Free Nintendo Switch Games? Here's How In 2024!

Hey there, fellow Nintendo Switch gamers! Are you looking to expand your game library without emptying your wallet? You're not alone! Everyone loves free stuff, especially when it comes to video games. While the Nintendo Switch doesn't have a ton of straightforward ways to get games for free, there are definitely some legitimate methods you can use to snag some awesome titles without spending a dime. So, let's dive into the world of free Nintendo Switch games and explore all the possibilities! We will cover topics on where to find free games, what subscriptions gives you free games and how to leverage on demos.

Nintendo Switch Online: Your Gateway to Free Games

The most reliable way to access a selection of free games is through Nintendo Switch Online (NSO). This subscription service not only allows you to play games online with friends but also grants you access to a growing library of classic NES and SNES games. Think Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Super Metroid, and many more. It's a fantastic way to relive those retro gaming memories or discover these titles for the first time. The base NSO subscription is quite affordable, and it's worth it for the online play and the classic game library alone. This will give you access to many hours of gameplay, and is a great way to enjoy your favorite games. Plus, they are adding new games all the time so this is really great value. You can play these games as long as you have a valid NSO subscription, making it a continuous source of entertainment. Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) is a subscription-based service that offers a range of benefits to Nintendo Switch owners. Launched in September 2018, NSO enhances the Switch experience by providing access to online multiplayer, a library of classic games, cloud saves, and exclusive deals. The service is available in various subscription models, including individual and family plans, to suit different needs and budgets. The primary feature of NSO is online multiplayer, which allows players to connect with friends and other gamers worldwide in supported games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 2, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Without an NSO subscription, access to online multiplayer is restricted, limiting the ability to compete and cooperate with others online. In addition to online play, NSO subscribers gain access to a growing library of classic NES and SNES games. This collection includes iconic titles such as Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Super Metroid, and Super Mario World, providing a nostalgic trip for retro gaming enthusiasts and an opportunity for new players to discover these timeless classics. These games are available to play at no additional cost as part of the NSO subscription. Another significant benefit of NSO is cloud saves. This feature automatically backs up game save data to Nintendo's servers, protecting progress in case of lost, damaged, or stolen consoles. Cloud saves ensure that players can pick up where they left off on a new Switch or after a system reset, providing peace of mind and convenience. NSO subscribers also receive access to exclusive deals and promotions, such as discounts on digital games and special in-game items. These offers can help save money on new games and enhance the overall gaming experience. The service also includes access to the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app, which provides voice chat and other features for supported games. This app enhances communication and coordination during online multiplayer sessions. Nintendo Switch Online is available in several subscription options to cater to different users. The Individual Membership is designed for single users and offers all the benefits of NSO for one account. The Family Membership allows up to eight Nintendo Account holders to share the same NSO subscription, making it a cost-effective option for households with multiple Switch users. Additionally, Nintendo offers the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, which includes all the benefits of the base NSO subscription plus access to a library of Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games, as well as DLC for select games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. This premium tier provides even more value for those looking to expand their gaming options. Subscribing to Nintendo Switch Online is straightforward. Users can sign up through the Nintendo eShop on their Switch console, on the Nintendo website, or by purchasing a subscription card from retail stores. Once subscribed, the benefits are immediately available, enhancing the Nintendo Switch gaming experience. Nintendo Switch Online is a valuable service for Nintendo Switch owners, providing access to online multiplayer, a library of classic games, cloud saves, and exclusive deals. With various subscription options available, NSO caters to different users and enhances the overall gaming experience on the Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack

For even more free games, consider upgrading to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. This premium tier includes everything from the base NSO subscription, plus access to a library of Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games. We're talking classics like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Super Mario 64, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and many more. Additionally, the Expansion Pack often includes access to DLC for popular Switch games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which can add tons of extra content to your favorite titles. Although it costs more than the base subscription, the Expansion Pack offers a significant amount of value for those who love retro games and want access to additional content for their favorite Switch titles. The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is a premium tier of the Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) service, offering additional benefits and content beyond the base NSO subscription. Launched as an enhanced option for Nintendo Switch owners, the Expansion Pack includes access to a library of Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games, as well as downloadable content (DLC) for select Nintendo Switch titles. The Expansion Pack builds upon the foundation of the base NSO subscription, which already provides online multiplayer, a library of classic NES and SNES games, cloud saves, and exclusive deals. By upgrading to the Expansion Pack, subscribers gain access to a wider range of retro games and additional content, enhancing the overall value and gaming experience. One of the primary features of the Expansion Pack is the inclusion of Nintendo 64 games. This library includes iconic titles such as Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Mario Kart 64, and Star Fox 64. These games are faithfully emulated on the Nintendo Switch, allowing players to experience these classics in their original form with enhanced features like online multiplayer for select titles. The addition of Nintendo 64 games provides a nostalgic trip for long-time Nintendo fans and introduces these influential games to a new generation of players. In addition to Nintendo 64 games, the Expansion Pack also includes a selection of Sega Genesis games. This library features classic titles such as Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Streets of Rage 2, Golden Axe, and Ecco the Dolphin. These games showcase the diverse and influential library of the Sega Genesis console, offering a variety of genres and gameplay experiences. The inclusion of Sega Genesis games expands the retro gaming options available through the NSO service. Another significant benefit of the Expansion Pack is access to DLC for select Nintendo Switch games. One of the most notable examples is the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass, which adds dozens of new tracks to the game, significantly expanding the content and replayability. Similarly, the Expansion Pack includes access to the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Happy Home Paradise DLC, which introduces a new island and gameplay mechanics focused on designing vacation homes for the villagers. These DLC offerings provide substantial additional content for popular Nintendo Switch games, enhancing the value of the Expansion Pack. The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is available as a separate subscription option, with a higher price point than the base NSO subscription. The cost reflects the additional content and benefits included in the Expansion Pack. Subscribers can choose between individual and family plans, similar to the base NSO subscription, allowing multiple users to share the benefits of the Expansion Pack. Upgrading to the Expansion Pack is straightforward. Users can subscribe through the Nintendo eShop on their Switch console or on the Nintendo website. Once subscribed, the additional content and features are immediately available, enhancing the Nintendo Switch gaming experience. The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is a premium offering that provides access to a library of Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games, as well as DLC for select Nintendo Switch titles. This enhanced subscription option offers significant value for those looking to expand their gaming options and enjoy classic retro games on the Nintendo Switch.

Demos: Try Before You Buy

Another great way to experience games for free on your Nintendo Switch is by downloading demos. Many developers offer demos of their games on the Nintendo eShop, allowing you to try out a portion of the game before committing to a purchase. This is a fantastic way to get a feel for the gameplay, story, and overall experience. You might discover a hidden gem that you wouldn't have otherwise considered! Plus, some demos even offer save data transfer, meaning you can continue your progress if you decide to buy the full game. Demos are a valuable tool for gamers looking to explore new titles and make informed purchasing decisions. Downloading and playing demos on the Nintendo Switch is a straightforward process. First, navigate to the Nintendo eShop on your Switch console. The eShop is the digital marketplace where you can purchase and download games, demos, and other content for your Nintendo Switch. Once in the eShop, use the search function to find the game you are interested in trying. Alternatively, you can browse through the available titles in various categories or check the