Short answer: Nintendo Switch Online is for compatible online features and access to selected classic games; buying a Mario game gets you the specific full game you chose. Neither universally replaces the other. If you want a particular modern release, buy that game. If you also want online play, supported cloud saves, or the classic catalog, consider a membership—and check that the Mario titles you want are actually included.
What you get with Nintendo Switch Online
Nintendo Switch Online is a paid subscription, not a library of every Super Mario game. The standard membership includes online play in compatible games, cloud backup for most games that support it, and access to selected classic NES, Super NES, and Game Boy games. Nintendo also lists Nintendo Music and special offers among the service benefits. See Nintendo’s membership overview for the current service details.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Super Mario Odyssey - US Version | $53.29 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe - US Version | $52.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Super Mario Bros.™ Wonder - Nintendo Switch (US Version) | $53.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - US Version | $52.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Super Mario Galaxy™ + Super Mario Galaxy™ 2 | $64.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Cloud saves are not universal: the feature applies to supported games. Likewise, online features depend on whether a particular game supports them. Owning a game does not itself provide Nintendo Switch Online benefits.
Classic games are a selected catalog
Nintendo names Super Mario All-Stars, Super Mario Kart, and Super Mario World among the Super NES Classics offerings. These examples show the appeal for players interested in older releases, but they do not mean every Mario game is included. Nintendo’s service page describes the combined classic-game offering as “over 150 favorites”; that is Nintendo’s overall figure across its offerings, not a count of Mario games. Check Nintendo’s current service page for the live catalog, since titles and benefits can change.
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#1 Best Overall
- Explore 3D kingdoms filled with secrets and surprises, including costumes for Mario and several ways to interact with environments
- Mario's new friend, Cappy, lets you master new moves like cap throw, cap jump and capture
- Visit astonishing new locales, such as the skyscraper-packed New Donk City, and run into familiar friends and foes as you try to save Princess Peach from Bowser's clutches and foil his dastardly wedding plans
- Hand a Joy-Con controller to a friend to enjoy simultaneous multiplayer: Player 1 controls Mario while Player 2 controls Mario’s new ally Cappy
- Unlock even more features with the exclusive new amiibo figures - Mario, Princess Peach and Bowser dressed in their wedding outfits
What buying a Mario game gets you
Buying a game is the straightforward choice when you want one named release, such as Super Mario Bros. Wonder. It gives you that particular full game rather than access to a rotating or tier-based selection. A purchase does not add online membership features or access to Nintendo Switch Online’s classic libraries.
For an individual title, compare its current price and platform or edition with what you actually want to play. The cost comparison depends on the exact game, how many games you want, and how long you would keep a membership; the available figures do not establish a universal subscription-versus-purchase break-even point.
Rank #2
- A variety of playable characters are available, some with unique attributes that affect gameplay and platforming physics.
- Younger and less-experienced players will love playing as Toadette, who is brand new to both games, and Nabbit, who was formerly only playable in New Super Luigi U. Both characters offer extra assistance during play.
- Multiplayer sessions are even more fun, frantic, and exciting thanks to entertaining character interactions. Need a boost? Try jumping off a teammate’s head or getting a teammate to throw you.
- Features a wealth of help features, like a Hints gallery, reference videos, and a Super Guide in New Super Mario Bros. U that can complete levels for you if they’re giving you trouble.
- Three additional modes—Boost Rush, Challenges, and Coin Battle—mix up gameplay and add replayability, while also upping the difficulty for players who want to try something harder. Players can use their Mii characters in these modes.
How Expansion Pack changes the comparison
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack adds further classic-game libraries and includes select paid DLC while the membership is active. One relevant example is the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass. You must own the full Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game to use that DLC benefit; access to included DLC pauses if the membership lapses. Details are on Nintendo’s Expansion Pack page.
That makes Expansion Pack a possible way to access this included DLC while subscribed, not a substitute for buying the base game. If you want to keep playing the specific DLC regardless of membership status, account for the separate purchase option and check Nintendo’s current terms.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsRank #3
- Find wonder in the Flower Kingdom in the next side-scrolling Super Mario adventure
- Collect Wonder Flowers for surprising, game-changing effects like pipes coming alive, an enemy stampede, and much, much more
- Choose from the largest cast of characters in a side-scrolling Mario game, including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy and other favorites
- Ease into the action with four different-colored Yoshis and Nabbit who can’t take damage
- Discover new power-ups like Elephant Fruit, which transforms Mario and friends into an elephant that can swing its trunk and spray water
U.S. membership prices listed by Nintendo
The following are U.S. prices shown in Nintendo Support’s pricing table, checked October 7, 2026. They are not worldwide prices; costs vary by country and plan duration. Confirm the current price for your account region on Nintendo Support’s membership pricing page.
| Plan | Duration | Listed U.S. price |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Individual | 1 month | $3.99 |
| Standard Individual | 3 months | $7.99 |
| Standard Individual | 12 months | $19.99 |
| Standard Family | 12 months | $34.99 |
| Expansion Pack Individual | 12 months | $49.99 |
| Expansion Pack Family | 12 months | $79.99 |
Nintendo says a Family membership can cover up to eight Nintendo Accounts. That may make it relevant when more than one account needs service, but compare the plan’s current terms and the number of people who will use it.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Journey through space in two Super Mario adventures, now improved for the Nintendo Switch system!
- Travel the stars with enhanced resolution, improved UI, and additional content
- Learn more about the Lumas from additional Storybook chapters, groove to a bit of additional music
- Get additional Health and fall recovery in Assist Mode
- Join Rosalina and the Lumas to restore the Comet Observatory and rescue Princess Peach in Super Mario Galaxy.
Rank #4
- New stages and fighters are joined by the combined rosters of every past Super Smash Bros. Game
- Challenge others anytime, anywhere, whether you're on the couch or on the go
- Play any way you want—locally, online, in TV mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode, or even with GameCube Controllers
- Fight faster and smarter with new and returning techniques, like the perfect shield and directional air dodge
- Face off in 2-4 player battles, or play against the computer
Choose based on what you want to play
| Your priority | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A specific modern Mario release | Buy the game | You get the named full release rather than relying on a subscription catalog. |
| Compatible online play | Membership, if the game requires it for the features you want | A game purchase alone does not provide membership benefits. |
| Supported cloud saves | Standard membership, if the game supports Save Data Cloud | Cloud backup is for compatible games, not every title. |
| Selected older Mario games | Membership tier containing the titles you want | Check the current catalog; the service does not promise every Mario release. |
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass | Expansion Pack if its included access suits you, plus the base game | The full game is required, and included DLC access pauses if membership lapses. |
| Several accounts need online service | Compare the Family plan with individual memberships | Nintendo’s Family plan supports up to eight Nintendo Accounts. |
A quick decision checklist
- Write down the exact Mario games you want. Confirm that any classic title appears in the current membership catalog.
- Decide whether online play or cloud backup for a compatible game matters to you.
- If you are considering Expansion Pack for DLC, verify that you own the required base game and are comfortable with access being tied to an active membership.
- Compare the current price of the exact game or games with the membership tier and duration you would actually use.
- If multiple accounts need service, compare the Family plan with the cost and requirements for individual memberships.
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.
