The “free” games you get with your Nintendo Switch online subscription can only be played for one month.
Nintendo is doing a lot of new things with its new Switch console, including the addition of an actual proper online service. The service is paid, but like PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold, it does come with some perks. One of those perks is a “free NES or SNES game every month.” At the time of its reveal, there was a bit of confusion surrounding this. We assumed it would work like PlayStation Plus, in that you get to keep the free game after the month is up, but Nintendo has now confirmed that the “free” game will only be playable for one month, unless you buy it.
“Confirmed by NOA,” Tweeted Wired’s Chris Kohler. “Monthly free classic game on Switch is indeed only available for that month.”
“After a month, you can no longer PLAY the monthly Switch online classic unless you buy it,” he clarified in a second Tweet.
Rivals Microsoft and Sony offer Games With Gold and PS Plus Free Games which do not expire at the end of the month (although they do become unplayable if your subscription lapses).
Source: Chris Kohler
