Is Nintendo Switch Online Worth It For Retro Game Lovers And Multiplayer Fans

The Nintendo Switch has redefined portable gaming by blending home console power with handheld convenience. But as players dive deeper into its ecosystem, a critical question emerges: Is Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) worth the recurring cost—especially for those who cherish retro games or regularly play with friends? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends on how you use your Switch, what kind of games you value, and whether online functionality enhances your experience.

For retro enthusiasts, NSO offers access to a curated library of classic NES, SNES, Game Boy, and N64 titles. For multiplayer fans, it enables online co-op and competitive modes across popular titles like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Yet, unlike other subscription services such as Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus, NSO doesn’t emphasize free monthly games or major discounts. Instead, it focuses on legacy content and connectivity.

This article breaks down the real value of Nintendo Switch Online for two distinct audiences: retro collectors and social gamers. We’ll explore pricing tiers, compare offerings, analyze user experiences, and provide actionable guidance to help you decide if this subscription aligns with your gaming lifestyle.

What Does Nintendo Switch Online Include?

Nintendo Switch Online comes in three main plans: Individual, Family, and Expansion Pack. Each tier unlocks progressively richer features, but not all are equally valuable depending on your interests.

• Individual Plan ($3.99/month or $19.99/year): Grants one user access to online multiplayer, cloud saves, and the core retro library (NES, SNES, Game Boy).
• Family Plan ($34.99/year): Covers up to eight accounts under one subscription, ideal for households or shared users.
• Expansion Pack ($49.99/year): Includes everything in the base plan plus access to N64, Sega Genesis, and select DLCs like Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise.

The retro component is a standout feature. Unlike emulated collections sold separately, these games are officially licensed, optimized for modern controls, and often include save states and display filters. Multiplayer fans benefit from seamless matchmaking, voice chat via smartphone app, and consistent server support in key titles.

Tip: If you own multiple Switches at home, the Family Plan pays for itself after just two users.

Retro Gaming Value: How Deep Is the Library?

For fans of classic Nintendo titles, the appeal of NSO lies in instant access to iconic games without hunting for original cartridges or relying on unofficial emulation. The service includes over 100 retro titles spanning four systems, with new additions every few months.

The NES and SNES libraries feature foundational entries such as Super Mario Bros., Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, Super Metroid, and EarthBound. Game Boy titles include Tetris, Pokémon Red/Blue, and Kirby’s Dream Land. These aren’t mere ports—they’re enhanced with suspend-save functionality and CRT-style display filters that mimic vintage TV aesthetics.

The Expansion Pack significantly expands retro appeal with Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis support. N64 classics like Ocarina of Time, Super Mario 64, and GoldenEye 007 bring true 3D platforming and early online-capable shooters into the fold. Genesis titles add variety with fast-paced action games like Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Streets of Rage 2.

“Nintendo’s approach to preservation through NSO sets a benchmark. It’s not just about nostalgia—it’s about making historically significant games playable and accessible.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Digital Game Archivist

However, the library remains selective. Notable omissions include Donkey Kong Country series (due to music licensing), Banjo-Kazooie, and many third-party RPGs. While curated quality control ensures polished experiences, some collectors may feel the lineup lacks depth compared to fan-curated ROM sets.

Multiplayer Experience: Connectivity and Community

For players who enjoy cooperative or competitive gameplay, online access is essential. Many flagship Switch titles either require or greatly enhance their experience with internet connectivity.

Consider Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: while local races are fun, online tournaments and worldwide leaderboards offer long-term engagement. Similarly, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate thrives on ranked matches and custom rule sets shared globally. Even single-player-focused games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild gain indirect benefits through community-driven challenges and speedrun coordination enabled by NSO.

Voice chat is handled through the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app, which links to your account and allows communication during sessions. Though less integrated than native console solutions, it works reliably when configured properly. Cloud saves ensure progress carries over if a device is lost or replaced—a subtle but crucial safeguard.

Game Title	Online Required?	Key Online Features
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe	Yes (for ranked)	Global matchmaking, leaderboards, ghost data
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate	Yes	Ranked mode, spectating, replay sharing
Animal Crossing: New Horizons	Optional	Visit islands, trade items, multiplayer events
Fortnite	No (free online)	Free-to-play cross-platform multiplayer

Note that some third-party games like Fortnite and Apex Legends allow free online play regardless of NSO status. However, first-party Nintendo titles universally require a subscription for any form of online interaction.

