The Nintendo Switch offers an unparalleled gaming experience, allowing you to enjoy games big and small, no matter whether you’re on the couch or on the go. That said, thebest Switch gamesrarely receive a discount. Thankfully, plenty of other developers have made some amazing single-player andmultiplayer games on Switchthat you can play absolutely free. That can make the wait for allthe upcoming Switch gameseasier, but only if you know which ones to pick. Plenty of free games out there aren’t worth your time and are better left alone.
Keep in mind that although all of the games below are free to start, they all feature microtransactions in one form or another. However, we restricted our picks only to games that have ethical microtransactions (no pay-gating or anything like that). We’ve also included a range of genres, fromthe best party games for Nintendo Switch, to shooters,puzzle games, and more.
Apex Legends
Pac-Man 99
The New Denpa Men
Pokémon Quest
Sky: Children of the Light
Jump Rope Challenge
There’s no free version ofAnimal Crossing,but you can get your life simulation fix withPalia. This game is still technically in beta but is fully featured enough to sink dozens of hours into. Besides being a massive farming and crafting game, it is also meant to have some MMO elements where you inhabit the world with other players to work together. Currently, the game allows for cooking, fishing, crafting, farming, mining, hunting, and more. World events can happen at random, and there is a small story to work through that will no doubt be expanded upon as the game gets updated. We wouldn’t suggest investing in any of the microtransactions, but it could be a solid game to follow if you love these types of experiences.
Pokémon Café ReMix
LEGO Fortnite
If regularFortniteis a bit too complex or violent for you, giveLego Fortnitea shot. This game is more of just a pure Lego survival game than a Lego version of the battle royale. While there are a bunch of new cosmetics to work with, it does sync up with the skins you have inFortniteto give you a ton of Lego personalities to start with if you’ve amassed a collection already. It might not be as deep asMinecraft,but there’s still plenty to do, craft, and build. It’s a fun and bright world to explore either alone or with up to seven of your friends.
Fallout Shelter
Brawlhalla
Rocket League
FollowingRocket League‘s footsteps almost exactly,Fall Guysoriginally was a paid release beforegoing free-to-playand launching on all systems. That, of course, includes the Nintendo Switch, where this colorful and wacky battle royale feels most at home. This game has you compete in various obstacle courses in various rounds until only one victor reaches the crown. The physics are loose and unpredictable in all the best ways, making it fun even when you lose due to the sheer absurdity of what’s going on.
