Are you looking for some exciting free games to play on your Nintendo Switch? Building up a good collection of games can be expensive, but luckily, there are plenty of high-quality free options available. Whether you’re a fan of battle royale, puzzle-solving, or multiplayer mayhem, there’s something for everyone on the Nintendo Switch. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best free games that you can enjoy without breaking the bank.
Table of Contents
Setting Up Parental Controls
Before we dive into the world of free Nintendo Switch games, it’s important to set up parental controls to ensure a safe gaming experience for your kids. By setting boundaries for game access, playtime, and in-game purchases, you can have peace of mind while your children enjoy their favorite games. To learn how to set up parental controls on your Nintendo Switch.
1. Fortnite: Battle Royale Extravaganza
Fortnite is undoubtedly one of the most popular free games on the Nintendo Switch. This battle royale game allows up to 100 players to fight for survival while teaming up with friends both locally and online. With its unique building mechanics and constant updates, Fortnite offers endless hours of fun. Additionally, the game frequently collaborates with popular franchises like Marvel and Star Wars, making it a must-play for fans of these universes. Cross-platform play with Xbox, PlayStation, PC, and mobile players ensures that you can join your friends regardless of the device they’re using.
2. Gems of War: Free Nintendo Switch Games
For fans of puzzle-solving and RPGs, Gems of War offers a unique blend of both genres. Developed by the makers of the popular Puzzle Quest games, Gems of War allows you to collect hundreds of troops with their own unique spells. Engage in thrilling PvP matches and weekly events as you complete quests and explore 30 different zones. With its vibrant visuals and strategic gameplay, Gems of War is a gem of a free game.
3. Pokémon Unite
If you’re tired of the traditional Pokémon formula, Pokémon Unite offers a refreshing take on the franchise. This multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game allows you to directly control a Pokémon on a team of five and engage in 5v5 battles. Use your Pokémon’s unique abilities and strategy to overcome the enemy team. The best part? Pokémon Unite is completely free to play, allowing you to collect and battle with your favorite Pokémon without any upfront costs.
4. Tetris 99
Tetris 99 puts a competitive spin on the classic puzzle game. Engage in 99-player battles where your reflexes and strategy are put to the test. Clear blocks from your screen while strategically sending Garbage Blocks to clog up your opponents’ boards. Completing daily missions unlocks themes to personalize your game’s look. Whether you play offline to sharpen your skills or team up with a friend against the computer, Tetris 99 offers endless puzzle-solving fun.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to Nintendo Switch Multiplayer Games
5. Rogue Company
If you’re a fan of tactical shooters, Rogue Company is a game you shouldn’t miss. Join the elite agents of Rogue Company in intense 4v4 third-person shooter battles. Complete objectives like extraction or demolition in various game modes, utilizing each agent’s unique skills and a variety of weapons and gadgets. Whether you’re playing competitively or casually, Rogue Company offers thrilling gameplay and endless strategic possibilities.
6. Spellbreak
Enter a world of forbidden magic in Spellbreak, a unique battle royale game. Choose from six classes of battlemages, each with their own playstyles and talents. Battle across floating islands, searching for a way to defeat those who have forbidden magic. Form parties and compete in intense battles, utilizing the map’s hidden equipment and runes to gain an advantage. With its stunning visuals and captivating gameplay, Spellbreak offers a magical experience for free.
7. Color Zen
If you’re in the mood for a relaxing puzzle game, Color Zen is the perfect choice. Immerse yourself in an immersive soundtrack as you match colors and solve puzzles across 460 levels. Unlike traditional puzzle games, Color Zen doesn’t penalize you for making mistakes, allowing you to relax and play at your own pace. With its soothing gameplay and beautiful visuals, Color Zen is the ultimate stress-reliever.
8. Fantasy Strike
Fantasy Strike offers a unique blend of strategy and fighting gameplay, making it an excellent gateway into the world of fighting games. Fight against AI opponents in arcade mode, test your skills in daily endless survival challenges, or compete in eight-person tournaments to improve your rank. With all characters available for free, Fantasy Strike provides an accessible and enjoyable fighting experience for players of all skill levels.
Related: 12 Amazing Nintendo Switch Games for Kids: A Comprehensive Guide
9. SMITE: Battle as Legendary Gods
If you’re a mythology enthusiast, SMITE is the game for you. Choose from over 100 gods, including Zeus, Loki, and Sun Wukong, and engage in close-quarters combat as a divine being. Whether you’re new to the MOBA genre or a seasoned player, SMITE offers an engaging experience with its auto-buy and auto-level tools. With millions of players worldwide, SMITE allows you to compete against other gods for glory and victory.
