Part of Nintendo Switch Online’s offerings is Game Trials, free trial versions of games that you can play for a limited time. Game Trials offer the ability to play the entirety of games during the period, provided you can put in the hours. Read on for more info about Game Trials, how they function, and what Game Trials are available now:
What Game Trials are upcoming or currently available?
Japan
There are currently no Game Trials offered in Japan.
North America
A Little to the Left, Cursed to Golf, and Vampire Survivors are all offered as a Game Trials in North America from October 23rd to October 30th, 2024.
Europe, Australia, and New Zealand
Minecraft Dungeons, A Little To The Left, and Cursed to Golf are all offered as a Game Trials in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand from October 23rd to October 30th, 2024.
What are Game Trials?
Game Trials are free and full versions of games that you can download for a limited time if you have Nintendo Switch Online. When the trial period ends (or your NSO subscription runs out) the Game Trial will no longer be playable. Unlike a demo, you can play the entirety of a Game Trial game during the allotted period.
How do I download Game Trials?
Assuming you have an NSO membership, click on the “Nintendo Switch Online” icon from your Switch’s home screen, go to the “Game Trial” tab, and click “Download” for any currently available Game Trial.
Do you need to connect to the internet to play Game Trials?
After downloading, you’ll need to connect to the internet once after every restart of your Switch to initially access the Game Trial. Thereafter, you don’t need internet access to play until you restart again (unless the game itself has online features, of course).
Is there online crossplay between Game Trial players and those who own the full version?
Yes.
Can you purchase/use DLC for the Game Trial?
Yes – though if you want to use it after the Trial period ends, you’ll need the full version.
Does save data from Game Trials carry over into full versions of the game?
Yes, save data from NSO Game Trials carry over to the full version of the game.
More Nintendo Switch guides
Looking for more help with your Switch? Check out our other guides!
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Written by Amelia Fruzzetti
A writer and Nintendo fan based in Seattle, Washington. When not working for NinWire, she can be found eating pasta, writing stories, and wondering about when Mother 3 is finally going to get an official localization.
