Nintendo Switch Online: a price rise soon in France?

Ouch…

Nintendo fans have reason to grumble. Although the Japanese giant’s latest Nintendo Direct managed to get most people on side with announcements such as the remake of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Kingdom Hearts IV and an update for Pokopia, a further (less welcome) piece of news has now spoiled the mood.

After revealing a price rise for the Nintendo Switch 2, it looks as though Switch Online could be heading the same way. Nintendo has, in fact, confirmed an imminent increase to its subscriptions… in Japan. For now.

Nintendo Switch Online: soon more expensive in France?

Nintendo Switch Online gives users access to a sizeable library of classic games, online play, a range of perks, and GameChat - a feature available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2. However, from 1 July 2026, players in Japan will have to pay a little more for the service. The announcement has caught many off guard, especially as it also applies to people on automatic renewal.

Japan: new Nintendo Switch Online prices from 1 July 2026

Monthly, three-month, yearly… everyone is affected, with price rises of up to 31% depending on the plan.

• The monthly option goes from 306 yen to 400 yen.
• The three-month subscription increases from 815 yen to 1000 yen.
• The annual plan climbs to 3000 yen instead of 2400 yen.

It’s a tough pill to swallow.

France: could Nintendo extend the Switch Online price rise?

The good news is that, for the moment, this increase only concerns Japan. The bad news is that French players may not necessarily be spared. There is a real chance Nintendo could roll out the same kind of increase in other countries, including France.

Typically, when prices go up in one territory, it can signal a broader rise elsewhere in the following months. So it’s worth preparing yourself for the possibility that Nintendo Switch Online plans could also become more expensive in France. Based on the pricing grid applied in Japan, the individual subscription could move to more than €5 per month (up from €3.99 at present), and the annual option could well reach €24.99 (instead of €19.99 currently).

All that’s left is to wait. So far, Nintendo has not confirmed any upcoming increase for Switch Online in France - only the revised pricing of its new games console, released a year ago already. Fingers crossed it stays that way.