The Nintendo Switch stands out as one of the most beloved consoles, having sold over 144 million units. Its vast library of exclusive titles ensures that gamers can immerse themselves for countless hours without ever tiring of the experience. As a must-have for those eager to dive into the year's most popular games, the Switch has seen an exceptional year in 2024, with even more exciting titles on the horizon for both the original Switch and the upcoming Switch 2, set to launch later this year.
Like any piece of hardware, the Nintendo Switch often sees price drops at certain times throughout the year. If you're looking to purchase this versatile console, timing your purchase right can lead to significant savings. Below, we've outlined the best times to buy a Nintendo Switch, along with the anticipated sales for 2025.
Best Times to Buy a Nintendo Switch
Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Black Friday and Cyber Monday consistently offer some of the best deals on video game consoles, including the Nintendo Switch. Historically, Nintendo has bundled the Red/Blue Switch with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for $299 during Black Friday. As the Switch nears the end of its life cycle, we might see even deeper discounts. In 2024, Nintendo announced Black Friday bundles that included a complimentary Nintendo Switch Online subscription. The Switch Lite has also seen bundled deals with a free game and a discount. While the exact offerings for Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2024 remain a mystery, the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe bundle is likely to make a return.
2024 brought some of the best Switch deals ever, and with the Switch 2 on the horizon, 2025 is expected to offer even more substantial discounts.
Nintendo Switch Lite - Blue
$183.00 at Amazon
Holiday Weekends
Holiday weekends in the United States, such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, President's Day, and Labor Day, are prime times to snag a deal on a Nintendo Switch. Retailers like Walmart and Best Buy often launch exclusive three-day sales during these periods, occasionally featuring discounts on Nintendo Switch hardware. These deals may require memberships like Walmart+ or My Best Buy Plus/Total, so keep that in mind when hunting for the best prices.
Check our guide on upcoming sales events to stay updated on the next big sale in the United States.
Amazon Prime Day
Amazon Prime Day is a highly anticipated event where you can find excellent deals on the Nintendo Switch, along with games and accessories. Prime Day typically occurs in mid-July, with another event, dubbed Prime Big Deal Days, happening in early or mid-October, marking the start of the Black Friday sales season. Even though Prime Day 2024 has concluded, Amazon remains a top destination for purchasing Switch games.
Clearance Sales
Retailers like Woot have been known to offer significant discounts on Nintendo Switch models, sometimes up to $75 off, during clearance sales aimed at clearing out inventory. To stay on top of these spontaneous deals, follow the IGN Deals account for instant notifications.
Additionally, open-box and refurbished units provide an even more affordable option. These consoles are certified, meaning they've been tested and verified for quality. "Excellent" refurbished units often resemble open-box items, showing no signs of wear.
Nintendo Switch 2 is Coming in 2025
As of March 2024, the Nintendo Switch celebrated its seventh anniversary, and with its eighth year in full swing, Nintendo officially unveiled the Switch 2. Although specifics on the release date and price are yet to be disclosed, Nintendo has confirmed a 2025 launch. Analysts predict a $400 price tag for the new console, with a potential summer release in June 2025. This period is expected to bring substantial discounts on older Switch models, making it an opportune time to buy at reduced prices.