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Ahead of this holiday season, it can be quite tricky finding the right presents for gamers. It’s never been simple, really. There are always big brands with big consoles flashing their specs and hardware, but for someone who might not be very well versed in video games, it can be quite overwhelming. Let’s go over our top tips for buying a Nintendo Switch ahead of Christmas and New Years.
There’s three main Nintendo Switch models you should be aware of
There’s three different Nintendo Switch models: the original, the Lite and the OLED. Each varying in price, they also target slightly different demographics. The original Nintendo Switch, for example, is sometimes available at discounted prices, whether they’re brand new or refurbished products, and is a versatile console that offers something for everyone.
The Nintendo Switch Lite, on the other hand, starts off at a much lower MSRP and is the easiest to get a hold during holiday sales. It’s not as versatile as the OG console as it can’t be docked. The original and the Nintendo Switch OLED can both be plugged into a TV or monitor using the dock interface, though the Lite model can only be played portable. This is a great option for a younger audience who might not have access to a TV, and it doesn’t feature as many moving parts either so it’s a little sturdier.
The Nintendo Switch OLED is the most premium model, and is likely best suited to the hands of slightly older gamers who have a little bit more interest in high quality graphics and an immersive experience. It’s the newest model too, which means it’s also going to be harder to find at a discount. For example, we barely saw any deals on the Nintendo Switch OLED over Black Friday and Cyber Monday, though Christmas might be a different story all together. The OLED display is also much brighter than the other models, so it suits any gamers who might spend a lot of time outside or have impaired vision.
We consider the Nintendo Switch OLED as the best handheld games console, if that sways your decision at all.
| Model | Demographic | MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch | General | $299 |
| Nintendo Switch Lite | Younger gamers | $199 |
| Nintendo Switch OLED | Hardcore gamers | $349 |
Nintendo Switches are a great gift for beginner gamers
Getting started in gaming can incredibly intimidating. Everyone’s aware of the ongoing debates pitting Xbox against PlayStation, or PC against console gamers. One of my favorite things about Nintendo’s consoles is that they’re pretty headstrong in doing their own thing – ignoring the zeitgeist. While other companies are busy adding industry-leading graphical rendering to their consoles, the Switch’s charm lies in the fact that it’s just simple and fun.
It’s a console that severely favors an enjoyable lightweight experience over epic, immersive gameplay. There are games like Splatoon 3 and Tears of the Kingdom, connecting players across all demographics, while the online experience is pretty tame and neutral.
How to find the best Nintendo Switch deals this Christmas
When you’re on the lookout for Nintendo Switch deals this Christmas, keep an eye on Amazon and BestBuy. They’re two of the biggest retailers, alongside Walmart and Target, where you’re going to be able to find different versions of the console. We’re going to be adding any deals we spot to this page, so make sure to check in periodically to find the latest.
If you’re looking for a Nintendo Switch deal, there are services such as CamelCamelCamel and Honey. They’re browser plugins which will indicate price variations across different retailers, while also showing you charts mapping price changes for specific products on some retailers. There’s no saying what days Nintendo Switch consoles will go on sale this Christmas, if at all, though having a look at last year’s information we can make some predictions.
On Amazon, the original Nintendo Switch’s price did not change over Christmas. Nor did the Nintendo Switch OLED’s price or the Lite’s. We tracked this using CamelCamelCamel. That said, this was very much only the case for individual consoles. Bundles, however, did see some slightly more generous discounts.
Unfortunately, getting hold of a Nintendo Switch at a discount is a rare opportunity. If you do end up seeing a Nintendo Switch console that has a decent deal applied, don’t hesitate to pick it up.
If you do end up getting a Nintendo Switch as a gift for a loved one, or even yourself, you might also want to consider some of the best Nintendo Switch accessories as Christmas gifts.
