Nintendo Switch Online Gets New Free Trial for 2026
Nintendo Switch Online has revealed a new seven-day free trial for those who are not already members. While Nintendo has offered opportunities to check out Nintendo Switch Online for free in the past, this latest promotion is particularly exciting as it gives those who already participated in a trial the chance to try the service again.
Since its release in 2018, Nintendo Switch Online has expanded considerably. 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 launched, with games from the Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and, most recently, GameCube being added 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 NSO + Expansion Pack, a new promotion lets gamers try before they buy.
Nintendo Switch Online Gets New 7-Day Free Trial to Start 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 the chance to check out the various benefits. However, it is worth noting that this trial does not include the Expansion Pack, meaning select game collections and some game DLCs will not be available. There was no expiration date noted for this promotion.
Nintendo Switch Online Features
- Online Play
- GameChat
- Nintendo Classics
- Nintendo Music
- Save Data Cloud
- 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 have tried the service via a free trial in the past can still participate in this latest promotion. While game collections tied to the Expansion Pack are unavailable, the base tier of the service has a wide range of titles from the SNES, Game Boy, and NES, making now a potentially ideal time for gamers who want to experience some Nintendo nostalgia. Furthermore, this seven-day trial grants access to online play for games like Mario Kart World, and 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, canceling the subscription is easy if they decide Nintendo Switch Online is not for them. This can be done by navigating to Account Information on the eShop or on the associated Nintendo Account. From there, there is an option to turn off automatic renewal.
Nintendo Switch Online and Its Expansion Pack Continue to Get New Games
This latest NSO promotion comes as Nintendo recently shadow dropped Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance for the service. As part of the Expansion Pack, this game added to the already burgeoning GameCube lineup. Additionally, those paying for the base subscription received several new games for the Game Boy and NES last November, including Of Myths and Monsters, a sequel to the original Kid Icarus.
Unsurprisingly, NSO has focused on adding GameCube games following the release of the Switch 2 in June. More classic titles from the 2001 console will likely come out this year, with Super Mario Sunshine, Pokemon Colosseum, and Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness planned to drop sometime in the future. That being said, titles from its other classic consoles could be added in the coming months as well. It will be interesting to see what other updates are planned for the service in 2026.