Easy Steps to Gift a Nintendo Switch Online Membership
Published January 1, 2024 at 11:52 pm
Discover the simple steps to surprise friends or family with a Nintendo Switch Online Membership, unlocking a world of gaming fun and exclusive benefits.

Understanding the Nintendo Switch Online Membership
If youre thinking about getting a Nintendo Switch Online membership for a friend or family member, youre about to make their gaming experience even more exciting. Nintendo Switch Online offers a suite of features including online multiplayer, a growing library of classic NES and SNES games, cloud saves, and special offers. Whether theyre battling it out in Splatoon 2, racing for the finish line in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, or teaming up in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, an online membership is the gift that keeps on giving.
Step 1: Knowing the Membership Options
Before gifting a Nintendo Switch Online membership, you should familiarize yourself with the options available. Nintendo offers individual memberships, which are perfect if youre gifting to a single person, and family memberships that support up to eight accounts – ideal for a group of friends or family with multiple Switch users. These memberships come in one, three, and twelve-month increments for individuals, and a twelve-month option for families. You might find that longer memberships often offer better value over time, something worth considering for the avid gamer in your life.
Step 2: Purchasing the Membership
To purchase a membership, you can go directly through the Nintendo eShop on the Switch console or buy a digital code from various online retailers. When you buy a membership through the eShop, it’s immediately applied to the account used to make the purchase, so if the membership is a surprise, a digital code from a retailer like Amazon might be the way to go. Youll find that this offers simplicity and versatility – you receive a code to share on a card or directly with the recipient whenever the time is right.
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Step 3: Delivering the Gift
Now for the exciting part – gifting the membership! If you opted for a physical gift card, you could wrap it up in a themed card or alongside another small Nintendo-themed gift for that additional touch of thoughtfulness. If you purchased a digital code, consider how youll present it. You might send an e-gift card with a personal message, or even create a treasure hunt that leads to the code for a bit of creative fun. Remember, its all about enhancing the experience for the receiver.
Setting Up the Membership
Once the gift is given, you might want to help the recipient redeem the code. Its a straightforward process: they just need to open the Nintendo eShop on their Switch, select Enter Code, and input the code youve given them. The membership will become active immediately, and they can start enjoying the benefits. You could accompany them through the steps to ensure theyre all set up, especially if they are newer to the Switch environment.
Exploring Member Benefits
With the membership active, your gift recipient can now delve into the array of benefits that Nintendo Switch Online offers. The included access to classic NES and SNES games often brings a nostalgic joy to gamers of all ages. Its like having a piece of gaming history right at their fingertips. Additionally, the Save Data Cloud feature provides peace of mind, as their game data is safely backed up online – a boon for anyone who has ever faced the heartbreak of lost progress.
Online Play and Enhancing the Experience
Perhaps the most significant advantage of the Nintendo Switch Online membership is online play. Your recipient can now join friends for a round of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or trade turnips in Animal Crossing. This online connectivity is a game-changer, and it’s sure to bring a smile to their face knowing they can connect with others. Additionally, members occasionally receive exclusive offers, including discounts on games and unique in-game content – another perk that keeps on giving.
Tips for Managing the Subscription
As an added tip, you could guide your recipient on how to manage their new subscription. The Nintendo Switch Online membership automatically renews, but they can adjust settings for auto-renewal or notification preferences at any time. This level of control prevents any surprise charges and allows them to tailor the membership to their needs.
Considerations for Family Memberships
If you chose to gift a family membership, make sure to guide the main account holder on setting up a family group. This process allows them to invite up to seven others to join the membership. It’s a fantastic option for families with multiple players, ensuring everyone can hop online and play together no matter where they are. It’s a bonding experience that can bring everyone closer through the power of gaming.
The Gift That Elevates Gaming
Gifting a Nintendo Switch Online membership isnt just about the games; its about enabling connections, providing a portal to digital adventures, and giving someone you care about access to a world of entertainment. This guide should help you navigate through each step of the process, ensuring that your gift hits all the right notes. Happy gaming!
