Nintendo has always been a popular name in the gaming industry, and with the release of their latest console, the Nintendo Switch, they have taken the world by storm. The Switch offers a unique gaming experience with its hybrid design and exclusive titles like Super Mario Odyssey and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Along with these amazing features, Nintendo also introduced its online subscription service, which allows users to play online multiplayer games and access a library of classic NES and SNES games.
However, as with any subscription service, there may come a time when you want to cancel your Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Whether you no longer use it or simply want to switch to a different plan, cancelling the subscription can sometimes be confusing and frustrating. But worry not, as we have put together this comprehensive guide to help you through the process. So, let’s dive in and learn how to cancel your Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Outline:
- What is Nintendo Switch Online?
- Overview of the subscription service
- Pricing and plans
- Benefits of the service
- Reasons for Cancelling Nintendo Switch Online Subscription
- No longer using the service
- Switching to a different plan or service
- Dissatisfaction with the service
- How to Cancel Your Nintendo Switch Online Subscription
- Step-by-step guide
- Using the Nintendo Switch console
- Using the Nintendo website
- Cancellation policies and fees
- Alternatives to Nintendo Switch Online
- Free online multiplayer games
- Other subscription services
- Purchasing individual games
- Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Unable to access the Nintendo website
- Inability to cancel subscription through console
- Refund requests and customer support
- Conclusion
- Summary of key points
- Final thoughts and recommendations
What is Nintendo Switch Online?
Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription service offered by Nintendo for its latest gaming console, the Nintendo Switch. It was launched in September 2018 and has since gained millions of subscribers worldwide. The service offers various features, including online multiplayer gaming, access to classic NES and SNES games, cloud saves, and special deals on digital games.
Overview of the Subscription Service
As mentioned, Nintendo Switch Online provides users with the ability to play online multiplayer games, similar to other console services like Xbox Live and PlayStation Plus. This means that you can play games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Splatoon 2 with your friends or against players from around the world.
Aside from online multiplayer, Nintendo Switch Online also offers a selection of classic NES and SNES games that can be played at any time. These games are regularly updated, and new titles are added every month. Additionally, the service provides cloud save backups, allowing you to save your game progress and continue playing on a different console if needed.
Pricing and Plans
Nintendo Switch Online offers three different plans for users to choose from – 1 month, 3 months, and 12 months. The pricing for each plan differs depending on your location, but it is generally more affordable compared to other subscription services. You can purchase the subscription directly from the Nintendo website or through the eShop on your Switch console.
- 1-month plan: $3.99 USD/ £3.49 GBP/ €3.99 EUR
- 3-month plan: $7.99 USD/ £6.99 GBP/ €7.99 EUR
- 12-month plan: $19.99 USD/ £17.99 GBP/ €19.99 EUR
Nintendo also offers a family membership plan, which allows up to eight Nintendo accounts to share a single subscription. This option is ideal for families or friends who own multiple Switch consoles. The family membership costs $34.99 USD/ £31.49 GBP/ €34.99 EUR per year.
Benefits of the Service
Apart from the main features mentioned above, Nintendo Switch Online also offers some additional benefits to its subscribers. These include special deals on digital games, exclusive content and events, and access to the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app.
The app is designed to enhance the online gaming experience by providing voice chat and other features for select games. It also allows you to check your game stats and access the library of classic NES and SNES games. However, it should be noted that not all games are compatible with the app, and the voice chat feature has received criticism for being unreliable.
Reasons for Cancelling Nintendo Switch Online Subscription
While Nintendo Switch Online offers many benefits, there may come a time when you want to cancel your subscription. Some common reasons for cancelling include:
No Longer Using the Service
Perhaps you have stopped playing online multiplayer games or no longer find the classic titles appealing. In this case, paying for a subscription service that you do not use can seem like a waste of money. Additionally, if you primarily play single-player games, the features offered by Nintendo Switch Online may not be worth the cost.
