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Nintendo Switch has a subscription model like most other gaming platforms, but the catch is, here gamers can have it for free for a week.
If you’re someone who wants to explore some exclusive but classic Nintendo content, the 7-days free trial open the path for you.
This free-trial comes with an auto-renewal that players can select to have an uninterrupted gaming experience.
Subscription services are immensely popular. Although they can be expensive, these paid services offer a unique range of exclusive titles to gamers. If you are unaware, Nintendo Switch Online is a paid subscription service offered by Nintendo to gamers, providing a range of engaging multiplayer experiences, cloud saves, and access to a vast library of classic games.
If you’re a newcomer, it’s natural that you don’t want to spend $3 without determining whether it’s worth spending or not. For those interested in exploring the perks without commitment, Nintendo offers a 7-day free trial. Here’s how one can activate their free trial on Nintendo Switch Online.
The initiation of this free trial isn’t complicated, but players need to be aware of certain conditions. The first and primary requirement is that the free trial is available only once per Nintendo account, and this free trial applies to accounts that don’t have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership.
However, if one has an expired membership, they can adjust the auto-renewal to redeem the free trial. Below are the steps to follow:
Sign in to your Nintendo account. If you don’t have one, visit accounts.nintendo.com to set up a Nintendo Account.
Launch the Nintendo eShop from the HOME Menu.
Select the account.
Navigate to Nintendo Switch Online from the left sidebar.
Look for a banner offering a ‘You can start a free 7-day trial!’ on the upper right-hand corner.
Click View Membership under the banner.
Choose the free trial membership option.
At this point, players need to decide whether to activate automatic renewal. If you have a trial going on already and you have automatic renewal on, your trial will automatically convert to a paid 1-month membership when the trial ends. Well, it’s an optional process. Players can easily skip it.
However, if you choose auto-renewal, players must enter a payment method, such as a credit card or link their PayPal account to Nintendo. Next, confirm and select Start Free Trial to begin the 7-day trial period.
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This is a valid and most frequently asked question from gamers. The answer is yes. Nintendo never charges wrongly, and most importantly, the automatic renewal can be declined anytime. By default, Nintendo prompts auto-renewal when players opt for a free trial. This means, when the free trial ends, the membership will automatically start by deducting the required amount from the linked bank account. This is for uninterrupted access to Nintendo Switch Online games.
However, if players don’t want to be charged after the trial, they can cancel the renewal at any time, even during the free trial period. Nintendo allows players to turn off auto-renewal from the Account settings, so players can enjoy the trial without worrying about money deduction.
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The Nintendo Switch Online free trial serves as both a marketing strategy and a genuine opportunity for gamers to explore some of the exclusive titles on this platform at no cost. From a player’s perspective, this free trial offers an excellent short-term value, especially for those who are curious to know about this subscription service in more detail and explore a classic game library.
However, the auto-renewal setup and account linking suggest that Nintendo wants to avoid issues regarding users converting the free trial into a paid membership later. This is a classic membership model that almost every platform uses to provide an uninterrupted gaming experience.
While entirely legitimate, it places responsibility on the user to manage their subscription settings. For less attentive players, these subscription models often turn into unintended paid commitment. So, understand the model before providing payment details.
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1. How do I start a free trial of Nintendo Switch Online?
Ans: To start the free trial, open Nintendo eShop on your Switch, select your account, find the 7-day trial banner under Nintendo Switch Online, choose the free trial membership, and follow prompts. Cancel auto-renewal to avoid charges.
2. Can I get a free trial if I have already had one before?
Ans: You cannot get a free trial again on the same Nintendo Account. The trial is only available once per account and cannot be used if you have an active membership. You may use it after an old membership ends.
3. Will I be charged after the free trial ends?
Ans: If auto-renewal is activated, you will be charged for a 1-month membership after the 7-day free trial ends. Cancel automatic renewal during the trial to avoid charges. No charge occurs if auto-renewal is off.
4. Am I eligible for the free trial if I have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership?
Ans: You are not eligible for the free trial if you have an active individual or family Nintendo Switch Online membership. You can get the trial only once, and only if no membership is active on your account.
5. What features can I access during the free trial of Nintendo Switch Online?
Ans: The free trial offers access to online multiplayer, cloud saves, classic NES and SNES games, and other online features for 7 days. It is a full trial of Nintendo Switch Online benefits without restrictions during the trial period.
