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A standard paid Nintendo Switch Online membership is enough to redeem ordinary profile icon rewards. You need Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack only for icon elements Nintendo marks as Expansion Pack exclusive—or if you also want that tier’s extra game libraries and included DLC.

Which membership tier unlocks profile icon rewards?

Nintendo’s support instructions say that users with an active Nintendo Switch Online membership can redeem My Nintendo Platinum Points for icon elements. The standard paid membership qualifies; Expansion Pack is not required for the general icon rewards.

Nintendo does reserve some icon elements for Expansion Pack members. If a particular character, background, or frame is labeled Expansion Pack exclusive, you will need that higher tier to redeem it. The icon-making feature itself is not exclusive to Expansion Pack.

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To use the feature, you need a Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2 console, internet access, and an active paid membership. Nintendo’s eligibility instructions distinguish this from a free trial, which does not meet the stated requirement.

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Nintendo Switch 2 System
  • The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
  • One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
  • Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
  • Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
  • GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play

How to decide which plan to get

Your situation Plan to consider Why
You want ordinary icon rewards and only one account needs membership. Standard Individual It provides the membership needed for ordinary icon elements.
Several people in your Nintendo Account family group need standard membership benefits. Standard Family A Family membership covers up to eight Nintendo Accounts in the family group.
You specifically want Expansion Pack-exclusive icon elements. Expansion Pack Individual or Family The higher tier is required for that exclusive subset.
You want Expansion Pack’s extra classic-game libraries or included select DLC as well as its exclusive icons. Expansion Pack Individual or Family Those additional benefits—not ordinary icons—are the main reason to pay for the higher tier.

Choose based on the accounts you need to cover, which icon pieces you want, and whether you will use the extra games or DLC. For icon rewards alone, the higher tier is not automatically better value.

US membership prices

Nintendo’s current US comparison lists these Individual annual prices, while Nintendo Support’s US price table provides additional terms and Family prices. The figures below are US prices, accessed October 4, 2026; prices and available terms vary by country.

Rank #2
Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy-Con - Handheld Gaming Console
  • 6.2” LCD screen
  • Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
  • Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
  • Detachable Joy-Con controllers
  • Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends
Membership Term US price Source
Standard Individual 1 month $3.99 Nintendo Support price table
Standard Individual 3 months $7.99 Nintendo Support price table
Standard Individual 12 months $19.99 Nintendo US plan comparison
Expansion Pack Individual 12 months $49.99 Nintendo US plan comparison
Standard Family 12 months $34.99 Nintendo Support price table
Expansion Pack Family 12 months $79.99 Nintendo Support price table

For prices outside the United States, check Nintendo’s membership page for your country before subscribing.

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How Platinum Points turn into a profile icon

My Nintendo Platinum Points are the reward currency. You earn points by completing available missions, then spend them on icon elements such as characters, backgrounds, and frames. You can combine redeemed pieces into a custom profile icon through the Nintendo Switch Online app on the console.

Rank #3
Sale
Nintendo Switch Game Console - Black (HAC-001(-01) w/Blue & Red Joycon (Renewed)
  • Play your way with the Nintendo Switch gaming system. Whether you’re at home or on the go, solo or with friends, the Nintendo Switch system is designed to fit your life. Dock your Nintendo Switch to enjoy HD gaming on your TV. Heading out? Just undock your console and keep playing in handheld mode
  • This model includes battery life of approximately 4.5 - 9 hours.
  • The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (games sold separately)
  • Model number HAC 001( 01)
  1. From the console HOME Menu, open the Nintendo Switch Online icon.
  2. Select Missions & Rewards and check the currently available missions and icon elements.
  3. Complete a mission and collect its Platinum Points. Check the mission details: Nintendo notes that some missions have a collection period.
  4. Redeem points for the available character, background, or frame pieces, then combine the elements into your profile icon.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Why the available icons change

Missions and icon elements rotate, so a specific reward may not be available when you check. In a June 5, 2025 article, Nintendo described monthly themes and weekly refreshes, including featured classic-game icons and chances to obtain previously released elements. That describes Nintendo’s stated rotation format at the time; it is not a promise that any particular reward is currently offered.

For the current selection, open Missions & Rewards on your console and review the missions, point costs, and icon pieces shown there.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Nintendo Switch 2 System
Nintendo Switch 2 System
The next evolution of Nintendo Switch; One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
$499.00
Bestseller No. 2
Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy-Con - Handheld Gaming Console
Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy-Con - Handheld Gaming Console
6.2” LCD screen; Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld; Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
$334.99
SaleBestseller No. 3
Nintendo Switch Game Console - Black (HAC-001(-01) w/Blue & Red Joycon (Renewed)
Nintendo Switch Game Console - Black (HAC-001(-01) w/Blue & Red Joycon (Renewed)
This model includes battery life of approximately 4.5 - 9 hours.; Model number HAC 001( 01)
$199.90
SaleBestseller No. 4
Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Red Joy-Con (Renewed)
Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Red Joy-Con (Renewed)
6.2” LCD screen.; Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld; Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
$195.00
Bestseller No. 5
Nintendo Switch – Neon Red and Neon Blue Joy-Con (Renewed)
Nintendo Switch – Neon Red and Neon Blue Joy-Con (Renewed)
One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand; Two players can each take one
$200.00
Best Value
Nintendo Switch – Neon Red and Neon Blue Joy-Con (Renewed)
  • One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand
  • Two players can each take one
  • Multiple Joy-Con can be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options (additional Joy-Con sold separately)
  • Slip a set of Joy-Con into a Joy-Con grip accessory, mirroring a more traditional controller. Or, select an optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
Rank #4
Sale
Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Red Joy-Con (Renewed)
  • This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
  • 6.2” LCD screen.
  • Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
  • Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
  • Detachable Joy-Con controllers

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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