We played the cheapest games you can buy on Nintendo Switch, but are they any good?

While we all love a good bargain, cheap doesn’t always mean cheerful. Sometimes it leads to regret, and wishing you’d bought a couple of Freddo’s with your pennies instead. But there’s also always the chance you’ll stumble onto some real treasure.

That’s why we decided to raid the bargain bin end of the Nintendo Switch eShop for the 10 cheapest games we could find to see if taking the risk on low-cost titles is ever worth. We’ve ranked them from worst to best, and ruled out the best free-to-play games (that’s another minefield altogether) and anything on sale as that felt like cheating – the sort of games that won’t stay cheap forever! We also focused on picking just one title if it was part of a series, and aimed to try out as many different genres as possible.

There’s a huge number of games that cost 89p, but are any of them worth it? The games here are the absolute cheapest ones you can buy on your Switch right now.

10. Jigsaw Masterpieces – Be The Cube – 89p

This is the only game on this list where I feel like I’ve been conned.

It’s a very simple jigsaw game; move pieces one by one onto a canvas to make up the picture. That part of it is surprisingly satisfying, as pieces snap together to form a whole photo. However there are only a few images available in this version of the game – to actually get a decent amount of puzzles to play with, you have to pay more than you did for the base game.

It feels really stingy and mean-spirited for what amounts to a set of stock photos of animals.

9. Super Meatball – Wowwow technology – 75p

This party game is essentially what would happen if you tried playing Rocket League on the dinner table. You pick a cute car and then try to bump a meatball into a giant shark mouth at either end of a table.

This would be a cute take on the genre if it worked and maybe had more than one dining set up to play on. The single-player is just a ‘practice’ mode that has you drive around on your tod, and multiplayer is no fun when the meatball gets stuck to your kart and no one can score a goal. I wish I had spent the money on a Dairy Milk instead – I’d be a lot more satisfied.

8.

Words With Freds – Mokuzai Studio – 89p

No, it’s not a typo, though sadly there are also no Freds to be found in this word game – it’s just a complete rip off of Wordle. Guess a five-letter word and it’ll tell you if you’ve hit a correct letter, then keep guessing within six turns to figure it out. The one thing this has going for it is that you’re not limited to one puzzle a day, but there are no extra twists or anything of interest.

If you want to pay for an endless Wordle clone then this is for you, but why would you when there are so many better, free versions to find online?

7. Funny Truck – RandomSpin Games – 89p

Adding a laughter track and fart noises does nothing to hide the lack of hilarity in this tiny vehicle playground. You steer a red truck around a small arena filled with ramps and trampolines as people spill out the back and ragdoll all over the floor.

This is very much a game for five-year olds, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. A simple space with funny noises and bouncy movement with no end goal is perfect for a young kid, but if your preschool years are behind you this is a complete waste of your money. Save up for a Gregg’s sausage roll instead.

6.

Escape Game & Card Search Game R01M – AlignmentSharp – 80p

Have you ever been stuck outside of an AirBnB trying to figure out how to get the keys from the lockbox? This is like that but in reverse; you’re trapped inside a small flat (with questionable taste in decor) trying to get out. There are a lot of little puzzles to solve that you can find the solutions to by poking around bookcases and peering out the windows.

Unfortunately, quite a lot of them are really obtuse and it doesn’t feel like you’re actually puzzling anything out, and while the price tag feels about right for the experience, it’s not fun. Save up for something like The Room instead.

5. Toree 3D – Diplodocus Games – 89p

This 90s-inspired platformer is a throwback to the days when all animal protagonists wore sunglasses and the world was more angular.

You play as a chick who jumps across rooftops collecting stars while chasing down a being that has stolen his ice cream. It starts off cute, with pink skies and smiling faces, but things get weirdly sinister as you go on and you start getting chased by groaning, distorted stars. There are nine main levels with a few hidden remixed ones and the weight of Toree’s jump takes a little getting used to, but once you get going the flow and layout of each level is really satisfying.

It’s no Mario, but the platforming could happily go toe-to-toe with other, costlier games in the genre.

4. WBSC eBaseball: Power Pros – Konami – 79p

There’s no way this game should be this cheap. At less than the cost of a bag of crisps, this cutesy but surprisingly complex baseball sim is a steal.

OK, so you need to actually know a fair bit about the sport to make the most out of it, but with a surprisingly active community and loads of throwing, batting and fielding options to experiment with there’s a lot here to tuck into. A word of warning though: you will get absolutely battered in online matches – the existing playerbase is hardcore.

3. The Rusty Sword: Vanguard Island – Plow Games – 89p

A short, zelda-inspired action adventure game that sees you land on a small Island in search of treasure.

With retro sprites and some lovely art, The Rusty Sword is surprisingly well-polished for such a tiny game. With just the one dungeon to explore, and only a few simple items such as bombs to break walls and a sword for attacking, there isn’t a lot here – I completed the whole thing in 30 minutes – but what is here it does well. The enemies provide a decent amount of challenge, as do the puzzles.