Making the Most of Online Multiplayer
Gaming alone is fun, but when you introduce the element of online multiplayer, the whole landscape changes. Your gift recipient can battle, race, and explore with or against friends and family, all through their Nintendo Switch Online membership. Popular multiplayer games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe become endless tournaments with friends; games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate open up for global competition. There’s nothing like the fun of spontaneous online gaming sessions that bring people together, even when they are miles apart.
Exclusive Offers and Discounts for Members
Another enticing benefit that comes with a Nintendo Switch Online membership is the exclusive offers and discounts made available to members. From time to time, Nintendo releases special promotions, discounts on select games, and unique in-game items that are only available to those with an online membership. This can be an incredible bonus, as it adds value to the membership and enhances the recipient’s gaming collection without breaking the bank.
Special Access to Classic NES and SNES Games
For gamers who appreciate the classics, the Nintendo Switch Online membership is like a key to a treasure trove. With this membership, they gain access to an ever-expanding library of NES and SNES games. This is a fantastic way to experience some of the most iconic titles from Nintendo’s history like The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Bros., and more. It’s perfect for the friend who loves a hit of nostalgia, or for introducing a younger audience to the games that defined the early days of console gaming.
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Cloud Saving for Peace of Mind
The cloud save feature is particularly appreciated among players who worry about losing their game progress. With a Nintendo Switch Online membership, game saves are automatically backed up in the cloud. This means if something happens to the console, the precious hours they’ve spent on games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild won’t be lost. The cloud save feature is a bit like a safety net, giving your gift recipient the assurance that their virtual adventures and achievements are secured.
Setting up a Family Group for the Membership
If your gift is a family membership, setting up the family group is the next crucial step. The main account holder will have the option to add up to seven additional Nintendo accounts. This feature is user-friendly, and guidance through the initial setup can be a great help. They can create accounts for children or add pre-existing accounts for adult family members, ensuring that everyone can join in the fun as soon as the membership is redeemed.
Access to Exclusive Nintendo Content and Apps
Beyond games, the Nintendo Switch Online membership offers access to exclusive content and apps. These range from communication apps that enhance online play to member-only competitions and events. It could be the perfect opportunity for your friend to enter competitions they could have only dreamed about, or to download apps that make online gaming more social and interactive.
Future Planning: Renewals and Notifications
While it’s a gift that requires minimal hassle to maintain, your recipient should also be aware of how to manage their subscription’s renewal settings. All plans, from individual to family, are set to automatically renew based on the period initially chosen. The Nintendo eShop provides easy-t0-navigate options that allow members to turn off automatic renewal or change notification settings. This element of control helps prevent surprises on their bill and helps them manage the subscription effortlessly.
Benefits of the Nintendo Switch Mobile App
Something else that comes along with the Nintendo Switch Online membership is the Nintendo Switch mobile app. Through this app, gamers can engage in voice chat during play sessions, and access game-specific services for titles like Splatoon 2. This enhances the multiplayer experience by making it easier for friends to coordinate and strategize, whether they’re splatting ink in a Turf War or hunting down treasure in Super Mario Party.
Customer Support for Nintendo Switch Online
If your friend ever runs into trouble or has questions about their membership, Nintendo provides exceptional customer support. Whether it’s help with setting up family groups, understanding member benefits, or troubleshooting, Nintendo’s customer service team is well-known for their helpfulness and efficiency. Guiding your recipient to these resources can provide additional support and enhance their overall experience with Nintendo Switch Online.
Membership as a Gateway to New Experiences
Your thoughtfulness in gifting a Nintendo Switch Online membership opens up new worlds for the recipient. Not only does it enhance their existing gaming, but it also connects them to a larger community of players. It provides a sense of belonging, whether they’re saving the Mushroom Kingdom or exploring Hyrule. Your gift is much more than access to games and discounts – it’s an invitation to an exciting, shared experience that stretches far beyond the screen.
Enhancing Friends and Family Connections Through Gaming
Finally, the Nintendo Switch Online membership isn’t just about the technical benefits. It’s also about bringing people closer together. In a time when friends and family might not always be in the same place, the membership ensures they can still have fun together, laugh, and create memories. It might start with a gift card or an email, but it blossoms into experiences, stories, and connections that resonate much deeper, proving that, sometimes, technology really does bring us closer.
