Even though the Nintendo Switch is a bit long in the tooth and many of us are awaiting news of the console’s successor, it’s still a brilliant console to have around due to its hybrid function as a handheld. There are a wealth of amazing games available for the Nintendo console, but what if you’re strapped for cash?
Well, you’re in luck, the Nintendo Switch is home to a huge collection of games that can be played for free. Some of which you’ll already be familiar with, some you may not know are available for the handheld, all of which are worth your time.
Fortnite
I’m not sure if you might have heard of this tiny battle royale game, but it’s quite popular. Fortnite is the ever-evolving platform from Epic Games that hosts the traditional battle royale that everyone knows and loves, but it also hosts LEGO Fortnite, Rocket Racing, and Fortnite Festival. Technically, you’re getting four games for free, in an easily accessible survival game, a fast-paced racer, and a music rhythm game, respectively. Of course, you can purchase a battle pass to unlock skins, but the base game is still free-to-play.
Rocket League
Also owned and operated by Epic Games is Rocket League (this is where Fortnite’s Rocket Racing comes from) which is a football game played by cars rather than people. You control a very manoeuvrable car and must score goals as part of a team to win the match. Played within an enclosed space, you can drive on walls, flip your car through the air, and utilise tiny movements in order to play at your best and win games. It’s fast-paced, filled with fun, and a great challenge.
Warframe
Some would call this the free-to-play Destiny, but that’s doing Warframe a bit of a disservice. Played in third-person perspective, we have a sci-fi epic that takes players into another galaxy, controlling a highly customisable warframe suit. With a mix of shooting action and almost magical abilities, Warframe currently has millions of players you can play with. Featuring lots of quests and open-world events, you can lose yourself in this one for hours.
Palia
A bit of a change of pace is this MMO, Palia. This is a bright and colourful world filled with interesting characters and mysteries to unravel. Part survival game, part cosy farming simulator, Palia is a very easy-going MMO where you can play out any role either solo or with a group of friends. Don’t expect a whole lot of action as this is more of a chill experience for Nintendo Switch.
Disney’s Speedstorm
If you’re looking for a racing game with lots of style and plenty of Disney flair, then you could download Disney’s Speedstorm which is the house of mouse’s stab at Mario Kart. Expect fast-paced racing with courses based on many of Disney’s films and cartoons. It’s a perfect game for everyone, including kids, so you can add this to your family’s regular play schedule and battle it out on the track.
Pokémon Unite
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Nintendo list without some Pokémon. Pokémon Unite is a bit different to what you might expect from the franchise as this is a MOBA title which gives you a new way to battle pocket monsters. You will take control of a team of Pokémon and use their abilities as well as lots of tactical decisions to move them around the playing field and defeat other players. Battling in a 5v5 format you can choose from several popular and well-loved Pokémon to fight by your side.
Super Kirby Clash
Speaking of colourful (and cute), we have another Nintendo mascot in Kirby, the delightful pink puffball. He’s got himself into a whole mess of trouble and you, along with three other players, can tackle fights against AI monsters to save the day. You’ll not only get to fight, but also discover cool items and earn yourself medals based on how you play. Whether you wield a sword, hammer, or perhaps a magical staff, you can squash the baddies and be victorious in Super Kirby Clash.
Brawlhalla
Sometimes, free games are a great way to play genres you would otherwise miss. With arena battlers, like Super Smash Bros, you can control a character and duke it out with family, friends, or random opponents online. Brawlhalla is a great free-to-play option for this genre as it offers lots of great original characters with amazing special moves, plus there are regular crossovers with pop culture franchises. You can punch, kick, or even fireball your way through opponents as you try to launch them into the void and pick up a win.
Asphalt 9: Legends
For a semi-realistic racing experience, look no further than Asphalt 9: Legends which puts you behind the wheel of popular cars from manufacturers such as Ferrari, Porsche, and McLaren. You can take some of the world’s most gorgeous cars for a spin around courses based on real-world destinations, all the while collecting more cars and pitting yourself against players just like you, who love racing and speed. With over 900 solo events to play through and lots of multiplayer opportunities, you shouldn’t ignore this racer.
Fall Guys
We’re cycling back to Epic Games again as the juggernaut publisher recently purchased Fall Guys and their developer. Until Fall Guys is playable in Fortnite, you can find the game on the eShop and join in with bucketloads of silliness and minigames to test your skills against others in a game show format that eliminates the losers and slowly ramps up the difficulty. You can expect hilarity, nonsense, and small bean-like characters dressed up to look ridiculous. Can you beat the competition to win a crown?
Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel
Switching over to card games and the beloved anime, Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel puts you behind the deck of cards and pits you against other collectors and battlers. The rules of the game are relatively simple, more so if you’ve played a TCG before. The artwork on Yu-Gi-Oh! cards is always sublime and the game does a great job of taking you through the rules and competition to ensure you can play the best matches possible. Whether you’re already a fan of the anime or just want to test yourself against great players, this is a brilliant way to start your Yu-Gi-Oh! adventure.
Sky: Children of Light
Developed by ThatGameCompany, who created Journey for PlayStation consoles, comes this social-adventure game that allows you to escape to a dreamy world where you and other players will explore together. Described as an MMO, Sky: Children of Light is a game where you will meet other players and work together to solve some light puzzles while taking in the beauty of your surroundings, all without talking to each other. You will create moments and memories in this delightful game.
Overwatch 2
You might not need an introduction to Overwatch 2, the sequel hero-based shooter that sees you battle on a team of heroes against another while fighting for objectives. You’ll soon discover your favourite characters, whether this is for how they look or how they play and you can learn all of their unique abilities to turn the tide of battles. Known for its extravagant gameplay, bright and bold map design, as well as a huge group of diverse heroes, Overwatch 2 will scratch that team-shooter itch you have.
Apex Legends
For another choice in the hero-shooter genre, you can try out Apex Legends. While you still have heroes (or in this case, legends) each with their own abilities and special moves, this is actually a battle royale. You can play in teams of two or three and the goal is to be the last team standing at the end. Play occurs on one of several maps, each with unique and elaborate points of interest, with guns and attachments spread out for you to discover and arm yourself. But those abilities can tip the scales of battle at any moment and always keep every match feeling fresh.
Fallout Shelter
Our last recommendation is for the fans of Fallout, whether you’ve played the mainline RPGs or are jumping in after watching the Amazon Prime TV show. Fallout Shelter puts you in charge of a vault in the wasteland and you must monitor the health and happiness of your vault dwellers while fighting off raiding parties. And, of course, this is all happening as you’re building new rooms and services throughout your vault. It’s time and resource management rolled up with everything you love from Fallout.
Topics: Free Games, Nintendo, Nintendo Switch, Pokemon, Fortnite, Apex Legends, Fallout, Kirby, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Overwatch 2