24 Best Free Nintendo Switch Games

The Nintendo Switch has been a massive hit since it was first released. This new Nintendo hybrid console platform is a hot ticket item. However, if you own the console and are looking for something new to play, we can lend a hand. In this list, we’re going to highlight the best free Nintendo Switch games you can pick up and play right now. There are no strings attached, and these games can be downloaded and enjoyed completely for free. Of course, don’t pay attention to ranking here as these games range in different genres. Instead, these are just some of the best free games available right now.

#24 Star Wars: Hunters

Look, we know that the “galaxy far, far away” has all manner of deep and powerful stories featuring characters big and small that you love to play as. However, in Star Wars: Hunters, you won’t be dealing with much of that. Instead, you’ll be portraying some legendary characters and re-enacting legendary battles to entertain those on the Holonet! Yes, it’s all for the glory and pride of entertainment! What could go wrong?

You’ll choose a “hunter” and then get to work in 4v4 battles that will bring you fame if you succeed. Can you become a champion of “The Arena” and have your name shared around the Outer Rim? There’s one way to find out!

#23 Omega Strikers

What do you get when you mix a fighting game with a sports title? You get Omega Strikers! No, really, that’s what this game is. It’s a title where you’ll be on teams of three and try to score goals on your opponent. That all sounds easy, right? However, the “players” on your team are anything but ordinary. In fact, they’re superpowered people and beings that you’ll have to use correctly to unleash devastating attacks that will leave your opponents KO’d!

Each “Striker” has different weapons and abilities that you can use to take out the other team and ensure the ball gets into the goal.

#22 Overwatch 2

The hit game from Blizzard was updated for years after its monumental launch, but many gamers wondered if a true sequel would come out.

Sure enough, Overwatch 2 is here, and they changed the formula to suit gamers of all levels. For example, the title is free-to-play! So if you’ve ever wondered what the title was all about or why it’s so beloved, now you can find out without paying a dime!

Various gameplay tweaks have been made for the veterans out there, and there will be new characters, new events, and more lore to help flesh out this universe even more.

#21 DC Universe Online

If you’ve been waiting to jump into an MMORPG of great magnitude, and with a LOT of stuff to do, then you need only get into DC Universe Online.

Why? Because this game has you creating your own hero or villain character in the DC Comics universe and setting off on an adventure that’ll take you across the multiverse and everywhere in between.

Team up with some of the best DC character both good and bad, grow your abilities, partake in all sorts of raids, season events and special missions that bring together the entire universe! This game has been around for years, and that means there’s a LOT of content for you to partake in if you want.

#20 Spellbreak

What happens when the world you live in decides to go and ban magic and try to lock it up? You go and get it back, duh!

And that’s exactly what you’ll do in Spellbreak. You’ll play as one of a variety of magical classes, and as you go about your journey, you’ll fight others, other players, and more as you try to both obtain victory, and get more magic and equipment to help you on your way.

It won’t be easy, but it will be fun! And with the variety of classes, each one playing differently, replayability is at an all time high here! You could say that Spellbreak will leave you…Spellbound.

#19 Fantasy Strike

Fighting games as a whole are often rather complex, and have a “git gud” mentality with some of them. But with Fantasy Strike…not so much.

In fact, the team went to great lengths to try and make sure this was NOT the case with their game. In fact, if you look at the character names, their move sets, the combos you can do, and more, you’ll see just how refined and concise everything is.

Every move they can do is just one button press away, and as such, you can do simple yet powerful combos and then see what you can do against other players when you battle online! So if you’re looking for a more simple game in terms of the fighting genre? Here you go.

#18 Fallout Shelter

Fallout is a massively popular RPG that has been around for years. While the latest games bring out some incredible environments to explore, quests to take on, loot to uncover, and enemies to fight off, it was a surprise reveal when Bethesda announced Fallout Shelter. The development team brought out a free mobile title rather than being a typical open-world RPG that the franchise was known for. Now that title has since moved to several platforms. Overall, players are getting a Vault simulator where you’re in control of a custom vault. It’s all about ensuring your dwellers are happy, healthy, and providing for the vault. This means giving jobs to match their skill levels. From there, some dwellers will become couples, children are born, new survivors will show up, and it’s up to you in order to determine how to keep the vault running properly. This could mean making expansions, farming more resources, or even sending out dwellers out to find goods.

