No Man’s Sky is marking its 10th anniversary by giving Nintendo players a limited opportunity to explore its massive science-fiction universe at no additional cost. Hello Games is offering a free Game Trial on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 ahead of the upcoming Cosmos anniversary update.
The trial gives eligible players access to the game through August 26, with progress carrying over for anyone who later purchases the full version.
No Man’s Sky Free Trial Available Through August 26
Originally released for PlayStation 4 and PC in August 2016, No Man’s Sky has expanded significantly during the past decade. Versions have since arrived on Xbox, Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, alongside numerous free content updates.
As part of the anniversary celebration, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 owners can now try the game through Nintendo’s Game Trial program.
The trial does not appear to impose restrictions on how far players can progress during the promotional period. Save progress will also transfer to the full game if players decide to purchase it afterward.
No Man’s Sky normally carries a suggested retail price of $59.99 in the United States.
Nintendo Switch Online Membership Is Required
There is one important requirement: Game Trials are available to Nintendo Switch Online members.
The standard Nintendo Switch Online membership is sufficient, meaning players do not need the more expensive Expansion Pack tier. In the U.S., an individual membership costs $3.99 for one month, $7.99 for three months or $19.99 for 12 months.
Nintendo Switch 2 owners who participate can also take advantage of the game’s free Switch 2 upgrade.
The promotion provides newcomers with an opportunity to experience No Man’s Sky after years of expansions and improvements that have transformed the game considerably since its controversial 2016 debut.
Cosmos Update Will Celebrate No Man’s Sky’s 10th Anniversary
The free-play period arrives as Hello Games prepares Cosmos, another free update designed to commemorate the game’s 10th anniversary.
Exact details about the update remain under wraps, but Hello Games co-founder and director Sean Murray has suggested that the studio still has ambitious plans for the game.
“Voyagers released last year saw more players than we’ve had since launch… and still, all these years later players have explored less than 1% of the planets in No Man’s Sky,” Murray said.
He added, “In a similar way our small team feels we have a lot left to explore in what No Man’s Sky can be. In the background we are busy cooking on our next game Light No Fire, and big things for the future of No Man’s Sky, with the tease of our upcoming update titled Cosmos. More will follow!”
Hello Games has not disclosed the full scope of Cosmos. With Gamescom Opening Night Live scheduled for August 25, the timing has fueled speculation that additional information could emerge around the event, although no such announcement has been confirmed.
A Decade of Free Updates Reshaped No Man’s Sky
No Man’s Sky had a difficult start when it launched in 2016. Players criticized the absence of several anticipated features, and its Steam user rating at one stage fell into the “Mostly Negative” category.
Hello Games continued developing the title rather than moving on, releasing years of free expansions, gameplay overhauls and new systems.
The game’s reception has since improved substantially, with Steam reviews reaching roughly 83% positive and earning an overall “Very Positive” assessment.
Recent additions have continued that pattern. The 2026 anniversary year has included updates such as Remnant, Xeno Arena and The Swarm, which introduced new activities ranging from salvage gameplay and creature battles to large-scale community combat.
Hello Games Is Also Developing Light No Fire
While continuing to support No Man’s Sky, Hello Games is working on its next project, Light No Fire.
The upcoming title is planned as an open-world adventure taking place on a procedurally generated planet described as being roughly the size of Earth. It is expected to share some of the exploration and sandbox concepts that helped define No Man’s Sky.
For now, however, the studio remains committed to its decade-old space exploration game. With the Nintendo Switch trial running through August 26 and Cosmos on the horizon, the anniversary gives both longtime players and newcomers another reason to return to the universe of No Man’s Sky.
John Irving writes for Bjournal, covering news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on clear, reliable reporting and useful information, helping readers stay informed about current events, emerging trends, and stories that matter.
More Stories
Big Walk Earns Early Acclaim as One of 2026’s Highest-Rated Games, Launching Day One on PS Plus
Nintendo Explains Why It Chose Splatoon Raiders Instead of Splatoon 4
Crazy Taxi: World Tour Producer Explains How AI Was Used During Development