Does Mario Maker 2 need Nintendo Switch Online?

Whether you need to purchase a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play Super Mario Maker 2.

Super Mario Maker 2 is available now for Nintendo Switch, though before you buy you may want to brush up on whether the game requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. For other Switch games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or Tetris 99, a Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required to take advantage of multiplayer services.

Given the added multiplayer component in Super Mario Maker 2, it makes sense that a Nintendo Switch Online subscription would be required. To elaborate on this, we’ve put together a brief guide answering whether Super Mario Maker 2 needs a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.

Does Mario Maker 2 Need Nintendo Switch Online?

You don't need Nintendo Switch Online to play offline modes, though you will need a subscription to share and play custom levels, or try out the multiplayer component.
You don't need Nintendo Switch Online to play offline modes, though you will need a subscription to share and play custom levels, or try out the multiplayer component.
© Nintendo

The answer to the question of whether Super Mario Maker 2 needs a Nintendo Switch Online subscription is both yes, and no. In Super Mario Maker 2, you’ll find a variety of features available that don’t require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription at all. For example, there’s a new single-player campaign that can be completed without ever having to pay for Nintendo Switch Online.

Outside of Story Mode, you can also design your own levels and play them offline. However, you’ll need to have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to share these custom levels and play ones made by other Super Mario Maker 2 users. Other features like online multiplayer also require Nintendo Switch Online in order to utilize. There’s simply no way to get around it.

To fully take advantage of every aspect of Super Mario Maker 2, we recommend purchasing Nintendo Switch Online. For the sake of convenience, there’s a bundle available with both Super Mario Maker 2 and a Nintendo Switch Online, which can be viewed here on the Nintendo eShop.

It’s priced at $69.99 and includes both the Super Mario Maker 2 game, as well as a 12-month subscription to Nintendo Switch Online. This will save you money as the game itself is $59.99 while a 12-month subscription to Nintendo Switch Online is $19.99. By purchasing the bundle, you save $10 on Nintendo Switch Online. Of course, if you already own Super Mario Maker 2, you can always purchase Nintendo Switch Online separately.

Not looking to commit to 12 months? Other plans are available for Nintendo Switch Online including month-by-month at $3.99 per month, and a 3-month option for $7.99. Overall, you don’t need Nintendo Switch Online to play aspects of Super Mario Maker 2 like Story Mode, though you will need a subscription to the service if you plan to share or play custom levels, and take part in the game’s multiplayer component.

Now that you know whether or not you need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription for Super Mario Maker 2, be sure to read through some of our other guides including whether Super Mario Maker 2 is available for other platforms like 3DS or Wii U, how to play local co-op with friends in Super Mario Maker 2, and how to get all Mii Outfits in Super Mario Maker 2.

Morgan is a writer, indie game lover, and socially awkward coffee addict. Need something? Morgan can be reached at morgan.shaver@allgamers.com or if you like, you can say hello using GIFs on Twitter.

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