The Nintendo Switch 2 is officially here! Gamers everywhere are buzzing about the next generation of Nintendo’s hybrid console. It promises faster performance, better graphics, and some exciting new features (which we’ll all be obsessing over soon enough).
Most new tech, especially from Nintendo, the Switch 2 is launching at full price with zero discounts in sight. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s been a surprising twist: prices are going up on older Nintendo consoles — yes, even the original Switch, Switch OLED, and Switch Lite.
What’s going on? And how can you still save money if you’re a Nintendo fan on a budget? We’ll break it all down — and share the best places to shop for deals on games, accessories, and more.
🚨 A Big Shake-Up: Nintendo Raises Prices on Older Consoles
Nintendo has increased prices on almost every console in its current lineup — except the brand-new Switch 2. If you’re wondering why your favorite bundle or system suddenly costs more, you’re not imagining things.
The reason? Tariffs.
New import tariffs have affected the electronics industry in a big way. These added taxes have caused higher production and shipping costs — and Nintendo, like many tech companies, has responded by raising prices on existing hardware to keep up.
That means consoles like:
- The original Nintendo Switch
- Nintendo Switch Lite
- Switch OLED model
…have all seen a bump in price — in some cases by as much as $30–$50 more depending on the region or retailer.
So while we might’ve hoped the launch of the Switch 2 would bring price cuts on older models, the opposite has happened.
💸 Switch 2 Launch = Few Discounts (For Now)
If you’re hoping for a deal on the Nintendo Switch 2, here’s the honest truth: don’t hold your breath just yet.
When a brand-new console hits the market, especially from a company like Nintendo, discounts are extremely rare during the first year. Demand is high, inventory can be limited, and retailers have little incentive to slash prices when customers are buying at full price.
So whether you’re upgrading or buying your first Nintendo console, you’ll need to look elsewhere if you’re bargain hunting — especially right now.
🛍️ Still Want to Save? Focus on Games and Accessories
Here’s the good news: While hardware might be more expensive (and the Switch 2 is holding tight at full retail), Nintendo games and accessories still go on sale regularly — and this is where you can really save money.
🎯 Best Places to Find Nintendo Switch Deals
Here are the top three retailers offering consistent discounts on Nintendo products — particularly games, accessories, and bundles:
1. Amazon
Amazon often offers:
- Lightning Deals on popular titles (limited-time flash sales)
- Regular discounts on third-party accessories like grips, screen protectors, and storage cards
- Deals on official Nintendo accessories during major shopping events
Keep an eye out for bundle deals and Warehouse (used/open-box) options, which can save you 15–30%.
2. Best Buy
Best Buy is known for:
- Game + accessory bundles (e.g. buy a game, get a controller half off)
- Sales on official Nintendo gear during events like Black Friday, Back to School, or even random weekend deals
- Open-box items that are fully functional but heavily discounted
They also offer My Best Buy™ rewards, so you can earn points on every purchase.
3. GameStop
GameStop is a goldmine if you’re open to:
- Pre-owned games: Huge savings on popular titles that still work perfectly
- Refurbished consoles and accessories
- Trade-in credits to upgrade your setup or save on new releases
It’s also a great place to find older titles that may not be widely available anymore.
🔥 Must-Have Switch Deals to Look Out For
You’re sticking with your current Switch, waiting to upgrade, or already diving into the Switch 2 experience, here are a few deal categories to watch for:
🎮 1. Nintendo Game Sales
Nintendo’s first-party games (like Zelda, Super Mario, Animal Crossing) rarely go on sale — but when they do, it’s a big deal.
Look for:
- 20–33% off big-name titles during seasonal sales
- Buy 2, get 1 free promotions on select games
- Discounts on eShop codes during digital sales events
🎮 2. Accessory Bundles
Third-party accessory brands often bundle items like:
- Carrying cases + screen protectors
- Controller sets + charging docks
- Storage cards + game holders
You can often save up to 50% compared to buying items separately.
🎮 3. Nintendo Switch Online Subscription Deals
You need a Switch Online membership to play most games online and access cloud saves, classic NES/SNES games, and more.
Sometimes, you’ll find:
- Bundled games that include a 3-month subscription
- Discounted family plans during promotional events
- Credit card or retail perks that throw in a free month or bonus perks
🧠 Smart Tips for Shopping Nintendo Deals
Want to be a savvy shopper? Here are a few extra tips to help you stay ahead of price hikes and maximize your savings:
✔️ 1. Set Price Alerts
Use tools like:
- Honey
- CamelCamelCamel
- Slickdeals
These will track price drops on Amazon and notify you when a product hits your target price.
✔️ 2. Shop Major Sale Events
Plan your purchases around these high-discount windows:
- Black Friday & Cyber Monday
- Amazon Prime Day
- Back to School sales
- Holiday bundles (especially around Christmas)
You’ll often find deep discounts on games and accessories even if the consoles stay full-price.
✔️ 3. Consider Pre-Owned or Refurbished
There’s no shame in going pre-owned — especially if it’s GameStop Certified or Amazon Renewed. You can often find:
- Consoles in great shape for $50–$100 less
- Gently used controllers and Joy-Cons
- Games that play like new for 30–60% off retail
Just make sure you buy from reputable sellers with return policies.
🎯 Save Smart in the New Switch Era
The Nintendo Switch 2 now out, it’s an exciting time to be a Nintendo fan — but also a more expensive one. The surprise price hikes on older consoles are an unfortunate side effect of tariffs, and there’s little hope of deep discounts on the new system anytime soon.
That’s why it’s more important than ever to save where you can — and that means watching for deals on games, accessories, and subscriptions. By shopping smart, planning ahead, and using the tips above, you can still enjoy everything Nintendo has to offer without breaking the bank.