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New year, new Nintendo Switch? You need these essential games for 2020

These are all the essential Nintendo Switch games you need to play in 2020.

The Nintendo Switch is a marvelous little console. Whether you’re battling away in school or at the office, cooperating with friends and colleagues, or playing at home on your big screen TV doesn’t matter. The games are the same and always lots of fun. This is what makes the Switch so special. It is everything a hardcore gamer could want while also being able to reach out and grab people who wouldn’t normally spend much time playing video games.

What is a games console though, without games to play on it? If you’re lucky enough to have a new Switch, you need to check out our list of essential Nintendo Switch games. Even if you’ve had a Switch for a long time or have the handheld mode Switch Lite, you should check out the games below. These are the best Switch games you need to play.

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Best Nintendo Switch games 2020

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

We’re starting with a big one here. There is a fairly convincing argument that Breath of the Wild isn’t just the best game on the Nintendo Switch, the best role-playing game, or the best Zelda game but that it is actually just the best game ever. The open-world RPG really is a joy to behold and offers a truly epic adventure that is just as much fun for somebody who’s never played a Zelda game before as it is for somebody who’s grown up wanting pointy Link-like ears. You should also check out The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening and RPG fans could also try Skyrim or Octopath.

Rocket League

Rocket League sees you playing a game resembling soccer in cars that have powerful rockets that fling them all around the playing arena. The premise is simple, yet it is lots of fun to play. It is very impressive that all the physical mechanics that go into making Rocket League as fun as it is are possible on a device as small as the Switch. Team up with a buddy or go to head to head, it doesn’t matter. Rocket League offers addictive action that will draw you in and always leave you wanting to play just one match. This the type of game you pick up and then don’t put down.

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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart has been serving up manic multiplayer racing fun since the days of the Super Nintendo. Back then the SNES’s capabilities were pushed to the max to create the original game that would become a legend. The latest version on the Switch, which is like a bigger and better remastered version of the Wii U Mario Kart game is a worthy successor and offers players a lot to sink their teeth into. Lots of new game modes, characters, tracks, and power ups make this the most complete Mario Kart game yet. Also, the ease with which players can join the Switch consoles and the new online multiplayer options make the latest Mario Kart offering one of the best party games ever. Another fun party game to think about is Super Mario Party.

Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey is a fine addition to what could possibly be the most famous video game franchise of all time. As well as better graphics and a rich game world, Odyssey also brought with it fantastic level design and some key new features to Mario’s platforming action; like viewable maps and the ability to quickly travel between different lands. Above all else though, this game feels like a Mario platformer game even when you’re controlling other characters and using their powers via the innovative Cappy addition to the action. Another Mario game worth your attention is Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle.

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Pokémon Sword and Shield

Pokémon games have become almost as synonymous with Nintendo as Mario and they’re definitely as popular, if not even more so. When released the latest addition to the series might have been criticized online but it quickly became the fastest selling Switch game ever. The game plays well and offers a really compelling experience for all Pokémon fans. Pokémon fans should also check out Pokémon Let’s Go Eevee.

Luigi’s Mansion 3

Luigi’s Mansion 3 is an absolute treat of a game that only came to the Switch towards the end of 2019. With 15 floors of haunted hotel to get through, Luigi’s Mansion 3 plays a lot like the other games in the 19-year-old series yet offers more than enough fresh aspects to make the gameplay stand out on its own. This is still a hunt-and-chase puzzle game but elements like the Luigi clone made of goo brilliantly named Gooigi give a fantastic new multiplayer co-op edge to the series. This game looks like it was as fun to make as it is to play.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Smash Bros. is another classic Nintendo franchise that got the Switch treatment in style. The Switch version of of the definitive Nintendo fighting game received the Ultimate moniker because it has more characters than any other Smash Bros. game that has come before it. The roster includes the likes of Metroid’s Samus, Pokémon’s Pikachu, and Street Fighter’s Ryu. On top of that, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate also has the best single player campaign of the whole series. To put it simply, you need this game. Another great fighting game worth your attention is Splatoon 2.

