the1.21updateofficialnameis..._minecraftmonthly-youtube-googlechrome4_26_20242_39_36pm-300x300.png "Minecraft 1.21 Update Officially Named Tricky Trials, Adds A New Weapon")
It comes as no surprise to anyone that the Switch bundles over Black Friday were one of the most popular choices for those shopping in the sale. Interestingly, unlike previous years, these bundles have managed to maintain stock at a few retailers — so they are still available at the time of writing. That means that December is still a great time to buy a Nintendo Switch for yourself or as a gift.
Even in its seventh year on the market, the Switch has continued to see impressive first-party support with titles like Super Mario Bros. Wonder and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, so there’s still plenty of new games to play right now if you pick one up. For more Switch deal updates, ensure you’re following @IGNDeals on Twitter/X.
TL;DR – Where to Buy a Nintendo Switch
Is It Too Late To Get A Nintendo Switch Before Christmas?
Not at all! Some retailers, like Amazon, actually have notices above their ‘Add to Cart’ button saying whether or not it’ll arrive before Christmas, so you can track your gifts a bit easier. Below, you can find details on where to buy the latest and greatest Switch OLED along with the standard model.
Nintendo Switch OLED is the premium model of the Nintendo Switch family. This console offers a larger OLED display that makes your favorite games come alive in portable mode with colors that pop. The $349 bundle includes a copy of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, a Nintendo Switch OLED with themed Joy-Con, and a three-month code for Nintendo Switch Online. That’s approximately $67.98 in savings, making this one of the biggest deals of the holiday season, and it should absolutely be considered by anyone who is after a Switch (or even as a Nintendo gift as well).
Where to Buy a Nintendo Switch
If you’re not overly keen on the OLED model and its added cost, there’s still an impressive deal on the standard Nintendo Switch. This special edition includes a Switch, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe copy, and a three-month voucher for Nintendo Switch Online for just $299. This is a great deal, and well worth considering — otherwise, we’ve also discussed the best place to buy the PS5 this Christmas as well if you want to shift into something a little more current-gen.
What to Look for in a Nintendo Switch
Will you Play in Portable or Docked?
Something you should think about before purchasing is whether or not you are going to play in portable, docked, or both. Depending on your answer, you might gravitate towards a certain Switch model. If you plan to use both modes, the best Switch for you is the standard Nintendo Switch. On the other hand, if you think you won’t play your Switch on a TV, then you should purchase a Nintendo Switch Lite.
The Nintendo Switch OLED are where things get interesting since it is a premium model. Generally, it is a good fit for you if you’re looking to get the most out of the Switch and its games. If you tend to play more in Handheld mode than Docked mode, the Switch OLED is a worthwhile purhcase.
Do You Want to Play with Friends?
If you want to play games locally with your friends, then the Switch Lite is something you want to avoid. Its portable-only nature doesn’t allow for it to connect to a TV and dock. Additionally, no kickstand or Joy-Cons means that it is tricky to attempt tabletop play for local multiplayer. Both the Switch and Switch OLED have the missing features listed above, so we recommend choosing one of those models if you want to play local multiplayer. For more Nintendo offers, check out our best Nintendo Switch deals roundup. Dozens of games, accessories, and consoles are available this year with various sales.
Robert Anderson is a deals expert and Commerce Editor for IGN. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter.
