Nintendo Switch users can enjoy a Mario freebie for a limited time

Sometimes, despite how a game might be presented in a pre-release trailer or the positive words that fans may say across social media, we can never be 100% sure whether a video game might be the right fit for us. This is why free playable demos and trials are of the utmost importance.

Regardless of whether it’s a playable demo or trial on platforms such as Steam, PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo, they often provide us with the best indication of whether it’s money well spent should we decide to purchase the full game. Yet, that’s not always the case, especially if sneaky microtransactions or an extended grind are implemented post-launch, which has happened on several occasions.

Check out the Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope trailer below!

Hopefully, one such game that shouldn't be a waste of money is the 2022 turn-based strategy game Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, a sequel to Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle on Nintendo Switch in 2017.

“Team up with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Rabbid Peach, Rabbid Luigi, and their friends on a galactic journey to defeat a malevolent entity and save your Spark companions. Explore planets throughout the galaxy as you uncover mysterious secrets and compelling quests,” reads the description of the game.

In our review of Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, we said, “Anyone who was on the fence about Kingdom Battle and ultimately didn’t pick it up, know this: you’ll be missing out on a really special Switch exclusive, a triumph of IP-twisting fun and frolics, if you let a little nonsensical genre bias get in the way."

So, if you were one of those on the fence, now could be the perfect time to see if Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is a game for you. As long as you subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online, you can download and play Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope for free until 14 July 2024.

What’s more, not only will all your progress carry over into the full game should you decide to make the purchase, but you can also take advantage of the ‘Gold Edition’ which includes all season pass content and bonus DLC with a 67% saving until 14 July. However, from what I can tell at the time of writing, this deal is only available in the US and not the UK but hopefully that will change soon.

That being said, the free trial seems to be available in most regions. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is out now exclusively on the Nintendo Switch.