Free Nintendo Switch Online Officially Yours To Claim Right Now

Jul 01, 2026 - 16:14

0 2

Free Nintendo Switch Online Officially Yours To Claim Right Now

A white Nintendo Switch OLED next to a TV

Published Jul 1, 2026, 8:30 AM EDT

Known as 'Cyberpunk 2077's' biggest fan, Angharad is a Welsh games writer who thrives in anything related to digital storytelling. If a video game explores the intricacies and horrors of womanhood, she is there.

Thanks to previous work at GAMINGbible, GameByte, The Loadout, Game Luster, Angharad has built a strong understanding of both the digital world and what fans want from it and is eager to share her thoughts and expertise with readers.

Allowing players to access online multiplayer, cloud saves, exclusive perks, and customization options, Nintendo Switch Online is just one of many console additions aimed at making you sign up for yet another monthly or annual subscription. However, with the Standard plan offering you a library of retro NES, SNES, and Game Boy games, whilst the Expansion Pack tier includes N64/GBA titles, select free DLC, and more, it does make sense to have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription if you are an avid user of the hit handheld.

On top of a free 7-day trial, Nintendo Switch Online offers two tiers, the aforementioned Standard and Expansion. The Standard tier cost depends on whether you are looking for an individual or family package, and whether you want to pay in monthly, 3-months, or annual installments.

That being said, the current prices are as follows:

Standard Individual: $3.99 / 1 month, $7.99 / 3 months, or $19.99 / 12 months
Standard Family: $34.99 / 12 months (covers up to 8 users)

Expansion Individual: $49.99 / 12 months
Expansion Family: $79.99 / 12 months (covers up to 8 users)

Although a one-month subscription is pretty reasonable, costs can soon add up, making it unviable for many users. However, there is currently a way to get your hands on a free Nintendo Switch Online subscription, albeit for a limited time.

Nintendo has recently announced that it is giving away a free month of Nintendo Switch Online as part of a limited-time offer. To become eligible, you will need to purchase or redeem a one-year membership to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack tier, either in the individual or family versions. Additionally, this limited-time offer is also only eligible to those who are not already members.

However, you do have the opportunity to upgrade to the Expansion tier or purchase another year of the Expansion tier in order to be eligible for the extra free month.

Luigi Toad and Bowser Jr in Mario Kart World.

Of course, this is about as "free" as Nintendo is willing to be, as you still need to spend quite some money in order to be eligible for the extra free month. However, it is better than nothing, I guess. However, to make use of this free month worth of Nintendo Switch Online time, you will have to make sure to activate it. To do this, simply head to the official Nintendo website and select the "Activate the Offer" tab once you have logged in.