Nintendo Switch Online subscribers are getting another free game trial, and this time Ubisoft’s Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is stepping into the spotlight.
The critically well-received action-adventure game will soon become available to Nintendo Switch Online members as part of the service’s Game Trials program. During the promotional period, eligible subscribers will be able to download and play the full version of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown without purchasing it.
Unlike a traditional demo, there are no major gameplay restrictions attached to Nintendo Switch Online Game Trials. Players get access to the complete game for as long as the trial remains active.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Gets a Free Trial
Nintendo Switch Online is primarily known for providing access to online multiplayer across Nintendo Switch games such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Splatoon 3.
However, Nintendo has continued expanding the subscription with additional benefits over the years. Subscribers can access Nintendo Classics libraries, use the Nintendo Music mobile app, and occasionally participate in full-game trials.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is the latest game to receive that treatment.
Subscribers will be able to download the game through the Nintendo eShop and play it as though they owned a regular digital copy during the trial period.
That includes access to the full adventure rather than a specially created demo section.
You Could Technically Finish the Entire Game
The interesting part about Nintendo’s Game Trials program is that Nintendo does not normally impose a traditional playtime limit during the promotion.
Instead, the restriction is based on the dates of the event itself.
As long as the trial remains active, subscribers can continue playing. That means particularly dedicated players could potentially complete a significant portion of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown — or even finish the entire game — without buying it.
Of course, that depends on how much time someone is willing to dedicate before the trial ends.
Once the promotional period expires, access to the game is removed unless the player purchases a copy.
Your Save Data Isn’t Going Anywhere
There is another major advantage to Nintendo Switch Online Game Trials: your progress is preserved.
Players who start Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown through the free trial can later purchase the game and continue from their existing save rather than starting over.
That applies whether someone eventually decides to pick up a digital copy through the Nintendo eShop or adds the physical version to their collection.
It makes these trials particularly useful for players who are interested in a game but are not yet convinced that they want to spend money on it.
Instead of relying on trailers, reviews, or a short demo, subscribers can experience the actual game and decide for themselves.
A Good Match for Nintendo Switch
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown originally launched in 2024 and takes the franchise in a Metroidvania-inspired direction.
Players control Sargon, a member of an elite group of warriors known as the Immortals, as he explores Mount Qaf in search of the kidnapped Prince Ghassan.
Exploration plays a major role, with new abilities gradually opening previously inaccessible areas. Combat combines fast movement, parrying, combos, special abilities, and challenging boss encounters.
Its side-scrolling design also makes it particularly well suited to the Nintendo Switch, whether played on a television or in handheld mode.
Nintendo Keeps Using Game Trials to Add More Value
Nintendo has regularly used Game Trials to temporarily open complete games to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers.
Previous promotions have included titles such as EA Sports FC 26, giving subscribers opportunities to try games outside Nintendo’s usual first-party catalogue.
It is an interesting middle ground between traditional demos and the permanent game libraries offered by competing subscription services.
Nintendo does not permanently give subscribers ownership of the games featured in these trials. However, during each promotion, players are effectively given unrestricted access to the selected title.
For anyone already paying for Nintendo Switch Online, there is little reason not to give Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown a try while it is available.
And if you manage to finish the whole thing before the clock runs out, even better.
