You’ve probably seen it on a shelf or in a blurry eBay listing. That bright, unapologetic shade of "Mario Red" that somehow looks different from every other piece of plastic in your living room. When people talk about the Nintendo Switch Mario Edition, they aren’t just talking about one single console. They’re usually talking about a handful of very specific releases that Nintendo dropped over the last seven years, each with its own weird quirks and collector value. Honestly, it’s kind of a mess to keep track of if you aren't a die-hard fan.
Most folks remember the 2021 release because it was the first time the actual body of the console was a different color. Before that, Nintendo was pretty lazy with it. They’d just toss some red Joy-Cons in a box and call it a day. But the Mario Red & Blue Edition changed the game. It was a tribute to Mario’s iconic outfit, and it even came with a carrying case that had those cute little yellow zipper pulls shaped like his overall buttons. It’s those tiny details that make people lose their minds.
The 2021 Mario Red & Blue Edition: A Design Gamble
This was a weird one. Typically, the "tablet" part of the Switch—the actual computer—is black. Always. Whether you bought the Animal Crossing version or the Splatoon one, the bezel and the back plate were usually some variation of grey or black. But for the 2021 Nintendo Switch Mario Edition, Nintendo went all in. The entire chassis was red.
It felt bold. Maybe a little too bold for some people? I remember reading forums where collectors were worried the red plastic would look "cheap" compared to the matte black of the original. They were wrong, though. In person, it has this deep, saturated glow. It came with blue Joy-Con straps and a blue grip, which completed the "plumber" aesthetic.
Interestingly, this wasn't an OLED model. It was the "V2" version with the improved battery life. If you’re looking for one today, you’re likely going to pay a premium because it was a "Limited Edition," though Nintendo’s definition of "limited" usually means "we’ll make a few million and then never talk about it again."
The Dock Dilemma
One thing that genuinely annoyed people was the dock. It was solid red. No patterns. No gold coins. No Bowser silhouettes. Just... red. For a "special edition," it felt a bit minimalist. Some fans actually preferred the 2017 Odyssey bundle because, even though the console was standard black, the Joy-Cons were a specific shade of "Odyssey Red" which is slightly darker and more "adult" than the neon red found in the standard boxes.
Why the Mario Red OLED Changed Everything
Fast forward to late 2023. Nintendo dropped the Mario Red Edition OLED. If you’re shopping for a Nintendo Switch Mario Edition right now, this is likely the one you’ll find at retail. And honestly? It’s arguably the best-looking Switch ever made, even if it's incredibly subtle.
At first glance, it looks like just a red OLED. But if you look behind the dock cover—the part where you hide the cables—there are tiny silhouettes of Mario jumping. And if you look really closely at the back of the dock, there are hidden coins. It’s a "if you know, you know" kind of design.
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- The Screen: It’s the 7-inch OLED. If you haven't seen one, the blacks are actually black, not that muddy grey you get on the standard LCD.
- The Kickstand: It’s the wide, sturdy one that doesn't feel like it’s going to snap off if you breathe on it too hard.
- The Color: It’s a slightly different pigment than the 2021 version. It feels more premium.
Some critics argued it was a "lazy" special edition because there’s no art on the back of the handheld itself. I get that. When you compare it to the Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom OLED with its intricate gold etchings, the Mario one looks plain. But that’s the point. It’s a clean, iconic look. It doesn't scream "I’m a gamer" as much as it screams "I love Nintendo history."
The Cold Hard Truth About Resale Value
Let’s talk money. Because that’s why half of you are here.
If you have an original 2017 Super Mario Odyssey bundle (the one with the red Joy-Cons and the carrying case), you’re sitting on a decent chunk of change if the box is mint. Why? Because it was the first. It’s the "ancestor" of the Nintendo Switch Mario Edition lineage.
However, the 2021 Red & Blue Edition is the one currently spiking in value on the secondary market. Because the console itself is red, it’s a "shell swap" enthusiast's dream. You can't just buy a red backplate from Nintendo. You had to buy the whole kit. According to PriceCharting and various eBay sold listings, a New-In-Box (NIB) 2021 Mario Edition can fetch anywhere from $450 to $600 depending on the day. That’s a massive jump from its $299 launch price.
The OLED version? Not so much. Yet. Since it's still relatively easy to find at stores like Target or on Amazon, the price is hovered right around the $349 MSRP. If you want a Mario Switch to actually play, get the OLED. If you want one to put in a plastic protector and hide in a closet for ten years, find a 2021 Red & Blue.
