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    Nintendo Switch Online FAQ

    Support | Nintendo Switch

    Nintendo Switch Online is a paid service that lets members enjoy online play in compatible Nintendo Switch games, access a selection of classic NES™, Super NES™ and Game Boy™ games with new online functionality, take advantage of exclusive benefits, back up save data for most games, use the Nintendo Switch Online smart device app and more.

    • Online play and Nintendo Switch Online app

      The Nintendo Switch Online service lets Nintendo Switch owners enjoy online play in compatible games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 3 and Nintendo Switch Sports.

      Nintendo Switch Online members can also access the Nintendo Switch Online app to send play invitations and participate in voice chat for compatible games such as Splatoon 3.

    • NES, Super NES and Game Boy games

      Members can enjoy a growing library of NES, Super NES and Game Boy games with added online play as part of the paid Nintendo Switch Online membership. For additional information, please review our Nintendo Switch Online Classic Games – Overview & FAQ.

    • Exclusive benefits

      Members in Europe have access to exclusive benefits, including Game Trials events, Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers, exclusive games and certain physical products from My Nintendo Store that cannot be purchased otherwise.

    • Save Data Cloud

      Members can store their game save data online for compatible games. Save data is linked to your Nintendo Account, and you can access that data from any Nintendo Switch console simply by signing in and downloading it.

    General Information:

    • A Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to participate in co-op and competitive online features for many first- and third-party Nintendo Switch games, including Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 3 and Nintendo Switch Sports.

      Some games, including free-to-play titles like Fortnite, can be played online without a Nintendo Switch Online membership.

      Additionally, many functions of the Nintendo Switch console – including access to Nintendo eShop, friend registration and management, sharing screenshots and videos over social networks, Parental Controls, software and system updates, game news and other service functionality – are available without a Nintendo Switch Online membership.

    • Games that require a Nintendo Switch Online membership for online play can be identified in Nintendo eShop and in the game's product information on the Nintendo website. Additional online features (such as Nintendo Switch Online app and Save Data Cloud compatibility) will also be displayed there.

      For games with physical versions released after 19 September 2018, the online requirements and features are also noted on the back of the game's box.

      For additional assistance locating compatible games, please visit the Nintendo website.

    • Nintendo Switch Online is available in the following countries:

      • Austria
      • Belgium
      • Bulgaria
      • Croatia
      • Cyprus
      • Czech Republic
      • Denmark
      • Estonia
      • Finland
      • France
      • Germany
      • Greece
      • Hungary
      • Ireland
      • Israel
      • Italy
      • Latvia
      • Lithuania
      • Luxembourg
      • Malta
      • Netherlands
      • Norway
      • Poland
      • Portugal
      • Romania
      • Slovakia
      • Slovenia
      • South Africa
      • Spain
      • Sweden
      • Switzerland
      • United Kingdom

      More countries may be added in the future.

    • Nintendo Switch Online individual and family memberships can be purchased directly through Nintendo eShop (either on your Nintendo Switch console or through the Nintendo website).

      Additionally, download codes can be purchased through selected retailers.

    • For a list of current membership plans and pricing, click here.

    • You can sign up for a free trial to try out Nintendo Switch Online for 7 days.

    • You will need the following:

      • A Nintendo Account
      • Internet access
      • A Nintendo Switch console with system version 6.0 or higher
      • A smart device with the Nintendo Switch Online app version 1.4.0 or higher (only required for in-game voice chat features)

    • The paid online service is for Nintendo Switch games only. As of 8 April 2024, online play and other functionality that uses online communication ended service for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS software.

    • Gold Points can be used when purchasing a new membership from Nintendo eShop. They cannot be used for automatic renewal.

    • For information about the Nintendo Switch Online application for smart devices, please click here.

    Account Settings & Membership Plans

    Save Data Cloud Backup

    • Save Data Cloud backup creates a backup copy of save data for the vast majority of Nintendo Switch games when your console is connected to the internet. Nintendo Switch Online members can access the save data from any Nintendo Switch console by signing in with their Nintendo Account and downloading the save data.

