Nintendo’s US eShop has a dedicated free-to-start catalog of Switch games you can download and begin playing without paying upfront. These ten picks span several styles of play; they are a selection, not a ranked top ten. A free download does not mean every optional item or feature is free, so check each game’s current store listing before downloading.
10 free-to-start Switch games to try
Nintendo describes its free-to-start catalog as games you can “download and start playing today…for free.” The titles below appear in Nintendo’s current US catalog as free downloads. Availability and listing details can change.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Minecraft - Nintendo Switch | $29.82 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - US Version | $52.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Mario Kart™ World (Nintendo Switch 2) | $79.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Super Mario Galaxy™ + Super Mario Galaxy™ 2 | $64.99 | Buy on Amazon |
- Fortnite — Listed in Nintendo’s US free-to-start catalog.
- Rocket League — Listed in Nintendo’s US free-to-start catalog.
- Overwatch — Nintendo describes it as “an always-on and ever-evolving free-to-play, team-based action game set in an optimistic future.” The listing also discloses in-game purchases.
- Sky: Children of the Light — Listed in Nintendo’s US free-to-start catalog.
- Warframe — Listed in Nintendo’s US free-to-start catalog.
- Fall Guys — Nintendo describes it as a “free, cross-platform massively multiplayer party royale game.” Its listing says online play supports 1–32 players and discloses in-game purchases.
- Disney Speedstorm — Listed in Nintendo’s US free-to-start catalog.
- Pokémon UNITE — Listed in Nintendo’s US free-to-start catalog.
- Palia — Listed in Nintendo’s US free-to-start catalog.
- Ninjala — Listed in Nintendo’s US free-to-start catalog.
Nintendo’s Switch beginners guide also features nine of these titles in its free-to-start examples; Warframe appears in the current catalog list.
What “free” means on the eShop
Here, free refers to the initial download and ability to start playing, not a guarantee that every optional item or feature costs nothing. Nintendo explicitly labels Overwatch and Fall Guys with “In-Game Purchases.” For the other games, consult their individual listings for the disclosures and terms that apply to the current version.
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#1 Best Overall
- Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
- Explore randomly generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs
- Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
- Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
The catalog does not establish a complete comparison of game modes, online requirements, cross-play, or suitability for different audiences. Use each game’s own Nintendo page to confirm those details rather than assuming they are identical across the list.
Check storage before downloading
Nintendo’s current US listing gives Overwatch a Nintendo Switch game-file size of 24.5 GB. That makes available storage worth checking if you plan to install it alongside other large games; it does not mean every player needs a microSD card. Game sizes can change, so check the live listing and your console’s available space before downloading.
Rank #2
- New stages and fighters are joined by the combined rosters of every past Super Smash Bros. Game
- Challenge others anytime, anywhere, whether you're on the couch or on the go
- Play any way you want—locally, online, in TV mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode, or even with GameCube Controllers
- Fight faster and smarter with new and returning techniques, like the perfect shield and directional air dodge
- Face off in 2-4 player battles, or play against the computer
If you choose to expand storage, confirm that a card meets Nintendo Switch compatibility and capacity requirements for your model before buying. Extra storage is a convenience, not a requirement established by the Overwatch listing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where to confirm current details
Start with Nintendo’s US free-to-start catalog for current availability, then open an individual game’s Nintendo Store page to check its download status, size, purchase disclosures, and any platform or online-play details. Listings may change after this selection was checked on October 3, 2026.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Journey through space in two Super Mario adventures, now improved for the Nintendo Switch system!
- Travel the stars with enhanced resolution, improved UI, and additional content
- Learn more about the Lumas from additional Storybook chapters, groove to a bit of additional music
- Get additional Health and fall recovery in Assist Mode
- Join Rosalina and the Lumas to restore the Comet Observatory and rescue Princess Peach in Super Mario Galaxy.
Rank #3
- Race from one course to another through interconnected paths that span the world
- Traverse mountains, forests, cities, and more—with shifting weather patterns and a day/night cycle
- Ride on rails, jump off walls, skim across water, and more as you race for the finish line
- Take on the adrenaline-packed Knockout Tour—a fierce 24-driver elimination mode
- Explore courses at your own pace and wander the world to discover fun surprises in Free Roam
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
