Nintendo announced that those with a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be able to play Mario Tennis Aces for free from August 7 to August 13. We've provided all the steps you need to make to take advantage of this free game while you can. You can initiate the download in advance or download it during the free period.
Products needed for this guide
- Get a membership: Nintendo Switch Online 12-Month Individual Membership (opens in new tab) ($20 at Amazon)
The Nintendo Switch Online Membership
Yes, to be able to play the game for "free," you'll need a Nintendo Switch Online membership. If you'd like step by step instructions for setting a membership up, we can help you out.
How do I access the free game?
Once you made sure you have your Switch Online membership, you can go towards downloading the game.
- Turn on your Switch and click on the Nintendo eShop icon.
- When the eShop loads, scroll down to Nintendo Switch Online and click on the Mario Tennis Aces Game Trial on the right.
- This page will load. Click on the Download button in the top middle.
- On the following page click on the Download button in the bottom right corner.
- This page will pop up telling you that you've successfully downloaded the game for the free trial period.
- If you want to check to make sure, close out to the main Nintendo Switch page and you'll see that Mario Tennis Aces is either ready to download or has started downloading.
There you have it. Now you're ready to play tennis with your favorite Mushroom Kingdom inhabitants during the appointed time. You're good to take these steps ahead of time or to download the game during the free trial period. Just note that if you download the trial in advance, the game might not automatically initiate the download process once the trial is upon us. If that happens, simply click on the game from the main menu and tell it to download.
The most out of Nintendo
This Nintendo Switch Online membership comes with access to cloud storage, multiplayer options, and several NEO GEO games.
Ways to enhance you Nintendo Switch experience
Having the right accessories makes all of the difference when you're playing a game. Here are a few that we personally love using with the Nintendo Switch.
Pro Controller (opens in new tab) ($62 at Amazon)
In addition to having a battery that lasts up to 40 hours, it features motion controls, HD rumble, and built-in amiibo functionality. Should the battery get low, you can plug in a USB cable and keep playing.
HORI Official Game Card Case (opens in new tab) ($10 at Amazon)
This compact plastic storage case allows you to carry up to 24 Nintendo Switch games at once. It also includes a memory card holder so you can have as much memory on you as you need.
PowerA Everywhere Messenger Bag (opens in new tab) ($37 at Amazon)
Safely store your entire Switch system, including Pro Controllers and the Dock for easy transport. It features both a handle and a detachable shoulder strap to make travelling easier. There are three designs to choose from.
Gaming aficionado Rebecca Spear is iMore's dedicated gaming editor with a focus on Nintendo Switch and iOS gaming. You’ll never catch her without her Switch or her iPad Air handy. If you’ve got a question about Pokémon, The Legend of Zelda, or just about any other Nintendo series check out her guides to help you out. Rebecca has written thousands of articles in the last six years including hundreds of extensive gaming guides, previews, and reviews for both Switch and Apple Arcade. She also loves checking out new gaming accessories like iPhone controllers and has her ear to the ground when it comes to covering the next big trend.
