Can you play Nintendo Switch classic games without paying for the yearly subscription?

The only way I could find out how to get classic Super Nintendo games to work on the Nintendo Switch is to sign up for Switch Online. However, I want to keep playing those games without paying for them every year.

Is it possible to purchase the classic games for Nintendo Switch? If I sign up for Switch Online and then sign out of it after a year, will I still be able to play the classic games after the subscription ends?

Solution 1:

On an FAQ page by Nintendo:

Can I still play if I don't renew my Nintendo Switch Online membership?

Classic games can only be accessed by a Nintendo Account with an active Nintendo Switch Online membership. However, the save data for the games will remain on your Nintendo Switch console and will still be available to use if you renew your membership at a later time.

It appears you are required to maintain membership in order to access these games. I haven't been able to find any other sources indicating another way to get these classic games on Switch, so this appears to be the only way.

Solution 2:

No, you have to have an active subscription to play the games. You can play offline (not making connection to the internet, so no checking if your sub is cancelled), but that only last for 7 days.

Can NES - Nintendo Switch Online games be played offline?

Yes, these games can be played offline for up to 7 days as long as you have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership.