How To Download Free Games On Nintendo Switch: A Simple Guide

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How to Download Free Games on Nintendo Switch: A Simple Guide

Hey guys! Eager to expand your Nintendo Switch library without spending a dime? You're in luck! The Nintendo Switch offers a surprising number of free-to-play games and demos that can provide hours of entertainment. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to download free games on your Nintendo Switch, ensuring you can start enjoying them right away. Let's dive in!

Finding Free Games on the Nintendo eShop

The Nintendo eShop is your primary destination for downloading digital games, including the free ones. Navigating the eShop to find these gems is pretty straightforward, but here’s a detailed breakdown:

  1. Accessing the eShop: First things first, make sure your Nintendo Switch is connected to the internet. Then, from the Nintendo Switch home menu, select the eShop icon. It looks like a shopping bag with the Nintendo logo on it. Tap on it, and you’ll be prompted to select the user account you want to use to access the eShop.
  2. Navigating to the Free-to-Play Section: Once you’re in the eShop, there are a few ways to find free games. The easiest way is to scroll down the main page until you see categories like “Great Deals” or “Popular Downloads.” Keep an eye out for a “Free-to-Play” or “Free Demos” section. These sections are updated regularly, so there’s always something new to discover.
  3. Using the Search Function: If you don’t see a dedicated free-to-play section, you can use the search function. In the eShop, there’s a search bar usually located at the top of the screen. Type in keywords like “free games,” “free-to-play,” or “demos.” This will bring up a list of all available free titles that match your search. Be sure to filter your search results to narrow down your options and find exactly what you’re looking for.
  4. Exploring Game Pages: When you find a game that looks interesting, select it to view its details. Here, you’ll find information like the game’s description, user reviews, screenshots, and trailers. This is a great way to get a feel for the game before you download it. Pay attention to the storage space required, too, to make sure you have enough room on your Nintendo Switch or microSD card.
  5. Downloading the Game: If you’re ready to download, simply click the “Download” button. The game will then start downloading to your Nintendo Switch. You can check the download progress on the home menu. Once the download is complete, the game icon will appear on your home screen, ready to play.

Remember, guys, the Nintendo eShop is constantly updated with new content, so it’s worth checking back regularly to see what new free games and demos have been added. Happy gaming!

Must-Try Free-to-Play Games on Nintendo Switch

Alright, now that you know how to find and download free games, let’s talk about what to download. The Nintendo Switch has a solid selection of free-to-play games across various genres. Here are a few must-try titles to get you started:

  1. Fortnite: This battle royale phenomenon needs no introduction. Fortnite is a cultural icon and one of the most popular games in the world. In Fortnite, you and 99 other players parachute onto an island and fight to be the last one standing. The game is constantly updated with new seasons, challenges, and cosmetic items, ensuring there’s always something fresh to experience. Plus, it’s completely free to download and play, with optional in-app purchases for cosmetic upgrades.
  2. Apex Legends: Another top-tier battle royale game, Apex Legends offers a unique twist with its focus on squad-based gameplay and character abilities. Choose from a roster of Legends, each with their own unique skills and playstyles, and team up with two other players to battle it out against other squads. Apex Legends is known for its fast-paced action, strategic depth, and engaging characters, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.
  3. Warframe: If you’re into sci-fi action with a grind, Warframe is the game for you. In Warframe, you play as a Tenno, an ancient warrior awakened from cryosleep to fight against various factions in the solar system. The game features a vast array of weapons, Warframes (think customizable exosuits), and missions to complete. Warframe is known for its deep customization options and its dedicated community, making it a game you can easily sink hundreds of hours into without spending a dime.
  4. Fall Guys: While not entirely free, Fall Guys often offers free trials or limited-time events that allow you to play the game for free. Fall Guys is a massively multiplayer party game where you compete against other players in a series of wacky obstacle courses. The goal is simple: be the last bean standing. With its colorful graphics, chaotic gameplay, and endless replayability, Fall Guys is a perfect game to play with friends and family.
  5. Rocket League: Combining soccer with rocket-powered cars, Rocket League is a unique and addictive sports game that’s easy to pick up but difficult to master. Play in 1v1, 2v2, or 3v3 matches and try to score goals by hitting the ball with your car. Rocket League features a variety of game modes, arenas, and customization options, ensuring there’s always something new to try. And with its cross-platform play, you can play with your friends no matter what platform they’re on.

