2025 Free Nintendo Switch Games And Holiday Offers For Us Gamers

The Nintendo Switch has become a go-to platform for gamers who want flexibility and variety. While many titles come with a price tag, a growing number of free-to-play games and promotional events offer users the chance to enjoy high-quality gaming experiences without spending money. These free games range from battle royale titles and action adventures to cozy life simulators and sports hybrids. Additionally, special holiday events like "Switchmas" and other giveaways provide unique opportunities to collect multiple games for free over a limited time. This article outlines the best free-to-play games on the Nintendo Switch in 2025, details ongoing promotions, and explains the rules and requirements for accessing these offers.

Best Free-to-Play Nintendo Switch Games in 2025

Free-to-play games on the Nintendo Switch offer a variety of genres and styles, making them ideal for gamers looking to explore without an upfront cost. These titles are often available directly through the Nintendo eShop, and some are enhanced by multiplayer or seasonal updates. The following are among the most popular and well-received free-to-play titles in 2025.

Apex Legends

Apex Legends is a battle royale game that has gained widespread popularity due to its fast-paced action and team-based gameplay. It is particularly well-suited for the Nintendo Switch, offering an immersive first-person perspective that enhances the competitive experience. Players can team up with friends to fight against opponents in a shrinking map, using a mix of weapons, abilities, and strategies to eliminate the competition.

One of the key advantages of Apex Legends on the Switch is its accessibility. The game is free to download and play, making it an excellent option for those who want to try out a battle royale experience without a financial commitment. However, it should be noted that a Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required to access online multiplayer features.

Tetris 99

Tetris 99 is a unique take on the classic Tetris formula, incorporating battle royale elements. In this version, players compete against each other in real-time, with the objective of keeping their Tetris board as clean as possible. The game becomes increasingly challenging over time, and players can use in-game items to hinder their opponents.

Tetris 99 is not only a nostalgic throwback to the iconic puzzle game but also a competitive multiplayer experience. However, a Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required to access the online mode, and the game must be downloaded from the Nintendo eShop.

Rocket League

Rocket League is a hybrid of racing and sports, where players control cars that are used to hit a ball into the opponent’s goal. The game is fast-paced, highly addictive, and offers both solo and team-based gameplay. Rocket League is free to play on the Nintendo Switch, and it is compatible with the latest Switch 2 hardware due to Nintendo’s backward compatibility efforts.

The game can be played locally with friends or online, and it supports co-op play with up to three players per team. Rocket League is a great option for those who enjoy sports and action games and want to try out a free title that offers high replay value.

Fortnite

Fortnite remains one of the most popular free-to-play titles on the Nintendo Switch. Known for its Battle Royale mode, Fortnite pits up to 100 players against each other in a shrinking map where the goal is to be the last one standing. The game is regularly updated with new content, including seasonal events and in-game items, which keep the experience fresh.

While Fortnite is free to play, it does include in-game purchases for cosmetic items such as skins, emotes, and character outfits. These are optional and do not affect gameplay, making the game accessible to players who prefer to play without spending money.

Super Kirby Clash

Super Kirby Clash is a free action game based on the popular Kirby franchise. It features local multiplayer support for up to four players and allows teams to challenge each other in boss battles. The game is designed for quick sessions and is ideal for casual gamers or those looking for a fun party game.

Players can customize their Kirby characters with different abilities and weapons, and the game includes a crafting system that allows for the creation of new items to enhance gameplay. Super Kirby Clash is available for free through the Nintendo eShop and is compatible with both the original Switch and the newer Switch 2 hardware.

Palia

Palia is a cozy life and farming simulator that offers a relaxing experience for players who enjoy simulation and crafting games. The game places players in a fantasy world where they can build and manage their own farm, interact with villagers, and complete quests. Palia is inspired by popular titles such as Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley, offering a similar blend of exploration, building, and social interaction.

Palia is free to play and supports co-op multiplayer, allowing players to team up with friends to build and manage their farms together. The game is ideal for those who enjoy a slower-paced, creative experience and want to explore a fantasy world without the need for large time commitments.

Knockout City

Knockout City is a free-to-play online multiplayer sports game that combines elements of dodgeball and fighting games. The game features fast-paced action where players use special dodgeballs to knock out their opponents and score points. It is ideal for those who enjoy competitive and quick-paced gameplay.

