Nintendo Drops Free Switch 2 Game, No Subscription Needed

The Nintendo eShop has just gained a new release that’s totally free to claim for all Nintendo Switch 2 users, no Nintendo Switch Online subscription required.

As spotted by Comic Book, Gameloft’s Asphalt Legends Unite has finally been ported to Nintendo’s new-gen console, and this native version is yours to claim and enjoy at no cost whatsoever.

Given that it is a free-to-play title, there are microtransactions within Asphalt Legends Unite, but you don’t need to entertain those if you just want to experience what the base game has to offer.

For those who are unfamiliar with Asphalt Legends Unite, it's an arcade-style racer that actually originally landed in 2018.

It’s gone by several names over the years including Asphalt 9: Legends, Asphalt Legends, and Asphalt Legends Unite.

The Unite part refers to a hefty update that landed back in 2024 which improved the game’s graphics and UI.

The game landed on the original Nintendo Switch in 2019 with the Unite update arriving on the console in August of 2024.

Now, a native Nintendo Switch 2 version has finally landed.

Gameloft

“Speed through intense arcade races, perform jaw-dropping stunts, and charge to victory in the coolest hypercars,” the synopsis reads.

“Join global multiplayer races, challenge up to seven opponents across platforms, or dominate in local split-screen. Connect with friends, create private lobbies, and join racing Clubs for exclusive rewards.

“Choose from over 250 hypercars such as Ferrari and Porsche, conquer iconic tracks worldwide, and enjoy high-speed racing with detailed vehicles and stunning effects. Customise your ride with unique paint, rims, and parts to showcase your style on the road to racing greatness!”

It can’t be easy launching a racer on Nintendo hardware.

In the case of the Nintendo Switch 2, you’re going head to head with behemoth titles like Mario Kart World and Kirby Air Riders.

Still, Asphalt Legends Unite has the benefit of being free whereas those two aforementioned titles will set you back close to £75.

Nintendo’s Consoles Aren’t Short of Great Free Games

If that’s not your speed, no pun intended, there are plenty of other great free-to-play games on Nintendo Switch consoles - and no, I’m not talking about obvious heavy hitters like Fortnite or Marvel Rivals.

Sky: Children of the Light is one of my personal favourites.

It’s an open-world adventure from the creators of Journey where you’ll restore lost light, complete quests, and solve puzzles in a large magical world.

It has the same wordless charm as Journey, with players forming strong unspoken bonds with one another.

Palia is also well worth downloading. This is a cosy life sim with MMO elements.

Players explore a magical world as they cook, fish, and farm. Unravel a mystery about the ancient humans that reappear within this land.

You don’t need to spend money to have fun.