#17 Apex Legends

There were a few big-name battle royale games that took the world by storm. However, Apex Legends quickly became one of the top titles after its release. The same folks behind the Titanfall franchise, Respawn Entertainment, developed this game. Apex Legends is a hero-shooter battle royale game. Developed in secrecy, the game had a surprise launch which had everyone eagerly checking it out.

This title launched as free-to-play, and it continues to thrive today. It’s your typical battle royale game but with the characters having their own unique abilities. However, you won’t find a solo mode here. This is a game centered around team play. Fortunately, the developers thought of a useful system to ping different things to teammates if you don’t use voice chat. As a result, players could continue to be competitive without necessarily having to speak with one another.

#16 Asphalt 9: Legends

Asphalt 9 is part of a massively popular free-to-play racing franchise that started as a mobile series. But, of course, now it’s available on more platforms such as the Nintendo Switch. With Asphalt 9, players are racing against each other using various super luxury cars from iconic brands like Ferrari and Porsche. There are even some controls placed to make things easier for players to go through the game and pull off quick turns and maneuvers if they don’t have a controller on hand to use. Players can also use the different customization options so that their car will look a bit more to their liking.

#15 Warframe

Warframe, for a good while now, had been the free alternative to the Bungie Destiny franchise with plenty of active players and a variety of quests to take on and raids. Now Destiny 2 has gone free-to-play, but for the Nintendo Switch, you can still enjoy Warframe as an alternative. Within this game, players are taking the role of an old race of warriors who have been in a long slumber. Suddenly you’re awakened from a cryostasis to help in a grand war that has put a number of factions against each other.

Of course, this game has been out since 2013, so there’s plenty more content to chew through right now if you have yet to make an account. This action RPG title already has five expansions, and the studio has continued to keep this game going with new content. If you’re after a live game to go through either solo or with some friends, then definitely give Digital Extremes’ Warframe a chance.

#14 Pokemon Unite

Pokemon games have started to thrive on the mobile platform recently. There have been several different Pokemon games players could pick up and enjoy. Included in the mix is Pokemon Unite. This is a free-to-play MOBA title that could mainly be enjoyed through android and iOS platforms and the Nintendo Switch. This is a MOBA game, so it’s a strategic team-based competitive title.

Just like other MOBA games, players are split on a map where the goal is to take out the other side’s base. You’ll have different lanes to travel through as you attempt to break through into the other side. However, as the name suggests, the focus here is that players will be taking control of different Pokemon. Currently, at the time of writing this game description, we’re only given a total of 25 playable Pokemon. However, that number could rise with more additions being added into the mix.

#13 Paladins: Champions of the Realm

There is a ton of massively popular competitive FPS games. Over the years, one of the more popular competitive FPS that blew up was Overwatch. In this game, players were going through team-based combat, but the focus here was that all the characters have their unique attributes. If you wanted to pick up this hero shooter but didn’t want to shell out the money to enjoy the gameplay, then there is free alternative fans have gravitated towards called Paladins: Champions of the Realm.

Overall, Paladins is an FPS where, like Overwatch, you’re presented with a roster of interesting characters to compete with your team. Just like Overwatch, each character has their own unique attributes and abilities. Forming a team with various heroes is not only strategic but also necessary when fighting against opposing players.

#12 Ninjala

Nintendo typically has a strong hold over its IP, but it was a bit of a surprise to see Ninjala release on the Nintendo Switch. This is because the game is essentially a free-to-play version of Splatoon. As the name suggests, players are battling it out as ninjas in this bright, colorful world. This is a fast-paced, team-based game where players are using all kinds of different wacky weapons to take the opposing player out.

