Top 10 Best Free Nintendo Switch Games to Play Right Now
Nintendo Switch has become a go-to console for many people because you can use it both on the TV and as a handheld device. Aside from its big-name games, the Switch also has a growing collection of free-to-play games that you can easily download from the Nintendo eShop. This makes it easy for anyone to try out new games without spending money.
Just because a game is free doesn’t mean it’s boring or low-effort. In fact, some free games on the Switch are well-designed, entertaining, and even get great reviews. Whether you like fast-paced shooters, puzzle games, or battle royale, there are free options that can keep you entertained for hours.
Here are some of the best free Nintendo Switch games—which you can download and play right now:
Fortnite
Fortnite, made by Epic Games, started out in 2017 as a simple battle royale game where 100 players fight to be the last one standing. Additionally, a Nintendo Switch Online subscription provides access to classic Nintendo games and downloadable content for popular games. On the Nintendo Switch, the game plays smoothly with easy-to-use controls and includes all the main features like gathering weapons, fighting enemies, and building walls or ramps for defense. The Switch version gives players a full Fortnite experience in a portable format.
Over time, Fortnite has grown into more than just a game. It became a big part of pop culture because of its regular updates and big crossover events. Epic Games has teamed up with movies, TV shows, anime, and music artists to bring special characters and events into the game. Some recent examples include content from Evangelion, Doctor Who, and The Simpsons, along with in-game concerts featuring artists like Snoop Dogg and Eminem. The game also brought back older maps and features to keep longtime players interested.
Fortnite stays popular by constantly changing and adding new content. It’s not just about winning matches anymore—it’s also about enjoying new events, characters, and experiences. Whether you’re playing on a console or a handheld device like the Nintendo Switch, Fortnite continues to be one of the most played and talked-about games around.
STAR WARS: Hunters™
Star Wars: Hunters is a free multiplayer shooter game that puts players in 4-on-4 team battles using characters inspired by the Star Wars universe. Each character has a role—either Damage, Tank, or Support—and comes with different weapons and abilities. The game includes several match types, like controlling areas or chasing a trophy, and also has a ranked mode for more competitive players.
The free version of Fortnite includes all the main features, making it accessible to everyone without any upfront cost.
What makes the game fun is that it’s easy to pick up and play, but still offers some depth with team strategies and different characters to try out. It brings Star Wars into a new type of gameplay that focuses on fast-paced matches instead of storytelling. The developers have been adding new content each season, including new characters and updates.
However, the game is shutting down on October 1, 2025. While players won’t be able to buy anything in-game after April 15, it’s still playable until the shutdown. Even with that in mind, it’s a fun option for anyone looking for a quick, action-packed Star Wars experience while it lasts.
Rocket League®
Rocket League is a free game where players use cars to play a soccer-style match, combining elements of fighting games to create a unique and engaging experience. The goal is to hit a big ball into the other team’s net and score more points before time runs out. You can play in different team sizes like 1v1, 2v2, or 3v3. On the Nintendo Switch, the game runs smoothly and works well whether you’re playing on a TV or in handheld mode.
The controls are easy to learn, so anyone can start playing right away, but there’s also a lot of room to improve with practice. Players can change how their cars look using different colors, designs, and accessories. The Switch version even has special cars based on classic Nintendo characters like Mario and Samus, which you won’t find on other platforms.
Rocket League also keeps things interesting by adding new content regularly. There are special events and crossovers with well-known movies and shows like Fast & Furious, Jurassic Park, Star Wars, and X-Men ‘97. These events add new cars and items that players can collect. With its simple gameplay, fun customizations, and regular updates, Rocket League is a good pick for anyone looking for a fast and fun game to play.
Overwatch® 2
Overwatch 2 is a free team-based shooting game from Blizzard, and you can play it on the Nintendo Switch. In each match, two teams of five players pick different heroes, each with their own weapons and abilities. The heroes are split into three types—Damage, Tank, and Support—and each one plays a different role in helping the team win. The Switch version includes motion controls, which can help with aiming and make the game feel a bit more like using a mouse.
Compared to the original Overwatch, this version has smaller teams (5v5 instead of 6v6), which makes the game faster and less confusing. There are a few different game types, like pushing an object to the other team’s side or controlling certain areas on the map. The game gets regular updates, so there’s always something new to try.
Blizzard also adds content from other popular shows and games. For instance, they’ve done crossovers with Avatar: The Last Airbender, World of Warcraft, and My Hero Academia, letting players unlock new skins based on characters from those series. These events, along with new characters and updates, help keep the game fun for both new players and longtime fans. If you like action games that rely on teamwork, Overwatch 2 is worth checking out on the Switch.
Apex Legends™
Apex Legends is a free battle royale game where players team up in groups of two or three and try to be the last team left. Each player picks a character called a “Legend,” and each one has different skills that can help in fights or support the team. Players drop into a big map, collect weapons and gear, and battle other teams. The game is fast-paced and includes a helpful ping system that lets you communicate with teammates without using a microphone.