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Mario Tennis Aces

Considering the amount of AAA games that can feel a little compromised on the Switch’s small screen it is a delight to tell you about a game that offers the best in class experience across all consoles including the PS4 and Xbox One. Mario Tennis Aces is the best tennis game you can play on any console even though you play as famous Mario characters rather than famous tennis players. That in itself is worth a look but the gameplay is what will really grab your attention, if you’re a tennis fan.

Tetris 99

The final game in our list of must-have Nintendo Switch games is possibly the most Nintendo game ever. When Tetris first landed on the Nintendo Gameboy its simple, yet addictive premise took the world by storm. There have been updates and remakes brought out time and again, but none have quite reached the heights of Tetris 99 for the Switch. Tetris 99 is a last man standing battle royale version of the retro classic. Yes, you read that right. You play Tetris in a battle to the death with 99 other players. That alone is why you must have it, that it is so much fun is why you won’t be able to stop playing it.

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This is how to run Android on your Nintendo Switch

Here’s how you can play Android games on your Nintendo Switch.

For most of us, the Nintendo Switch is just a really cool gaming platform, especially if you’re a fan of the litany of games under the Nintendo banner such as Fire Emblem, Breath of the Wild or the newly-released Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3. For those of us who were hoping to squeeze a little more utility out of Nintendo’s gaming console, there’s been a sad dearth of prospects on that front. Until now.

Netflix Nintendo Switch Android — Now you can watch Netflix on your Nintendo Switch!

Developers at XDA have brought the console to new levels of awesomeness by (unofficially) integrating Android 8.1, which offers a host of features that can now be accessed right on the portable gaming platform, including Netflix, streaming, and emulators to play games that otherwise cannot be played on Switch. Examples include Minecraft, Portal 2, The Simpsons Hit and Run, Pokemon Platinum, and CSR 2.

You can download Android for the Switch right here. Check out the video below that demonstrates how it all works:

If you’re worried about Android monopolizing your device, don’t fret; you can seamlessly dual boot between the Switch’s OS and Android at any time, so there’s really no reason why you wouldn’t want to install it – except perhaps due to the bugs.

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By bugs we’re referring to how you can’t take proper screenshots, the Tegra X1 not being the greatest of chip sets, and some spotty issues regarding Wi-Fi and charging detecting (the Switch is probably charging fine even if it’s reading otherwise).

Lastly, the Switch still doesn’t have any kind of mic or camera, so any Android apps that rely on them will obviously have some issues. Again, this integration is unofficial, so some drawbacks are to be expected. If Nintendo seeks to legitimize this neat feature we can expect both a ton of fixes and ton of new utility out of the console.

Stay updated with Softonic to find out if they make it official!

New Nintendo Switch is handheld only

The handheld only Nintendo Switch comes at a fraction of the price but does not offer the full Switch library.

Coming this September, Nintendo will release a new model of the Nintendo Switch. This one will be handheld only and costs $200 ($100 less than the normal model). The new model will be much smaller than the original, but will also have a longer battery life.

Unlike the original Switch, the new model will not have removable joycons. Instead, they will be built in.

Not every game in the Switch library will be playable on the new model. Only games that can be played in handheld mode will be playable. However, there will be a compatibility controller available for purchase that will allow you to play every game in the Switch library.

The new model will be available in three colors: yellow, gray, and turquoise. When Pokémon Sword and Shield come out this November, there will be two other designs based on the game’s legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta. Along with being handheld only, the model also won’t have the HD rumble and IR motion camera features.

Why Switch gamers should get a pro controller

If you want to be the best at Super Smash Bros: Ultimate, you’re going to need a pro controller!

Switch gamers, you gotta get a pro controller.

We went on a long journey through games before discovering that controllers matters. Admittedly, when we were kids, there was always “The Controller,” the one everyone wanted! You remember that controller, right? Whether it looked cooler, felt good in your hands or was just plain reliable, the kiddos would fight over it before every local game of Halo, Street Fighter, or Super Smash.

