If you want to fill out your Switch game library without spending a dime, there are some brilliant free demos to download from the eStore. None of them offer a complete gaming experience, but you can still bag dozens of hours of excellent gameplay for free.
You’ll find all of these available for download in the Nintendo eShop, though be aware that since some are so large they can take up almost as much room as a full game.
10Metroid Dread
The demo forMetroid Dreadgives you about an hour of adrenaline-fuelled action as you explore your underground surroundings, grab upgrades inclassic Metroidvania style, and race to escape the deadly EMMI robots that will snuff you out of existence if given half a chance. It gives a tantalising taste of one ofthe best Switch games, but the demo is also satisfying to play on its own, ending with a climactic boss fight and another cool power-up.
Metroid Dread
WHERE TO PLAY
Metroid Dreadsees the return of Samus, this time on the Nintendo Switch. The iconic bounty hunter is in for a thrilling and terrifying ride as she finds herself outrunning mysterious and deadly machines that will stop at nothing to catch her.
9Rayman Legends
Originally released on the Wii U,Rayman Legendsis considered by many to be one of the best 2D platformers of all time, so you should definitely check out theDefinitive Edition’sfree demo on the switch. You only get three levels to play through, but they’re designed to perfection and worth enjoying even if that’s all you ever play of it. You will struggle resist the temptation to buy the gamenext time it’s on deep discount, though.
Rayman Legends
Following a long hiatus, Rayman returned to his platforming ways in 2011 withRayman Origins.Rayman Legendsis the sequel toOrigins, and it is regarded as one of the best platform games from the seventh generation of home consoles. The game features excellent level designs, ridiculously smooth character movement, and eye-catching visuals that are bursting with color.
8Sea of Stars
Sea of Starsis an absolutely gorgeous 2D, pixel art,JRPG adventure. The demo drops you about an hour into the main game, letting you get a good taste of the varied gameplay as you explore, battle, and solve puzzles in its fantasy world. That does mean your progress won’t carry on to the full game if you choose to buy it, but at least you’ll get to see the start of the adventure.
Sea of Stars
Set in the same world as 2018’sThe Messenger, Sabotage Studio’sSea of Starsis an RPG that takes inspiration from Japanese classics likeChrono Trigger. Featuring a dynamic turn-based combat system and platforming-based exploration, Sea of Stars is an ambitious and gorgeous addition to the role-playing genre.
7Ori and the Blind Forest
Ori and the Blind Forestis a stunningly beautiful (and heartbreaking) Metroidvania, and one of my favorite Switch games (along with its follow up,Ori and the Will of the Wisps). The game sees you take control of an adorable rabbit-like spirit that needs to restore life to the forest of Nibel. You’ll be fighting enemies, exploring the dark depths of the forest, and exercising Ori’s acrobatic abilities to traverse the magical world in this 40-minutes-or-so demo. Also, beware the tear-jerking opening!
Ori and the Blind Forest
Moon Studios’Ori and the Blind Forestis a Metroidvania that focuses on platforming rather than combat. Ori, a guardian spirit, heads out on a journey to bring balance back to Nibel’s forest. Originally released on Xbox One and PC, the game’s Definitive Edition was eventually ported onto the Nintendo Switch.
6Dave the Diver
The hour-long demo forDave the Divergives you a succulent taste of itstotally addictive and chilled gameplay loop, making it incredibly difficult to avoid buying the full game (especially as you can transfer your save across to it). The game sees you diving into the sea to harpoon fish, then running your own sushi restaurant to serve up whatever you caught. You then use your profits from the restaurant to upgrade your fishing gear to catch better fish, and rinse and repeat.
Dave the Diver
Dave the Diverputs players into the shoes of a deep-sea diver who’s in charge of a sushi restaurant.
5Octopath Traveler II
Octopath Traveler IIoffers a generous three of hours of gameplay for the demo, which still leaves plenty of game left to discover if you go for the full purchase. Enjoy turn-based battles with a varied cast of eight new characters in the classic JRPG sequel from Square Enix.
Octopath Traveler 2
The next installment in theOctopath Travelerseries sees eight new adventurers setting out across the lands of Solistia to make their mark on the world. Developer Square Enix and Acquire unveil new and exciting 2D and 3D visuals for this expansive traditional RPG.
4Pikmin 4
The latest and greatestPikmingame has a generous, multi-hour demo on the Switch. Admittedly, there’s a lot of dialog and tutorial to get through at the start, but once you’ve skipped through all that you’ll quickly be into the well-honed gameplay ofPikmin 4. That means amassing an army of the little colored creatures to do your bidding as you search for parts and crew members scattered across the land.
Pikmin 4
Pikmin 4is the latest installment in Nintendo’s real-time strategy puzzle series. The game sees players take on the role of a Rescue Corps rookie as they explore a strange and unusual planet with the help of their fellow Rescue Corps team members, their loyal space pup Oatchi, and, of course, the titular Pikmin.
3Factorio
The demo forFactoriomay only let you play the tutorial, but that’s still well over 10 hours of gameplay. There’s so much to do, it’s easy to forget you’re still playing a demo in it.
In it, you find yourself on an alien planet, and must mine the resources to get your way off of it. After mining some resources, you can build machines to mine what’s left more efficiently. Then, you may as well add a conveyor belt and a robot arm to automate stashing those resources. Want more power? Set up a generator and hook up your machines with electricity. Alien bugs keep attacking? Time to build some automated weapons. Before long, you’ll have built up an incredibly complex and satisfying network of machinery working tirelessly for you, and all of that’s in the demo.
Factorio
Wube Software’sFactoriois a construction and management sim set on an alien planet. After crash-landing on a hostile world, an engineer sets out to mine resources in pursuit of creating a rocket that can take them off the planet.
2Dragon Quest Builders
Dragon Quest Buildersis another ridiculously generous 10-hour demo. It’sa Minecraft-style adventurethat sees you fighting monsters, harvesting materials, and building blocky structures to develop your own village. It’s easy to get lost in, and you don’t need to be familiar with theDragon Questseries to enjoy it—although there are plenty of little references there if you know what to look for. There’s also a demo for the sequel,Dragon Quest Builders 2, if you like what you play of this one.
Dragon Quest Builders
InDragon Quest Builder’s world of blocks, everything that you see can be materials used to create! Farm ingredients, craft various items and build your base to unite the people roaming the ruins. From buildings to entire towns, you have the freedom to make your village your very own.
1Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age
And topping our list is another unbelievably generous demo fromDragon Quest, but this time for the mainline series withDragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age. This 3D JRPG adventure, with charming animation and a vast world to explore, offers over 10 hours of gameplay to get stuck into with the demo.
That gives you plenty of opportunity to discover the challenging turn-based battles, the sprawling environments, the diverse monsters to vanquish, and the engaging story. Once the demo’s up, you’ll be able to transfer your save to the full game should you wish to purchase it as well—which you will.
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Ageis an epic JRPG adventure that continues the iconic series. You’ll engage in turn-based battles, explore vast landscapes, discover powerful gear, and much more.
This list only scratches the surface of free demos available on the Nintendo eShop. There are countless more to check out—long and short—which let you spend weeks of your life building a Switch library without ever paying for anything. That won’t happen, though, as you’ll definitely be tempted to pay for the full experience after playing most of these demos.
Nintendo Switch
Nintendo’s latest console lets you take your console gaming on the go. Start up a game at home on your TV, then pull the Switch out of the dock and you can continue right where you left off.
