Discover the top free Nintendo Switch games for budget-friendly fun.
If you’ve spent all your money on a Nintendo Switch and can’t afford any games, the best free options will greatly help. Video games can be expensive, top-rated AAA titles. However, there are also many affordable indie Nintendo Switch games available. If you’re on a tight budget, there are also free games.
Please note that when we refer to free Switch games, we refer to games that are free to begin playing. You may require a Nintendo Switch Online account to access certain features and benefits. Additionally, some games offer in-app purchases that allow you to get enhanced items and bonuses for faster progress. Certain games offer more free content than others, but developers must generate revenue. One controversial method is the use of loot boxes.
The best free Nintendo Switch games in 2023
To help you find the Nintendo Switch games you’re interested in, we’ve organized them into categories. We’ve also provided direct download links from the Nintendo website.
1. Arena of Valor
MOBAs, which stand for multiplayer online battle arenas, are currently the popular trend in esports. Arena of Valor is a fast-paced, real-time strategy game. You’ll need to use your tactical thinking and quick reflexes to lead your team of heroes in online battles. If this sounds exciting, you’ll have a great time playing it. You have a good selection of game modes, such as 5v5, 3v3, 1v1, and Hook Wars. The controls are simple, making it easy to learn. If you are looking for the best Nintendo Switch games it is for you.
2. Asphalt 9: Legends
There are few free racing games for the Switch, but Asphalt 9 is an excellent choice for high-speed thrills. To begin, you start with a modest Mitsubishi. Your goal is to win races to obtain blueprints for improved motors. With a selection of 84 cars, you’ll need to put in some dedicated driving to expand your garage. The game is free to play, but you can spend money to upgrade your cars and gain a performance boost for an advantage.
3. Brawlhalla
If you want to play a fighting game but need more money to afford Super Smash Bros: Ultimate on the Switch, Brawlhalla is an excellent free alternative. Although it doesn’t have the same level of polish as Smash Bros or the recognizable Nintendo characters, this beat-up game is well-designed. It offers various unique characters and features fast-paced combat with up to eight players in each match.
4. Color Zen
If multiplayer Tetris is too fast-paced, here’s a more relaxed alternative. Color Zen is a calm puzzle game that uses the Switch’s touch screen to move colored shapes. The goal is to match same-colored shapes and fill the surrounding area with that color. By doing this, you can make the screen match the color of its border. It may seem unclear at first, but you’ll quickly understand it. There are 120 levels to play for free, so you won’t need to pay for more challenges for a while.
5. Dauntless
Want to fight some huge monsters? Dauntless is all about that. This game is similar to Monster Hunter. You have to hunt big Behemoths alone or with others. You can make better weapons and armor to fight stronger enemies as you play. Explore a vast and constantly changing world with regular updates and exciting special events. It is for you if you are in search of the best Nintendo Switch titles.
6. Fallout Shelter
Have you ever dreamed of having your underground vault to survive the apocalypse? Here’s an opportunity for you. Fallout Shelter is a fun management game inspired by the Fallout series. In the game, you create and manage your vault. You build rooms, ensure enough power and food, and even go on quests. The game is free, and you can easily avoid paying anything. However, tempting extras are available to enhance your vault experience.
7. Fortnite
Fortnite is a game that you’ve probably heard of, even if you’re not a gamer. Launched in 2017, this game has quickly gained popularity worldwide. It’s an online battle royale where you compete against 99 opponents to be the last player. The developers regularly update the game, and the story keeps evolving. It looks great on a powerful PC but also runs well on the humble Switch. Playing the game is free, but parents should know there are many opportunities to spend money on additional items.
8. Pokémon Café ReMix
Pokémon Café Mix is now available. It has received some sweet enhancements. Play this Nintendo Switch game for free and solve puzzles to make delicious drinks and dishes at your Pokémon Café.
Genius Sonority, the creator of Pokémon Battle Trozei and Pokémon Shuffle, developed a game called Pokémon Link: Battle. In this game, you use the touchscreen to select and move Pokémon faces, creating chains by matching and touching them together. The gameplay is simple, and the ‘energy’ system is not as frustrating as in other free-to-play games.
9. Pinball FX3
Video games are enjoyable, but there’s something special about playing pinball. With Pinball FX3, you can experience various real pinball tables perfectly emulated for a nostalgic arcade experience. You’ll need to spend real money to play most of the tables in Pinball FX3. However, the game does give you one free table to start with. Keep an eye out for promotions that can earn you additional free tables.
10. Pokémon Quest
Have you caught all 151 original Pokémon? Well, have you seen them in cute cube form? Pokémon Quest is a free-to-start action RPG set on Tumblecube Island. In this game, all the Pokémon have transformed into cute cubic versions of themselves. Just be aware that you might be encouraged to spend money while playing. You can have up to three Pokémon with you. Fight, level up, and cook tasty stews to attract new Pokémon. It’s not as deep as a full Pokémon game, but it’s still a lot of fun.
11. Rocket League
Car football! That’s the pitch, and you must admit it’s pretty tempting. Get in a car that is quick and agile. It has a turbo boost and can jump and spin in mid-air. Use it to try and score goals against the other team. What else do you need to know? You can play it online and climb up the ranks or play with a friend in split-screen mode from the comfort of your living room. It’s a fast, intense, and completely crazy game.
12. Super Mario 35
Super Mario 35 is a multiplayer game that Nintendo Switch Online members can play for free until March 31st. It’s a fun twist on the classic Super Mario game. In this game, it’s the classic Super Mario Brothers. You’ll be competing against 34 other players to finish different courses. But here’s the catch – you only have 35 seconds to do it! You can earn more time by defeating enemies. Defeating enemies also sends them to your opponents’ courses. The last player standing wins. If you want the best Nintendo Switch games, this is for you.
13. Super Kirby Clash
Kirby is a character from Nintendo who is less popular than Mario or Link. He is a pink blob that can inhale enemies and use their powers temporarily. Despite not being as well-known, Kirby has been around for a while. He’s lovable, and Super Kirby Clash is a fantastic version of Team Kirby Clash Deluxe on the Nintendo 3DS. It is an RPG game where you gather your Team Kirby to save the Dream Kingdom. There’s lots of fighting involved.
14. Tetris 99
Classic Tetris is a fun game where you must arrange falling blocks to make rows disappear. It’s just you against the blocks, and it’s satisfying when you succeed. Tetris 99 is more intense. You’ll be playing against 98 other players online. You can send garbage blocks to your opponents to mess up their game whenever you clear two or more rows at once. The last player remaining will be the winner. Tetris 99 is free, but you need a Nintendo Switch Online account to play it.
15. Warframe
Have fun with robot suits! Choose and personalize a Warframe, a futuristic suit of armor, and embark on different missions you can complete alone or with up to three other players. You can improve your Warframe by getting new weapons and items as you play. You can also unlock new worlds to explore. Although the game may encourage you to spend money on new things, you can still make progress without spending any money. It’s for people who want to find the best Nintendo Switch games.
