Game Trials FAQ
With a Nintendo Switch Online membership, you can play limited-time trials of select games on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch!
Game Trials are free, downloadable full versions of games made available to Nintendo Switch Online members. Each Game Trials event is playable for a limited period of time. After the trial period ends or your Nintendo Switch Online membership expires, the Game Trials event will no longer be playable.
No. A Game Trials event allows you to experience the full game, but it is only playable for a set period of time.
If you reside in one of the countries where Nintendo Account is available, a Game Trials game can be downloaded from Nintendo eShop:
Open Nintendo eShop using a Nintendo Account with an active Nintendo Switch Online membership.
Select Nintendo Switch Online from the left-hand menu to view any currently available Game Trials.
Select a Game Trials game, then select Download to download it.
You can track the status of the download on the HOME Menu.
An internet connection is needed to download a Game Trials game and to initially access the game any time after you restart your console. After starting a Game Trials game, an internet connection is only required to play online or use other online features within the game.
You can view your remaining time to play a Game Trials event from the game’s icon on the HOME Menu.
Yes, if the game has online play. A Game Trials event allows you to experience the full game, including any online features the title may include.
Yes. You can purchase any available DLC for the game and access it during the Game Trials event. However, DLC cannot be played separately from the game that supports it. When the Game Trials event ends, you will no longer be able to access the DLC unless you purchase the game.
Yes. Your save data for a Game Trials event is not deleted when the event ends, so you can pick up where you left off if you purchase the game.
After the event period ends, the Game Trials event will no longer be playable. You can delete or archive the game from your Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch console at this point. You can also purchase the game and continue from where you left off using the save data from the event.
If you purchased DLC for the Game Trials game, you will only be able to access it again after you purchase the game.