It may be small, but it feels just right for the price point.

2. Nicky The Home Alone Golf Ball – QuByte Interactive – 89p

A neat find from the bargain bin of Nintendo eShop, this is essentially a mini golf game, but instead of windmills and water features, you have to putt your way out of a house and across town to reach the big boy’s golf club. It’s more than simply navigating through platforms – there are puzzles to solve along the way, and it can get quite challenging.

Nicky, your weirdly anthropomorphised golf ball hero, can’t walk (despite having legs). Instead, you have to pick the right angle and strength of hit to knock him over plant pots and the like, or into rolling footballs to solve obstacles and reach your goal. It’s a really simple mechanic, but it works well and makes for a satisfying afternoon distraction.

Republique: Anniversary edition -Camouflaj – 82p

The pricing on this one has to be a mistake.

They must have missed an extra zero, because this star-studded stealth game shouldn’t be this cheap. David Hayter and Jennifer Hale lend their voices to this tale of a young woman captured by a totalitarian regime trying to make her escape. You play by hopping between security cameras and computers, guiding her through a facility while avoiding detection.

It’s definitely not the best stealth game out there, the camera angles can get frustrating and the story lacks any kind of subtlety, but for 82p you get a good 6-10 hours of a thoroughly decent game.

Tags:

franco-manca listed on couponmatrix.ukgoddiva listed on couponmatrix.uklaptops-direct listed on couponmatrix.uknoom listed on couponmatrix.ukslam-jam-socialism listed on couponmatrix.ukthe-telegraph listed on couponmatrix.uk
franco-manca listed on couponmatrix.ukThe sourdough superheroes at Franco Manca are experts in fresh, traditional pizza made the Neapolitan way. Check out the delicious vegetarian specials topped with halloumi, roasted courgettes and plum tomatoes or indulge in a meat feast with cured ham, mozzarella, ricotta and wild mushrooms. Feeling fancy? Opt for a classic Franco Manca salad for a lighter lunch that doesn’t compromise on flavour. Whether dining at a Franco Manca restaurant or getting your pizza delivered to your doorstep, you’ll want a Franco Manca discount from Groupon to cut a slice from your bill.
goddiva listed on couponmatrix.ukIf you're looking for a sensational evening, party or other occasion dress then you need look no further than Goddiva. Everyone working at this wildly-popular store with its in-house design team lives, eats and breathes women's fashions - and our Goddiva discount code makes it all very affordable. There's no need to worry about sizing as you can make returns and exchanges incredibly easily, and deliveries are all made next day - so if you want to make a last-minute or impulse buy you'll be free to do so.
laptops-direct listed on couponmatrix.ukWhen you’re looking for a laptop supplier you can really rely on, with a wide range of high quality products on offer for incredible value, look no further than Laptops Direct. More than just laptops, though, there’s a vast array of computers, tablets, TVs, phones, computer accessories and more on offer, so grab a Laptops Direct discount code and see how much you can save on an office upgrade. Whatever you’re shopping for, Laptops Direct is a name you can trust.
noom listed on couponmatrix.ukNoom is a leading behavioural-based app that aims to address issues such as dieting and anxiety at its source – you. By gradually helping you implement daily changes to your routine, with the assistance of nutritious recipes and an active community, Noom helps you realise a better you without pushing you beyond your limits. Make the most of a Noom discount code and see how much you can slim with a reduced personalised plan that’s tailored to you and to you alone.
slam-jam-socialism listed on couponmatrix.ukSlam Jam is a trendy streetwear brand that's beloved by celebrities and fashionistas alike. If you're looking to bag some stylish threads on a budget, be sure to check out their website and use a Slam Jam promo code to get a discount on your purchase. With Slam Jam promo codes readily available online, there's no excuse not to take advantage of this great deal! At Groupon, we understand that saving money is important to our users. That's why we work hard to find the best promo codes and discounts for Slam Jam. We know their products can be a bit pricey, so we want to help you save as much as possible. You can get access to exclusive deals and discounts that you won't find anywhere else. So whether you're looking for a new outfit or just want to save some money, be sure to check out our promo codes for Slam Jam. One of Slam Jam’s most popular items is the "Carhartt Tee", a stylish and versatile t-shirt that can be dressed up or down. If you're looking to snag one for yourself, be sure to use a Slam Jam discount code to get a money off. With Slam Jam discount codes readily available online, there's no excuse not to take advantage of this great deal! Thanks to Slam Jam, looking good doesn't have to break the bank!
the-telegraph listed on couponmatrix.ukDedicated to delivering truth for over 150 years, The Telegraph has rightfully earned its place amongst the great British newspapers. With first-hand accounts of world, political, sports, business and travel news at your fingertips, Telegraph discount codes are all that’s required to sweeten the deal and cut the cost of an annual subscription. Bolstered by a fun array of puzzles and wine recommendations, there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy at The Telegraph.