The Nintendo Switch has solidified its place as one of the most beloved gaming consoles ever, with sales soaring past 144 million units. Its expansive library of exclusive titles ensures endless entertainment, making it a must-have for gamers eager to dive into some of the year's most acclaimed games. 2024 proved to be an exceptional year for the Switch, and with the much-anticipated Switch 2 set to launch later this year, the excitement continues to build.
Like any hardware, the Nintendo Switch sees price drops at certain times throughout the year. If you're looking to get your hands on Nintendo's versatile console, timing your purchase right can lead to significant savings. We've gathered the best times to buy a Nintendo Switch, along with a forecast of sales you might see in 2025.
Best Times to Buy a Nintendo Switch
Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are prime times for snagging a Nintendo Switch at a great price. Historically, Nintendo offers a consistent bundle on Black Friday: a Red/Blue Nintendo Switch paired with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, typically priced at $299. As the Switch nears the end of its life cycle, there's a chance Nintendo might offer even deeper discounts. For 2024, they've announced Black Friday bundles that also include a free Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Black Friday deals on the Nintendo Switch Lite have also included bundled games and discounts. While it's hard to predict exactly what Nintendo will offer for Black Friday and Cyber Monday in 2024, expect the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe bundle to make a comeback.
2024 saw some of the best Switch deals ever, and with the Switch 2 launching before the holidays this year, 2025 is poised to offer even bigger discounts.
Nintendo Switch Lite - Blue
$183.00 at Amazon
Holiday Weekends
Major holiday weekends in the United States, such as Memorial Day Weekend, Independence Day, President's Day, and Labor Day, offer excellent opportunities to purchase a Nintendo Switch. Retailers like Walmart and Best Buy often launch exclusive three-day sales, which may include Nintendo Switch deals. These discounts are sometimes exclusive to members of services like Walmart+ and My Best Buy Plus/Total, so keep that in mind when hunting for the best deals.
Check our guide to upcoming sales events to stay informed about the next big sale in the United States.
Amazon Prime Day
Amazon Prime Day is a highly anticipated sales event that usually features attractive Nintendo Switch deals. Alongside hardware, you'll find discounts on numerous games and accessories, making it an ideal time to buy not just the console but everything you need to enhance your gaming experience. Amazon held Prime Day in 2024, and you can expect it again in mid-July 2025. In the meantime, Amazon remains a top destination for purchasing Switch games.
Additionally, there's likely to be another Prime Day event in October 2025, known as Prime Big Deal Days, marking the start of the Black Friday sales season.
Clearance Sales
Retailers like Woot have recently offered Nintendo Switch models at unprecedented discounts, sometimes up to $75 off. These clearance sales occur sporadically, typically when retailers are clearing out inventory. To stay updated on these deals, follow the IGN Deals account for immediate notifications.
It's also worth considering open-box and refurbished units, which are often available at even lower prices. These consoles are certified, meaning they've been tested and verified by the retailer. "Excellent" refurbished consoles are often just open-box units, showing no signs of wear.
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 officially revealed the Switch 2, though they haven't disclosed a specific release date, only confirming that it's slated for 2025. Analysts estimate the new console will cost around $400, a step up from the current model. Experts predict a June 2025 launch, aligning with a summer release. As we approach this launch window, expect significant discounts on the original Switch models, making it an ideal time to buy them at reduced prices.