Recently, we had a revelation: the pro controller is the definitive way to play on the Nintendo Switch.

After using the pro controller for an especially long time, we switched back to the regular joy-con. This is what we learned: while joy-con’s have more versatility, they can’t stand up to the pro controller! So, let’s discuss…

Why Switch users should get a pro controller

It looks great

PS4 controllers look smooth and high-tech, which meshes perfectly well with their robust system. Xbox controllers are angular, sleek, and light, implying the system’s adaptability.

Nintendo controllers look like they were designed by a Splatoon Inkling, with shiny, round edges, and the overall Nintendo eye for design. Both versions sold at this time – plain gray and Super Smash logo – have great minimalist looks that we love. Also, much akin to the original Game Boy Colors, their clear cases also reveal some of the inner mechanisms, which never fails to be a fun design choice (in our opinion).

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It feels great

Using a PS4 controller feels like you’re grabbing onto a spaceship console: it’s precise and designed for comfort. Xbox controllers feel the wheel of a race car: they’re light, make quick turns, and are more excitable.

The Pro controller feels like chocolate. Or, you know, whatever tactile image you equate to smoothness: a tranquil pond, a hot knife through butter, the touch of a lover, whatever.

A few aspects to note: buttons are well-placed and the left thumbstick isn’t located too far away from your hand, which we greatly appreciate. It has a comfortable weight like the PS4 controller. Joy-cons and Xbox controllers are far lighter, which makes them go back and forth between feeling breakable and playfully weightless. Good and bad.

Finally, most importantly, the joysticks are a dream to use. As Xbox users, we find Microsoft’s controllers to be severely lacking in this respect: the pro controllers have smooth thumb resistance, and the dead zone (how far the stick goes before moving the character) is well-placed. In games where aiming matters – like Fortnite – this can make a huge difference.

It works great

Licensed Nintendo products, unlike the knockoff accessories, almost always have a reliable level of quality. The pro controller is no different.

Expect an excellent charge. We’ve used the controller for hours without having to plug it in, and even when that happens it charges quickly enough that you won’t be bothered by the cords restriction for too long.

Aside from that, this thing is tenacious. We’ve dropped it one too many times, but it still keeps going. You won’t get that toughness from a third-party retro GameCube controller that literally breaks after a few minutes of regular use. Not that we’ve had that experience or anything…

Finally, it has a built-in Amiibo reader. Now you can scan Amiibo during the heat of the game next time you play The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild!

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And all that means…

Really, what’s so bad about joy-cons?

The answer is: nothing. In fact, joy cons are completely necessary for the Switch. They’re an integral part of the console’s experience. You wouldn’t have nearly as much fun playing Mario Odyssey without being able to actually “throw” your friend Cappy!

But sometimes, there are games that require a little more finesse, games that require a regular controller and simply aren’t done justice by the joy-con charging grip. In those situations, when you want a good-looking controller that stays charged for an excellent amount of time, feels good in your hands, and maneuvers like a professional soccer player, we recommend picking up the pro controller.

If for no other reason, grab one because it makes beating your friends in Super Smash: Ultimate approximately 1,000 times easier!

Conclusion

When it comes down to it, it’s your choice whether or not you want a Switch Pro Controller. We believe them to be one of the best console controllers made, and it appears others agree: they have a considerable 4.5 stars with thousands of reviews on Amazon!

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Top 8 free Nintendo Switch games

Try these great free games for your Switch!

The Nintendo Switch has made big strides in the gaming industry by being the first major home console with a portable option. Along with this, it has featured many indie titles that other consoles never would’ve had before. Despite its popularity, many of its free games are unknown, which is a shame, considering how well made many of them are. Here are some of the best available if you’re interested in getting some free games for your Switch:

Top 8 free Nintendo Switch games

8. Dawn of the Breakers

Gacha games are usually exclusive to mobile, however, Dawn of the Breakers is unique as not only is it for the Nintendo Switch, it’s not featured on mobile at all. This game is an anime-style brawler with heavy inspiration from Power Rangers.

