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Nintendo Switch Online Tiers: Which Membership Do You Need for Profile Icon Rewards?

Standard paid Nintendo Switch Online is enough for ordinary profile icon rewards. Expansion Pack is needed only for elements Nintendo marks exclusive to it, or when you want its extra games and included DLC.
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For ordinary profile icon rewards, the standard paid Nintendo Switch Online membership is enough. You need the Expansion Pack only for icon elements Nintendo marks as Expansion Pack exclusive—or if you also want its extra game libraries and included select DLC.

Which membership unlocks profile icon rewards?

Nintendo says members with an active, paid Nintendo Switch Online membership can redeem My Nintendo Platinum Points for icon elements and assemble them into custom profile icons. A free trial does not meet the stated paid-membership requirement. The icon feature itself is not limited to Expansion Pack subscribers; only elements specifically designated as Expansion Pack exclusive require that tier. Nintendo Support’s icon instructions and its membership information explain the distinction.

Icon elements include characters, backgrounds and frames. You earn Platinum Points by completing available missions, then spend points on the pieces you want.

Choose a tier based on what you want and who needs access

Plan Who it covers Icon access US price snapshot
Standard Individual One Nintendo Account Ordinary icon elements $19.99 USD for 12 months; $3.99 for 1 month or $7.99 for 3 months, according to Nintendo’s US price table accessed October 4, 2026.
Standard Family Up to eight people in a Nintendo Account family group Ordinary icon elements $34.99 USD for 12 months, according to Nintendo Support’s US price table accessed October 4, 2026.
Expansion Pack Individual One Nintendo Account Ordinary elements plus Expansion Pack-exclusive elements $49.99 USD for 12 months, according to Nintendo’s US comparison accessed October 4, 2026.
Expansion Pack Family Up to eight people in a Nintendo Account family group Ordinary elements plus Expansion Pack-exclusive elements $79.99 USD for 12 months, according to Nintendo Support’s US price table accessed October 4, 2026.

Prices vary by country and subscription term. Check Nintendo’s US plan comparison or US price table for the listed US rates; outside the US, use the plan page for your region. Family membership applies to accounts in the Nintendo Account family group, not simply anyone using the same console. Nintendo’s service FAQ describes the family-group coverage.

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#1 Best Overall
Nintendo Switch 2 System
  • The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
  • One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
  • Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
  • Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
  • GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play

Pick standard Individual for one account and ordinary icons

If your goal is to make profile icons from the regular rewards and only one account needs membership, standard Individual is the straightforward choice. Paying for Expansion Pack does not unlock the icon maker itself.

Pick standard Family when several accounts need standard benefits

If multiple members of your Nintendo Account family group want ordinary icon rewards and standard membership benefits, the standard Family plan covers up to eight accounts.

Rank #2
Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy-Con - Handheld Gaming Console
  • 6.2” LCD screen
  • Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
  • Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
  • Detachable Joy-Con controllers
  • Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends

Pick Expansion Pack for exclusive pieces or its other benefits

Choose an Expansion Pack plan if you want an icon piece marked exclusive to that tier, or if your household will use the additional classic-game libraries and included select DLC. The price difference is not justified by ordinary icon rewards alone.

How to earn and redeem icon pieces

You need a Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2 console, an internet connection and an active paid Nintendo Switch Online membership. Use the console’s Nintendo Switch Online app to check what is currently available and redeem points.

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Rank #3
Sale
Nintendo Switch Game Console - Black (HAC-001(-01) w/Blue & Red Joycon (Renewed)
  • Play your way with the Nintendo Switch gaming system. Whether you’re at home or on the go, solo or with friends, the Nintendo Switch system is designed to fit your life. Dock your Nintendo Switch to enjoy HD gaming on your TV. Heading out? Just undock your console and keep playing in handheld mode
  • This model includes battery life of approximately 4.5 - 9 hours.
  • The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (games sold separately)
  • Model number HAC 001( 01)
  1. From the console HOME Menu, open Nintendo Switch Online.
  2. Select Missions & Rewards and review the current missions and icon elements, including their Platinum Point costs.
  3. Complete a mission and collect its Platinum Points. Some missions have a deadline for collecting the points, so check the mission details.
  4. Redeem points for available characters, backgrounds or frames, then combine the pieces to create a profile icon.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Why the available icons change

Missions and icon elements rotate, so a particular piece may not always be available. In a June 5, 2025 article, Nintendo described monthly themes and weekly refreshes, including featured classic-game icons and chances to obtain previously released elements. That describes Nintendo’s stated rotation format at the time; it does not guarantee any specific piece is available now. Check Missions & Rewards on your console for the current selection. Nintendo’s June 5, 2025 announcement explains the rotation.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Nintendo Switch 2 System
Nintendo Switch 2 System
The next evolution of Nintendo Switch; One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
$499.00
Bestseller No. 2
Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy-Con - Handheld Gaming Console
Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy-Con - Handheld Gaming Console
6.2” LCD screen; Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld; Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
$339.00
SaleBestseller No. 3
Nintendo Switch Game Console - Black (HAC-001(-01) w/Blue & Red Joycon (Renewed)
Nintendo Switch Game Console - Black (HAC-001(-01) w/Blue & Red Joycon (Renewed)
This model includes battery life of approximately 4.5 - 9 hours.; Model number HAC 001( 01)
$199.90
SaleBestseller No. 4
Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Red Joy-Con (Renewed)
Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Red Joy-Con (Renewed)
6.2” LCD screen.; Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld; Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
$195.00
Bestseller No. 5
Nintendo Switch – Neon Red and Neon Blue Joy-Con (Renewed)
Nintendo Switch – Neon Red and Neon Blue Joy-Con (Renewed)
One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand; Two players can each take one
$200.00
Best Value
Nintendo Switch – Neon Red and Neon Blue Joy-Con (Renewed)
  • One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand
  • Two players can each take one
  • Multiple Joy-Con can be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options (additional Joy-Con sold separately)
  • Slip a set of Joy-Con into a Joy-Con grip accessory, mirroring a more traditional controller. Or, select an optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
Rank #4
Sale
Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Red Joy-Con (Renewed)
  • This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
  • 6.2” LCD screen.
  • Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
  • Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
  • Detachable Joy-Con controllers

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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