Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 users can play the roguelike game Ball x Pit free until June 1, but the catch is that they must have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership. Ball x Pit was released in 2025 by indie studio Kenny Sun & Friends. Since then, it has earned praise from both players and critics, currently holding an Overwhelmingly Positive rating on Steam with a satisfaction rate above 90% based on more than 25,000 reviews.
Many consider Ball x Pit one of the best indie games of 2025. On the review aggregator site OpenCritic, the game holds an average top critic score of 86 out of 100, with 92% of critics recommending it. Part of Ball x Pit‘s appeal comes from its blend of roguelike and base-building gameplay. Players battle through endless waves of enemies, which form the roguelike core of the experience. After each run, they earn resources that can be used to expand a base and unlock further progression, which creates the game’s base-building layer.
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Ball x Pit Is Free on the Nintendo eShop for a Limited Time
As part of a new game trial promotion, Nintendo Switch users with an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription can play the full version of Ball x Pit at no extra cost. The event began on May 26 and will run through June 1. Alongside the free trial, the developers have also introduced a 33% discount, lowering the game’s price from $14 to around $9 USD. The discount will remain available until June 8, giving players who enjoy the trial an opportunity to purchase the game at a reduced price.
Ball x Pit Free Trial Even Details
- Start: May 26, 2026
- End: June 1, 2026
- Content: Full game
- Game file size: ~ 800 MB
- Prerequisite: Nintendo Switch Online
Scratch & Peek
Identify the cover art while scratching off as little foil as
possible.
Identify the cover art while scratching off as little foil as possible.
EasyMediumHardPermadeath
The free trial gives players who are still undecided about buying the game a chance to see whether it’s worth their time and money. In the official announcement shared on Nintendo’s social media accounts, the company also noted that “Nintendo Switch 2 owners can enhance their experience via [Ball x Pit‘s] free upgrade pack.” That makes the trial an excellent opportunity for fans to test Ball x Pit‘s Nintendo Switch 2 enhancements and see if they live up to the praise from critics and players alike.
In April, Ball x Pit received the free Shadow update, which introduced new playable characters, balls, and upgrades. Thanks to the development team’s continued support, the game now feels more polished than ever, making 2026 the perfect time for Switch roguelike fans to jump in. Ball x Pit is the kind of game players can enjoy anywhere, featuring an addictive gameplay loop that many compare to genre staples like Vampire Survivors and the Hades series.
Put the consoles in the correct order.
Put the consoles in the correct order.
Easy (5)Medium (7)Hard (10)
Those looking to purchase Ball x Pit after the free trial may also want to know that a physical edition for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 is set to release on May 29. The Nintendo Switch cartridge comes with the full game and is bundled with additional extras, such as posters and collectible cards.
- Released
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October 15, 2025
- ESRB
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Teen / Violence, Blood
- Developer(s)
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Kenny Sun
- Engine
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Unity