Common Misconceptions: Not All Red Switches are "Mario"
I see this all the time on Facebook Marketplace. Someone lists a "Limited Edition Mario Switch" and it’s just a standard grey Switch with third-party red shells they bought for $12 on AliExpress.
Don't get scammed.
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A real Nintendo Switch Mario Edition has very specific serial number ranges and markings. The 2021 version has a model number of HADSKABAA. The box is also a dead giveaway. It should be red and blue, featuring a specific pose of Mario that hasn't been used on other retail packaging. Also, check the Joy-Con rails. On the 2021 edition, even the rails on the side of the tablet are red. If those rails are black, it’s a fake or a shell swap.
The Technical Specs (For the Nerds)
Look, at the end of the day, it's still a Switch. Internally, the Nintendo Switch Mario Edition (OLED) has 64GB of internal storage. The 2021 version has 32GB. Both run the Tegra X1+ chip. You aren't getting more frames per second in Wonder or Odyssey just because the plastic is red.
But you do get that warm feeling of nostalgia.
There’s also the matter of the "Special Edition" sounds. Some people think these consoles have custom startup sounds or themes. They don't. Nintendo has been notoriously stingy with Switch themes. You get "Basic White" or "Basic Black." That’s it. It’s a missed opportunity, honestly. Imagine a Mario Edition that made the "coin" sound when you docked it? People would have paid double.
Is It Actually Worth Buying in 2026?
We’re deep into the Switch’s lifecycle. The rumors of a "Switch 2" or whatever they’re calling the successor are everywhere. So, does it make sense to hunt down a Nintendo Switch Mario Edition now?
It depends on your goal. If you are a parent buying a first console for a kid, the Mario OLED is a tank. It’s beautiful, the screen is great for car rides, and Mario is timeless. If you’re a collector, the window to get these at a "reasonable" price is closing. Once a console enters the "legacy" phase—meaning it’s no longer in production—prices for the Mario-themed ones tend to skyrocket faster than the standard models.
Think back to the GameCube. The "Mario" themed stuff is now the most expensive gear on the market. History repeats itself.
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How to Maintain the "Mario Red" Finish
One thing people notice after a year of heavy use is that the red plastic can get "shiny." This is just skin oils and friction wearing down the matte texture. If you want to keep your Nintendo Switch Mario Edition looking pristine, you've gotta be proactive.
- Use a Grip: Get a clear Skull & Co or Satisfye grip. It prevents your palms from rubbing directly against the red backplate.
- Microfiber Only: Don't use Windex. Don't use harsh chemicals. A dry microfiber cloth is all you need for the shell.
- The Dock Pins: Red plastic shows dust way more than black plastic. Use a can of compressed air to keep the dock clean, or it starts to look "crusty" real fast.
What to Check Before You Buy Used
If you’re scouring the used market, ask for a photo of the "About" section in the system settings. You want to verify the serial number. Also, look at the Joy-Cons. The "Mario Red" Joy-Cons have a very specific matte finish. If they look "glittery" or have a weird texture, they’re likely replacements.
The 2021 bundle also included a very specific red and blue carrying case. If the seller doesn't have that case, the value of the "bundle" drops by at least $50. It’s part of the set. Don't let them tell you otherwise.
Final Thoughts on the Red Plumber’s Legacy
Nintendo knows exactly what they’re doing. They take a piece of hardware that’s years old, wrap it in a specific shade of primary color, and suddenly we’re all reaching for our wallets again. The Nintendo Switch Mario Edition isn't just a color swap; it's a celebration of the mascot that basically saved the video game industry in the 80s.
Whether you want the all-red 2021 version or the subtle, "easter egg" filled OLED, you're buying a piece of Nintendo history. Just make sure you’re paying for the real deal and not a cheap plastic imitation.
Actionable Next Steps for Buyers and Collectors
If you're ready to pull the trigger, don't just buy the first one you see. Start by checking local listings on Facebook Marketplace or Mercari; you can often find parents selling these who don't realize they have a "Limited Edition" and just price it as a "red Switch."
Compare the serial numbers against official Nintendo databases to ensure the internal hardware matches the shell. If you're going for the OLED version, check retailers like GameStop or Best Buy first, as they occasionally get small restocks of the Mario Red OLED even late into the console's life. Finally, if you do buy one, invest in a screen protector immediately—the OLED screen is glass, but it’s still prone to scratches from the dock if you aren't careful.