Alex Ruben
How To Download Free Nintendo Switch Games in 2024
Trying to grab some free games on your Nintendo Switch 2 without paying? Yeah, it’s kinda weird, but it’s totally doable. You just gotta know where to look and how to filter things properly. Sometimes the menu options are not super obvious. This isn’t a rocket science pitch, but a few extra tips can help avoid frustration.
Step 1: Access the Nintendo eShop
First thing, you gotta open the Nintendo eShop. It’s usually on the home screen, but if not, just hop into the menu. Use the control stick on your Switch to navigate down.
- Find Nintendo eShop and click it.
- Make sure you’re signed in with a free Nintendo account. If you haven’t done that yet, there’s an option to create one right in the eShop—super handy because of course Nintendo has to make it a little complex.
Step 2: Search for Free Games
Once you’re in, the tricky part is filtering out the paid stuff. The interface can be a little wonky. Here’s what helps:
- Hit Search on the left menu. Sometimes it’s hidden in a little icon, so be careful.
- Scroll to the bottom or select View All Software.
- Look for the drop-down menu labeled Sort By or Popularity. On some setups, it’s a little confusing—try clicking around if you don’t see it right away.
- Select Price: Low to High.
This should bring all free titles to the top, which is kinda the whole point. Honestly, on some machines, this filtering doesn’t always work the first time, or it resets if you navigate away. Just repeat if needed — it’s frustrating but not impossible.
Step 3: Download a Game
Find that free game you wanna try, maybe Fortnite or some demo. When you click on it, you’ll see the game page, with lots of info and screenshots. To download:
- Scroll down to the bottom of the page, where you’ll see Free Download.
- Click that button, and the game should start downloading silently in the background. No fuss, no fuss.
Note: On some setups, the download might show as paused or stuck initially. Just resume it or restart the console if needed. Sometimes a quick reboot helps clear up weird download glitches.
Step 4: Alternate Search Method
If filtering doesn’t do the trick, another tip is to use a more refined search:
- Go back to the Search page.
- Look for Filtered Search or advanced filters—if your version supports that.
- Set the Price Range to Free Download or similar.
- Hit the search button, and hopefully all free stuff will appear—sometimes the search results are less cluttered this way.
Step 5: Access Your Downloads
Once your game kicks in, you can find it right on your home screen. All your downloaded titles will be lined up there, ready to play. Just tap and enjoy. If the game isn’t there immediately, give it a minute and check your download queue.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Some things worth keeping in mind from the trenches:
- Make sure you’re connected to a reliable internet connection. Slow or unstable Wi-Fi can fumble downloads or make them fail.
- Check if there’s a system update pending—sometimes outdated firmware causes weird bugs.
- If your downloads freeze or hang, try turning the Switch off completely and turning it back on. Power cycling can fix minor hiccups.
- Sometimes downloading via Ethernet (if you’ve got an adapter) helps speed things up and reduces connection hiccups because Wi-Fi can be sketchy.
Conclusion
Getting free games on your Switch 2 isn’t complicated, but the interface can be a little finicky. Messing around with sort filters and search options usually gets the job done. Just keep trying if it doesn’t work right away. The main thing is to be persistent and patient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download demos for games on Nintendo Switch 2?
Yeah, plenty of demos are free and easy to find in the eShop. Usually they’re marked clearly, so just browse or search for demos specifically.
What if my download gets stuck?
Try pausing and resuming it or turning the console off then on again. Sometimes, you just gotta give it a little nudge. And ensure your internet isn’t having a bad day.
Are there any subscription fees to access the eShop?
Not to just browse or download free titles, no. But a Nintendo Switch Online subscription is needed if you want to play online multiplayer or access some exclusive free-to-play titles.
Summary
- Open the Nintendo eShop and sign in.
- Use the search filters and sort by Price: Low to High.
- Click on free titles and tap Free Download.
- Check downloads in your home menu once they’re done.
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Good luck hunting down those free games!