Players are duking it out to be the last team standing from makeshift melee weapons to a bubble gun. Although, if you prefer, there is a solo mode, in which case the gameplay is a lot like a typical battle royale game. The reception so far is fairly positive. It might not top out against Splatoon, but bearing a similar art style and the fact that it’s free-to-play could sway some players into checking this game out if you haven’t already played through it.

#11 Brawlhalla

Brawhlhalla is a game that is highly compared to Super Smash Bros. This platform fighter has the same overall gameplay formula as Nintendo’s iconic fighting exclusive IP. However, that doesn’t mean Brawhalla doesn’t have its own following. In fact, this game has become such a competitive title that there are big competitions based around the game. Players can jump into a game and pick through various characters before placing them on a map. Then, they must battle against opponents using their attacks or items drops. Now the characters are mixed here.

You have quite a few unique characters to play as, but there have been multiple crossovers for this game. As a result, we’ve seen characters based around other franchises show up in the game. This includes Tomb Raider, Rayman, to even The Walking Dead. If you haven’t checked this game out yet and enjoy competitive fighting games, then give this game a download today.

#10 Trove

Trove is an MMO game that blends the gameplay of Minecraft and Borderlands. There’s the ability to craft and a ton of loot to gather up. However, this is clearly a game made for younger audiences. During a player’s adventures, they’ll grind and level up to further reach new worlds to explore. There are monsters to slay, bosses to defeat, and as mentioned, there is a ton of weaponry to unlock, much like Borderlands.

You’ll constantly seek out different gear to obtain and better weapons. If you have a younger child wanting something new to play, Trove could be a fun, thrilling experience. Best of all, since it’s an MMO, players can connect with each other online and go through the game together. 

#9 Fortnite

We don’t have to tell you about Fortnite, I’m sure. It’s only the biggest battle royale game ever to release. This title has thrived for years, and it continues to bring out new content. From players going at it as a solo experience or working with teams, the goal here is to be the last player standing. Dropping down in this world, it’s a race to gather loot, whether it’s better weapons or resources to craft up walls during intense firefights. Epic Games has continued to bring out more gear, map changes, and crossover events.

As a result, we’ve seen everything from movies, television shows, musicians, athletes, and even other video game characters appear in Fortnite. There’s no slowing Fortnite down, and again we don’t have to spend too much time here as I’m certain you all have either played this game before, are playing it now, or at least know about it. And if you don’t know, Fortnite can be downloaded for the Nintendo Switch platform.

#8 Rocket League

Rocket League is a simple game concept but one that’s so difficult to master. In this game, players go through a soccer match, or football depending on where you’re from. However, what makes this game different is that players are driving around in vehicles. These powerhouse vehicles are agile and can jump up in the air. You’ll work with your team to knock the ball into the opposing team’s net.

While some skilled players can make these games look like fluid strategic matches, players are often all over the play trying to line up to take a shot or fling their car into a direction that they believe the ball will bounce to. Again, it’s a simple concept to get but good luck trying to master the skills needed to win games easily.

#7 Arena of Valor

Another MOBA game we wanted to bring out is Arena of Valor. If you were not thrilled about Pokemon Unite because of the IP, then Arena of Valor could be a good alternative for you. Again, this is a game that thrived on the mobile market for years, but back in 2018, we finally saw the game release on the Nintendo Switch platform.

This is your typical MOBA title where players are working in teams using an assortment of heroes, each with their own unique set of abilities. The gameplay is mostly the same here as well, where you’ll work at one side of the map and attempt to destroy the enemies’ turret systems before reaching the base, wreaking havoc.

#6 Pinball FX3

Do you like pinball? There are quite a few different virtual pinball video game titles to pick up, but one game, in particular, is available for free, and that’s Pinball FX3. With that said, you probably don’t need a ton of explanation as to what this game offers. This game is focused on a few tables that can be enjoyed without having to pay anything.

Of course, there is a ton of different table options you can choose from, which spans different themes to replica tables that you could play in person. You’ll have to shell out some money to enjoy some of these other custom pinball tables, but if you’re looking for something to enjoy without having to pay anything, then the free tables should suffice.

