The Nintendo Switch has firmly established itself as one of the most beloved consoles, boasting sales of over 144 million units. Its vast library of exclusive titles ensures endless hours of entertainment, making it an essential gaming device for enthusiasts eager to dive into the latest and greatest games. The year 2024 was a stellar one for the Switch, and with the upcoming Switch 2 set to launch later this year, there's even more excitement on the horizon.
As with any hardware, the Nintendo Switch sees sales at specific times throughout the year. If you're looking to purchase this portable gaming system, timing your purchase right can lead to significant savings. Below, we've outlined the best times to buy a Nintendo Switch in 2025, along with all the sales events you might want to keep an eye on.
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 discount. Historically, Nintendo offers a consistent bundle during Black Friday: a Red/Blue Nintendo Switch paired with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe at a standard price of $299. However, as the original Switch nears the end of its life cycle, deeper discounts might be on the horizon. In 2024, Black Friday bundles included a free Nintendo Switch Online subscription, hinting at potentially even better deals for 2025. The Nintendo Switch Lite often comes with bundled games and discounts during these sales, with the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe bundle likely to return.
2024 saw some of the best Switch deals to date, and with the Switch 2 launch approaching, 2025 promises even more enticing discounts.
Holiday Weekends
Holiday weekends in the United States, such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, President's Day, and Labor Day, are also excellent opportunities to buy a Nintendo Switch. Retailers like Walmart and Best Buy often run exclusive three-day sales, which may feature deals on Nintendo Switch hardware. These discounts are typically available to members of services like Walmart+ and My Best Buy Plus/Total, so consider membership if you're aiming for the best deals.
Keep an eye on 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 major sales event where you can usually find great deals on Nintendo Switch consoles, games, and accessories. Prime Day 2024 has already concluded, but you can expect another event in mid-July 2025. Additionally, Amazon often hosts a second Prime Day in October, known as Prime Big Deal Days, marking the start of the Black Friday sales season.
Amazon remains a top destination for purchasing Switch games, even outside of Prime Day.
Clearance Sales
Retailers like Woot sometimes offer Nintendo Switch models at unprecedented discounts, up to $75 off, during clearance sales. These deals are spontaneous and typically occur when retailers are clearing out inventory. Following the IGN Deals account can help you stay updated on these opportunities.
Also, consider open-box and refurbished units, which are often available at lower prices. These consoles are certified by the retailer, ensuring quality, and "Excellent" refurbished units might be nearly indistinguishable from new.
Nintendo Switch 2 is Coming in 2025
As the Nintendo Switch celebrates its eighth year in the market since its launch in March 2017, Nintendo officially unveiled the Switch 2. While specifics about the release date and price remain under wraps, the company has confirmed a 2025 launch. Analysts predict a price point around $400 and a potential release in June 2025, suggesting a summer launch. The period leading up to and immediately following the Switch 2's release is likely to feature significant discounts on the original Switch models, making it an ideal time for bargain hunters.