Switching to a Different Plan or Service
Another reason for cancelling your subscription could be that you are switching to a different plan or service. For example, if you have purchased an annual subscription but later decide to switch to the family plan, you may want to cancel your current subscription before purchasing the new one. Similarly, if you prefer to play multiplayer games on a different console or platform, you may want to cancel your Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Dissatisfaction with the Service
Although Nintendo Switch Online has garnered millions of subscribers, there have been some complaints about the service. Some users have reported experiencing frequent connection issues during online gameplay, while others have criticized the limited selection of classic games. If you are dissatisfied with the service, you may want to cancel your subscription and explore other options.
How to Cancel Your Nintendo Switch Online Subscription
If you have made the decision to cancel your Nintendo Switch Online subscription, there are a few methods you can use. In this section, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cancel through the console and the Nintendo website. We will also discuss the cancellation policies and potential fees that may apply.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Start by turning on your Nintendo Switch console and navigating to the eShop.
- On the left side menu, select your user profile icon.
- Scroll down and select ‘Nintendo Switch Online’ from the list.
- Choose ‘Turn Off Auto-Renewal’ and follow the prompts to confirm the cancellation.
- Once the process is complete, you will receive a confirmation email from Nintendo.
Using the Nintendo Switch Console
Cancelling your subscription through the console is the easiest and most convenient method, especially if you primarily use the console for gaming. However, keep in mind that this method is only applicable if you have purchased the subscription directly from the eShop.
Using the Nintendo Website
If you have purchased your subscription through the Nintendo website, you can easily cancel it by following these steps:
- Go to the Nintendo website and sign in to your account.
- Hover over the ‘Shop’ tab at the top of the page and select ‘Nintendo Switch Online’.
- Click on ‘Change Plan’ under the subscription plan you want to cancel.
- Select ‘Turn Off Automatic Renewal’ and confirm the cancellation.
- You will receive a confirmation email once the process is complete.
Cancellation Policies and Fees
Nintendo has a strict no-refund policy for its subscription services, which means that you will not receive a refund if you cancel your subscription before it ends. However, if you have turned off automatic renewal, your subscription will simply expire at the end of the current billing period.
Alternatives to Nintendo Switch Online
If you have decided to cancel your Nintendo Switch Online subscription, there are other options available for online multiplayer gaming. These include:
Free Online Multiplayer Games
There are several free-to-play online multiplayer games available on the Nintendo eShop that do not require a subscription. Some popular titles include Fortnite, Dauntless, and Warframe. These games also offer in-game purchases for additional content, but they are not necessary to enjoy the full gaming experience.
Other Subscription Services
If you own multiple consoles or prefer to play multiplayer games on a different platform, you may want to consider subscribing to other services like Xbox Live or PlayStation Plus. These services provide similar features to Nintendo Switch Online, but with a larger selection of games and more stable online gameplay.
Purchasing Individual Games
For those who enjoy playing single-player games, purchasing individual games can be a cost-effective option compared to a subscription service. With the Switch’s library of exclusive titles, there is no shortage of amazing games to choose from. Plus, you can always purchase digital games when they go on sale, saving you even more money in the long run.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While cancelling your Nintendo Switch Online subscription is generally a straightforward process, you may encounter some common issues along the way. In this section, we will discuss some of these problems and how to troubleshoot them.
Unable to Access the Nintendo Website
If you are having trouble accessing the Nintendo website to cancel your subscription, try using a different web browser or clearing your browser’s cache and cookies. You can also try accessing the site from a different device, such as a smartphone or tablet.
Inability to Cancel Subscription Through Console
If you are unable to cancel your subscription through the console, make sure that you are connected to the internet and that your console’s software is up to date. You can also try restarting your console and attempting the cancellation process again.
Refund Requests and Customer Support
As mentioned, Nintendo has a strict no-refund policy for its subscription services. However, if you have experienced an issue with your subscription or wish to request a refund, you can contact Nintendo’s customer support team for assistance. Their support page provides various methods of contact, including email, phone, and live chat.
Conclusion
Cancelling your Nintendo Switch Online subscription may seem daunting at first, but with this comprehensive guide, we hope to have made the process easier for you. Whether you no longer use the service, want to switch to a different plan, or are dissatisfied with the features, there are alternatives available for online gaming. We recommend exploring different options and choosing what works best for you. Happy gaming!
