Introduction
Mario, the iconic mustachioed plumber, has been a staple in the gaming world for decades. From his early days in “Super Mario Bros.” to the expansive adventures in “Super Mario Odyssey,” Mario games have captivated millions of players worldwide. While the Nintendo Switch offers a fantastic platform for enjoying Mario games, the cost can sometimes be a barrier. Fortunately, there are several ways to access Mario games for free or at a significantly reduced cost. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various strategies and methods to help you get free Mario games on Nintendo Switch.
Understanding Free and Discounted Game Access
Before diving into specific methods, it’s important to understand the different types of “free” game access. These can include:
Promotional Offers: Temporary access to games during special promotions or events.
Trials and Demos: Limited-time access to game demos or trial versions.
Nintendo Switch Online Membership: Access to a library of classic games.
Rewards Programs: Earning points through purchases or activities that can be redeemed for games.
Giveaways and Contests: Opportunities to win games through various events.
Borrowing and Sharing: Using family or friends’ accounts and game libraries.
With this foundation, let’s explore each method in detail.
Promotional Offers and Special Events
Nintendo occasionally runs promotional offers and special events where players can access games for free. Keeping an eye on these opportunities can help you snag free Mario games.
Nintendo eShop Promotions
Sales and Discounts: Periodically, Nintendo offers significant discounts on games during sales events, such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and seasonal sales. While these might not be completely free, the discounts can be substantial.
Free Game Weekends: Occasionally, Nintendo runs events where specific games are free to play for a weekend. Check the eShop regularly for announcements.
My Nintendo Rewards
Platinum and Gold Points: By participating in activities like logging into the eShop, completing missions, and purchasing games, you can earn Platinum and Gold Points. These points can be redeemed for discounts or even full games, including Mario titles.
Special Rewards: Keep an eye on the My Nintendo Rewards page for special offers that might include free games or substantial discounts on Mario titles.
Partner Promotions
Sometimes, Nintendo partners with other companies for promotional events. For example, purchasing certain products might come with a code for a free game. Stay informed about such promotions through Nintendo’s official channels and newsletters.
Trials and Demos Mario Games
Demos and trials provide an excellent way to play Mario games for free, albeit with limitations.
Game Demos on the eShop
Mario Game Demos: Many Mario games have free demos available on the Nintendo eShop. While these are not the full games, they offer a taste of the gameplay and can be quite enjoyable. Titles like “Super Mario Odyssey,” “Mario Tennis Aces,” and “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” often have demos.
Nintendo Switch Online Game Trials
Exclusive Game Trials: Nintendo Switch Online members occasionally receive access to full game trials for a limited period. These trials allow you to play the full game for a week or so. Keep an eye on the Nintendo Switch Online news section for announcements about upcoming trials.
Nintendo Switch Online Membership
A Nintendo Switch Online membership can give you access to a variety of classic Mario games at no additional cost.
Classic Game Library
NES and SNES Games: Nintendo Switch Online subscribers have access to a library of classic NES and SNES games, many of which feature Mario. Titles include “Super Mario Bros.,” “Super Mario Bros. 3,” “Super Mario World,” and more.
N64 and Expansion Pack: For those who subscribe to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, additional titles like “Super Mario 64” are available.
Special Offers and Promotions
Exclusive Discounts: Nintendo Switch Online members often receive exclusive discounts on games and add-ons. These discounts can sometimes be substantial, making it easier to access Mario games at a lower cost.
Rewards Programs and Points
Taking advantage of rewards programs can help you earn free Mario games over time.
My Nintendo Rewards
Earning Points: Engage with the Nintendo ecosystem by purchasing games, completing in-game missions, and participating in promotional activities to earn points.
Redeeming Points: Use your accumulated points to get discounts or even free games. Regularly check the My Nintendo Rewards page for new offers.
Credit Card Rewards
Some credit cards offer rewards programs that can be leveraged to get free Nintendo games.
