12 Free Nintendo Switch Games To Play In February, Including 10/10 Hidden Gem

The Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 have a surprising number of free games to play on the Nintendo eShop. Some are gems! Others are... Less reputable.

Fortunately, I've been through and scrubbed the Nintendo eShop to bring you genuinely great free Nintendo Switch games, available in February 2026.

I've made sure that there's something for everyone in this list, from shooters to cosy games. So, no matter what kind of games you enjoy, check out our list of the best free games available on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch Games To Play Instead Of Highguard

If Highguard’s launch was as disappointing for you as it was for so many others the below games are for you.

Apex Legends: Highguard was made by devs who previously worked on Apex Legends but the game has since cut all ties with the battle-royale shooter. It’s still there and playable for free though.

Fortnite: It was always going to be on this list. Fortnite has dominated the free-to-play space and I don’t think anything is going to kick it off its throne.

Super Animal Royale: This is one that’s probably slipped under your radar but deserves your attention. In this game a wide variety of forest critters go head-to-head in a “fight for furvival” as the description puts it.

Pac-Man 99: Like it or not this is a battle-royale game, and arguably more intense than the gameplay Highguard offers. It’s Pac-Man as you’ve always known it, except this time you’re competing with other players, and can sabotage or be sabotaged through clever gameplay tactics.

Bandai Namco

Dragon Ball GEKISHIN SQUADRA: As a Dragon Ball fan I’d be remiss to not suggest you play this one, especially following some of the recent announcements regarding the continuation of the anime. It’s a team-based game that sees you build a squad from several iconic Dragon Ball characters, you can’t go wrong.

Free Platforming Perfection on Nintendo Switch

Nintendo consoles are known for their platforms so these games feel right at home on the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.

Fall Guys: it’s had its ups and downs over the years but at it’s core Fall Guys is still a lot of fun especially if played with friends. Like Fortnite it’s one of the best free-to-play games out there, so give it a go if you haven’t already.

Ninjala: While it’s more of s team-focused multiplayer game it Ninjala combines platforming elements into a competitive battle-royale where players use their ninja-powers to come out on top.

Stumble Guys: I’m cheating a bit here but Stumble Guys is worth checking out if you didn’t like Fall Guys. The main difference is there are more power-ups and game-changing gadgets which does make it a bit pay-to-win, but it’s good fun nonetheless.

Open-Worlds And Hidden Gems

Palia: Palia is a game we’ve covered before and for good reason. It’s a charming open-world adventure game that not only looks gorgeous but has a wealth of content to explore. If the latest Animal Crossing: New Horizons update just isn’t hitting, try this instead.

Sky: Children of the Light: This is the hidden gem we were talking about. Sky: Children of the Light is a magical experience that sees you explore a variety of islands floating in the sky, and uncovering a mystery that’s been hidden for aeons.

thatgamecompany

There’s A New Manager In Town

Fallout Shelter: If you’ve been enjoying Season 2 of Fallout then Fallout: Shelter might be worth checking out, especially if you’re like me and still have those annoying adverts on Amazon Prime Video. You’ll build and organise your very own Vault-Tec vault and you’ll even be able to invite some iconic Fallout characters in to stay.

Pokémon Café ReMix: We all knew a Pokémon game would end up on this list, it is a Nintendo one after all. While I could have suggested Pokémon Unite, I think Pokémon Café ReMix will have a broader appeal, as who wouldn’t want to own and manage a café that serves their favourite ‘mon?

EDITOR'S NOTE - I have over 1000 hours in Pokemon Unite. You should play that one too.