The Nintendo Switch stands out as one of the most beloved gaming consoles ever, with sales surpassing 144 million units. Its vast library of exclusive titles ensures that gamers can enjoy hundreds of hours of diverse gameplay without ever feeling bored. For those eager to dive into some of the year's most popular games, owning a Nintendo Switch is essential. The year 2024 was particularly fruitful for the console, and with the upcoming launch of the Switch 2 later this year, there's even more excitement on the horizon.
As with any hardware, the Nintendo Switch often sees sales at specific times throughout the year. If you're considering purchasing this portable gaming system, timing your buy can lead to significant savings. Below, we've outlined the best times to buy a Nintendo Switch, along with a forecast of potential deals in 2025.
Best Times to Buy a Nintendo Switch
Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are prime times to snag a Nintendo Switch at a discount. Historically, Nintendo offers a consistent bundle during Black Friday—a Red/Blue Nintendo Switch with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe included at no extra cost. Priced at $299 annually, there's a chance for even deeper discounts as the Switch nears the end of its life cycle. For 2024, Nintendo has already announced Black Friday bundles that also include a free Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Black Friday deals have also extended to the Nintendo Switch Lite, often bundled with a free game and a discount. While it's uncertain what exactly Nintendo will offer for Black Friday and Cyber Monday in 2024, the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe bundle is likely to make a return.
2024 witnessed some of the best Switch deals to date, and with the Switch 2 set to launch before the holidays in 2025, expect even more substantial discounts.
Holiday Weekends
Major holiday weekends in the United States, such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, President's Day, and Labor Day, are another excellent opportunity to purchase a Nintendo Switch. Retailers like Walmart and Best Buy frequently hold exclusive three-day sales, sometimes including discounts on Nintendo hardware. Be aware that the best deals might be exclusive to members of services like Walmart+ and My Best Buy Plus/Total.
For a detailed look at upcoming sales events in the United States, check out our comprehensive guide.
Amazon Prime Day
Amazon Prime Day is renowned for its extensive sales, and it's a fantastic time to buy a Nintendo Switch. Alongside console deals, you'll find numerous discounts on games and accessories. Prime Day for 2024 has already occurred, but mark your calendar for mid-July 2025. Additionally, Amazon typically hosts another Prime Day event in October, known as Prime Big Deal Days, which kicks off the Black Friday season.
Even outside of Prime Day, Amazon remains a top destination for purchasing Switch games.
Clearance Sales
Retailers like Woot have occasionally offered unprecedented discounts on Nintendo Switch models, sometimes up to $75 off. These clearance sales occur unpredictably, often when retailers are looking to clear inventory. To stay updated on these spontaneous deals, follow the IGN Deals account.
Also, consider open-box and refurbished units, which are typically priced even lower. These consoles are certified, ensuring they meet quality standards, and "Excellent" refurbished units are often just open-box with no damage to the system itself.
Nintendo Switch 2 is Coming in 2025
As of March 2024, the Nintendo Switch celebrated its seventh anniversary, entering its eighth year on the market. Nintendo recently revealed the Switch 2, although specifics on its release date and price remain undisclosed. The company has confirmed a release in 2025, with the first Switch 2 Direct scheduled for April.
Analysts estimate the Switch 2 might be priced around $400, a step up from its predecessor. It's speculated to launch in June 2025, just in time for summer. As the launch approaches, expect significant discounts on the original Switch models, making it an ideal time to purchase them at reduced rates.