7. Arena of Valor

The first of a few titles that are both on the Switch as well as iOS and Android, this game is perfect for any fan of the MOBA genre. If you’ve played this game on mobile before, then you will be pleasantly surprised about how much better the controls are on the Switch.

Arena of Valor Free Download ►

6. Brawlhalla

Sometimes considered the free version of Super Smash Bros, Brawlhalla is a free-to-play platform fighter, that is just as addictive as its mascot-inspired brother. This game has a good roster of characters to choose from with traditional RPG-style character designs.

Brawlhalla Free Download ►

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5. Paladins

There aren’t many free console shooters, and Paladins is definitely an impressive title among these few. It is a team-based shooter, similar to Overwatch or Team Fortress 2. Fans of these games will love the colorful cast and gameplay of Paladins.

Paladins Free Download ►

4. Fortnite: Battle Royale

You may not have played Fortnite yet, but you’ve certainly heard of it. This game was one of the fastest growing games of all time, and is still incredibly popular. It’s a battle royale game with 100 players fighting it out to see who comes out alive in the end.

Fortnite: Battle Royale Download Fortnite: Battle Royale ►

3. Pokémon Quest

Pokémon has never looked so Minecraft in this cubic Pokémon adventure. This game is incredibly unique, and worth checking out if you’re interested in training something new.

Pokemon Quest Free Download ►

A beginner’s guide to Pokémon Quest

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2. Galak Z: Variant S

A unique side-scrolling shooter in space, this game is reminiscent of many classics in its genre. Despite the similarities to these classics, Galak Z also features many RPG elements that make it a unique experience for anyone to play.

1. Fallout Shelter

Another title that is featured on both mobile and the Switch, Fallout Shelter is an addictive city builder based in the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout. This game is excellent for any fan of the genre.

Fallout Shelter Free Download ►

While many of these games feature in-game purchases, almost all of them can be played in their entirety for free. This differs from many of the free-to-start games that Nintendo had on the 3DS, and can make it a refreshing change for anyone who was used to that format.

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Go, go, mario! ►

Get 12 months of Nintendo Switch online free with Amazon Prime

Play your favorite Nintendo Switch games online for free with Amazon Prime.

Amazon just made trading and battling Pokémon online way cheaper.

If you are an Amazon Prime member, you can now claim a new offer of 12 free months of Nintendo Switch Online with a Prime member account. You can get the first three months when claiming the offer, and the other nine months 60 days after making the first claim.

Amazon Shopping Download Free ►

The offer is worth $20 and is available for download from Amazon through Twitch Prime. The 12 months will stack on top of whatever time you may have already purchased for Nintendo Switch online.

This is one deal in a long line of offers Amazon has made with gamers through Twitch and Amazon Prime.

Twitch Download Free ►

Nintendo has several games that utilize online capabilities available in its store including Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee, Super Smash Bros: Ultimate, and Fortnite. With Nintendo Switch Online, you also get access to classic games from the Nintendo Entertainment System’s vast library.

Nintendo Switch gets two new models

Find out why the new Switch models might be better for you.

Coming off the Nintendo Switch’s second birthday, the much-beloved console playable at home and on-the-go will be getting two new models.

According to an article from The Wall Street Journal, the Nintendo Switch will receive two new models later this year. The first new model is a beefed-up version for more hardcore gamers who want to play with the same graphic capabilities of systems like the PS4.

The second model is supposed to be cheaper, more focused on the Switch’s handheld aspect and possibly a replacement for the Nintendo 3DS. The second model also will not have some of the features of the original Nintendo Switch (for example, that model wouldn’t have vibrating controllers).

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Nintendo is expected to announce the new systems this June at E3, and the consoles are expected to be released this summer prior to the release of “Pokémon Sword,” “Pokémon Shield” and “Animal Crossing.” This will be the first E3 for Doug Bowser, the new president and COO of Nintendo, after the retirement of Reggie Fils-Aimé back in February.

