A Complete Guide To Nintendo Switch Freebies Game Trials Digital Rewards And Physical Perks

Nintendo Switch users have access to various types of free content, including game trials, promotional free games, digital profile icons, and physical rewards. While Nintendo may not be as generous with free games as some other gaming platforms, the company periodically offers valuable free content through different channels. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the current freebies available to Nintendo Switch users, how to obtain them, and what to expect from future offerings.

Game Trials on Nintendo Switch

Nintendo offers Game Trials, which allow players to try full versions of games for a limited time without purchasing them. These trials are typically available in specific regions and have time restrictions. According to available information, several Game Trials have been offered across different regions:

• Prison Architect: Nintendo Switch Edition was available as a Game Trial in Europe
• The Jackbox Party Pack 6 was available as a Game Trial in North America
• Daemon x Machina was available as a Game Trial in Europe and Japan
• Minecraft Dungeons was available as a Game Trial in North America, with a separate trial available in Europe

These Game Trials provide users with an opportunity to experience full games before committing to a purchase. The availability of these trials may vary by region and time, so users should check the Nintendo eShop regularly for current offerings. Game Trials represent a significant value proposition for consumers, allowing them to test games thoroughly before making a financial commitment.

Digital Rewards and Profile Icons

Nintendo offers a wide variety of digital rewards through the Nintendo Switch Online service and My Nintendo program. Among the most popular of these are profile icons, which allow users to customize their profiles with designs from various Nintendo franchises.

According to information from a Reddit user cited in one source, over 2,000 icons were obtainable as of February 2024. These icons are categorized by franchise, with some notable distributions:

• Over 400 Splatoon icons
• Nearly 600 Animal Crossing icons
• 45 Metroid Prime icons

For the holiday season, Nintendo released special holiday-themed profile icons for Nintendo Switch Online. These icons include holiday takes on various Nintendo franchises, including Super Mario, Zelda, Pikmin, and Splatoon. Unlike many of the other free profile icons that have been offered, these holiday ones were not released in waves; all of them were made available at the same time, and could be claimed through December 25th at 5 p.m. PT.

The profile icons cost significantly less than physical rewards, with these holiday ones available for just 10 Platinum Points each, while backgrounds were priced at 5 points each. This makes digital rewards accessible to even casual players who may not accumulate large numbers of points.

Physical Rewards Through My Nintendo

In addition to digital content, Nintendo offers physical rewards through the My Nintendo program. These rewards require more Platinum Points but provide tangible items that fans can display or use in their daily lives.

For the holiday season, Nintendo offered two physical rewards:

• A Super Mario Holiday Ornament, available for 500 Platinum Points
• A 2024 desktop calendar featuring art from games like Super Mario Bros. Wonder, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Splatoon 3, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons, available for 400 Platinum Points

It's important to note that shipping is not included with these physical rewards. Users should consider this additional cost when deciding whether to redeem their Platinum Points for physical merchandise.

Unlike digital items, the ornament and calendar were available while supplies last. As of the time of reporting, both of these items were still available, but readers should be aware that some of the better My Nintendo freebies have been claimed quickly. Anyone interested in claiming physical rewards might want to act fast once they become available.

Earning Platinum Points

Nintendo offers both Gold Points and Platinum Points as rewards, but these are obtained differently. Gold Points are only awarded through purchases and can then be put towards buying digital games through the eShop. Platinum Points, however, cannot be used for game purchases but can be redeemed for other freebies.

One of the advantages of Platinum Points is that Nintendo offers numerous ways to earn them without requiring users to spend money. Nintendo Switch Online subscribers can find opportunities to earn points by completing missions found in the Switch Online section on the system's dashboard. Players can often earn Platinum Points by:

• Playing specific games through one of the various retro apps
• Playing games online
• Checking out a limited-time game trial
• Visiting the Nintendo Store in New York City

These no-cost methods of accumulating Platinum Points make it possible for dedicated players to earn enough points for desirable rewards without making additional purchases.

Nintendo Switch 2 Freebies

Looking ahead to the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console, Nintendo has already announced some freebies that will be available from the start. According to information from the official Nintendo Today app, Nintendo Switch 2 owners will have access to dozens of Pokémon-themed NSO (Nintendo Switch Online) Icons for their profiles immediately after first booting up the systems.

These icons will include standard icons for all Starter Pokémon from Generation 1 (Charmander, Bulbasaur, Squirtle and Pikachu) to Generation 9 (Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly), as well as Pikachu, Eevee, and a Poké Ball.

Notably, users won't need an active Nintendo Switch Online membership to claim these icons, as they will come pre-installed on the Nintendo Switch 2 regardless of subscription status. This represents a significant enhancement to the user experience from day one, ensuring that even new console owners can immediately begin customizing their profiles with Nintendo's most recognizable characters.

Maximizing Your Nintendo Freebies

To make the most of Nintendo's free content offerings, users should consider several strategies:

First, regularly check the Nintendo eShop for new Game Trials. These limited-time opportunities can provide hours of entertainment without any cost, allowing players to experience games they might otherwise have overlooked.

Second, participate consistently in time-sensitive free game promotions. These promotions may be tied to holidays, anniversaries, or other events, and missing them could mean waiting for another opportunity that may not come.

Third, earn and accumulate Platinum Points through gameplay and activities. By taking advantage of all the no-cost methods of earning points, players can build up enough currency to redeem for both digital and physical rewards.

Fourth, claim profile icons when available, especially limited-time designs. These icons often commemorate special occasions or anniversaries and may not be available again in the future.

Finally, consider whether physical rewards justify the additional shipping cost. While the rewards themselves are free, the shipping fees can sometimes make them less appealing than digital alternatives.

Conclusion

Nintendo Switch users have multiple avenues for accessing free content, including Game Trials, promotional free games, digital profile icons, and physical rewards. While Nintendo may not offer as many free games as some competing platforms, the quality and variety of available free content can provide significant value to users.

The My Nintendo program serves as the central hub for most free content, requiring users to accumulate Platinum Points through various activities. These points can then be redeemed for a range of digital and physical rewards, from profile icons to holiday ornaments and calendars.

As the Nintendo Switch 2 approaches, users can look forward to pre-installed Pokémon-themed icons that will be available from day one, expanding the free content offerings on the next-generation console. With no subscription requirement for these icons, even casual players will be able to enjoy these enhanced customization options.

By staying informed about current promotions, regularly checking for new Game Trials, and consistently earning Platinum Points, Nintendo Switch users can maximize their value and enjoyment from the console's free content offerings.

Sources

1. Nintendo Switch Free Games Trials And Digital Rewards A Complete Guide To Current Promotions
2. Here's the list of all demos, Free 2 Play titles, Game Trials, and other freebies on Nintendo Switch!
3. Nintendo fans looking to decorate their homes for the holiday season are in luck, as the company has revealed two new rewards that can be obtained free through the My Nintendo program