Automatic renewal is a default feature for Nintendo Switch Online memberships purchased by users aged 18 and over. This ensures uninterrupted access to online services. Let’s break down how it works, especially for families using the Nintendo Switch Family Membership.
How Nintendo Switch Automatic Renewal Works
When you subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online, automatic renewal is typically activated. This means your membership will renew automatically two days before its expiration date, maintaining your access to online play, cloud saves, and other member benefits. You have the flexibility to turn off automatic renewal at any time through the Nintendo eShop settings on your Nintendo Switch console or the Nintendo website.
The renewal charge is automatically deducted from your Nintendo eShop funds if available. If your eShop balance is insufficient, the renewal fee will be charged to your linked credit card or PayPal account, provided you haven’t set your payment method to “Funds Only”. You can manage and change your preferred payment method for automatic renewals within your Nintendo Account settings in the eShop.
It’s important to note that automatic renewal is not available for Nintendo Accounts belonging to users under 18 years old.
Automatic Renewal and Your Nintendo Family Membership
Switching to a Family Membership has implications for existing Individual Memberships and automatic renewal settings. If you purchase or redeem a Nintendo Switch Family Membership, automatic renewal will be deactivated for any Individual Membership currently active for you or any member within your Family Group.
However, there’s a key exception. If a user already had an Individual Membership or a pre-existing Family Membership with automatic renewal before joining a newly established Family Group, their original automatic renewal settings will remain unchanged. For example, if someone has an active Individual Membership with automatic renewal and then joins a Family Group, they will need to manually cancel the automatic renewal for their Individual Membership if they no longer want to be charged for it separately. This prevents unintended double charges for Nintendo Switch Online services.
Key Takeaways about Automatic Renewal
- Default On for Adults: Automatic renewal is enabled by default for users 18+.
- Convenience & Continuous Access: Ensures uninterrupted service by automatically renewing your membership.
- Manageable Settings: You can easily disable automatic renewal and change payment methods in your Nintendo Account settings.
- Family Membership Considerations: Family Memberships will cancel automatic renewal for new members’ Individual plans, but not for pre-existing Individual or Family Memberships set up before joining the group.
- Age Restriction: Automatic renewal is not available for accounts under 18.
- Country/Region Changes: You must cancel all automatic renewals before changing the country/region setting of your Nintendo Account.
Understanding these points about Nintendo Switch automatic renewal, especially in the context of Family Memberships, helps you manage your subscriptions effectively and avoid any unexpected charges.
