription:
- 1: Head to the Nintendo Switch Online section of the eShop on your console - you can access this page either by heading directly into the eShop or via the Nintendo Switch Online menu icon on your device.
- 2: Select View / Change Membership - this is where you will see your current membership level and the amount you will have to pay to upgrade to an Expansion Pass
- 3: Select Proceed to Purchase - you'll be able to review your payment methods on the next screen and turn automatic renewal off as well.
If you're looking for more ways to keep your collection growing, we're rounding up the latest cheap Nintendo Switch game deals and all the best Nintendo Switch controllers as well. Or, if you're looking to upgrade your whole console experience, check out the best Nintendo Switch deals on OLED models and more.
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