Even though the Nintendo Switch is a bit long in the tooth and many of us are awaiting news of the console’s successor, it’s still a brilliant console to have around due to its hybrid function as a handheld. There are a wealth of amazing games available for the Nintendo console, but what if you’re strapped for cash?
Well, you’re in luck, theNintendo Switchis home to a huge collection of games that can be played for free. Some of which you’ll already be familiar with, some you may not know are available for the handheld, all of which are worth your time.
Fortnite
Fortnite
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I’m not sure if you might have heard of this tiny battle royale game, but it’s quite popular.Fortniteis the ever-evolving platform from Epic Games that hosts the traditional battle royale that everyone knows and loves, but it also hostsLEGO Fortnite,Rocket Racing, andFortnite Festival. Technically, you’re getting four games for free, in an easily accessible survival game, a fast-paced racer, and a music rhythm game, respectively. Of course, you can purchase a battle pass to unlock skins, but the base game is still free-to-play.
Rocket League
Rocket League
Warframe
Warframe
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Some would call this the free-to-playDestiny, but that’s doingWarframea bit of a disservice. Played in third-person perspective, we have a sci-fi epic that takes players into another galaxy, controlling a highly customisable warframe suit. With a mix of shooting action and almost magical abilities,Warframecurrently has millions of players you can play with. Featuring lots of quests and open-world events, you can lose yourself in this one for hours.
Palia
Palia
A bit of a change of pace is this MMO,Palia. This is a bright and colourful world filled with interesting characters and mysteries to unravel. Part survival game, part cosy farming simulator,Paliais a very easy-going MMO where you can play out any role either solo or with a group of friends. Don’t expect a whole lot of action as this is more of a chill experience for Nintendo Switch.
Disney’s Speedstorm
Speedstorm
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If you’re looking for a racing game with lots of style and plenty of Disney flair, then you could downloadDisney’s Speedstormwhich is the house of mouse’s stab atMario Kart. Expect fast-paced racing with courses based on many of Disney’s films and cartoons. It’s a perfect game for everyone, including kids, so you can add this to your family’s regular play schedule and battle it out on the track.
Pokémon Unite
Unite
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Brawlhalla
Brawlhalla
Sometimes, free games are a great way to play genres you would otherwise miss. With arena battlers, likeSuper Smash Bros, you can control a character and duke it out with family, friends, or random opponents online.Brawlhallais a great free-to-play option for this genre as it offers lots of great original characters with amazing special moves, plus there are regular crossovers with pop culture franchises. You can punch, kick, or even fireball your way through opponents as you try to launch them into the void and pick up a win.
Asphalt 9: Legends
Asphalt 9
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For a semi-realistic racing experience, look no further thanAsphalt 9: Legendswhich puts you behind the wheel of popular cars from manufacturers such as Ferrari, Porsche, and McLaren. You can take some of the world’s most gorgeous cars for a spin around courses based on real-world destinations, all the while collecting more cars and pitting yourself against players just like you, who love racing and speed. With over 900 solo events to play through and lots of multiplayer opportunities, you shouldn’t ignore this racer.
Fall Guys
Fall Guys
We’re cycling back to Epic Games again as the juggernaut publisher recently purchasedFall Guysand their developer. UntilFall Guysis playable inFortnite, you can find the game on the eShop and join in with bucketloads of silliness and minigames to test your skills against others in a game show format that eliminates the losers and slowly ramps up the difficulty. You can expect hilarity, nonsense, and small bean-like characters dressed up to look ridiculous. Can you beat the competition to win a crown?
Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel
Yugioh
Switching over to card games and the beloved anime,Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duelputs you behind the deck of cards and pits you against other collectors and battlers. The rules of the game are relatively simple, more so if you’ve played a TCG before. The artwork on Yu-Gi-Oh! cards is always sublime and the game does a great job of taking you through the rules and competition to ensure you can play the best matches possible. Whether you’re already a fan of the anime or just want to test yourself against great players, this is a brilliant way to start yourYu-Gi-Oh!adventure.
Sky: Children of Light
Sky
Overwatch 2
Overwatch 2
You might not need an introduction toOverwatch 2, the sequel hero-based shooter that sees you battle on a team of heroes against another while fighting for objectives. You’ll soon discover your favourite characters, whether this is for how they look or how they play and you can learn all of their unique abilities to turn the tide of battles. Known for its extravagant gameplay, bright and bold map design, as well as a huge group of diverse heroes,Overwatch 2will scratch that team-shooter itch you have.
Apex Legends
Apex Legends
For another choice in the hero-shooter genre, you can try outApex Legends. While you still have heroes (or in this case, legends) each with their own abilities and special moves, this is actually a battle royale. You can play in teams of two or three and the goal is to be the last team standing at the end. Play occurs on one of several maps, each with unique and elaborate points of interest, with guns and attachments spread out for you to discover and arm yourself. But those abilities can tip the scales of battle at any moment and always keep every match feeling fresh.
Fallout Shelter
Fallout Shelter
Our last recommendation is for the fans ofFallout, whether you’ve played the mainline RPGs or are jumping in after watching the Amazon Prime TV show.Fallout Shelterputs you in charge of a vault in the wasteland and you must monitor the health and happiness of your vault dwellers while fighting off raiding parties. And, of course, this is all happening as you’re building new rooms and services throughout your vault. It’s time and resource management rolled up with everything you love from Fallout.
