You just spent $300 on a new OLED console. Maybe more. Then you look at the eShop and realize that The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is still $70, even years after launch. It hurts. Nintendo is notorious for keeping their prices high, rarely offering the massive 90% discounts you see on Steam or the PlayStation Store.
Honestly, it’s frustrating.
But here’s the thing: you don't actually have to pay full price for everything. In fact, you don't have to pay anything at all for a huge chunk of the library. If you're looking for how to get free Nintendo Switch games, you have to navigate a minefield of "free code generators" (which are always scams) and actual, legitimate methods that Nintendo itself supports.
Let's get the legal stuff out of the way first. I'm not talking about piracy or "jailbreaking" your Switch. Modding your console is a one-way ticket to getting your hardware banned from online services. We’re looking at the real ways to fill your Home Screen without spending a dime.
The Gold Point Strategy Most People Ignore
Nintendo has a loyalty program called My Nintendo. It sounds like corporate fluff, but it’s literally free money. When you buy a physical game, you can claim Gold Points. Most people forget to do this. You have to hover over the game icon on your Home Screen, hit the + button, and select "Earn Points."
For digital purchases, it’s automatic. Each Gold Point is worth one cent. It doesn't sound like much until you realize that 500 points is $5. I’ve personally grabbed smaller indie titles like Among Us or Dicey Dungeons entirely for free just by stacking points from other purchases.
There’s a catch, though. Physical game points must be claimed within one year of the game’s original release date. If you buy a used copy of Breath of the Wild today, you probably can't claim those points because the window has closed. Digital points, however, are always granted. It’s a slow burn, but it’s the most consistent way to get "paid" games for zero dollars.
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Free-to-Play Isn't Just Mobile Garbage Anymore
There was a time when "free" meant "bad." That’s not the case on the Switch. Some of the most played games on the platform cost exactly $0.00.
Fortnite is the obvious one, but look deeper. Fall Guys is a blast for local multiplayer. Rocket League is a mechanical masterpiece that transitioned to a free model years ago. Then you have the heavy hitters like Warframe, which offers hundreds of hours of content without forcing a purchase.
One of the best-kept secrets is Pokémon Unite. It’s a MOBA, similar to League of Legends, but with Blastoise and Pikachu. If you’re a competitive person, you can climb the ranks without spending a cent. Just be careful with the in-game shop; they’ll try to tempt you with "holowear" skins for your Pokémon. You don't need them. Stick to the gameplay and the game stays free.
The Hidden Gem: Tetris 99 and F-Zero 99
If you have a Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) subscription, you have access to "free" games that are exclusive to the service. I know, you’re paying for the subscription, so it’s not technically free, but many people have NSO for Mario Kart and don't realize these games are sitting there.
Tetris 99 is a battle royale version of the classic puzzler. It is frantic. It is addictive. And F-Zero 99 does the same for the high-speed racing genre. These aren't just demos; they are full, competitive experiences.
Why Your Local Library is a Gold Mine
This is the tip that actually blows people's minds. Go to your local public library. No, seriously.
Modern libraries have evolved. Most major city libraries now carry a massive selection of Nintendo Switch cartridges. Because Switch games are small and durable, they are perfect for lending. You can go to the catalog, place a hold on Super Mario Odyssey, and pick it up a few days later.
You get the full game. You get the updates. You can play it for two or three weeks and then return it. If you’re a fast player, you can finish an entire $60 AAA title in a weekend and pay nothing but the gas money to get to the library. Some libraries even use an app called Libby or Hoopla to manage their physical inventory requests. Check yours. It’s a game-changer for anyone on a budget.
Digital Demos That Are Basically Mini-Games
Don't sleep on the "Demos" section of the eShop. Some developers are incredibly generous with how much they let you play.
Take Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age. The demo for that game is roughly 10 hours long. You can play through the entire opening act, and the best part? Your progress carries over if you ever decide to buy the full version.
Monster Hunter Rise and Kirby and the Forgotten Land also have substantial demos. If you just want something new to play for an afternoon, downloading three or four demos can give you a solid 5-6 hours of entertainment without requiring a credit card. It’s a great way to "test drive" the console's capabilities.
Game Trials: The 7-Day Sprint
Every now and then, Nintendo offers "Game Trials" for NSO members. These aren't demos. They are the full game made free for a limited time, usually a week.
I've seen games like Dead Cells, Spiritfarer, and even Mario Tennis Aces pop up in these trials. If you have a free weekend, you can absolutely blast through a game like Spiritfarer in that window. Keep an eye on the "Nintendo Switch Online" icon on your bottom menu bar. They announce these trials there, and they usually happen once every month or two.
The "Free Code" Scam Warning
I have to be the bearer of bad news here. If you see a YouTube video or a TikTok promising a "secret website" that generates free eShop codes, run. These sites are designed to steal your data or force you into "human verification" loops that make the site owner money while giving you nothing. There is no such thing as a code generator. Nintendo’s servers are some of the most secure in the world; a random website isn't going to bypass their encryption to give you a $50 gift card for filling out a survey about Starbucks.
Swapping with the Community
If you have physical games you're bored with, use them as currency. Sites like r/GameSwap on Reddit or local Facebook Marketplace groups are perfect for this.
You might have Pokémon Sword and someone else might have Fire Emblem Engage. Both are valued roughly the same. Meet in a public place (like a police station lobby or a busy coffee shop), swap the carts, and boom—you have a "new" free game. It’s the oldest trick in the book, but in the digital age, we often forget that physical media has trade-in value.
Actionable Steps to Build Your Library
To maximize your collection without spending money, start with these three steps:
- Audit your current shelf: Hit the + button on every physical game you own to see if you have unclaimed Gold Points. Use those points to buy a "Free" indie game in the "Great Deals" section of the eShop.
- Filter the eShop: Go to the "Search" tab, select "Price Range," and scroll all the way to the bottom to find the "Free" category. Download Rocket League, Asphalt 9, and Delta Rune (Chapters 1 and 2 are free).
- Check your Library: Look up your local library's online catalog. If they don't have Switch games, ask if they do "Inter-library loans." They can often pull a game from a different branch just for you.
Gaming is an expensive hobby, but it doesn't have to be a drain on your bank account. Between the massive F2P library, the loyalty points, and the power of a library card, you can easily keep your Switch busy for years without ever touching a "Buy" button.