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Today I decided to write a list of the best Nintendo Switch Free-To-Play games for 2024, and possibly beyond since some of these games have been the best options for free gaming on the Switch for years and might continue to be so.
The console still offers over 30 free games to choose, but not all are made equally. Some, despite being popular, are not the optimal choice, such as Dauntless, Overwatch 2, and Apex Legends. Then there are others whose microtransactions are too predatory, and I can’t bring myself to recommend those.
With this said, here’s my curated list of the best Nintendo Switch Free-To-Play games for 2024:
The Kings
Tetris 99 and F-Zero 99
As soon as you get Switch Online, these are the games you should go for.
Tetris 99 and F-Zero 99 mix the classic gameplay we all know and love with the famous Battle Royale genre that games like Fortnite helped popularize. And they both excel in the most important part of a video game: being fun.
Free Pokémon?
There are exactly three Pokémon games on the Nintendo Switch, and one of them is not worth your time since it’s too grindy and heavy on microtransactions—Pokémon Quest.
But Pokémon Unite and Pokémon Café Remix are safe picks
Pokémon Unite
Pokémon Unite is a watered-down MOBA meant to be easy to pick up and play. It’s super fun, and I was obsessed with it for quite some time. There are some pay-to-win issues when a new character launches, so avoid playing ranked during this time.
Note: If you are looking for a more fleshed-out MOBA on the Switch, you can always play Arena of Valor or Smite, but I don’t know if there’s a large player base.
Pokémon Café Remix
On the other side of the spectrum, there’s Pokémon Café Remix. It’s a fun, relaxing puzzle game with a cozy and cute aesthetic. I admit that I’m not the target demographic, but I still got some hours of enjoyment playing it.
The Battle Royales
Fortnite
There are a ton of Battle Royales on the Nintendo Switch, and of course, the one that sits at the top is, without question, Fortnite. I was skeptical about this one, and I only played it when it finally launched on the Switch. I could finally see why everyone was obsessed.
It’s not the prettiest on the Switch, but it runs with no issues and is definitely a game you should consider investing in.
My Hero Ultra Rumble
If you’re a fan of My Hero Academia or anime games in general, then feel free to try this one.
It can be entertaining from my experience, but it still needs some polishing and balancing. Still, it’s a mindless fun experience.
Fallguys
Here’s a game that should’ve been free-to-play from the start because microtransactions in a paid game always leave a bad taste.
This is way more casual than the other two Battle Royales on the list, and it’s a blast. It’s so much fun that even my girlfriend wanted to try it out when it was released, and I caved in!
Years later, there’s still a decent amount of players online, and lobbies fill in seconds.
Free Smash and Free Street Fighter 6
Surprisingly, there are some options for fighting games fans, such as Brawlhalla and Street Fighter 6.
Brawlhalla
Brawlhalla is a platform fighter I’ve played a lot on PC and Switch and always had a good time, either playing alone or with friends in the various causal modes.
Despite sharing the same genre as Super Smash Bros, it’s a completely different game.
The different mechanics make it stand out on its own, and being free-to-play and multi-platform helped boost Brawlhalla to insane popularity.
Then, there’s Fantasy Strike, a not-so-popular game.
Fantasy Strike
It’s a fighting game whose inputs have been simplified, allowing anyone to jump in and have a blast without worrying about complex inputs.
As a busy father, sometimes it’s difficult to find time to learn new fighting games, but the lack of that initial skill barrier makes it easy for me to pick it up and play.
There aren’t many people playing, but it’s a game worth your time!
Do You Like Cars?
For car lovers, I have three different options, and all offer very different experiences.
Disney SpeedStorm
First, there’s Disney SpeedStorm, which is your classic Mario Kart-inspired game. Surprisingly, the game runs and controls quite well with no particular slowdowns.
In terms of gameplay, It doesn’t do anything special that this genre desperately needs. But, since it’s a Free-To-Play title I can overlook it.
I played it for a bit and had fun, but, if you like kart games, try investing in Mario Kart.
