Fun that doesn’t break the bank
For some, the Nintendo Switch can be an expensive investment. Once you’ve purchased the console itself, there are additional Joy-Con controllers, the Nintendo Switch Online membership, and, of course, first-party titles like Super Mario Odyssey that almost never seem to go on sale, even years after their release.
Thankfully, there are some awesome games on this system that cost absolutely nothing to play and are most certainly worth your time and attention. Here are the 10 best free-to-play games on Nintendo Switch you can enjoy right now.
Asphalt Legends Unite
Those missing the Burnout series may want to check out Asphalt Legends Unite by Gameloft. The intense speed, the outrageous tricks, and the decent graphics all go a long way in this racing experience. Performing tricks to increase your boost meter is satisfying, and being able to ram opponents into the walls is even more so. If you can ignore the micro-transaction-heavy side of Asphalt Legends Unite, you’ll find an underrated gem of a racing title for free.
Deltarune
Toby Fox’s follow-up from the Undertale series Deltarune is entirely free-to-play with no microtransactions in sight. The story is suitably entertaining, while Toby Fox maintains the much-loved, oddly-natured lore of the Undertale world and characters. As you’d expect from the series, there is some stellar battle music and a unique pixel art style. If you’re a fan of Undertale, this is a must-play.
Fall Guys
One of the most adorable free-to-play games you can play on the Nintendo Switch is Fall Guys. Against 59 other players, you’re competing to get the crown at the end of several mini-games. You’re going through tough obstacle courses with the silly physics of the game, scoring goals by heading a ball into the net or trying to outlast other players from disappearing platforms. It’s a lot of fun. I’ve only ever been able to get a crown once, but when I finally got it, I felt like a million Show-Bucks.
There are cosmetic items you may want to buy in Fall Guys, but the good thing is that they don’t affect the stats of any player. This isn’t pay-to-win. Something to keep in mind is that developer Mediatonic organizes free events, giving you costumes for finishing tasks.
Fortnite
Some hate it, and others love it, but no matter where you stand you can’t deny that Fortnite is a smash success. Epic Games brings out compelling maps and guns that keep its fanbase entertained. The battle pass every season provides a lot of value, and the quests the developer provides are entertaining enough to keep you invested in the chaos of the game. I personally disliked the building elements of the original concept, but there is now a popular Zero Build mode that has consumed my gaming schedule.
F-Zero 99
F-Zero 99 brings the chaos of the original SNES game and puts you in a race against 98 other players. Similar to Tetris 99, you’ll need to survive as they bash into you and in some cases, self-destruct around you on purpose. The controls are stellar as you drift around each corner and spin to dish damage to your foes. It’s a phenomenal take on the classic game. You’ll need Nintendo Switch Online to play this free game, however.
Brawlhalla
If you’re getting tired of playing Super Smash Bros. Ultimate after all these years, you might want to try Brawlhalla for free. It has a charming comic-like art style and a simple yet engaging battle system that has you constantly switching between two combat styles. The game’s cross-play, so you can check it out with all your pals on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and even mobile.
There are also pop culture icons who’ll never join Smash, like the WWE’s John Cena and SpongeBob SquarePants fighting each other. They’re available as skins via paid DLC.
Pokémon Unite
Pokémon Unite is an absolute delight. It takes the MOBA mechanics of a game like League of Legends and places it into a thrilling 3v3 battle arena. The action is frenetic as you master each Pokemon’s specific moves and work together to defeat the enemy team. The graphics are quite delightful, despite the game being available on both mobile and the Nintendo Switch. Like the previous entry on this list, there is also crossplay between those two platforms.
Something to keep in mind is that there are multiple microtransactions in the game. There are cosmetics such as costumes for your Pokémon and trainer, a battle pass, and other purchases that your wallet should be scared of. You can earn in-game rewards, however, through the free battle pass and performing well in Ranked.
Rocket League
Rocket League is a simple concept that works so well on the Switch. You drive RC cars on a football/soccer pitch, flipping and turbo-boosting in order to score goals. If you need help as a beginner, on the other hand, you can enlist your friends from all platforms and still have fun on the field, There are car skins, antennas, rocket trails, and more to unlock through paid content, but some rewards are given to you periodically as you play.
Smite
With over 100 gods to choose from and a console-friendly third-person perspective, Smite is one of the best MOBAs out there. There are beginner-friendly modes like Arena and Joust (3v3) to get you started and accustomed to learning your favorite characters. Then there’s the Conquest mode with an expansive map and 5v5 combat. Each move adds a strategic element to the battle; for example, Cupid’s Heart Bomb is a ranged attack that slows enemies on impact, while Hades can pull in his foes towards him with Pillar of Agony. Like most other free-to-play games, there are real money cosmetics to purchase.