Cashback and Points: Use cashback or points earned from your credit card to purchase eShop gift cards or directly buy Mario games.
Promotional Offers: Occasionally, credit card companies run promotions where you can earn extra points or cashback on specific purchases, including gaming-related items.
Giveaways and Contests
Participating in giveaways and contests can be a fun way to win free Mario games.
Online Giveaways
Social Media Contests: Follow Nintendo and other gaming influencers on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. They often host giveaways where you can win free games by participating in simple activities like sharing a post or tagging friends.
Gaming Websites: Websites dedicated to gaming news and reviews, such as IGN, GameSpot, and Kotaku, occasionally run contests and giveaways.
Community Events
Local Events: Check out local gaming events, conventions, and tournaments. These events sometimes have giveaways and raffles where you can win free games.
Online Forums: Participate in gaming forums and communities like Reddit, where members frequently share information about upcoming giveaways and contests.
Borrowing and Sharing
Borrowing games from friends or family or sharing accounts can provide access to Mario games without purchasing them.
Game Borrowing
Physical Copies: If your friends or family members own physical copies of Mario games, ask if you can borrow them. This is a straightforward way to play without spending money.
Game Sharing: Some Mario games support local multiplayer, allowing you to play together using a single copy of the game.
Digital Game Sharing
Nintendo Switch Game Sharing: Nintendo Switch allows you to set one console as your primary console and share games purchased on that account with other users on the same console. Coordinate with friends or family to share games and reduce overall costs.
Taking Advantage of Free Trials and Promotions from Retailers
Retailers sometimes offer promotions that include free games or significant discounts.
Retailer Promotions
Bundle Deals: Keep an eye out for bundle deals that include a Nintendo Switch and a Mario game. During holidays and special events, retailers often bundle games with the console at no extra cost.
Store Credit Promotions: Some retailers offer store credit or gift cards with the purchase of a Nintendo Switch or other products, which you can use to buy Mario games.
Subscription Services
Amazon Prime Gaming: Occasionally, Amazon Prime members receive free games or in-game content through Prime Gaming. Check regularly to see if any Mario games are included.
Other Subscription Services: Other subscription services, such as Humble Bundle, occasionally include Nintendo Switch games in their bundles. While not common for Mario games, it’s worth keeping an eye out for special promotions.
Utilizing Parental Controls and Family Accounts
Setting up family accounts and using parental controls can help you manage game access and spending.
Family Group
Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership: A family membership for Nintendo Switch Online can be shared among up to eight accounts, significantly reducing the cost per person. This membership includes access to the classic game library, which features many Mario titles.
Family Sharing: Create a family group to share purchased games and access among multiple family members. This allows everyone to enjoy Mario games without needing to purchase multiple copies.
Parental Controls
Managing Purchases: Use parental controls to manage and limit game purchases, ensuring that children only access games that are free or within a set budget.
Reward Systems: Implement a reward system where children can earn game time or access to new games by completing chores or achieving certain milestones.
Leveraging Educational and Institutional Programs
Some educational programs and institutions offer resources and opportunities to access games for free.
Educational Programs
School Programs: Some schools and educational programs incorporate video games into their curriculum or offer access to gaming consoles and games as part of after-school activities.
Library Programs: Check with local libraries to see if they have gaming consoles and games available for borrowing. Some libraries offer game lending programs similar to book lending.
Institutional Partnerships
Corporate Partnerships: Some companies partner with Nintendo to offer employees access to games as part of wellness or team-building programs. Check with your employer to see if such programs are available.
Conclusion
Playing Mario games on the Nintendo Switch for free or at a reduced cost is possible through various legitimate methods. Whether you take advantage of promotional offers, participate in rewards programs, enter giveaways, or share games with friends and family, there are numerous strategies to help you access your favorite Mario titles without breaking the bank. By staying informed about promotions, utilizing Nintendo’s services effectively, and exploring community-driven opportunities, you can maximize your gaming experience while minimizing costs.
