Since the 2020s started, the free-to-play video game market has only continued to grow. Given how much it can cost to keep a gaming library, it makes sense that fans often turn to free-to-play games to make things easier on their wallets. Even Nintendo fans might occasionally want a break from Nintendo’s first-party titles for something else.
Fortunately, Nintendo has a fairly deep library of free-to-play games for players to draw on. They’re not limited by genre, as everything from MMOs to MOBAs are available for those interested. Better still, some of the biggest games in the world are free-to-play, so fans are missing out if they haven’t given at least a few free-to-play titles a shot.
Disney Speedstorm Is A Fun Racing Game With Tons Of Disney Fanservice
Disney SpeedstormImage via Gameloft
Nintendo’s Mario Kart franchise normally dominates the conversation for racing games on Nintendo consoles. However, fans looking for something different that still features iconic characters can turn to Disney Speedstorm. The game features a massive cast of characters from both Disney and Pixar, each boasting their own upgradeable skills that make every race unpredictable and fun.
Players can play the game solo or with friends in online and local multiplayer, allowing for endless hours of competitive racing. Gameloft has ensured new characters and tracks are constantly being added, leading to over 100 racers from classic Disney franchises. Combine that with all the customization options, and many Disney fans will quickly find themselves making this part of their regular rotation.
Disney Speedstorm
Systems
Released
September 28, 2023
ESRB
E for Everyone due to Mild Fantasy Violence, In-Game Purchases
Developer(s)
Gameloft
Publisher(s)
Gameloft
Engine
Jet Engine
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer
Overwatch 2 Is Still A Peak FPS Experience
Overwatch 2 Zarya BubbleImage via Blizzard
Blizzard transformed the first-person shooter game with Overwatch, and aimed to continue the evolution with Overwatch 2. The game takes the original game and expands on it, offering a game with dozens of heroes and over 30 maps. For a game that’s still updating every month, that’s a ton of content for new players to try.
While Blizzard took a ton of flak for not delivering on some of their promises with Overwatch 2, that doesn’t stop it from being a great game. On the contrary, it still offers some of the most polished multiplayer FPS combat, with some of the best-feeling movement and shooting around. Combine that with its great art direction and neat lore-filled trailers, and it’s no wonder it still has such a massive fanbase.
Overwatch
Systems
Released
May 24, 2016
ESRB
T for Teen: Blood, Use of Tobacco, Violence (online interactions not rated)
Developer(s)
Blizzard
Publisher(s)
Blizzard
Engine
Proprietary
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer
Fall Guys Became A Massive Hit For A Reason
Image via Mediatonic
At one point, it was a global sensation, and years later, Fall Guys is still one of the best free-to-play games that isn’t pay to win. While it’s technically a battle royale, it’s one without the usual guns and violence expected of the genre. Instead, Fall Guys is more like an obstacle course show in video game format.
Fall Guys challenges players to survive platforming mini-games across multiple rounds. Each round eliminates more and more players until there’s just one remaining to get the coveted crown. The purposefully wonky controls and cute little beans that players control are all designed to remind players not to take things too seriously for once and just have fun.
Fall Guys
Systems
Released
August 4, 2020
ESRB
E for Everyone: Mild Cartoon Violence
Developer(s)
Mediatonic
Publisher(s)
Epic Games
Engine
Unity
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer
Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel Captures The Feeling Of Real Yu-Gi-Oh
A player looks at their hand in Yu-Gi-Oh! Master DuelImage via Konami
Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel brings the experience of the Yu-Gi-Oh TCG online. While Duel Links provided a simplified version of the game for players, Master Duel aims to be as close to the physical card game as possible. Though it remains a set or so behind the main game, it’s still a good enough approximation for people who want to enjoy the game on their consoles.
Master Duel offers a ton of events to keep players invested in playing online, but for those who hate playing against randoms, there are other options. Master Duel surprisingly has a ton of solo content that players can go through, while picking up new playstyles and learning the lore. As digital card games go, there’s no better one available for free on the Switch.
Palia Lets Players Create A Relaxing Life
Image via Singularity 6 Corporation
MMOs don’t quite have the popularity they once did, but the Nintendo Switch still has a solid free-to-play MMO in Palia. In Palia, players get to experience a fantasy sim where they can craft their perfect slow life. It’s a title that encourages crafting, exploration, and making friends over combat.
That’s not to say there isn’t a story or combat, however. Palia asks players to discover what happened to the old humans, which can lead them into plenty of combat situations. Still, that’s far from the focus of the game, and players can instead spend dozens of hours fishing, farming, and building their ideal home if they want.
Palia
Systems
Released
August 10, 2023
ESRB
E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Alcohol Reference, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Tobacco
Developer(s)
Singularity 6, Inc.