Nintendo ran out of the gate this year with several games announced in February’s Nintendo Direct, and the long-awaited eighth generation of Pokemon announced two weeks later.

The Nintendo Switch turns 2 years old

A look at the highs and lows of the incredibly popular portable console.

Happy birthday to the Nintendo Switch!

First released on March 3, 2017, the Nintendo Switch has made a huge splash in the gaming market. Bringing some much-needed momentum back to Nintendo after the Wii U flopped, the simple “portable-console hybrid” concept has resonated soundly with the gaming public. As of February, the Switch has over 32.27 million lifetime sales, which means that it has already overtaken the lifetime sales of the Wii U and Gamecube, and is on track to outpace the Nintendo 64’s lifetime sales soon.

From the massive success of the Wii to the floundering of the Wii U, Nintendo has clearly learned a lot from the past 15 years. While the Switch isn’t perfect, Nintendo is having its biggest hot streak in over a decade, and it’ll be interesting to see where they go from here. Here, we’ll look at the Nintendo Switch’s biggest improvements, innovations, and missteps.

A brief history of the Nintendo Switch

First-party knockouts

One of the biggest selling points of a Nintendo console is its lineup of excellent first-party titles. With the Switch, Nintendo once again proves that they are unequivocally the best first-party developers out there. Super Mario Odyssey took players on a breathtaking journey filled with fresh, creative new worlds and mechanics, becoming a worthy successor to Super Mario Galaxy. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is one of the best entries in the franchise and deserved a better home than the Wii U. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate celebrates the franchise’s history with an all-star cast and significant gameplay improvements. Despite being a controversial title among longtime fans, Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee sold like hotcakes and introduced the Pokémon Go generation to a more traditional game.

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And of course, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the most critically acclaimed game of the console generation, often entering talks as one of the greatest games ever. The game brings to life the sense of wonder and exploration present in the original Legend of Zelda, truly allowing players to save Hyrule in any way they see fit. The game’s deceptively complex physics and chemistry systems give players freedom in how they approach and overcome obstacles. All of this combines with a world that feels huge and fleshed out without falling victim to the typical pitfalls of open-world gaming. It is arguable that Breath of the Wild alone is worth the price of entry for a Switch.

Lifelong Nintendo fans have been gushing over Nintendo’s first-party titles so far with good reason. Super Mario Odyssey, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, and Breath of the Wild already stand as bona fide classics, and with many more first-party games on the way, the Switch’s already excellent library shows no signs of slowing down.

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Actual third-party support

One of the biggest downfalls of the Wii U was its drought of third-party support. Developers didn’t want to bother adjusting their titles for the cumbersome Gamepad, especially to an audience that was primarily interested in first-party titles. The Nintendo Switch’s portability is a much more seamless gimmick that requires little to no consideration on the part of the developer in terms of game design. This has led to the best third-party support Nintendo has had since the days of the Gamecube. Though the system’s underpowered specs lead to several major third-party games skipping over the Switch, it has still garnered an impressive third-party lineup.

Ports of major titles like Dark Souls, Skyrim, Doom, Fortnite, and Warframe run smooth as butter, with the system’s portability giving them new life. While major third-party support is still far from perfect (the system still lacks certain major sports titles like Madden, for example) the system’s third-party lineup is already solid. Upcoming major third-party titles like Mortal Kombat 11 will also hit the Switch in the near future, so Switch-exclusive owners will miss out on far fewer third-party hits than they did with other Nintendo consoles. Hopefully, popular titles like Apex Legends and Overwatch will find their way to the Switch in the future.

Indie game heaven

If you’re a fan of indie games you owe it to yourself to get a Nintendo Switch. What’s not to love about playing indie games on the go or in bed? The system already has indie juggernauts like The Binding of Isaac, Shovel Knight, Stardew Valley, Overcooked, Terriaria, Dead Cells, and Celeste. If you prefer playing indie games on a console to a PC, the portability and vast lineup of the Switch make it the obvious choice.

