There’s a lot of competition for the best handheld console, but the Nintendo Switch is still one of our favorites. Given that it came out in 2017, that’s pretty impressive. A lot of it has to do with the massive number of games available, especially the ones that you can only play on the Switch, such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. There are rumors of a Nintendo Switch 2, but we don’t know when it’s coming out. So you might be better off grabbing one of the three different versions of the Switch, especially since things have gotten a bit cheaper the past couple of years.
Straightforward deals on Switch consoles are still hard to come by, but you can save some cash with a refurbished model. There are also tons of accessories to help you make the most of these nifty handhelds. We’ve rounded up some of the best Switch deals to help you get your hands on gaming gear for less.
Switch games on sale
A bunch of great Switch games are on sale, some digital and some physical. Here are the best Nintendo Switch game deals on Nintendo’s site, but there are also plenty of other notable Switch game deals at other retailers, sometimes for even less.
Nintendo Switch physical game deals worth grabbing:
Nintendo Switch digital game deals via Nintendo:
Switch console offers
The Nintendo Switch OLED features a 7-inch OLED screen that offers vivid colors and sharp contrast. It also includes a wide adjustable stand, a dock with a wired LAN port for TV mode, 64GB of internal storage and enhanced audio from the system’s onboard speakers when playing in handheld and tabletop modes. Discounts on this upgraded model are pretty much nonexistent, but you can save $50 on a refurbished model from Best Buy.
Read our Nintendo Switch OLED review.
The regular version of the Nintendo Switch, essentially the midsize model between the larger OLED and the smaller, handheld-only Lite, is only available at its usual $300 price at the moment. That said, you can get a Best Buy Geek Squad Certified refurbished model for $270 with a 90-day warranty. Like the OLED, this model is a hybrid that can be used as a handheld or in tabletop mode for multiplayer gaming, as well as in conjunction with a TV while at home for a more traditional console experience.
Optimized for personal, handheld play, this system is small and light, with a unibody design including fully integrated controls. It’s compatible with all physical and digital Nintendo Switch games that support handheld mode, but you can’t dock it with your TV like the bigger system. While there’s no direct discount, you can grab this bundle from Walmart that includes a digital download of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which usually costs $56 on its own.
Deals on Switch accessories
The Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons are great for gaming on the go, but if you spend a lot of time playing on the big screen, you may want to upgrade to a more advanced controller. This wireless PowerA controller has 30-hour battery life and two extra buttons on the back that are mappable, so you can customize them to fit your play style. It also has built-in motion controls, which are required for select Switch games.
If you’re frequently taking your Switch on the go, you’ll want to invest in a good case to protect it from drops, scratches and other damage. This Daydayup hardshell case is an Amazon bestseller and can hold any Switch console, including the OLED and Lite models, along with up to 20 games. An additional 5% coupon brings it down to $19, so be sure to click that before adding it to your cart.
This portable game card holder is lightweight and features a durable, water-resistant exterior, making it ideal for travel. It also has a soft inner lining that cushions each card individually. It has a snap lock that is easy to open and close, and it holds up to eight game cards or microSD cards, keeping them safe from damage. The secure locking system keeps the holder closed in transit, preventing games from falling out. Note that this is only the holder, and no games are included.
One of the best parts of the Switch is its portability, but that also means it’s at risk of getting damaged while you’re out and about. Fortunately, it’s easy and affordable to add some extra protection. These Daydayup screen protectors are durable and scratch-resistant while retaining visibility and touchscreen sensitivity.
These are designed for the standard Switch console, but there are also deals on protectors for the OLED model. Also, keep in mind you only get this deal if you buy two of the three-pack, so it’s great to share with a friend.
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 headset is one of our favorite Switch accessories. It comes with a compact USB-C dongle so you can use it wirelessly with the Switch, but also has a 3.5mm audio port for wired use. It supports lossless audio, comes with a detachable microphone and has on-ear controls so you can adjust the volume or mute yourself on the fly. Plus, it boasts battery life of up to 20 hours on a single charge, and you can customize the EQ to fit your games and needs.
What should you look for in a Nintendo Switch deal?
In addition to looking for direct price drops on the Nintendo Switch itself, broaden your search to include Nintendo Switch bundles. Since the console alone rarely falls far from its retail price, these are some of the best ways to save on related accessories that you would have bought anyway. When it comes to Nintendo Switch bundles that include a game, it’s a good idea to check what the game costs separately to ensure you’re getting the best value.
When are the best Nintendo Switch deals available?
Great Nintendo Switch deals are rare, but the best times to find a discount are during major sales like Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Which retailers usually offer the best Nintendo Switch deals?
For most people, the search for a great Nintendo Switch deal should start at Amazon or a big-box retailer such as Best Buy, Target or Walmart. These major retailers are most likely to offer direct discounts and bundles, and they often match each other’s deals during major sales. Gaming-specific retailers including GameStop in the US and Game in the UK are also worth keeping tabs on.