A Real Example: The Weekend Gamer

Meet Alex, a college student who plays Switch primarily on weekends. He loves hosting local Mario Kart nights but also wants to race friends who live across the country. Without NSO, he can only play locally. After subscribing, he joins weekly online leagues, uses cloud saves to switch between his dorm and home console, and occasionally revisits Super Mario World for quick nostalgia hits. For him, the $20 annual fee translates to roughly $0.38 per gaming session—less than the price of a candy bar.

This scenario illustrates how moderate usage can still yield high perceived value. Even occasional online engagement or retro exploration can justify the cost when spread over time.

Is the Expansion Pack Worth It?

The Expansion Pack adds $30 to the annual price but brings substantial retro upgrades. Let’s break down its components:

• N64 Games: Over 50 titles, including genre-defining masterpieces. Analog stick support is emulated using right stick gestures, preserving authenticity.
• Sega Genesis: Adds diversity with faster, edgier titles. Unique to NSO among official retro services.
• DLC Inclusions: Full access to Happy Home Paradise, a major expansion for Animal Crossing typically sold for $25.

If you’ve already played most NES/SNES titles or rarely engage in multiplayer, the Expansion Pack becomes the primary reason to upgrade. The inclusion of Happy Home Paradise alone offsets nearly half the extra cost. For retro purists, N64 represents a golden era of 3D design—games like Perfect Dark and Star Fox 64 remain influential today.

Tip: Wait for seasonal sales or bundled promotions (e.g., Black Friday deals) to get the Expansion Pack at a discount.

Step-by-Step: Evaluate Your Needs

Follow this sequence to determine if NSO fits your gaming habits:

1. Assess your multiplayer frequency: Do you play online more than once a month? If yes, NSO likely pays off.
2. List favorite retro titles: Check Nintendo’s official catalog. Are key games like Ocarina of Time or Super Metroid on your must-play list?
3. Calculate household usage: More than one serious player? Opt for Family Plan.
4. Compare alternatives: Could you buy individual retro remasters instead? Sometimes standalone releases (Link’s Awakening) offer better performance.
5. Try the free trial: Nintendo occasionally offers 7-day trials—use them to test stability and game availability.

Common Misconceptions About NSO

Several myths cloud judgment when evaluating NSO’s worth:

• Myth: “All online games require NSO.” Reality: Free-to-play titles like Warframe and Paladins don’t require a subscription.
• Myth: “Retro games are glitchy due to emulation.” Reality: Most run flawlessly; Nintendo patches bugs post-launch.
• Myth: “Cloud saves work automatically.” Reality: You must manually enable sync in system settings to avoid data loss.

Understanding these nuances prevents frustration and helps set realistic expectations.

Checklist: Should You Subscribe?

Answer the following to guide your decision:

• ☐ I play Nintendo-exclusive multiplayer games at least monthly
• ☐ I care about preserving my save data across devices
• ☐ I enjoy retro games from NES, SNES, or N64 eras
• ☐ I want access to exclusive DLC like Happy Home Paradise
• ☐ Multiple people in my household use the same subscription

If three or more apply, NSO delivers tangible value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my NSO subscription with family members?

Yes. The Family Plan allows up to eight Nintendo Accounts to share benefits across different consoles. Each user keeps their own save files and preferences.

Are there ads or microtransactions within NSO retro games?

No. All retro titles are ad-free and fully unlocked. No hidden purchases or paywalls exist within the library.

Do retro games support multiplayer online?

Yes. Many NES and SNES titles include online co-op or versus modes with lag-compensated netcode. For example, you can play Super Mario Bros. 3 with a friend remotely using synchronized input prediction.

Final Verdict: Who Gets the Most Value?

Nintendo Switch Online isn’t designed for everyone. Its value skews heavily toward two groups: dedicated retro collectors and active multiplayer participants. If you fall into either category—or both—the subscription proves worthwhile over time.

Retro lovers gain affordable, legal access to historically important games with thoughtful enhancements. Multiplayer fans unlock persistent progression, global competition, and social connectivity central to modern gaming culture. And with the Expansion Pack, Nintendo bridges generational gaps by resurrecting beloved franchises in playable form.

That said, casual players who stick to offline experiences or rely solely on third-party free-to-play titles may find little return on investment. There’s no obligation to subscribe—but for engaged users, the cost is modest relative to the breadth of content and functionality provided.

“The future of game preservation lies in services like NSO. They balance accessibility with respect for original design.” — Jason Lee, Editor-in-Chief, RetroGaming Magazine

🚀 Ready to make the most of your Switch? Reevaluate your gaming habits, try a short-term plan, and see how NSO transforms your experience. Share your thoughts below—do you think Nintendo’s online service honors its legacy while embracing the future?