Publisher(s)
Singularity 6, Inc.
Engine
Unreal Engine 4
Multiplayer
Online Co-Op
Tetris 99 Turns Tetris Into A Battle Royale
Tetris 99Image via Arika
Tetris 99 allowed Tetris to make a huge comeback when it came out in 2019. Developed by Arika but published by Nintendo, Tetris 99 became a free game for all players who had access to Nintendo Switch Online. A twist on the classic Tetris formula, the game centered around 99 players battling it out to be the last person standing.
While the battle royale formula has grown tired, Tetris 99 is enough of a departure from the norm to still be exciting. There’s still the perfection that classic Tetris is known for, but with the added difficulty of potentially having other players sending their “garbage” rows of tetrominoes to clear. It can be frantic, but those who can reach the Tetris flow state will find it impossible to turn this game away.
Tetris 99
Released
February 13, 2019
ESRB
E For Everyone
Developer(s)
Arika
Publisher(s)
Nintendo
Engine
NintendoWare Bezel Engine
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer
Pokémon Unite Turns The Pokémon Experience Into A MOBA
Pokemon UniteImage via TiMi Studio Group
Pokémon Unite tries something new by entering the world of MOBAs. Like any good fusion, Unite is a solid MOBA title, but it also retains everything fans have always loved about Pokémon. It falls to players to capture Pokémon to strengthen their starter and gain new moves, while also beating the Pokémon held by the opponent.
Unsurprisingly, Pokémon Unite has been one of the more popular titles to release for the Switch, garnering over 200 million downloads. Unsurprisingly, Nintendo and TiMi Studio Group have been consistent with their support, constantly adding new Pokémon to the game. For fans of Pokémon, Pokémon Unite might be one of the best ways to pass the time while waiting for Generation 10.
Pokémon Unite
Systems
Released
July 21, 2021
ESRB
e
Developer(s)
TiMi Studios
Publisher(s)
The Pokemon Company
Engine
Unity
Warframe Is The Best Free-To-Play Co-Op Game
warframe is still one of the most played gamesImage via Digital Extremes
Digital Extremes’ Warframe has maintained positive reviews for years for a reason. As a member of the warrior race known as the Tenno, players battle against alien threats using power suits of armor known as Warframes. Granted a single frame and a spaceship, players are set loose inside the solar system, free to travel to any planet they want to continue the mission of the Tenno.
Warframe is the ultimate free-to-play experience for fans looking for PvE content. Digital Extremes has been developing Warframe for a decade, meaning there are tons of missions, planets, and Warframes for the player to chase. The studio is also keen on making sure its monetization isn’t aggressive, so it usually provides players with enough resources to meaningfully progress.
Warframe
Systems
Released
March 25, 2013
ESRB
M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Violence
Developer(s)
Digital Extremes
Publisher(s)
Digital Extremes
Engine
Evolution Engine
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer
Rocket League Offers Limitless Racing Fun
Rocket LeagueImage via Psyonix
Psyonix’s Rocket League is one of the best competitive multiplayer titles around. Merging racing and soccer, players work together in teams to try to knock a ball into the opposing team’s goal, while blocking that team from gaining any points. Though originally a premium title, Rocket League went free to play in 2020 and has only grown in popularity since then.
While Rocket League seems simple on the surface, it’s that very simplicity that’s kept it popular for so long. The concept is easy to understand and hard to master, meaning it’s welcoming even to inexperienced players. Meanwhile, Psyonix has added tons of modes to keep players from ever getting bored with the gameplay after they’ve gotten used to it.
Rocket League
Systems
Released
July 7, 2015
ESRB
E for Everyone: Mild Lyrics
Developer(s)
Psyonix
Publisher(s)
Psyonix
Engine
Unreal Engine 3
Multiplayer
Local Multiplayer, Local Co-Op, Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer
Fortnite Is More Than Just A Single Game Now
Fortnite DLC imagesImage via Epic Games
Fortnite has become one of the biggest titles in gaming, which makes it all the more impressive that it’s completely free to play. It made its way into the battle royale genre early on, and managed to hold on even as countless other battle royales fell off. Still, while it’s free, players will doubtlessly find themselves spending money on all their favorite fictional characters.
Even without those characters, Epic Games stays offering crossovers with other properties, allowing them to do things like replace the entire map with Springfield from The Simpsons. Honestly, it’s difficult not to see Fortnite as one of the best values in gaming. It isn’t just a battle royale anymore, offering Rocket Racing, a CounterStrike-like mode in Ballistic, and a GTA mode in LEGO Brick Life.
Fortnite
Systems
Released
September 26, 2017
ESRB
T for Teen – Diverse Content: Discretion Advised, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
Developer(s)
Epic Games
Publisher(s)
Epic Games
Engine
Unreal Engine 5
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op
