Can you play Nintendo Switch without a membership?
Share
Yes, you can play Nintendo Switch games without a membership, but there are some limitations depending on what you want to do. Here's a breakdown of what you can do with and without a Nintendo Switch Online membership:
Playing Games Offline (No Membership Required)
- Single-player games: You can play most Nintendo Switch games offline without a membership, such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons (except when online features are required for updates or features like visiting other players' islands).
- Local multiplayer: If you're playing with friends or family in the same room, you can use Joy-Con controllers for local multiplayer gaming (no membership required).
Playing Online Games (Requires Membership)
If you want to play online multiplayer games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 2, or Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, you'll need a Nintendo Switch Online membership. This subscription service provides access to:
- Online multiplayer: Play against other players around the world.
- Cloud saves: Backup your save data to the cloud (for supported games).
- NES/SNES Games: Access to a collection of classic NES and SNES titles.
- Special Offers: Occasional discounts and special content for members.
Nintendo Switch Online Membership
There are different types of subscriptions available:
- Individual Membership: $3.99 per month, $7.99 for 3 months, or $19.99 per year.
- Family Membership: $34.99 per year (supports up to 8 Nintendo accounts).
Can You Play Some Games Without Membership?
For free-to-play games like Fortnite and Apex Legends, you don’t need a membership to play online. However, for other premium multiplayer games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or Splatoon 2, you will need the subscription to access online multiplayer features.
Conclusion:
You can enjoy most of the Nintendo Switch's features without a membership, particularly for single-player and local multiplayer games. However, to access online features and play multiplayer games with others online, a Nintendo Switch Online membership is necessary.