10. Arena of Valor
Arena of Valor brings epic battles to the Nintendo Switch with its roster of nearly 40 heroes. Choose from various game modes, including 1v1 and 5v5, and test your skills across a wide variety of maps. Dive into the arena and prove your strength as you play with friends and players from around the world. With its fast-paced and intense matches, Arena of Valor offers an adrenaline-fueled gaming experience.
11. The Pinball Arcade
Relive the nostalgia of classic pinball arcades with The Pinball Arcade. Featuring a digital version of over 35 real pinball tables, this game offers hours of entertainment. Compete locally or online using the Nintendo Switch in handheld, tabletop, or docked mode. With themes ranging from Ghostbusters to Star Trek, The Pinball Arcade is a must-play for pinball enthusiasts.
12. Fall Guys
If you’re looking for a unique blend of a mascot platformer and the battle royale genre, Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout is the game for you. In this free-to-play multiplayer platformer, 100 players compete against each other in a high-stakes game show spread across various rounds. As clumsy bean-shaped competitors, you’ll battle your way through increasingly difficult challenges, aiming to be the last player standing. With its charming visuals and addictive gameplay, Fall Guys has grown exponentially since its launch, introducing multiple seasons and new stages to keep things fresh. While the game offers a premium seasonal battle pass and in-game cosmetic store, all of its multiplayer modes are accessible for free.
13. Rocket League
Rocket League is a chaotic mix of arcade racing and soccer that has taken the gaming world by storm. In this free-to-play title, up to 8 players compete against each other to launch a giant soccer ball into their opponent’s goal using small race cars. While the concept is simple, the game’s fast-paced action and teamwork mechanics make it incredibly addictive. With a thriving community and frequent updates, Rocket League remains one of the most popular multiplayer titles available. The game offers free access to all of its multiplayer modes, with additional cosmetic items available for purchase from the in-game store.
14. Apex Legends
Developed by Respawn Entertainment, the team behind the Titanfall series, Apex Legends brings a unique twist to the battle royale genre. Set in the same universe as Titanfall, this free-to-play game combines battle royale elements with team-based hero shooter mechanics. Players choose a hero from a diverse roster, form squads of three, and utilize their unique abilities to defeat rival teams. Since its launch, Apex Legends has received regular updates, introducing new seasons and game modes. The game’s multiplayer modes are entirely free, and heroes can be unlocked through in-game currency earned by playing. Microtransactions in Apex Legends revolve around cosmetic items and the ability to unlock heroes instantly.
15. LEGO Fortnite
Released in 2023, LEGO Fortnite is a free-to-play survival game that combines elements from both Minecraft and Fortnite. It provides a great entry point into the survival game genre while incorporating the fun and creativity of LEGO games. In our review of LEGO Fortnite, we gave it a solid score due to its early-stage development and the potential it holds for future updates. The game offers a unique and enjoyable experience, allowing players to immerse themselves in a blocky world filled with adventure and creativity.
16. Overwatch 2
Overwatch 2, the highly anticipated sequel to Blizzard’s team-based hero shooter, is another great free-to-play title available on the Nintendo Switch. In this constantly evolving game, players choose from a roster of heroes and engage in 5v5 battles against opposing teams. Overwatch 2 offers a variety of multiplayer modes that are entirely free-to-play, with heroes unlockable through gameplay or a one-time fee. The game receives regular updates, introducing new events and cosmetics. Microtransactions in Overwatch 2 are limited to cosmetic items and the option to purchase a seasonal battle pass.
17. Warframe
Warframe is a free-to-play sci-fi action RPG that has been captivating players since its release in 2013. In this game, players embark on a journey through a vast universe, engaging in fast-paced third-person combat, co-op missions, and deep exploration. With frequent updates, Warframe offers a constant stream of new content, including new planets to visit and missions to undertake. The game is entirely free-to-play, with microtransactions limited to cosmetic items.
18. Fallout Shelter
Originally released as a tie-in with Fallout 4, Fallout Shelter is a free-to-play management sim that puts you in the role of a vault overseer. As the overseer, you must create, manage, and run one of the franchise’s iconic vaults, ensuring the well-being of its dwellers. Along the way, you’ll have to build facilities, gather resources, fight enemies, and send dwellers on missions into the wasteland. Fallout Shelter is fully playable for free, with microtransactions limited to purchasing loot crates containing new dwellers, pets, weapons, resources, and special items.
