The Nintendo Switch is home to legendary games like Super Mario, Legend of Zelda, Breath of the Wild, and some fantastic free-to-play games. It is one of the most versatile gaming platforms on the planet. The most exciting thing about Nintendo Switch is that you don’t need to have money to play games on the console. Having the Switch is enough because there are many $0 budget Switch games for Nintendo.
Whether you want to play battle royale, RPGs, or racing games, you can find free Switch games on the Nintendo e-Shop. Plenty of free games offer multiplayer action too. You have to find a suitable game. That’s why we are here. We have listed 25 of the best free Nintendo Switch games in 2023. Read on our top picks and everything there is to it. You can get hundreds of more paid and free games from the Nintendo Switch e-store.
Best Free Switch Games for Nintendo
Almost all of us like Nintendo games. It is the biggest game production company in the world. It has a wide range of games. But we will try to find some free games. So, let us look at the list of the best free games on the Nintendo Switch.
1. Tetris 99
Tetris 99 is the best Nintendo switch-free multiplayer game that is free. Nintendo took the classic Tetris and made it into a modern online multiplayer. The basic game rule is the same as classic Tetris. But in Tetris 99, they place the players against a staggering ninety-nine other players per match. Unfortunately, Tetris 99 is an online game. Without the internet, you cannot play this game.
2. Fortnite: Battle Royale
Fortnite is a good game. There is no arguing that Fortnite: Battle Royale is the best multiplayer survival shooting game on the market. It is also the most widely popular game available on all consoles.
I don’t think I must describe Fortnite: Battle Royale to a gamer. Well, it is an online shooting game. The last man standing is the winner. Several in-game events are happening regularly. The game is regularly updated and refined to satisfy the players. You can play it for free on Switch.
3. Paladins
Paladins is another of the best free games on the Switch with action and gunfights. It is a thrilling, team-based shooting game filled with action. If you have an itch for explosions and modern gunfights, then Paladins have you covered.
You can choose your champion to fight in the game. From legendary magic to fantasy beasts, Paladins has it all. No matter your play style, you will feel at home on Paladins.
4. Realm Royale
Realm Royale is a great multiplayer game on the Switch that involves gun fifths. The game is similar to Fortnite. You are dropped off in a realm with 99 other players. Fight to survive in the game. It is a battle royale game, and the last man standing wins.
The game differs from other multiplayer shooting games. It has some unique features. For example, you become a chicken when you are dead in the game. You can turn back to a human if you can outlive your attackers.
5. SMITE
Join 35+ million online players in SMITE, the best multiplayer online battle arena game on Switch. The game has a unique perspective with magic and stuff. Enter the battleground of Gods with SMITE. There are 100+ Gods to play.
The arena in SMITE is also fascinating. Choose your God and engage in the battle. You can equip your character with power-ups and weapons. They can also use magic. No matter what, we guarantee the battles to be exciting.
6. Pokémon Quest
Pokémon Quest is an interesting Pokémon-themed game for Nintendo Switch. It is an adventure game that was released in mid-2018 for Nintendo consoles. The game is free to play, but there are ways to spend money on the game. With money, you can purchase different skins, features, and products in the game.
Pokémon Quest is the perfect game for those looking for a lightweight Pokémon experience. You will be delighted with the premise and storytelling of Pokémon Quest.
7. Arena of Valor
Arena of Valor is an online role-playing game for Nintendo Switch. It is available for free on the Nintendo e-Store. The game recently migrated to Nintendo Switch from mobile and has become popular. Though the Western release of Arena of Valor was under the radar, the original Chinese version is super popular in the region.
Arena of Valor features different heroes to choose from and battles against others in a fantasy world. The game is well-designed and fun to play. You can explore the game and choose to take on quests.
8. Super Kirby Clash
Super Kirby Clash is one of those games that aren’t afraid to do experiments. It is a free-to-play game on the Switch console and is fun to play. You can play the game online or with your friends. Your task is to complete missions and clear out enemy bosses. So, you earn XPs and unlock power-ups to use further in the game.
