# What is Nintendo Switch Online and do I need it for Switch 2?

> Expert answer about the Nintendo Switch 2

*Published: 2026-03-05 | Updated: 2026-03-05 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/answers/what-is-nintendo-switch-online-and-do-i-need-it-for-switch-2*

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## Product: Nintendo Switch 2
**Brand:** Nintendo

Nintendo Switch Online is Nintendo's paid service for online features. Here's whether you need it for your Switch 2.

**The short answer:**

If you want to play games online with other people, yes. If you only play single-player games, no.

**What it costs:**

Basic: $20/year individual, $35/year for a family of up to 8. Expansion Pack: $50/year individual, $80/year for a family.

**What basic gets you:**

Online multiplayer in games like Mario Kart World, Splatoon, Pokemon. Cloud save backups. A library of NES and SNES games.

**What Expansion Pack adds:**

Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis, and GameCube games (GameCube is Switch 2 only). DLC for Animal Crossing, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 2. Switch 2 upgrade packs for Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.

**What you DON'T need it for:**

Single-player games offline. Buying from the eShop. Free-to-play games like Fortnite and Rocket League online.

**Already have a membership?**

It works on Switch 2. Just sign in with your Nintendo Account.

[Compare Nintendo Switch 2 prices](https://shopsavvy.com/products/66b87831-fc76-f8d1-ae04-df50a82120d7) at major retailers.

## Current Prices

| Retailer | Price | Availability |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| PayMore Taylor | $459.99  | Check |
| AliExpress | $582.75  | Check |

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*Where this comes from: This answer is based on ShopSavvy's product database, real-time pricing from thousands of retailers, and analysis of user reviews to give you a well-rounded picture.*