These are just a few of the many free-to-play games available on the Nintendo Switch. Be sure to explore the eShop and try out different games to find the ones that you enjoy the most. Remember, free-to-play games often have in-app purchases, but you can still have a great time without spending any money.

Managing Storage for Free Games

Okay, so you're excited to download a bunch of free games, but there’s a catch: storage space. The Nintendo Switch has limited internal storage, and those game downloads can add up quickly. Here’s how to manage your storage effectively:

  1. Checking Your Storage Space: First, you need to know how much storage space you have available. From the Nintendo Switch home menu, go to “System Settings,” then select “Data Management.” Here, you’ll see a breakdown of your system memory and microSD card storage (if you have one). This will give you an idea of how much room you have left for new games.
  2. Using a MicroSD Card: The best way to expand your Nintendo Switch storage is by using a microSD card. The Nintendo Switch supports microSD cards up to 2TB, giving you plenty of room for all your games, demos, and DLC. To insert a microSD card, turn off your Nintendo Switch and open the stand on the back of the console. Insert the microSD card into the slot, then turn the Nintendo Switch back on. The console will automatically recognize the microSD card and use it as additional storage.
  3. Moving Games to the MicroSD Card: If you’ve already downloaded games to your system memory and want to move them to your microSD card, go to “System Settings,” then “Data Management,” and select “Move Data Between System / microSD Card.” From here, you can choose to move games from your system memory to your microSD card, or vice versa. This is a great way to free up space on your system memory and keep your most-played games easily accessible.
  4. Deleting Games You No Longer Play: Sometimes, the best way to manage storage is to simply delete games you no longer play. From the home menu, select the game you want to delete, press the “+” or “-” button on your Joy-Con, and then select “Manage Software” and “Delete Software.” This will remove the game from your Nintendo Switch, freeing up storage space for new games. Don’t worry, you can always redownload the game later from the eShop if you want to play it again.
  5. Archiving Games: Another option is to archive games instead of deleting them. Archiving a game removes it from your home menu and frees up storage space, but it keeps the game’s icon and save data intact. This means you can redownload the game later without losing your progress. To archive a game, follow the same steps as deleting a game, but select “Archive Software” instead of “Delete Software.”

By following these tips, you can easily manage your Nintendo Switch storage and ensure you always have enough room for new free games. Happy downloading!

Staying Safe While Downloading Free Games

Alright, before you go crazy downloading every free game you can find, let's talk about safety. While the Nintendo eShop is generally safe, it’s always a good idea to be cautious when downloading anything from the internet. Here are a few tips to stay safe while downloading free games on your Nintendo Switch:

  1. Only Download from the Official Nintendo eShop: This one seems obvious, but it’s worth repeating. Only download games from the official Nintendo eShop. Avoid downloading games from third-party websites or unofficial sources, as these may contain malware or other harmful software.
  2. Read Reviews and Ratings: Before downloading a game, take a few minutes to read reviews and ratings from other users. This can give you valuable insights into the quality and safety of the game. Pay attention to any red flags, such as reports of malware or other issues.
  3. Be Wary of Suspicious Permissions: When you download a game, it may ask for certain permissions, such as access to your contacts or location data. Be wary of games that ask for permissions that seem unnecessary or suspicious. If you’re not comfortable with the permissions a game is asking for, don’t download it.
  4. Use Parental Controls: If you have children using your Nintendo Switch, be sure to set up parental controls. Parental controls allow you to restrict access to certain games and features, as well as monitor your child’s activity. This can help protect your children from inappropriate content and ensure they’re staying safe online.
  5. Keep Your System Updated: Make sure your Nintendo Switch is always running the latest system software. Nintendo regularly releases updates that include security patches and bug fixes. Keeping your system updated can help protect it from known vulnerabilities.

By following these safety tips, you can enjoy free games on your Nintendo Switch with peace of mind. Remember, guys, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Conclusion

So there you have it! Downloading free games on your Nintendo Switch is a great way to expand your gaming library without breaking the bank. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily find, download, and manage free games on your console. Just remember to manage your storage, stay safe, and have fun! Now go forth and explore the world of free-to-play gaming on your Nintendo Switch. Happy gaming, folks!