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The Nintendo Switch has some of the best games available for consoles, but what if you want to play without spending a dollar on best free-to-play games on Nintendo Switch? The good news is there are also a ton of free-to-play titles that can keep you occupied for hours without having to spend a dime! If you’re using a Nintendo Switch OLED, a standard Switch, or using a Nintendo Switch emulator to test games, let us help you find the best free ones to play, and how to get them.
🔍 Bonus: With that in mind, we’ll also respond to top Nintendo Switch questions from Quora and beyond, to ensure you make the absolute most of that new console!
How Do I Get Free Nintendo Switch Games?
That makes people wonder, “How to obtain free Nintendo Switch games?” Here are some legitimate ways to score free games:
- ✅ Nintendo eShop: Open up the Nintendo eShop and select from ”Free Download” in the filter.
- ✅ Nintendo Switch Online Benefits: If you have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, there are some free games available.
- ✅ Giveaways & Promotions — Infrequent giveaways, events, and contests from Nintendo offering free game codes.
- ✅ Nintendo Switch ($90 Off, Trade-In Available at GameStop) Trade them in for store credit, and apply that to digital games.
- ✅ Cloud Gaming: Roblox on Nintendo Switch is not officially available, but there could be a workaround in the form of cloud gaming services.
- ❌ Pirated Games: The Nintendo Switch ROM or hacking the console is risky and can get your account banned!
Most Excellent Free Games on Nintendo Switch – 2025
Here are the best free-to-play games on the Nintendo Switch:
1. Fortnite — King of Free Battle Royale ✅
Genre: Battle Royale | Players: Multiplayer Online
Fortnite is one of the biggest games in the world, a battle in which 100 fighters are dropped on an island, where they fight each other until only one person is left standing. It’s fun, regularly revised, and totally free!
💡 Why Play?
- ✔ PC, Xbox and PlayStation cross play
- ✔ Updates with new content every week
- ✔ No pay to win mechanics, just cosmetics
Download on Nintendo eShop: Free ⠀
2. Warframe – Le Sci-Fi Action Shooter ✅
Genre: Third-Person Shooter | Online Multiplayer: Yes
Set in a galaxy of fantastical chaos, Warframe’s a character action game starring a Tenno warrior spinning around gun-wielding hordes at a byte-twitch pace.
💡 Why Play?
- ✔ Exceptional sci-fi fighting and parkour locomotion
- ✔ Open world with continuous updates
- ✔ 100% free-to-play (microtransactions optional)
Download on Nintendo eShop: Free
3. Apex Legends – A High-OCTANE Hero Shooter ✅
Type: Battle Royale | Players: Online Multiplayer
It is a team battle royale of legendary heroes, each with their own distinct abilities.
💡 Why Play?
- ✔ Special characters with strong abilities
- ✔ Strategy-based gameplay
- ✔ Free to play & frequent events
Nintendo eShop: Free Download
4. Rocket League – Soccer with Cars ✅
Genres: Sports/Action | Players: Online & Local Multiplayer
Rocket League is soccer, but with rocket-powered cars!
💡 Why Play?
- ✔ Great for solo or team play
- ✔ Each match feels different from the last
- ✔ F2P with optional cosmetics
Download Nintendo eShop: Free
5. Pokémon UNITE – MOBA Action with Pokémon ✅
Genres: MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) | Players: Online Multiplayer
Battle alongside and against your favorite Pokémon in Pokémon UNITE’s 5v5 team battles!
💡 Why Play?
- ✔ Fun combination of strategy and Pokémon duels
- ✔ Play across platforms with mobile devices
- ✔ Free-to-play with in-app purchases
Download on Nintendo eShop: Free
6. Tetris 99 – Classic Battle Royale Puzzle ✅
Genre: Puzzle/Battle Royale | Online Multiplayer: Yes
Tetris 99 is a 99-player battle royale take on the classic Tetris game.
💡 Why Play?
- ✔ A fresh twist on Tetris
- ✔ Fast, competitive gameplay
- ✔ Free (Requires Nintendo Switch Online)
Free on Nintendo eShop: Free
Questions People Ask on Quora & Thus & So
- Q: Is Zelda free on eShop on Nintendo Switch? (Online)
- ❌ No, the games are free to download on the eShop. However, members of Nintendo Switch Online have free access to classic Zelda games from prior consoles.
- Q: What’s the best free game on Nintendo Switch? (Quora)
- ✅ Best Battle Royale: Fornite
- ✅ Best Sports Game: Rocket League
- ✅ Best Puzzle Game: Tetris 99
- ✅ Best Strategy Game — Pokémon UNITE
Q: How many free games can you play on Nintendo Switch without Nintendo Switch Online? (Online)
✅ Over 40 free-to-play games that don’t need a Nintendo Switch Online membership, including:
- Fortnite
- Apex Legends
- Rocket League
- Pokémon UNITE
Q: Is Roblox available on Nintendo Switch? (Quora)
❌ No, Roblox does not have a Nintendo Switch eShop release.
Use cloud gaming services or stream it from another device.
Bonus: How to Stream on Nintendo Switch 🎥
Want to live stream your Nintendo Switch footage? Follow these steps:
- 1️⃣ Purchase a capture card (I recommend the Elgato HD60 S)
- 2️⃣ Link Switch to PC with HDMI & the Capture Card
- 3️⃣ Stream to Twitch or YouTube using OBS Studio
- 4️⃣ Go live and connect with your audience!
Conclusion: Play the Best Free Nintendo Switch Games!
The Nintendo Switch has some of the best free games around, so you can have fun without spending a penny. From battle royale to MOBA, puzzle to racing, there’s a little bit of everything.
🔥 Looking to upgrade your gaming setup?
GameStop Nintendo switch trade in deals for the new games and accessories
Keep track of Nintendo Switch 2 games and future releases.
💬 What would be your favorite free game? Let us know in the comments!
