How to Cancel Nintendo Switch Online Family Plan (2026 Guide)

Cancel on Nintendo Switch

1. Open Nintendo eShop on your Switch
2. Click your profile icon (top right)
3. Scroll to Nintendo Switch Online
4. Select Membership Options → Turn Off Automatic Renewal
5. Confirm — your plan stays active until the expiration date

Cancel on Nintendo Website

1. Go to accounts.nintendo.com and sign in
2. Click Shop Menu → Nintendo Switch Online
3. Under your plan, click Turn Off Automatic Renewal
4. Confirm

What Happens When It Expires

• Online multiplayer: Disabled for all family members (Splatoon, Mario Kart, Smash Bros. online)
• Cloud saves: Retained for 180 days — resubscribe within 6 months to get them back
• NES/SNES/N64 games: No longer accessible (these are streaming, not downloads)
• Expansion Pack DLC: Animal Crossing HHP and Mario Kart DLC become inaccessible
• Your game purchases: All purchased games still work — only online features and NSO perks are affected

Family Plan vs. Individual — Do You Need Family?

• Family ($34.99/yr): Up to 8 Nintendo Accounts. Worth it if 2+ people play online.
• Individual ($19.99/yr): One account. Better if only you play online.
• Expansion Pack Family ($79.99/yr): Adds N64, Genesis, Game Boy games + DLC. Only worth it if the family actively plays retro games.
• Break-even: Family plan is cheaper than 2 individual plans. With 3+ members, it's a no-brainer to keep Family.

Getting a Refund

• Nintendo's policy: Generally no refunds on digital purchases including NSO
• Exception: If auto-renewal charged and you contact support immediately, they may issue a one-time courtesy refund
• Call: 1-800-255-3700 (Mon-Sun 6am-7pm PT)

Free Online Alternatives

• Free-to-play games: Fortnite, Rocket League, and other F2P games don't require NSO for online play
• Local multiplayer: Mario Kart, Smash Bros., and most Nintendo games support local play without a subscription
• Retro games: Open-source emulators on PC/phone play NES/SNES games for free (legally questionable for ROMs you don't own)