The Nintendo Switch version has the same basic gameplay as other platforms, but with some differences. It runs at a lower frame rate and doesn’t look as sharp, but it still plays well. It also includes motion controls, which some people find helpful for aiming. It’s a solid option if you want to play Apex on the go or don’t have access to a more powerful console or PC.
The game gets regular updates to keep it interesting. New events and content are added often, like the recent “Beast Mode” event with special challenges. Apex has also teamed up with popular franchises like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, adding themed items and looks for characters. These updates give players new things to do and help keep the game fun over time. If you like action games that focus on teamwork, Apex Legends on the Switch is worth trying.
Fall Guys
Fall Guys is a free online game where players compete in a series of short mini-games. Up to 32 people join each match, and the goal is to survive different challenges like obstacle courses, team games, and races. Players control small, jellybean-shaped characters that can run, jump, dive, and grab. The game is easy to understand and fun for all ages, with gameplay that’s more about having a good time than being super competitive.
On the Nintendo Switch, Fall Guys works well whether you’re playing handheld or on a TV. The controls are simple, and the game keeps its colorful, cartoon-like style. You can also play with friends on other systems because of cross-platform support, which helps keep matchmaking fast.
Fall Guys often adds new content and updates, including special events and crossovers with other games and movies. Recent updates have brought in costumes and items from things like Final Fantasy XIV, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Star Wars. These events give players new things to try and unlock. Overall, Fall Guys is a fun, easy-to-play game that’s great for quick matches and friendly competition.
Sky: Children of the Light
Sky: Children of the Light is a free game where you explore peaceful, open areas and help lost spirits. You play as a glowing character who flies around different worlds, collects light, and unlocks new places. The game is all about working together, exploring at your own pace, and enjoying a relaxing experience. There’s no fighting or fast action—it’s more about discovery and helping others.
On the Nintendo Switch, the game looks good and plays well, whether you’re using handheld mode or playing on a TV. The controls are simple, so it’s easy for anyone to get started. You can also play with other people online and team up to explore or complete tasks together.
The game gets regular updates with special events and content. One of the most popular events was a crossover with The Little Prince, which added new places and story elements based on the book. The game also lets you make in-game friends and unlock new ways to interact. If you’re looking for a calm and friendly game that’s different from most action-packed games, Sky: Children of the Light is worth checking out on the Switch.
Asphalt Legends Unite
Asphalt Legends Unite is a free racing game you can play on the Nintendo Switch. It’s fast-paced and easy to get into, with races that let you drift, do stunts, and use nitro boosts to win. You can choose from a large selection of real-world cars like Ferraris and Lamborghinis and race across different tracks. There are several game modes, including single-player, online races, and special events, so there’s something for everyone.
One good thing about the game is that it supports cross-play and cross-save, which means you can play with friends on other systems and keep your progress no matter what device you use. The Switch version came out later than the others but included some bonus items to make up for the wait. It runs well and still looks good on the Switch.
Some players have said it takes a long time to unlock new cars unless you spend money, which might bother some people. But if you’re just looking for a fun and flashy racing game with lots of cars and tracks, Asphalt Legends Unite is a solid choice on the Nintendo Switch.
Pokémon UNITE
Pokémon UNITE is a free team-based battle game for the Nintendo Switch. In each match, two teams of five players try to score the most points by defeating wild Pokémon and other players, then dropping off collected energy at goal zones. Each player picks a Pokémon, and each one has its own role—like attacker, defender, or support—with different moves and playstyles. The matches are short, usually about 10 minutes, and the controls are simple, so it’s easy to learn but still fun and competitive.
The game gets regular updates that add new content and keep things balanced. For example, recent updates introduced new items and added Pokémon like Suicune, with Alolan Raichu and Alcremie coming soon. These changes give players new options and help keep the game from feeling repetitive.
A big plus is that the game works across platforms, so people on the Switch and mobile devices can play together. Whether you like Pokémon or just want a quick, action-packed team game, Pokémon UNITE is a good choice that’s easy to pick up and fun to play with friends.
Warframe
Warframe is a free to play game you can play on the Nintendo Switch. You play as a space ninja called a Tenno and use special suits called Warframes, each with different powers. The game has a mix of shooting, close combat, and fast movement. You can go on missions alone or with friends to fight enemies, protect areas, or explore big open maps.
On the Switch, you get the full version of the game. It works in both handheld and docked modes and even lets you use motion controls for aiming. The graphics are a bit lower than on other consoles, but the game still runs well and is fun to play.
Warframe is updated often with new content. One of the latest updates, “Techrot Encore,” added new Warframes and missions. The regular updates, fast gameplay, and lots of gear to unlock make it a good pick if you’re looking for a free and action-packed game on the Nintendo Switch.
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