Many indie developers create their games nowadays with a Switch port in mind, meaning that the system should see even more indie support throughout its lifespan. Hopefully, classic indie games like Hotline Miami and Spelunky get ported soon to round out the whole package.

Nintendo proves once again they can’t do online

Oh boy, here we go. The enormous and obvious black spot on the Nintendo Switch is its abysmal online service. Even as fans have come to expect nothing about Nintendo and online, we are left disappointed as Nintendo Switch online is baffling at best and unacceptable in 2019 at worst.

At $20 a year, the service is much cheaper than Xbox Live or PlayStation Plus, yet it offers a small fraction of the value of either of those services. Having a bunch of original NES titles available is nice, but at this point, anyone who wants to play these games already has. Having either a Virtual Console or games from other retro consoles available would be of significantly more value than 20 NES games.

Additionally, basic features that were present on the original Xbox Live in 2002 are lacking on the Switch, such as party chat or direct messages. Puzzlingly, Nintendo requires a smartphone app to access basic online features like voice chat. All in all, Nintendo Switch Online is an embarrassing mess that proves Nintendo is not only completely unwilling to learn from past online mistakes, but they are confident enough to start charging money for it. We can only hope Nintendo’s upcoming collaboration with Xbox Live will jumpstart the company’s online evolution.

Looking toward the future

There are plenty of upcoming Switch games to be excited for. From new entries in long-running franchises like Animal Crossing, Bayonetta, or Luigi’s Mansion to brand new IP’s like Daemon X Machina and Astral Chain, there’s plenty to look forward to, no matter what games you play.

Especially interesting is the unprecedented partnership between Nintendo and Microsoft, which will really take shape later this year. Will they fix Nintendo’s online service? Will we get Xbox games on the Switch? The possibilities are tantalizing.

How to get Nintendo Switch games for free

If you have a Switch, you have access to dozens of free games! Here’s how to get them.

Getting a new console is the first step on the glorious journey of adventure-seeking and happy gaming. Whether it’s Undertale, Breath of the Wild, Super Smash Bros, or Fortnite, the Nintendo Switch has a colorful array of titles and characters both new and familiar.

Unboxing a new Switch doesn’t mean you own any of those titles, however, and you’ve got to drop some more money on specific games before you’re able to hop in Splatoon 2 or Stardew Valley.

Or do you?

That's right. You can play Super Mario Bros 3 literally upon unboxing. — Everything in this picture is available on Switch for free.

It’s on the down-low, but there are actually 25 games and apps that you can get on the Switch completely for free. This guide will show you how to access these free items so you’ll have something to sink your teeth into while you’re waiting on that paycheck or researching which games are going to be your top priority. Here’s where you can find a bunch of free games on Switch in 5 easy steps:

How to get free games on Switch

1. Open the Nintendo eShop

As soon as you boot up your Switch you’ll be confronted with various icons on the dashboard: Signing in, adjusting settings, syncing controllers, etc. The one that you’ll want to click on is the Nintendo eShop, which is symbolized by a bag that looks like this:

From there you'll need to sign in — Click this symbol to be taken to the Nintendo eShop

2. Sign in

After you click the eShop button you’ll have to sign in. Put in your email and password, or if you don’t have an account yet, now’s a good time to make one. You can do so right here. The process should take less than five minutes.

3. Click ‘Search’

Once you’re looking at the huge variety of games and products on the Switch store it’s time to refine our hunt.

Did we mention that Minecraft plays really well on Switch too? — The left menu can also be used to redeem codes, see new releases, or keep within your price window

Click the ‘Search’ portal on the top left and it will offer a handful of common search filters.

4. Filter by price range

From the list of available filters, simply choose the one that says ‘Price Range.’

This is also a useful filter for keeping gaming within your budget. — Click the Search portal, then filter by price range

You’ll be transported to games divided by price range.