    • When you become a Nintendo Switch Online member, backup will be set automatically for all compatible save files - you don't need to do anything else to start using Save Data Cloud.

      The setting can be manually adjusted for each game and user by selecting System Settings on the Nintendo Switch HOME menu, then "Data Management" and "Save Data Cloud".

    • The vast majority of Nintendo Switch games support Save Data Cloud backup.

      You can identify compatible games in Nintendo eShop and in the game's product information on the Nintendo website.

      For additional information about compatible games, please read Which Nintendo Switch Titles Are Compatible with Save Data Cloud Backup.

    • If your Nintendo Switch Online membership expires, you won't be able to access your Save Data Cloud backups. However, Nintendo will allow users who renew their membership within 180 days to access their previous Save Data Cloud backups.

    • Local save data backups are not currently supported on Nintendo Switch.

      While we have nothing additional to announce on this topic, please be assured that we listen carefully to the feedback from our customers. We are constantly working on ways to further enhance the experience of using the console.

    Exclusive Benefits

    • For the most up-to-date information on exclusive benefits, open the Nintendo Switch Online app on your Nintendo Switch console. Exclusive benefits include:

      • TETRIS® 99

        With a Nintendo Switch Online membership, you'll be able to download TETRIS® 99 and play online in massive 99-player battles. Visit the game page for more details.

      • F-ZERO 99

        Members can download F-ZERO 99 and race online in high-speed 99-player battles. Visit the game page for more details.

      • Missions & Rewards

        You can earn My Nintendo Platinum Points by using Nintendo Switch Online services, like playing games that use online play or Save Data Cloud services. Moreover, Nintendo Switch Online members can earn Platinum Points by visiting the Nintendo Switch Online app on their Nintendo Switch console and completing the missions featured there. These Platinum Points can be redeemed in the console’s Nintendo Switch Online app for special user icons available exclusively to Nintendo Switch Online members.

      • Game Trials

        Nintendo Switch Online members can take part in Game Trials events for popular games on Nintendo Switch as they are made available. Game Trials software is available to download and play for a limited period of time and allows you to play a full version of the game. Your save data for a Game Trials event will carry over to the game if you choose to purchase it, so you can pick up where you left off. Visit our Game Trials FAQ for more details.

      • Members-only bonus items

        Players in Europe with an active, paid Nintendo Switch Online membership can download bonus items, such as sets of items in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate to help you challenge Spirits. Learn how to download bonus items.

      • Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers

        Players in Europe with an active, paid Nintendo Switch Online membership are eligible to purchase sets of two Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers. Each of these vouchers can then be redeemed for a selected digital game on Nintendo Switch, allowing two games to be purchased at a reduced price. Additional information can be found in our Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers FAQ.

      • NES Controllers

        Nintendo Switch Online members in Europe can purchase exclusive NES controllers for use with Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online games. The controllers add an authentic feel to playing classic NES games. For additional information about the NES controllers, please read NES Controller Overview & FAQ.

      • Super NES Controller

        Nintendo Switch Online members in Europe can purchase an exclusive Super NES controller for use with Super NES – Nintendo Switch Online games, which looks and operates like the original controller for Super NES. For additional information about the Super NES controller, please read Super NES Controller Overview & FAQ.

      • Nintendo 64 Controller

        Nintendo Switch Online members in Europe can purchase an exclusive Nintendo 64 controller for use with Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Switch Online games, which looks and operates like the original controller for Nintendo 64. For additional information about the Nintendo 64 controller, please read Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Switch Online.

      • SEGA Mega Drive Control Pad

        Nintendo Switch Online members in Europe can purchase an exclusive SEGA Mega Drive Control Pad for use with SEGA Mega Drive – Nintendo Switch Online games, which looks and operates like the original controller for SEGA Mega Drive. For additional information about the SEGA Mega Drive Control Pad, please read SEGA Mega Drive – Nintendo Switch Online.

    • For news on exclusive benefits for Nintendo Switch Online members, please keep an eye on your console’s Nintendo Switch Online app or the Nintendo Switch Online section of this website.

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