How To Cancel Nintendo Online [Best Methods]
Did you know that Nintendo was founded as far back as 1889 as a small handmade playing card business in Japan? Over the years, the company has grown to become a multinational software and consumer electronics corporation with 6,574 employees globally and generates around $16 billion.
With 91.59 million consoles sold worldwide as of September 2021, the Switch makes Nintendo one of the major players in the console gaming market. A significant advantage is that you can use the Switch as a stationary console and a portable device alike so that you can play from the comfort of your home or on the go.
You can indeed enjoy a game online without a subscription. You can even use the Switch Local Wireless Play feature between two consoles and play with your family and friends in multiplayer mode, allowing for a total of 6 players.
However, to get access to multiplayer games over the Internet, you need a Nintendo Online subscription. While it comes with many perks a true gamer will appreciate, there are also many reasons you may decide to cancel your Nintendo subscription. So, why not take your Super Wario drink and go through everything you need to know about Nintendo Online services and how to cancel a Nintendo subscription?
What is Nintendo Switch Online?
Officially launched in September 2018, Nintendo Switch Online is an online subscription service specially designed for the Switch video game console. This is Nintendo’s third-generation online services following Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and Nintendo Network.
To offer additional features, the company released an expanded tier as of October 25, 2021. With the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, the library is expanded to include Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games.
Reasons to opt for a Nintendo Switch Online Subscription
If you’re a keen gamer, you’ll be tempted by the features the Nintendo Online membership offers. They include online multiplayer, voice chat while playing through a dedicated smartphone app, cloud storage, access to compatible games online and a catalog of classic Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Super NES games with a recently added online play option. In addition, your subscription unlocks special members-only offers and promotions.
With a Nintendo Switch Online membership, you can:
Play Super Mario Bros available for members only and play compatible games online
Use a smartphone app to enhance your gaming experience
Access a library of 70+ classic NES and Super NES titles
Have a cloud backup of your game data along with your system storage
Get members-only offers and deals
You can choose from a variety of subscription plans:
Individual 1, 3, or 12-month Membership
Individual 12-month Membership + Expansion Pack
Family 12-month Membership intended for up to 8 users
Family 12-month Membership + Expansion Pack intended for up to 8 users
Let’s take a look a the features unlocked by the Nintendo Switch Online subscription and the expansion pack:
| SUBSCRIPTION PLAN | Nintendo Switch Online | Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Online Play | ✓ | ✓ |
| NES™ and Super NES™ – Nintendo Switch Online | ✓ | ✓ |
| Save Data Cloud | ✓ | ✓ |
| Smartphone App | ✓ | ✓ |
| Special Offers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Switch Online | ✓ | |
| Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise | ✓ | |
| SEGA Genesis – Nintendo Switch Online | ✓ |
With a Nintendo Online membership, you can get access to advanced features that offer a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends while playing your favorite game.
Why Should I Cancel My Nintendo Switch Online Subscription?
At some point, you may find that you’re too busy to take the maximum advantage of your membership. Your interests may change, and you may take up another hobby. Or you may feel bored by playing the games included in your subscription plan.
The membership fee may not be much, but it adds to your monthly or yearly expenses. Besides, you’ve most likely upgraded your membership to make use of the Nintendo expanded pack, and your subscription cost exceeds the minimum of $1.7 per month. In any case, you can invest that money in something you’re more interested in. How much will you pay for the unnecessary subscription if you postpone canceling it? It depends on your plan:
| Account Type | Plan | 1 Month Billing Cycle | 3 Month Billing Cycle | 12 Month Billing Cycle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Membership | Online | $3.99 | $7.99 | $19.99 |
| Individual Membership | + Expansion Pack | n/a | n/a | $49.99 |
| Family Membership | Online | n/a | n/a | $34.99 |
| Family Membership | + Expansion Pack | n/a | n/a | $79.99 |
So, you may start wondering how to cancel Nintendo Online’s automatic renewal and subscription. All you need to do is keep reading.
Learn to Cancel Nintendo Online?
You can terminate your membership when you cancel Nintendo Online Auto-renewal. Please take a look at our step-by-step guide and choose the option that best suits you.
How to Cancel a Nintendo Switch Subscription Using the Console
Here’s how to cancel Nintendo Switch Online fast and easily using your console:
Open the Nintendo eShop app on your Switch Console
Locate your profile picture in the top right-hand corner of the screen and tap on it.
Find Nintendo Switch Online on the left-hand menu and select it.
Click Turn Off Automatic Renewal to stop renewing your subscription.
How to Cancel Nintendo Online Subscription on a Computer
You can also cancel your Nintendo subscription without the Switch. Here’s how:
Go to your account page and log in.
Select your profile picture (this will be in the top-right corner) and access your account settings.
Select Shop Menu from the Navigation section on the left.
Click Turn Off Automatic Renewal
Congratulations! You’ve stopped Nintendo from renewing your subscription and charging you. Note that your subscription will expire at the end of the current billing cycle, and meanwhile, you can continue using your membership. Using the same steps is how to cancel your free trial as well. Note that you’ll have to do that at least 48 hours before your trial or billing period ends so that you aren’t billed again for that month or year.
What Happens When I Cancel My Nintendo Switch Online Subscription?
When you turn off automatic renewal, you’ll have access to the advanced features of your membership until the end of your current billing period. After it expires, you’ll keep all your purchases and any downloaded apps and content. You can still make purchases from the Nintendo eShop and play the games offline, but with no access to online multiplayer.
Want to Play On? Some Alternatives to Nintendo Online
You may want to deactivate your Nintendo Online account but still continue playing. In such a case, you can consider some other gaming options that may turn out to be just as entertaining as Nintendo Switch. Why not take a look at the top picks we’ve collected for you:
| Game Company | Pricing | What’s in it for you |
|---|---|---|
| EA Access | $4.99 a month $29.99 a year | – 10% discount on all EA games – A 10-hour free trial for new games |
| Xbox Game Pass – Console | $9.99 a month | – Over 100 high-quality games – Discounts and deals |
| Xbox Game Pass – PC | $9.99 a month | – Everything from the Console plan – You pay $1 a month for the first 3 months – A library of top EA titles on PC |
| Xbox Game Pass – Ultimate | $14.99 a month | – Everything included in the PC plan – You pay $1 for the first month – Xbox Live Gold including Deals with Gold, Games with Gold, and console multiplayer |
| Apple Arcade | $4.99 a month $50 a year | – New Games – Game Updates – One subscription for up to 6 members |
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I Reactivate My Nintendo Switch Account?
Yes, if you change your mind, you can repeat the steps above to reactivate your subscription. You have to keep in mind that your game data is stored in the Nintendo cloud for 6 months after the termination of your subscription, and then it is cleared.
Can I Cancel My Nintendo Switch Account via Email or On The Phone?
No, you have only two options – you can cancel Nintendo Online on pc or using your console.
What Happens With the Other Family Members if I Cancel My Nintendo Switch Online Family Subscription?
If you purchased the family membership, everyone in the family group would lose access to the Nintendo Online features.
Can I Get a Refund When I Cancel a Nintendo Online Subscription?
No, Nintendo will not refund your money if you cancel your subscription. However, you may get a refund if you haven’t redeemed a Nintendo Switch Online membership gift card and you keep the receipt.