Just like Pokémon Quest, there are micro transformations and additional features that you can buy with money. But that is entirely unnecessary. You can play Super Kirby Clash for free, so why spend money?
9. DC Universe Online
DC Universe Online is a superhero Nintendo Switch online multiplayer game. The game lets you customize your superhero or supervillain. Then you can fight alongside your favorite DC Super Heroes. DC Universe Online features an enormous selection of heroes to play. Not only that, but you can also design your hero.
In DC Universe Online, you have to complete missions and fight with villains and heroes, depending on the side you choose to be in this MMO game. The game is packed with action and fun. It has a story to it, and there are different episodes. You can purchase extra missions and powers from the in-game store.
10. Fallout Shelter
Fallout Shelter is one of the best strategic survival games. It is the best free game for Switch and is available on mobile devices. It is a city-building simulator, or vault-building simulator, to be exact, which is set in the Fallout universe. Use resources to sustain the shelter.
You can choose which people you will let in the shelter. You can assign the survivors to different tasks and send them on exploration. Overall, Fallout Shelter is an interactive, fun-to-play game.
11. Galak Z: Variant S
Galak Z: Variant S is a top-down arcade shooting game. The game sets the players on a mission to free the galaxy from a tyrannical Baron. The visuals of the game are colorful. Players can navigate the realm in spaceships or Mecha (giant robot suits), blasting down all oppositions.
You have to grind a lot, as in most free-to-play model games. The game is monetized with micro-transactions. You can spend actual money to unlock various game features. But the game itself is free.
12. Rocket League
Rocket League is another fantastic free-to-play game on Nintendo Switch. Without mentioning Rocket League, our list will not be a complete one. The game is exciting and adventure-filled. Millions of gamers play Rocket League on desktop, Xbox, and other gaming platforms. Unfortunately, there is nothing much to say about this game. I bet you already know everything about this iconic game.
13. Warframe
We are midway through our list, and here we present Warframe, a free-to-play action shooter game. It is one of the best ninja action games available on the console. It is a must-have game if you haven’t already enjoyed it. Warframe gives you different fight styles and a vast arsenal of weapons. They set the game in an open-world platform where you can explore. The game is viral on the PC. The fans who play Warframe on PC can transfer their game to Nintendo Switch.
14. Deltarune
Deltarune is the follow-up or remix of Toby Fox’s smash hit Undertale. It is available on the e-Shop, and it is free. The game has enormous ties with the game Undertale. But how the game is connected is a mystery. The game’s first chapter is free, but that’s only it. You have to pay for the later parts. Deltarune is a great way to follow up on Undertale. The players can connect with some of their favorite characters with Deltarune.
15. Brawlhalla
Brawlhalla is the best free switch game of 2023 and one of the most talked-about games. It is an interestingly lightweight fighting game. The game is more anime-themed than anything else. You can say that it is the anime-themed rendition of Super Smash Brothers. Though the game looks a little cartoonish, the game is deep. It is a great game to enjoy with your friends.
You can unlock new characters and in-game rewards by completing missions. There is also the option to purchase the power-ups. Unlike other games, the price of unlocks is relatively low.
16. Dawn of the Breakers
Dawn of the Breakers packs a lot of fun and excitement. It is an anime-based game on Nintendo Switch that is free. The game is lightweight. The game is an action RPG that was adapted from a mobile release. Dawn of the Breakers is a freemium game that offers a lot. In our opinion, it is the best switch games for girls. If you want to spend some time on this game, you won’t regret it.
17. Super Mario 35
The list is worth nothing if we do not mention the iconic Super Mario. Super Mario 35 is the multiplayer version of Super Mario Bros. Run and jump through random iconic obstacles to reach the end of each level. You can play this iconic Nintendo Switch game with 35 players online, hence Super Mario 35. The game has multiple modes: multiplayer mayhem, time attack, knockout, etc.
