Games Are Expensive? 5 Smart Ways to Get Free Nintendo Switch Games

Handheld gaming is gaining popularity again, and the Nintendo Switch is an excellent system to invest in. Switch offers endless hours of fun with its massive library and unique play modes, featuring everything from deep RPGs to quick party games. The options are just great! However, collecting all those amazing games can definitely empty your wallet fast. An AAA title often costs several thousand pesos—and, let’s be real, it’s not always the case that you have a budget for that. 

The good news is you don’t need to spend money to enjoy games! By strategizing and knowing where to find them, you can expand your Nintendo Switch collection at little cost. Here are five smart ways to access free games for your Nintendo Switch:

1. Check out the eShop’s “Great Deals” section

The Nintendo eShop isn’t just for purchasing new games. It also offers many free titles! To find free games, go to the eShop, then select the “Great Deals” or “Search” menu, and set the price filter to “Free” or 0.00. You’ll see a number of games that you can download and keep at no cost.

Many popular games, especially battle royales and competitive titles, are free-to-play. Examples include Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Rocket League. 

2. Watch out for indie freebies

The eShop features many indie devs offering free, experimental, or story-based games to attract players. Check less-popular categories for hidden gems like free visual novels and short puzzle games that provide unique experiences for free.

3. Always download the demos

Demos used to be rough parts of a game, but some are polished previews that are practically small games. On the eShop, search “Demo,” and you’ll find RPGs like Dragon Quest XI S or Octopath Traveler have demos to play for hours. Some demos called “Free-to-Start” let you try early chapters or large parts for free.

4. Take advantage of the Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) library

Subscribed to Nintendo Switch Online? That also grants you access to classic games from NES, Super NES, Game Boy, and Nintendo 64 at no additional cost. It also offers Full-Game Trials for popular titles, letting you download and play for about a week to test before buying.

5. Follow social media accounts for codes

From Pengu Official GIPHY

Developers and publishers host social media promotions on platforms such as X, Facebook, and Discord, particularly around new releases or milestone dates. Another tip is to follow game studios or Switch news sites for giveaways where retweets or comments could win free game codes.

Are you ready for your next-gen gaming?

If you’re ready to upgrade from your free game library, the Nintendo Switch 2 is available at the Next Upgrade Shop. With it, you can get new launch titles and improve your favorite games with better graphics and performance. Visit the shop now for more deals and exciting games!