How to get Nintendo Switch games for free

Getting a new console is the first step on the glorious journey of adventure-seeking and happy gaming. Whether it’s Undertale, Breath of the Wild, Super Smash Bros, or Fortnite, the Nintendo Switch has a colorful array of titles and characters both new and familiar.

Unboxing a new Switch doesn’t mean you own any of those titles, however, and you’ve got to drop some more money on specific games before you’re able to hop in Splatoon 2 or Stardew Valley.

Or do you?

It’s on the down-low, but there are actually 25 games and apps that you can get on the Switch completely for free. This guide will show you how to access these free items so you’ll have something to sink your teeth into while you’re waiting on that paycheck or researching which games are going to be your top priority. Here’s where you can find a bunch of free games on Switch in 5 easy steps:

How to get free games on Switch

1. Open the Nintendo eShop

As soon as you boot up your Switch you’ll be confronted with various icons on the dashboard: Signing in, adjusting settings, syncing controllers, etc. The one that you’ll want to click on is the Nintendo eShop, which is symbolized by a bag that looks like this:

2. Sign in

After you click the eShop button you’ll have to sign in. Put in your email and password, or if you don’t have an account yet, now’s a good time to make one. You can do so right here. The process should take less than five minutes.

3. Click ‘Search’

Once you’re looking at the huge variety of games and products on the Switch store it’s time to refine our hunt.

Click the ‘Search’ portal on the top left and it will offer a handful of common search filters.

4. Filter by price range

From the list of available filters, simply choose the one that says ‘Price Range.’

You’ll be transported to games divided by price range.

5. View free options

Scroll down to the bottom of the page and you’ll see the category for games (and apps!) that you can download for the fabulous price of $0.

Click ‘view more’ in order to get the full list. On it, you’ll see options such as:

YouTube

Yep. You can get the YouTube app for free, just like on a desktop or mobile device.

Now you can stream videos right on your Switch!

Fortnite

Fortnite is free on desktop, console, and mobile, so why shouldn’t it be free on Switch too?

Download it now and you’ll be diving off the party bus before you know it.

Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online

For the retro gamer, this is the best news about getting a Switch: You’ll immediately have access to dozens of old Nintendo games:

Donkey Kong, Ice Hockey, Yoshi, Balloon Fight, River City Ransom, Double Dragon, Dr. Mario, and a ton more. All for free!

These 10 NES cartridges are worth a fortune

Read now ►

Color Zen

One of our favorite games, Color Zen is a chill-out, zone-out game for de-stressing and relaxation.

Simply match the colors one by one and solve simple puzzles to unwind at the end of your day or pass the time. The Nintendo Switch’s touchscreen capabilities really shine in Color Zen, too.

And a lot more!

If those titles don’t grab your interest you can also get the original Zelda games, Warframe, Fallout Shelter, Pokemon Quest, Kitten Squad, Coloring Book, Brawlhalla … the list goes on. So enjoy your new gaming platform in style with the Nintendo Switch, and let us know in the comments below which free item is your personal favorite!