#5 Smite

Another MOBA title on our list is Smite. Now Smite is a bit different visually, it’s more aimed at being a third-person game, but the same concept is here. You’re given different heroes to pick from as you battle against the opposing side. You’ll face off against different points around the map as you work to reach the base. The game has been around since 2014 and continues to find new players joining into the mix.

Fortunately, this is a game you can pick up on the Nintendo Switch platform today. If you haven’t been all that fond of MOBA titles in the past, it might be worth trying Smite purely because of the different view perspective. That might be enough to sway players into giving the game a chance if other mainstream MOBA titles didn’t seem all that appealing.

#4 Tetris 99

Tetris is an iconic video game. Everyone knows about this game, and it’s incredibly simple to understand. However, much like Rocket League, it has a simple concept but is difficult to master. With that said, it was a surprise to see a Tetris battle royale game come out. Tetris 99 might have seemed like an odd game initially, but the battle royale game turned out to be incredible.

The game is easy to understand, you’re battling against other players online, and it’s all about being the last player standing. To send out attacks, players will pick a player to send their blocks that they were successfully taken out from their board. When players end up with blocks reaching the very top of their board, they’ll get taken out of the game. However, just like normal Tetris, the game will continue to speed up, giving players quite the challenge.

#3 Pac-Man 99

Pac-Man 99 is the same concept as Tetris 99. You have a classic game where players are working to take out all the dots and ghosts in their game. Instead of blocks, you’re sending out more ghosts to the games of opposing players. Pac-Man can be a difficult game to pull off in general. However, when you add a swarm of ghosts suddenly being added into your game, things can get incredibly chaotic. 

#2 Knockout City

Knockout City has players participating in a futuristic dodgeball game. Here you’ll have different variations of balls, maps, and characters to go through as. It’s another competitive fast-paced multiplayer game. You’ll need to pull off some moves to get through matches and, of course having to dodge the attacks thrown by opposing players.

Just like normal dodgeball rules, players can attempt to capture a ball thrown towards them and then use it against the opposing player. You’ll also have a health system here, so it’s not an instant knockout of the game when you’re hit.

#1 Rogue Company

Finally, if you’re after a third-person shooter, then give Rogue Company a chance. This is a team-based tactical third-person shooter with various game modes, objectives, and maps to play through.  As you go through the game, you’ll earn money to spend after rounds, giving you an edge for the next bout.

Likewise, each character has their own unique attributes, weapons, and skills to make the game a bit of a hero shooter. Since this is a free-to-play game, it’s worth checking out. This is especially true if you want to play some games with friends as there are 4v4 and 6v6 game modes to go through.

Bonus Games

Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel

Here’s another one you might have heard making the rounds lately. Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel is in many people’s eyes the quintessential version of the beloved card game that has been going around for 20 years.

In this version, you’ll get to truly take on the world as you play the game in a variety of ways. Learn (or relearn) the basics via the tutorials, then build up your deck so you can go and fight people of equal skill level to you!

Once you’re confident in your skills, partake in tournaments and other kinds of battles to see if you can be the King of Games?

Or in other words…it’s your move.

Dauntless

Set in a fantasy world, Dauntless puts players into the role of a slayer, a class of warriors that are tasked with taking down massive monsters which have torn the world apart. In a lot of ways, Dauntless is similar to the Monster Hunter series with the game providing a heavy emphasis on crafting and upgrading weapons before going out and seeking these massive behemoths in the wild. These hunts are not always easy as well, you’ll have to use your cunning, specialized gear and skills along the way but luckily you’ll also have the ability to rely on a friend.

Dauntless features multiplayer support and the developers are hoping that gamers make use of social interactions. Much like World of Warcraft or Destiny, campaign quests and exploration can be done with a party. We’re likely going to see more content being added into the game over time to give players more areas to explore, monsters to slay and even weapons to craft. Of course to get all of the goodies along the way you’ll have to spend a bit of money such as the Hunt Passes which offers players exclusive rewards such as weapon skins and cosmetic armor sets.