5. View free options

Scroll down to the bottom of the page and you’ll see the category for games (and apps!) that you can download for the fabulous price of $0.

Get them now before they think better of it! — There are over 20 items you can grab for 100% free.

Click ‘view more’ in order to get the full list. On it, you’ll see options such as:

YouTube

Yep. You can get the YouTube app for free, just like on a desktop or mobile device.

Or snuggle in bed with the handheld Switch too. — Stream YouTube to your TV with the Switch!

Now you can stream videos right on your Switch!

Fortnite

Fortnite is free on desktop, console, and mobile, so why shouldn’t it be free on Switch too?

Stream it to your TV too! — The game plays really smoothly on Switch, too.

Download it now and you’ll be diving off the party bus before you know it.

Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online

For the retro gamer, this is the best news about getting a Switch: You’ll immediately have access to dozens of old Nintendo games:

Donkey Kong, Ice Hockey, Yoshi, Balloon Fight, River City Ransom, Double Dragon, Dr. Mario, and a ton more. All for free!

These 10 NES cartridges are worth a fortune

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Color Zen

One of our favorite games, Color Zen is a chill-out, zone-out game for de-stressing and relaxation.

Simply match the colors one by one and solve simple puzzles to unwind at the end of your day or pass the time. The Nintendo Switch’s touchscreen capabilities really shine in Color Zen, too.

And a lot more!

If those titles don’t grab your interest you can also get the original Zelda games, Warframe, Fallout Shelter, Pokemon Quest, Kitten Squad, Coloring Book, Brawlhalla … the list goes on. So enjoy your new gaming platform in style with the Nintendo Switch, and let us know in the comments below which free item is your personal favorite!

Xbox Live is coming to Nintendo Switch

Could this solve Nintendo’s online gaming issues?

Yes, you read that headline right.

Microsoft’s flagship online gaming service Xbox Live is coming to Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android. The news was revealed through the name of Microsoft’s upcoming presentation “Xbox Live: Growing & Engaging Your Gaming Community Across iOS, Android, Switch, Xbox, and PC (Presented by Microsoft).” The company will roll this out at the Game Developers Conference in March.

The description for the event reads: “Xbox Live players are highly engaged and active on Xbox and PC, but now they can take their gaming achievement history, their friends list, their clubs, and more with them to almost every screen.” Microsoft clearly didn’t want people to know this yet, as the conference listing has been removed from the Game Developers Conference schedule.

Almost 20 years ago, Microsoft revolutionized online gaming with Xbox Live. The service introduced many features that are now standard, like friends lists, universal usernames, voice chat, parties, achievements, matchmaking, lobbies, and more. Basically, every online gaming service, from PlayStation Network to Steam, has been built off the foundation of Xbox Live. The obvious exception is, of course, Nintendo.

Nintendo has been infamous for their complete inability to make a decent online service. For a company that makes some of the most creative and innovative games ever, online seems to be the one concept Nintendo cannot get right. From 12-digit Friend Codes to a lack of matchmaking and voice chat, Nintendo disappointed online gamers consistently, but their incompetence was tolerable enough because their services were free. Nintendo Switch Online was Nintendo’s first attempt at a premium online service, and reception has been overwhelmingly negative due to the service’s lack of basic features like built-in voice chat.

Xbox Live coming to Switch could provide a much-needed boost to Nintendo’s online community. The ability to party up with friends and chat with them through supported games would provide Nintendo fans with the functional online service they’ve begged for. While we don’t exactly know how the service will work on the Switch, it certainly can’t hurt the console’s online reputation. Also, though it’s unclear if Xbox Live would cost money on the Switch, it should be noted that the Switch version of Minecraft uses Xbox Live for multiplayer at no additional cost.

Nintendo and Microsoft have shown that they’re willing to work with each other over the past few months, including teaming up to make a commercial that promotes crossplay between their consoles. Bringing Xbox Live to Switch is the next step in this relationship, so who knows what collaborations the two companies will make in the future?