You’ve seen the ads. They’re everywhere. Every November, the internet turns into a giant neon sign screaming about the Nintendo Switch Black Friday sale, and honestly, it’s easy to get swept up in the hype. But here is the thing: most people end up buying the wrong bundle or, worse, paying for "deals" that aren't actually deals. I’ve tracked these price cycles for years. I’ve seen the $299 Mario Kart bundle come and go more times than I can count.
It’s tempting. I get it. You want that hit of dopamine from a fresh console. But the 2025-2026 landscape is weird. We are currently sitting in this awkward transition phase where the original Switch is a "legacy" console, yet Nintendo still treats it like it’s brand-new gold.
The Reality of the "Doorbuster" Bundles
Let’s talk about that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe bundle. You know the one. It’s the centerpiece of every Nintendo Switch Black Friday sale since 2018. It usually costs $299. It usually comes with three months of Nintendo Switch Online. On paper, it looks like a steal because you're "saving" about $60.
But look closer.
Usually, that bundle features the standard V2 Switch—the one with the LCD screen. In a world where the OLED model exists, buying the standard LCD version feels like buying a flip phone in the era of the iPhone. The colors are flatter. The bezel is huge. If you’re playing mostly on your TV, sure, it doesn’t matter. But if you’re a handheld gamer, that "deal" is actually a trap. You’re better off hunting for a discounted OLED model, even if it doesn't come with a free game. Retailers like Target and Best Buy often shave $50 off the OLED price during the week of Thanksgiving, and that’s a much better long-term investment.
Hardware vs. Software: Where the Real Savings Are
Nintendo is notorious for "Evergreen" pricing. It’s frustrating. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild came out years ago, and yet, it still sits at $60 on the eShop most days. That’s why the Nintendo Switch Black Friday sale is actually more important for games than for the console itself.
This is the one time of year when the "Nintendo Tax" actually breaks. You’ll see titles like Super Mario Odyssey, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and Skyward Sword HD drop to $39 or even $29 at physical retailers.
- Physical over Digital: I cannot stress this enough. The eShop sales are okay, but Walmart and GameStop almost always beat them by five or ten bucks. Plus, you can resell the cartridge later.
- MicroSD Cards: Don't buy these at the Nintendo kiosk. Go to the electronics aisle. SanDisk and Samsung cards are 50-70% off during Black Friday. A 256GB card is basically mandatory because the internal storage is a joke.
- The Pro Controller: If you see this for under $60, grab it. It rarely goes on sale, and it's infinitely better than the Joy-Cons for anything that isn't Mario Party.
The Switch 2 Elephant in the Room
We have to be honest here. By the time the Nintendo Switch Black Friday sale rolls around in late 2025 and heading into 2026, the successor is the only thing enthusiasts are talking about. Nintendo has already confirmed the existence of new hardware.
So, why buy a Switch now?
Because the library is legendary. We’re talking about a decade of masterpieces. If you’re buying for a kid or you just want to catch up on Metroid Dread, now is the time because prices on the "old" hardware are finally starting to bottom out. Just don't expect the Switch 2 to be part of the Black Friday festivities yet. Nintendo doesn't discount brand-new hardware. They just don't.
Hidden Gem Discounts to Watch For
Everyone goes for Mario and Zelda. You should look for the third-party stuff. Persona 5 Royal, The Witcher 3, and Nier: Automata often hit the $20-25 range during the Nintendo Switch Black Friday sale. These are massive, 100-hour RPGs that run surprisingly well on the handheld.
Also, watch the Joy-Con prices. They are expensive. Usually $80. During Black Friday, you can sometimes find them for $60. It’s still a lot for controllers that might eventually drift, but it’s the best price you’ll get all year.
How to Not Get Scammed
Third-party sellers on Amazon and Walmart.com are the worst during the holidays. They’ll list "Nintendo Switch Bundles" that include a carrying case and a screen protector for $350. They make it look like an official bundle. It isn't. You’re paying a premium for $10 worth of cheap plastic accessories.
Stick to the "Sold and Shipped by" listings. If the price looks too good to be true—like a $150 OLED—it’s a scam. No legitimate retailer is selling a new OLED for that price in 2026.
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Moving Forward With Your Purchase
If you are ready to pull the trigger, don't wait for Friday morning. The Nintendo Switch Black Friday sale usually starts the Sunday before Thanksgiving online. Most of the stock for the best game deals evaporates by Tuesday.
Check the "Last Gen" sections too. As stores clear space for the new console, you might find clearance prices on physical copies of games that aren't even being advertised in the circulars.
Your Action Plan
- Prioritize the OLED: Even if the deal isn't as "flashy" as the Mario Kart bundle, the screen is worth the extra $50.
- Buy Physical Games: Target’s "Buy 2 Get 1 Free" often overlaps with Black Friday. That’s how you build a library for cheap.
- Upgrade Storage Immediately: Look for a U3-rated MicroSD card. Anything less and your load times will suffer.
- Ignore the Hype: If a game is $45 and you don't really want it, don't buy it just because it's "on sale." Nintendo games rarely drop below $30, so "good" deals are relative.
The Switch is in its sunset years, which makes it the best time to buy for value, but the worst time to buy if you want the latest and greatest tech. Know which camp you're in before you hand over your credit card.