Rocket League
I hadn’t played this game in a long time, and I’m happy to report that Rocket League is still mad fun. And it’s difficult not to be since it’s a game where you play football with a car!
The concept alone sounds fun already. There can be some frustration when climbing the ranks, but I always avoid that and focus on the casual side.
Asphalt 9
This has been on the Nintendo Switch for as long as I can remember, and it still impresses me with how awesome it looks and runs.
It’s the perfect game for people who enjoy quick fast-paced arcade racing on the go.
There are some microtransactions to ease the grind it takes to get a good car, and, I’m not a fan of that. Still, it’s a great game to pick up and play for 5–10 minutes.
It’sTime to Duel? - Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel
I’m not going to lie, this one isn’t for me. My experience with this game was the following back in the day:
- Playing against AI
- Opening some packs to craft a decent meta deck
- Crafting the said deck
- Going online
- Playing one turn
- Getting destroyed during my opponent’s first turn
- The end
Then why include it on the list? Usually, I only recommend games that are good or that I’ve enjoyed despite some lack of polish.
And the truth is, Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel is a great card game for those willing to invest time and maybe some money.
I’m disappointed that I don’t enjoy this game since it’s the only decent free-to-play card game on the Nintendo Switch.
With this said, don’t be afraid to try it out—it might be for you!
The Cozy Games
There are exactly two cozy games I consider worth playing in the section of cozy games. The first one is Sky: Children of the Light, which I used to play even before the Switch release:
Sky: Children of the Light
The overall aesthetic is amazing, much like the other games from the developers. It’s so relaxing exploring and soaring through the sky in every realm while collecting various seasonal items that make your Skykid look adorable.
And since it’s a social game, you can go on an adventure with your friends!
Palia
When Palia was released on Switch, I uninstalled it almost immediately, mostly due to the bugs, looks, and performance. Luckily, I gave it a second shot for this list, and I’m glad I did.
It’s a mix of an MMO with Animal Crossing and other life simulation games. All this blends together nicely and delivers a very unique and cozy experience.
But be aware that this is an MMO, and as such, progression slows down over time, requiring more grinding. Still, I’ve been having a harmless, relaxing experience.
For the Ninja Lovers
The next two games have nothing in common except one thing: Ninjas.
Warframe
By this point, Warframe needs no introduction. I started playing this back in 2014, and since then, it has expanded so much that it has solidified itself as one of the best free-to-play games of all time (in my opinion).
For the amount of content it offers, it’s absurd that it’s free-to-play. I think you can play for a couple of months daily without completing every mission and objective!
Like any MMO, progression slows down, but the fun doesn’t. So, if space ninjas interest you, play it!
Ninjala
Ninjala is a weird one. It’s colorful, and the first thing that might come to mind is Splatoon, but they play nothing alike.
Ninjala can be played in a deathmatch or a team match, and it can be a thrilling experience if you ignore the rock-paper-scissors mechanics.
There is some depth to explore and skill to acquire here, but as a new player, I saw myself getting killed over an RNG mechanic that I find uncompetitive.
Still, the game has style and a player base, and it’s easy to pick up and play. So if you’re looking for ninja action, Ninjala has you covered.
The Pink Blob has a Free Game - Super Kirby Clash
Back in 2017, one of the very first games I reviewed was Super Kirby Clash for the 3DS. Then, years later, an HD version was released for the Switch with new content, and I ate it up all over again.
This is essentially a Kirby game with only boss battles, and you can either play with three NPCs or three real players. Playing with real people is the better option, but from my experience, the lag can be terrifyingly bad.
Still, you can play through the entire game on your own!
The END?
The Nintendo Switch is at death’s door with the imminent release of the next system. Still, many people are purchasing one for the first time, and, amazingly, there are so many Free-To-Play games on the console. When I got mine there were exactly 0 free games!
What did you think of my definitive list of the Best Nintendo Switch Free-To-Play games in 2024 (and beyond)? Was your favorite game on the list? Did I miss anything? Let me know!