The Nintendo Switch stands as one of the most beloved consoles in history, having surpassed 144 million units sold. With its vast library of exclusive titles, you can immerse yourself in countless hours of gameplay without ever feeling bored. The extensive selection of games makes the Nintendo Switch a must-have for anyone eager to experience the most anticipated releases year after year. 2024 proved to be an exceptional year for the console, and with the Switch 2 set to launch later in 2025, there's even more excitement on the horizon.
As with all gaming hardware, the Nintendo Switch often sees price drops at certain times of the year. If you're considering purchasing this versatile system, timing your purchase right can lead to significant savings. Below, we've outlined the optimal times to buy a Nintendo Switch, along with details on anticipated sales for 2025.
Best Times to Buy a Nintendo Switch
Black Friday and Cyber Monday
For those looking to snag a deal on a Nintendo Switch, Black Friday and Cyber Monday stand out as the prime times. 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 potential for deeper discounts as the original Switch nears the end of its lifecycle. This year, Nintendo has unveiled Black Friday bundles that come with a free Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Black Friday also often brings deals on the Nintendo Switch Lite, featuring bundled games and discounts. While it's uncertain what exactly Nintendo will offer for Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2024, the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe bundle is likely to make a comeback.
2024 saw some of the best Switch deals to date, and with the Switch 2's launch expected before the holiday season in 2025, even more substantial discounts are anticipated.
Nintendo Switch Lite - Blue
$183.00 at Amazon
Holiday Weekends
Major holiday weekends in the United States, such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, President's Day, and Labor Day, are also excellent opportunities to purchase a Nintendo Switch. Retailers like Walmart and Best Buy frequently host exclusive three-day sales during these times, occasionally offering deals on Nintendo Switch hardware. These discounts are often exclusive to members of services like Walmart+ and My Best Buy Plus/Total, so keep this in mind if you're aiming for the best deals.
For upcoming sales events in the United States, refer to our comprehensive guide.
Amazon Prime Day
Amazon Prime Day is a widely celebrated sales event, and it's a prime time to find a great deal on a Nintendo Switch. Alongside console deals, numerous games and Switch accessories are typically discounted, making Prime Day an ideal moment to save on both the console and its add-ons. Although Prime Day 2024 has already passed, anticipate another event in mid-July 2025. In the meantime, Amazon remains one of the top places to buy Switch games.
Additionally, expect another Prime Day event in October 2025, known as Prime Big Deal Days, which traditionally kickstarts the Black Friday deals season.
Clearance Sales
Retailers like Woot have been known to offer Nintendo Switch models at unprecedented discounts, sometimes up to $75 off, during clearance sales. These deals tend to be spontaneous, occurring when retailers are clearing out inventory. To stay updated on these opportunities, follow the IGN Deals account for immediate notifications.
It's also worth considering open-box and refurbished units, available at even lower prices from the same retailers. These consoles are certified, ensuring they meet quality standards. Often, "Excellent" refurbished consoles are simply open-box items, showing no signs of wear.
Nintendo Switch 2 is Coming in 2025
As the Nintendo Switch marks its seventh year since launch in March 2024, the eighth year brings us the official reveal of the Switch 2. Nintendo hasn't disclosed a specific release date yet, but they have scheduled the first Switch 2 direct for April.
While details on the release date and pricing remain under wraps, Nintendo has confirmed a 2025 launch for the new console. Industry analysts estimate a potential price point of around $400, marking an increase from the current generation. Experts also predict a summer launch in June 2025. As the Switch 2 approaches its debut, expect significant discounts on the original Switch models, making it an opportune time to purchase them at reduced rates.