Tetris 99
One of the best free games on Nintendo Switch, Tetris 99 is engrossing as you survive to be the very last player standing. You have to keep up with the ever-increasing tempo of the gameplay and finish lines to send them to an opposing player. The action gets pretty intense at times, but is always worth it thanks to the compelling and rewarding gameplay. Thankfully, there are no microtransactions in Tetris 99, and you unlock new skins for your playfield by finishing in-game tasks.
Tetris 99 comes free with your Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Palia
The world of Palia is expansive, and it’s completely free to dive in and explore. As with many cozy games, there are a selection of NPCs who can be befriended or even romanced, and they all have a seemingly endless number of quests for you to complete. Palia also benefits from almost monthly updates, which add new side content, items, and activities to take part in.
The only thing that will cost you anything in Palia is premium store outfits, tool skins, or glider skins. But choosing not to hand over your cash has zero effect on your gameplay, so it’s easy to ignore if you don’t want to spend anything.
Disney Speedstorm
Disney Speedstorm is like Mario Kart if it was free, and all of the drivers were beloved Disney characters with cars themed around them. You can drift, charge up your Nitro Boost and even knock other racers off the road by side swiping them. Again, presumably heavily inspired by Mario Kart, racers can also pick up sprites along the track to give them power ups, which can then be used to gain an advantage in the race.
Sky: Children of the Light
Sky: Children of the Light is a social game in which you can meet and befriend other players. In Sky, your only task is to explore the seven realms, unlocking new cosmetics and increasing the level of your Cape. This Cape is your means of transportation, as it allows you to fly through the skies of the realms, taking you further into the wilds. You can chat and send gifts to friends, play musical instruments, and a whole lot more.
My Hero Ultra Rumble
Ultra Rumble is a MOBA fit for any fan of the Anime or Manga, and sees you grouped into parties of three in order to take out the rest of the 24 players in a match. The map you play on shrinks over time, leaving just two teams of three battling it out against each other. There is a Gacha element to Ultra Rumble, but don’t let that put you off. You have six characters unlocked by default, so you’ve got plenty to work with right off the bat.
Pokémon Café ReMix
If any of the games on this list are perfect for simply relaxing and zoning out, it’s Pokémon Café ReMix. Using the touchscreen capabilities of your switch, you need to swipe at a pool of Pokémon faces in order to fulfil the orders of other Pokémon, who will then eventually come and work for you and unlock new recipes. It’s weirdly addictive, and also adorable on top, so definitely worth it given the lack of payment needed.
Guardian Tales
If you want a dungeon crawling game with cute graphics, then Guardian Tales is very much recommended. Originally released on iOS and Android back in 2020, and then coming to Nintendo Switch in 2022, you need to use all the tactics at your disposal to lure enemies into the open so you can complete each area. It can get a little frustrating at times, but it’s immensely satisfying and you can join guilds with other players, allowing you to take on even bigger and stronger enemies.
Angry Bunnies: Colossal Carrot Crusade
If you’ve ever played Angry Birds, then you’ll have a good idea what to expect from Angry Bunnies. It’s the same concept with some slight twists — you fire bunnies out of a hop-powered cannon to try and take down structures at the other end of the playing arena, which have been constructed by wildlife critters. I stumbled across this by accident, and then quickly racked up more hours playing than I’d care to admit.
Tricky Doors
Tricky Doors is a puzzle-game-meets-escape-room experience that will really make you think outside the box, but it’s not too difficult that it becomes ultimately frustrating. There are a long list of mini-games and small quests to complete, and the different rooms in which you find yourself trapped are absolutely jam-packed with detail, so you’re unlikely to ever find yourself becoming bored.
The Elder Scrolls: Blades
Compared to the Elder Scrolls titles that you may be more familiar with, Blades is much more linear and you’re essentially forced into one-on-one combat situations in order to progress. However, that doesn’t detract from the fun experience that this game offers. There are three modes: Abyss, which is an endless dungeon to test yourself against, Arena, which is player versus player multiplayer, and Town, which is a town for you to rebuild and upgrade.
Hamster Playground
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a hamster whose sole purpose in life is to navigate various mazes and competing with other hamsters? No? Just me? Well if you haven’t wondered, then perhaps you should, because Hamster Playground is just that. Not only are you playing as a hamster, but you can also dress up your hamster in a huge variety of costumes. It’s adorable and incredibly fun, as long as you don’t take it too seriously.
