Nintendo’s latest console, the Nintendo Switch, has quickly become one of its best-selling consoles of all-time, surpassing even the likes of the massively popular Nintendo Wii. Since its launch in 2017, it has been heavily sought after by seasoned and casual gamers alike, as well as families due to its massive library of family-friendly Nintendo Switch games.
If you’re looking for the best places to purchase Nintendo Switch consoles online, we’ve got you covered with a full breakdown below, including pricing on current Nintendo Switch consoles, the best time to buy a Nintendo Switch, information on Nintendo Switch Online, as well as where to trade in your exisiting Nintendo consoles and games.
Where to Buy Nintendo Switch Consoles Online
If you’re looking to buy a new Nintendo Switch OLED, Nintendo Switch, or Nintendo Switch Lite, here’s where you can purchase them online in 2023. You can also check out our guide to the best Nintendo Switch deals for potential discounts.
Nintendo Switch OLED
Nintendo’s newest Switch is the Nintendo Switch OLED, aptly named due to its larger 7″ vivid OLED touchscreen display. Nintendo Switch OLED retails for an MSRP of $349.99. Internally, it’s no more powerful than the standard Nintendo Switch, but has double the internal storage at 64GB, an improved kickstand for tabletop mode and better speakers. Here are all of the main retailers currently selling this Switch model:
Nintendo Switch
The base Nintendo Switch is a hybrid console that can be enjoyed on the TV in docked mode, propped up on its kickstand for tabletop mode, and on-the-go in handheld mode. The standard Nintendo Switch retails for an MSRP of $299.99. It features a 6.2″ touchscreen display, 32GB of internal storage, and up to nine hours of battery life. Here are all of the main retailers currently selling this Switch model:
Nintendo Switch Lite
Nintendo Switch Lite is a smaller console designed for handheld play and comes in a variety of different colors including turquoise, gray, yellow, coral, and blue. It features a 5.5″ touchscreen display, 32GB of internal storage, and up to seven hours of battery life. The Nintendo Switch Lite retails for an MSRP of $199.99. It’s worth noting that the Nintendo Switch Lite cannot be connected to a TV and does not feature detachable Joy-Con controllers like the other two models. Here are all of the main retailers currently selling this Switch model:
Latest Nintendo Switch Deal
How Much Does a Nintendo Switch Cost?
The Nintendo Switch family features three current models: Nintendo Switch OLED, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch Lite. Currently, the Nintendo Switch OLED retails for an MSRP of $349.99, the Nintendo Switch retails for an MSRP of $299.99, and the Nintendo Switch Lite retails for an MSRP of $199.99. These prices don’t usually change much, even for Black Friday.
There are also a number of limited-edition bundles throughout the year that feature either a Nintendo Switch OLED, Nintendo Switch, or Nintendo Switch Lite, often with a unique color or design, and sometimes include a download code for a game or two in the box, as well. The annual holiday bundle that returns every year as a Black Friday Switch deals is currently available and features the standard Nintendo Switch console, a digital download of Mario Kart 8: Deluxe, and a 3-month subcription to Nintendo Switch Online for $299.99.
Occasionally, Nintendo will release a special edition console such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom special edition, Splatoon 3 special edition, and the Pokemon Scarlet & Violet special edition, although these consoles do not come with any games.
Nintendo Switch Online Pricing
Nintendo Switch Online is an annual subscription that allows you to play games online with your friends and family, as well as gain access to a growing library of classic games across the NES, SNES, Game Boy, and Game Boy Advance Catalogs. Additionally, there’s an expansion pack that provides access to DLC for popular games such as Mario Kart 8, Animal Crossing, and Splatoon 2, as well as adding a library of Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis titles. There are also family plans for each that allow you to share your membership with up to eight accounts.
Nintendo Switch Online – Individual User
Nintendo Switch Online for a single user costs $19.99/year and allows you to play online with friends, as well as access a growing library of titles across NES, SNES, and Game Boy. You can also opt for shorter plans including $3.99 for a single month or $7.99 for three months. Additionally, you’ll be able to sync your game saves to the cloud and access the Nintendo Switch Online app on your mobile device.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack – Individual User
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack for a single user costs $49.99/year and allows you to play online with friends, as well as access a growing library of titles across NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis. Additionally, you’ll have access to the Mario Kart 8: Booster Course Pass, Animal Crossing’s Happy Home Paradise expansion, as well as the Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion DLC. You’ll also be able to sync your game saves to the cloud and access the Nintendo Switch Online app on your mobile device.
Nintendo Switch Online – Family Plans
As previously stated, there are also family plans for Nintendo Switch Online. The base Nintendo Switch Online family plan is $34.99 per year, while the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack for the family costs $79.99 per year. Each plan includes the benefits of the corresponding individual plan above, but allows you to share these benefits with up to eight accounts.
Best Time to Buy a Nintendo Switch
Generally, the best time to buy a Nintendo Switch console is during major yearly shopping events such as Black Friday and the various Amazon Prime Day sales. While Nintendo Switch consoles rarely go on sale, you can often scoop up limited-time bundles that include additional an additional game or two, a trial of Nintendo Switch Online, and more. The annual holiday bundle that returns every year around Black Friday is currently available and features the standard Nintendo Switch console, a digital download of Mario Kart 8: Deluxe, and a 3-month subcription to Nintendo Switch Online for $299.99.
How to Trade in Your Old Nintendo Consoles
If you’re looking to trade in your old Nintendo consoles, you can do so at select retailers in-store and online. Often, the most widely available retailers are GameStop and Best Buy. However, you can also trade your used devices online at retailers such as Amazon and Microsoft.
Some retailers will offer you cash for your used goods, while others may provide you with a gift card that can be used in-store and online. This is a great way to offload your old gaming gear and get some money that you can put towards a newer console and games.
While trading devices in at retailers will often net you the lowest amount for your used consoles, there are also online marketplaces such as eBay, Craigslist, and OfferUp that may fetch higher prices, but you’ll often be responsible for packing and shipping costs, or be required to meet someone in person for the transaction, the latter of which poses its own risks.
Where to Trade in Nintendo Switch Games
Similar to Nintendo console trade ins, you can also trade your existing games in at specific retailers. The most widely available retailer accepting used video games is GameStop, but they are notorious for giving you pennies on the dollar for your pre-owned titles. However, if you’re looking for an easy way to offload some of your library for cash or in-store credit, this is a convenient option. You can always look up the expected trade-in value on GameStop’s website before heading into a store, so you know exactly how much you’ll receive. Additionally, you can trade in your used games online through Amazon in exchange for an Amazon gift card.
Matthew Adler is a Commerce, Features, Guides, News, Previews, and Reviews writer for IGN. You can follow him on the site formerly known as Twitter @MatthewAdler and watch him stream on Twitch.