18. Color Zen
Color Zen is a free-to-play puzzle game for the Nintendo console. It is a simple puzzle game offering you an easy play-through. The game uses Nintendo Switch’s touch screen to play games. You have to move blocks on the screen to complete the puzzle. The game is straightforward. You have to bring the same-colored tiles near each other. The game offers 120 free levels for you to play. The game is best suited for kids as it has no complications.
19. Pinball FX3
If you want to enjoy arcade games on the Switch console, Pinball FX3 might be the best choice. It is fun, exciting, and packs adventure. You would agree that pinball machines are amazing. Now, you can enjoy the pinball excitement from your console with Pinball FX3. It is also one of the best pinball games for PC. The game offers both single and online play modes. Enjoying with your friends during this pandemic is a significant competitive game.
20. Dauntless
Dauntless is one of the most popular RPGs on the Nintendo console. It offers excellent survival tactics and strategic gameplay. Millions of players enjoy this epic fantasy game. The game features single-player mode as well as co-op battles. This online action RPG is free to play, and 4 players can join in the co-op mode. The game file size is 6.1 GB.
The game takes you on a hunt of monsters and strange creatures. It has various weapons and outfits to choose from. You can explore the game freely as they set it in an open world. Try out the game yourself.
21. Asphalt 9: Legends
Are you a fan of racing games? Then Asphalt 9: Legend is a blessing for our racing game fans. It is one of the most popular racing games offered by Gameloft. But, unfortunately, there is nothing much to say about Asphalt 9: Legends.
Asphalt 9: Legends is fantastic. The graphics of the game are mesmerizing. There are different cars and racing tracks to choose from. The game has a mobile version too. The game will put your racing skill to the test. Unfortunately, the complete game is not free. However, you can play to a certain level for free. To unlock the latter parts of the game, buy the complete package.
22. Onigiri
Onigiri is a free-to-play Japanese MMORPG game. The battle-action game features monsters, goblins, and spirits. You get to choose from unique characters to fight with the enemies. It is online multiplayer, so you must have an internet connection to play it. There are different missions and tasks to complete in Onigiri. The most exciting fact is that the game’s surroundings resemble Japan’s environment. That is a plus point for Japanese enthusiasts.
23. Pokémon Café Mix
Pokémon Café Mix is a touch-based puzzle game. It is one of many Pokémon-themed games available on the Nintendo Switch console. The game is free to play. You must link Pokémon icons to complete each stage and proceed to the next level. There are interactive chats in the game with the Pokémon. You are in charge of the Pokémon Café. Meet with other Pokémon and grow your café and clear all the puzzles.
24. The Pinball Arcade
The Pinball Arcade is another free pinball game for the Switch console. It is the most realistic and comprehensive 3D pinball game you can enjoy for free. The digital pinball game has over 35 real pinball tables, including iconic themed ones like Star Trek™, Vengeance Premium, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein™, Mustang®, Premium “Boss,” Ghostbusters™ Premium, etc.
25. Nintendo Badge Arcade
Nintendo Badge Arcade is a crane machine game with gifts and goodies as rewards. This fun game lets you grab and collect as many Nintendo-themed badges as possible. Nintendo created the game. It is fun to enjoy, especially for kids who enjoy this game. You can collect badges from famous Nintendo games such as Super Mario Bros, Animal Crossing, Mario Kart, and many more. You get five free daily tries to collect as many badges as possible.
Final Thoughts
The Nintendo Switch is possibly the unique and surprising eight-generation gaming console. It is one of the most used gaming platforms. Nintendo has always brought out the best gaming experience for its users. Though many good premium Switch games are on the platform, you can choose from the free collection. We have collected all the best free switch games that are available. I hope you will enjoy our list. Let us know which one is your favorite in the comment.
I really enjoyed playing Smite.
Thanks for the recommendation.