Nintendo has revealed that Switch 2 gamers will be getting a major boost through the Switch Online Expansion Pack, confirming several exclusive perks for next-gen players. In addition to everything already included in the current subscription tiers, the Expansion Pack will unlock GameCube titles and premium game upgrades, all at no extra cost.
Switch Online Subscription Tiers Breakdown
Currently, there are two tiers of Nintendo Switch Online:
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Base Tier ($19.99/year):
Includes access to online multiplayer, cloud saves, and retro titles from NES, SNES, Game Boy, and more. -
Expansion Pack Tier ($49.99/year):
Adds Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis, and Game Boy Advance games, plus free DLC for select games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Now, Nintendo is adding even more incentives for those subscribing at the Expansion Pack level when the Switch 2 launches.
GameCube Games Coming to Switch 2
With the arrival of the Switch 2, Expansion Pack subscribers will get exclusive access to GameCube titles, starting with three fan-favorite classics:
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The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
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F-Zero GX
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Soulcalibur II
This is the first official support for GameCube emulation via Switch Online and a huge step forward in preserving Nintendo’s 2000s-era classics for a modern audience.
Free Zelda Upgrades for Switch 2 Owners
As if GameCube support wasn’t exciting enough, Nintendo has confirmed that Switch 2 owners with the Expansion Pack will also get free upgrades for:
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The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
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Tears of the Kingdom
These upgraded versions are optimized for Switch 2 hardware and offer improved visuals and performance — a perfect incentive for Zelda fans to stay subscribed.
A Strong Push Into Next-Gen
Nintendo is clearly aiming to make the Switch Online Expansion Pack a central part of the Switch 2 ecosystem. By bundling retro content, enhanced features, and exclusive upgrades, the service is becoming one of the most valuable subscriptions in gaming.
Switch 2 owners who subscribe to the Expansion Pack tier of Nintendo Switch Online will gain access to GameCube games and free Zelda upgrades, giving even more value to the already content-rich service. Stay tuned with us for more gaming and animanga news & updates!