Helping Recipients Make the Most of Their Membership
Once you’ve successfully gifted a Nintendo Switch Online membership, you might find that the recipient could use some pointers on how to make the most of their new service. The depth of available content and features can be daunting at first, but with a bit of guidance, they’ll be navigating their online experience like a pro in no time.
Encouraging your friend or family member to explore the online multiplayer capabilities is a great start. Introduce them to the vibrant communities that exist within their favorite games. For instance, they can join Splatoon 2’s ink-splatting matches or partake in the global competition by playing Mario Tennis Aces. It’s these multiplayer interactions that can bring countless hours of joy and a competitive edge to their gaming sessions.
Keeping the Fun Alive with Regular Game Updates
Nintendo is known for keeping their games fresh with regular updates, whether it’s adding new characters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or introducing seasonal events in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. With a Nintendo Switch Online membership, your recipient can effortlessly download these updates as soon as they’re released, ensuring they always have the latest content and features at their fingertips. They’ll thank you for a gift that keeps their gaming experience new and exciting.
Navigating the Online Gaming World Safely
Online gaming is a blast, but it’s important to remember that safety should come first. As part of your gift, provide a thoughtful reminder to your recipient about online safety and privacy settings. Nintendo has put measures in place that allow users to control who they interact with online and what personal information is shared. Reminding them to customize their privacy settings gives them control over their online presence and ensures a secure gaming environment.
Linking with Friends and Finding New Gaming Communities
The Nintendo Switch has made it easier than ever to connect with friends. By sharing friend codes, your gift recipient can easily link up with their buddies for online play. They can also join online communities of players with similar interests, which are readily available through social media and gaming forums. This social aspect is a huge draw for many gamers, as making new friends with similar interests can be a very rewarding experience.
Family Fun with Games for All Ages
The Nintendo Switch is renowned for its broad appeal, offering a wide selection of games that cater to all ages. This makes a family membership an ideal gift, as it serves up enjoyment for the whole household. Games like Luigi’s Mansion 3 and Yoshi’s Crafted World provide a family-friendly gaming experience while more intense titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild cater to the more seasoned players. With a Nintendo Switch Online membership, every family member can find their niche.
Staying Informed Through Social Media and Newsletters
Nintendo is active on various social platforms and sends out newsletters containing the latest information about games, updates, and member-specific deals. Recommend that the gift recipient subscribes to these communications to stay in the know. These subscriptions could mean the difference between missing out and taking full advantage of special member offers and events. It’s another way to make the most out of the Nintendo Switch Online membership.
Utilizing Parental Controls for a Safe Gaming Environment
If your gift recipient has children, it may be wise to guide them through setting up parental controls. Nintendo provides a thorough system that allows parents to limit what their children can do and access on the Switch. They can set restrictions based on game ratings, manage online communication features, and even set playtime limits. Ensuring a child’s safety while allowing them to enjoy the fun of gaming is a valuable aspect of the Nintendo Switch Online service.
Getting the Most from the E-Shop with Personalized Recommendations
Another perk of the Nintendo Switch Online membership is the personalized recommendations your recipient will receive on the Nintendo eShop. Based on their play history, the eShop suggests new games and downloadable content that they might enjoy. This makes finding their next favorite game much easier and enhances their gaming experience by pointing them toward content tailored to their individual tastes.
Recapping the Joy of Nintendo Switch Online Gifting
Gifting a Nintendo Switch Online membership is more than just a simple subscription; it’s a gesture of your understanding of what brings joy to the gamer in your life. From multiplayer fun and classic games to exclusive deals and safe gaming environments, this membership has it all. By following the steps outlined in this guide and sharing these insights, you can rest assured that the Nintendo Switch gamer you care about will get the very best out of their new online experience. So go ahead, spread the joy, and see the delight as they unwrap the potential of their gaming future with Nintendo Switch Online.

Avery Ingram
Contributor