• Trials
  • Irregular
  • Checked against official sources

Nintendo Switch Online Game Trials

by Nintendo

Nintendo periodically lets Switch Online members download and play a full paid game for a limited time. Save data stays if you buy the game afterwards.

Key facts

Schedule
No fixed schedule — drops appear without notice
How long it stays free
A full game is playable free for about a week (e.g. Aug 7 10:00 PT to Aug 13 23:59 PT, 2026).
What you need
Paid Nintendo Switch Online membership (base tier is enough); some trials need a Switch 2
Where
Mainly US, Canada and Mexico eShop; other regions run their own trials
Do you keep it?
No — it is free only during the window
Last checked
1 November 2026

How to claim Nintendo Switch Online Game Trials

  1. 1Make sure your Nintendo Switch Online membership is active.
  2. 2Open the Nintendo eShop and select Nintendo Switch Online in the left menu.
  3. 3Choose the current Game Trial and select Download.
  4. 4Play until the trial ends; remaining time shows on the game's icon.

Tips and gotchas

  • Your save data is kept after the trial ends, so you can continue if you buy.
  • Check console compatibility - some 2026 trials were Switch 2 only.
  • An internet connection is needed to start the trial after a restart.

Where this information comes from

Checked by hand on 1 November 2026 against these pages. Providers change their programs without notice — the official page always wins.

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