Knockout City supports multiplayer sessions with friends and offers a variety of modes and challenges to keep the gameplay engaging. The game is available for free through the Nintendo eShop and is optimized for both the original Switch and the newer Switch 2 hardware.

Special Promotional Offers and Giveaways

In addition to the variety of free-to-play games, there are also special promotional offers and giveaways that allow players to access multiple free games over a short period of time. These events are often time-limited and require specific conditions to be met in order to participate.

Switchmas 2025

Switchmas is an annual event hosted by No Gravity Games, a platform that offers free games to Nintendo Switch users. In 2025, the event will take place from December 12th to December 19th, during which 10 free games will be released on a daily basis. Additionally, a grand finale will feature three more games for those who complete the entire chain.

To participate in Switchmas, players must first claim the previous day’s game before they can access the next one in the lineup. If a player misses a game, they can still continue the chain by purchasing the missing game at a reduced price. The offer is only available for accounts in the Americas region.

One of the benefits of Switchmas is that many of the games offered are brand new and have not been part of the event in previous years. This gives players the opportunity to collect exclusive titles that would otherwise be unavailable for free.

No Gravity Games Holiday Giveaway

In addition to Switchmas, No Gravity Games also runs a separate holiday giveaway where players can claim free games by signing up for their newsletter. The first game in this giveaway is Bullets & Brains, a top-down 3D shooter that allows players to fight against an endless army of enemies. The game is available for free to those who sign up for the newsletter, and additional games can be claimed by following the rules of the promotion.

The No Gravity Games holiday giveaway is designed to help players build a library of free games over the course of the holiday season. Each game becomes available at midnight PT and must be claimed within the same day before 11:59 PM PT.

Eligibility and Redemption Rules

When participating in free game promotions or giveaways, it is important to understand the eligibility and redemption rules to ensure that all games can be accessed without issues.

Account Requirements

Most free-to-play games and promotional events require a Nintendo account to download and access the games. Additionally, some games, such as Tetris 99 and Fortnite, require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to access online multiplayer features.

For promotions like Switchmas, players must have a Nintendo account assigned to the Americas region. This is necessary to ensure that they can access the games and complete the chain without restrictions.

Redemption Process

To redeem free games during promotional events, players must download the games from the Nintendo eShop while they are still available. Each game in the lineup is only available for a limited time, typically 24 hours, and must be added to the player’s library before the deadline.

For events like Switchmas, players must ensure that they have all previous games in the chain before they can access the next one. If a game is missed, it can be purchased at a discounted price to continue the chain.

In-Game Purchases and Optional Features

While many free-to-play games are available at no cost, they often include optional in-game purchases for cosmetic items, characters, or other enhancements. These purchases are not required to play the game and are considered optional extras.

For example, Fortnite and Rocket League offer in-game purchases for cosmetic items, but these do not affect gameplay or progression. Players can choose to ignore these purchases and continue to enjoy the game without spending money.

Conclusion

The Nintendo Switch offers a wide range of free-to-play games and promotional events that provide excellent opportunities for gamers to enjoy high-quality titles without spending money. From battle royale games like Apex Legends and Fortnite to action games like Rocket League and Tetris 99, there are options to suit a variety of tastes and preferences. Additionally, special events like Switchmas and the No Gravity Games holiday giveaway allow players to collect multiple games for free over a short period of time.

To make the most of these opportunities, players should familiarize themselves with the eligibility and redemption rules for each promotion. Ensuring that a Nintendo account is set up in the correct region and that all previous games in a chain are claimed can help avoid issues when accessing new titles. Additionally, understanding the optional in-game purchases available in free-to-play games can help players make informed decisions about whether to spend money or continue to play for free.

For those who enjoy gaming and want to explore new titles without a financial commitment, the Nintendo Switch offers an excellent platform with a variety of free games and promotions to choose from. With a bit of planning and awareness of the rules, players can take full advantage of these opportunities to build a diverse and enjoyable gaming library.

Sources

1. Best Free Switch Games 2025
2. Free-to-Play Switch Games
3. Switchmas 2025
4. Best Free Games on Nintendo Switch
5. Free eShop Games for the Holidays