When it comes to holiday video game gifts, Nintendo gear is often at the top of the list for kids and adults like. This year likely more so than ever thanks to the launch of the Switch 2 back in the spring. But fi you were hoping to save money on the console with Black Friday deals, you may be disappointed. The Nintendo Black Friday sale was just announced, and unsurprisingly, there are a scant few real “deals” to be had. This is typical of Nintendo, though — actual Nintendo Black Friday deals are few and far between. However, there are ways to at least get the best value for your money if you’re going to pick up a Switch 2 before this year is over.
As has been the case for many years, the marquee Nintendo deals for the holidays come in the form of console bundles. When the Switch 2 launched earlier this year, it was available as just the console only for $449 or bundled with Mario Kart World for $499. Both options are still available now, but there’s a new bundle to consider as well — the console with the new Pokémon Legends: Z-A game, which also costs $499. Considering the games by themselves cost $70 each, you do save a bit by picking up a console bundle. you can pick up the console and its bundles at most retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy and others.
When it comes to deals on Nintendo Switch 2 games, the Nintendo eShop will have Cyber Deals starting on November 20, running through December 3. The shop will feature “holiday offers on select games,” so it appears we’ll all just have to go to the online store on November 20 to see the games on offer.
Starting on November 23, select retailers will have discounts on some physical Switch games including Princess Peach: Showtime!, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Luigi’s Mansion 3 and Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe. Those will each be $40, while other games like Super Mario Odyssey, Nintendo Switch Sports, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door and Splatoon 3 will be $30.
Even if you can’t get huge discounts on Nintendo consoles or new games this year, that doesn’t mean you can’t find decent deals on other Nintendo gear. There are plenty of great ideas for gifts for the Nintendo fan in your life, and Engadget’s Sam Rutherford got to see a bunch of them in person when he attended Nintendo’s holiday showcase. From collectibles to clothing to plushies and holiday decor, there’s really a ton to choose from — but you may want to pace yourself if you’re also a Nintendo fan finding things that you want to pick up for yourself in the process of looking for good gifts. Here are just some of the best Nintendo gift ideas that you can look out for during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Dark Horse Books
There is so much lore and history to the Zelda franchise that it was difficult to keep things straight. That is, up until a few years ago when this compendium came out and finally corrected the record and shed some light on some of the murkier events across one of the most storied game sagas of all time. — Sam Rutherford, Senior Reporter
$22 at Amazon
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
Technically it’s not a Stanley Cup, but that’s OK, because those never had the swag that these travel mugs do. Plus, there are a bunch of different versions to choose from including ones based on Bowser, Luigi and more. — S.R.
$18 at Amazon
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
This may not be a welcome sight for parents, but this is sure to delight children who love cars, Mario or both. And because it has room to store more than 30 karts, this might actually help reduce some clutter. That’s a win-win situation in my book. — S.R.
$56 at Amazon
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
When I first saw this Lego set in person, it took all my restraint not to run out and buy it for myself. Just look at it. If this doesn’t conjure up cozy feelings of a handheld that chewed through AA batteries while keeping millions of kids entertained during road trips in the ’90s, then you might be dead inside. Lego even includes some faux displays with a lenticular effect to give the impression that the game actually runs. Very neat. — S.R.
$60 at Amazon
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
With Metroid Prime 4 due out in early December, this look back at all the wonderful art from previous entries in the franchise is the perfect table-setter for a new Metroid game and any die-hard fans of our favorite armored heroine. — S.R.
$50 at Amazon
USAOPOLY
If you’re looking for a less frenetic nod to Nintendo’s creations, this 1,000-piece Pikmin puzzle is fun for the whole family. It’s the perfect activity to relax while enjoying good food, drink and the warmth of a nearby fire. And if this particular set doesn’t do it, there’s also an official Mario Kart-themed one as well. — S.R.
$15 at Amazon
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
You can’t hate Kirby. You just can’t. He’s just a lovable little puffball that deserves to go wherever he wants — and thanks to this backpack that looks like a plushie or this nifty little beanie, you can take him with you everywhere. — S.R.
$30 at Amazon