19. Super Kirby Clash
Super Kirby Clash brings Nintendo’s beloved mascot back for an exciting team-based brawler experience. In this free-to-play game, up to four players can join forces to take on various bosses as Kirby and his allies. The game features four distinct classes, each with its own unique abilities. While Nintendo initially marketed Super Kirby Clash as a “free-to-start” game, the entire campaign is available for free. Microtransactions in the game revolve around the in-game currency of Gem Apples, which can be used to purchase upgrades, stickers, and support items. However, Gem Apples can also be acquired through gameplay, ensuring that players can progress without having to spend real money.
20. Pokemon Quest
Pokemon Quest takes a unique approach to the iconic Pokemon franchise, offering a loot-focused action-adventure game. Set on Tumblecube Island, a realm filled with cube-shaped Pokemon known as Pokexel, the game allows players to explore, battle wild Pokexel, and train new Pokemon. Pokemon Quest’s core content is entirely free-to-play, with microtransactions available for upgrades that speed up progression.
21. The Elder Scrolls: Blades
The Elder Scrolls: Blades is a free-to-play dungeon-crawler set in the beloved Elder Scrolls universe. As one of the last surviving members of The Blades, your task is to rebuild your town and take on various quests. Unlike other Elder Scrolls games, Blades offers a linear action RPG experience focused on raiding dungeons for loot and experience. Alongside the main campaign, the game features online PvP and an endless dungeon mode for endless challenges. While the game’s three modes are playable for free, it’s important to note that The Elder Scrolls: Blades has received criticism for its intrusive microtransactions, which can slow down progression.
22. Brawlhalla
Brawlhalla is a free platform fighting game that brings together fierce warriors in a tournament-style setting. In this game, you can test your skills against AI opponents or other online players. With a vast roster of legendary heroes spanning different eras, you can engage in free-for-all or team-based combat across several modes. Brawlhalla offers free access to all of its maps, and new fighters can be purchased using in-game currency. Microtransactions in the game focus on cosmetic items and the option to instantly unlock new fighters.
23. Just Dance 2023
Just Dance 2023, the latest installment in Ubisoft’s popular motion-based dancing franchise, allows players to learn and dance to their favorite tracks. While the free version of the game includes only two songs, “Sweet But Psycho” by Ava Max and “Dynamite” by BTS, these tracks offer a taste of the full experience. Players are challenged to follow set routines and stay in time with the music to earn points and set high scores. While additional tracks are unlocked by purchasing the full version of the game, the free version gives players an opportunity to enjoy the dancing experience.
24. Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel
Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel is considered by Konami to be the ultimate video game adaptation of the iconic trading card game. This free-to-play version of Yu-Gi-Oh! features up-to-date rules and cards, allowing players to pit their decks against online opponents. The game offers both multiplayer and solo modes, catering to both competitive and casual players. Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel’s base game is entirely free, with microtransactions limited to purchasing new card packs.
25. Sky: Children of the Light
From the creators of Journey, Sky: Children of the Light is an online, open-world social adventure that invites players to explore a beautiful and desolate landscape. The game emphasizes connection and interaction with other players, as you meet, befriend, and cooperate without the need for words. Along the way, you’ll solve puzzles and uncover the mystery of the game’s world. Sky: Children of the Light’s campaign is entirely free-to-play, with microtransactions limited to cosmetic items.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: More Free Games
If you have a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription, you can access a variety of classic Nintendo games and receive free DLC for popular titles. While the subscription doesn’t provide new games, it offers access to classic N64 games and some of the best Game Boy Advance games. With a wide range of titles available, the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack provides additional value to players.
Conclusion: A World of Free Gaming Awaits
Gaming doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby, especially with the wide selection of free games available on the Nintendo Switch. From the cultural phenomenon of Fortnite to the unique experiences offered by Fall Guys and Rocket League, there’s something for every type of gamer. Whether you enjoy battle royales, team-based shooters, or management sims, the free-to-play titles on the Nintendo Switch provide endless hours of entertainment without putting a strain on your wallet. So, grab your Joy-Cons, dive into these fantastic free games, and embark on unforgettable gaming adventures.
With this collection of top free Nintendo Switch games, you’ll never run out of exciting experiences to enjoy. From battle royale showdowns to puzzle-solving adventures, there’s something for every gamer on the Nintendo Switch. Get ready to embark on epic journeys, engage in intense battles, and have endless fun without spending a dime. So grab your Nintendo Switch, download these free games, and let the gaming begin!