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!
- What is a Game Trial?
- Is a Game Trial the same as the demo version of a game?
- How do I download a Game Trial?
- Do I need an internet connection to play a Game Trial?
- How much longer can I play a Game Trial?
- Can I play a Game Trial online with players who own the game?
- Can I purchase add-on content (DLC) for the Game Trial?
- Will my save data from a Game Trial carry over if I purchase the game?
- What happens to a Game Trial after the trial period ends?
What is a Game Trial?
A Game Trial is a free, downloadable full version of a game made available to Nintendo Switch Online members. The Game Trial is playable for a limited period of time. After the trial period ends or your Nintendo Switch Online membership expires, the Game Trial will no longer be playable.
Is a Game Trial the same as the demo version of a game?
No. A Game Trial allows you to experience the full game, but it is only playable for a set period of time.
How do I download a Game Trial?
If you reside in the United States, Canada, or Mexico, a Game Trial can be downloaded from the Nintendo eShop:
- Open the 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 Trial and choose Download to download the Game Trial.
- You can track the status of the download from the HOME Menu.
Do I need an internet connection to play a Game Trial?
An internet connection is needed to download a Game Trial and to initially access the Game Trial any time after you restart console. After starting a Game Trial, an internet connection is only required to play online or use other online features within the game.
How much longer can I play a Game Trial?
You can view your remaining time to play a Game Trial from the game’s icon in the HOME Menu.
Can I play a Game Trial online with players who own the game?
Yes, if the game has online play. A Game Trial allows you to experience the full game, including any online features the title may include.
Can I purchase add-on content (DLC) for the Game Trial?
Yes. You can purchase any available DLC for the game and access it in the Game Trial. DLC cannot be played separately from the game that supports it—when the Game Trial ends, you will no longer be able to access the DLC unless you purchase the game.
Will my save data from a Game Trial carry over if I purchase the game?
Yes. Your save data for a Game Trial is not deleted when a trial ends, so you can pick up where you left off if you purchase the game.
What happens to a Game Trial after the trial period ends?
After the trial period ends, the Game Trial will no longer be playable. You can delete or archive the game trial from your Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch at this point. You can also purchase the game and continue where you left off using the save data from the trial. If you purchased DLC for the Game Trial, you will only be able to access it again after you purchase the game.
