Yes. Nintendo Switch online play was generally free before the paid Nintendo Switch Online service launched in September 2018. After launch, a membership became necessary for online play in many games—but Nintendo made clear that the rule was not universal: some free-to-play games are exempt. A seven-day trial was offered, but it was not a permanent free membership.
When did Nintendo Switch Online stop being free?
Nintendo identifies September 18, 2018, as the launch date for Nintendo Switch Online. In the UK, Nintendo announced the service as live on September 19, reflecting the regional announcement date. Before the launch, Nintendo described online play for Switch games as a free trial; that access ended when the membership service began.
In May 2018, Nintendo UK said some online services would require a paid membership starting that September. Nintendo Japan separately said the free online-play trial for games including Splatoon 2, ARMS and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe would end with the formal launch.
- Nintendo Switch Online overview — official service page and launch date.
- Nintendo UK’s May 2018 announcement — the planned change to paid membership.
- Nintendo Japan’s May 2018 announcement — the end of the free trial for named games.
Does every Switch game require a membership for online play?
No. Nintendo said online play would “generally no longer be offered for free” after the service started, and explicitly noted exceptions, including some free-to-play games. Nintendo Support gives Fortnite as an example of a game that can be played online without a membership. The requirement depends on the game, so check its listing or Nintendo’s support information rather than assuming one rule covers every title.
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#1 Best Overall
![Nintendo Switch Online 12-Month Individual Membership [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Y9KbnDQKL._SL160_.jpg)
- Enjoy a curated library of 70+ classic Super NES and NES games. You can compete (or cooperate) online with friends, share your screen, or virtually pass the controller, depending on the game.
- Access a collection of Game Boy games to play anytime, anywhere!
- In addition to the game data regularly saved to your system, you’ll have online backup. This makes it easy to retrieve your game data if you lose your system or start using a new one.
- Enhance your online experience with the Nintendo Switch Online app. For example, you can use voice chat with players in compatible games.
Nintendo UK’s launch announcement contains the qualified statement. Nintendo Support’s guidance explains that some games do not require a subscription.
Was the seven-day trial the same as free access?
No. Nintendo offered a seven-day free trial of Nintendo Switch Online, a paid service. The launch announcement said automatic renewal could start a paid monthly membership unless it was turned off. Nintendo’s current overview also advertises a seven-day trial; check that page for the terms that apply when you sign up, since trial and service details can change.
Rank #2
![Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack 12-month Individual Membership – [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41-OKs2tCCL._SL160_.jpg)
- Library of classic Nintendo 64 games
- Collection of classic and colorful Game Boy Advance games
- All Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass* content as released
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise DLC *
- Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion*
The service is more than online play: Nintendo’s current overview lists classic-game access and save-data backup for most games among its benefits. Those are membership features, not evidence that all Nintendo games or online functions require a subscription.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What does “Nintendo Online” mean here?
This answer is about Nintendo Switch online play and the Nintendo Switch Online membership launched in 2018. It should not be read as a claim that Nintendo DS, Wii, Wii U or 3DS online services all followed the same pricing history; the cited announcements address the Switch transition.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Enjoy a curated library of 70+ classic Super NES and NES games. You can compete (or cooperate) online with friends, share your screen, or virtually pass the controller, depending on the game.
- Access a collection of Game Boy games to play anytime, anywhere!
- In addition to the game data regularly saved to your system, you’ll have online backup. This makes it easy to retrieve your game data if you lose your system or start using a new one.
- Enhance your online experience with the Nintendo Switch Online app. For example, you can use voice chat with players in compatible games.
- Redemption: Online
Rank #4
![Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership 12 Month - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41npXXvyKLL._SL160_.jpg)
- Online Play – Battle it out or cooperate with players online in compatible games like Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Invite friends to your in-game island or visit theirs in Animal Crossing: New Horizons!
- NES and Super NES - Nintendo Switch Online – Enjoy a curated library of 70+ classic Super NES and NES games. You can compete (or cooperate) online with friends, share your screen, or virtually pass the controller, depending on the game. With the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app, you can also voice chat during your play sessions in compatible games.
- Access a collection of Game Boy games to play anytime, anywhere! Face off against Wario in Super Mario Land 2 - 6 Golden Coins and thwart an intergalactic menace in Metroid II - Return of Samus as you revisit (or discover) these classics games.
- Save Data Cloud* – In addition to the game data regularly saved to your system, you’ll have online backup. This makes it easy to retrieve your game data if you lose your system or start using a new one.
- Smartphone app – Enhance your online experience with the Nintendo Switch Online app. For example, you can use voice chat with players in compatible games. In addition, the app gives players of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Splatoon 2 access to special game-enhancing features.
Rank #3
![Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack 12-month Family Membership – [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/4167UlUf-SL._SL160_.jpg)
- Library of classic Nintendo 64 games
- Collection of classic and colorful Game Boy Advance games
- All Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass* content as released
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise DLC *
- Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion*
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