15 Best Free Nintendo Switch Games in 2023
Find the top free Nintendo Switch games for budget-friendly fun.
If you’ve spent all your money on the Nintendo Switch and can’t purchase any games, the best free alternatives will be of great help. Video games can be expensive, even top-rated AAA titles. However, there are also many affordable indie Nintendo Switch games available. If your budget is limited, there are also free games available.
Please note that when we mention free Switch games, we are referring to games that are free to start playing. You may need a Nintendo Switch Online account to access certain features and benefits. Additionally, some games offer in-app purchases that allow you to obtain advanced items and bonuses to progress faster. Some games offer more free content than others, but developers must generate revenue. One controversial method is the use of loot boxes.
The best free Nintendo Switch games in 2023
To help you find the Nintendo Switch games you’re interested in, we’ve organized them into categories. We have also provided direct download links from the Nintendo website.
1. Arena of Valor
MOBAs, which stands for Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas, are currently a popular trend in eSports. Arena of Valor is a fast-paced, real-time strategy game. You will need to use your strategic thinking and quick reflexes to lead your team of heroes in online battles. If this sounds exciting, you will have a great time playing it. You have a good selection of game modes like 5v5, 3v3, 1v1 and Hook Wars. The controls are simple, making it easy to learn. If you are looking for the best Nintendo Switch games then this is for you.
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2. Asphalt 9: Legends
There are few free racing games for the Switch, but Asphalt 9 is an excellent choice for high-speed thrills. To start, you start with a humble Mitsubishi. Your goal is to win the race to obtain blueprints for better motors. With 84 cars to choose from, you’ll need some dedicated driving to expand your garage. The game is free to play, but you can spend money to upgrade your cars and boost performance for profit.
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3. Controversy
If you want to play a fighting game but need more money to purchase Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on the Switch, Brawlhalla is an excellent free alternative. Although it doesn’t have the same level of polish as Smash Bros. or recognizable Nintendo characters, this beat-em-up game is well-designed. It offers a variety of unique characters and features fast-paced combat with up to eight players in each match.
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4. Color Zen
If multiplayer Tetris is too fast-paced, here’s a more casual option. Color Zen is a cool puzzle game that uses the Switch’s touch screen to move colored shapes. The goal is to match shapes of the same color and fill the surrounding area with that color. By doing this you can make the screen match the color of its border. This may seem obscure at first, but you’ll figure it out quickly. There are 120 levels to play for free, so you won’t need to pay for more challenges for a while.
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5. Fearless
Want to fight some giant monsters? Fearless is everything. This game is similar to Monster Hunter. You have to hunt the big Behemoth alone or with others. You can create better weapons and armor to fight stronger enemies while playing. Explore a vast and constantly changing world with regular updates and exciting special events. If you are looking for the best Nintendo Switch titles then this is for you.
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6. Fallout Shelter
Have you ever dreamed of having your own underground safe to survive the apocalypse? Here’s an opportunity for you. Fallout Shelter is a fun management game inspired by the Fallout series. In the game, you create and manage your own vault. You build rooms, ensure enough power and food, and even go on quests. The game is free, and you can easily avoid paying anything. However, there are attractive additional features available to enhance your Vault experience.
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7. fortnite
Fortnite is a game you’ve probably heard of, even if you’re not a gamer. Launched in 2017, the game has quickly gained popularity around the world. It is an online battle royale where you compete against 99 opponents to become the last player standing. The developers update the game regularly, and the story continues to evolve. It looks great on a powerful PC but also runs well on a simple Switch. The game is free to play, but parents should be aware that there are many opportunities to spend money on additional items.
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8. Pokemon Cafe Remix
Pokémon Café Mix is now available. It’s got some sweet enhancements. Play this Nintendo Switch game for free and solve puzzles to create delicious drinks and dishes in your Pokémon Café.
Genius Sonority, the creators of Pokémon Battle Trozy and Pokémon Shuffle, developed a game called Pokémon Link: Battle. In this game, you use the touchscreen to select and move Pokémon faces, connecting them together and forming chains by touching them. The gameplay is simple, and the ‘energy’ system isn’t as frustrating as other free-to-play games.
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9. Pinball FX3
Video games are fun, but there’s something special about playing pinball. With Pinball FX3, you can experience various real pinball tables perfectly simulated for the vintage arcade experience. Most tables in Pinball FX3 will require you to spend real money to play. However, the game gives you a free table to start with. Keep an eye out for promotions that may get you an extra free table.
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10. Pokemon Quest
Have you caught all 151 original Pokémon? Well, have you seen them in cute cube form? Pokémon Quest is a free-to-start action RPG set on Tumblecube Island. In this game, all Pokémon are transformed into cute cubic versions of themselves. Just be aware that you may be encouraged to spend money while playing. You can have up to three Pokémon with you. Fight to attract new Pokémon, level up, and cook delicious stew. It’s not as deep as the full Pokémon games, but it’s still a lot of fun.
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11. Rocket League
Car football! This is the pitch, and you have to admit it’s quite tempting. Get into a car that is fast and agile. It has turbo boost and can jump and spin in mid-air. Use this to try to score a goal against the other team. What else do you need to know? You can play it online and climb up the ranks or play with a friend in split-screen mode from the comfort of your living room. It’s a fast, intense and completely crazy game.
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12. Super Mario 35
Super Mario 35 is a multiplayer game that Nintendo Switch Online members can play for free until March 31. This is a fun twist on the classic Super Mario game. In this game, it’s classic Super Mario Bros. You will compete against 34 other players to complete various courses. But there’s a problem – you only have 35 seconds to do it! You can earn more time by defeating enemies. Defeating enemies also puts them on the path of your opponents. The player standing last wins. If you want the best Nintendo Switch games, this is the one for you.
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13. Super Kirby Clash
Kirby is a Nintendo character who is less popular than Mario or Link. She is a pink blob that can inhale enemies and temporarily use their powers. Despite not being so famous, Kirby has been around for a while. He’s cute, and Super Kirby Clash is a great version of Team Kirby Clash Deluxe on the Nintendo 3DS. This is an RPG game where you assemble your team Kirby to save the Dream Kingdom. There’s a lot of fighting involved.
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14. Tetris 99
Classic Tetris is a fun game where you have to arrange falling blocks to make rows disappear. It’s just you against the odds and it’s satisfying when you succeed. Tetris 99 is more intense. You will play online against 98 other players. Whenever you clear two or more rows at once you can send garbage blocks to your opponents to spoil their game. The last player remaining will be the winner. Tetris 99 is free, but you need a Nintendo Switch Online account to play it.
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15. Warframe
Have fun with the robot suit! Choose and personalize a Warframe, a futuristic suit of armor, and set out on various missions that you can complete alone or with up to three other players. You can improve your Warframe by acquiring new weapons and items as you play. You can also unlock new worlds to explore. Although the game may encourage you to spend money on new things, you can still progress without spending any money. This is for those who want to find the best Nintendo Switch games.
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