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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.
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!
