Nintendo has rolled out steep discounts on Switch consoles, games, and accessories just in time for the critical holiday shopping season. The deals come as demand for the 5-year-old Switch remains red hot.
Overview of the Sale
The sale includes the first-ever discount on the Switch OLED model, bundles with hit games like Mario Kart 8, and major price cuts on accessories and digital games.
- Switch OLED model $350 ($50 off) [1]
- Switch OLED + Mario Kart 8 Bundle $363 ($46 off game) [2]
- Hundreds of digital games from $2 [3]
- Select Joy-Cons discounted by $10-$20 [4]
- Switch Pro controller sale – $20-$30 off [5]
“Nintendo rarely discounts the Switch so it’s significant to see these deals for Black Friday and the overall holiday season,” said analyst Piers Harding-Rolls of Ampere Analysis. “I expect very high sell-through.” [6]
The sale runs at most major retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, Target and Walmart. It comes after several holiday shopping surveys cited the Switch among the most sought-after gifts. [7]
Surging Demand Could Lead to Switch Shortages
Demand for the Switch has accelerated in each of the last three years even though the console debuted in 2017. The pandemic lockdowns fueled a surge as homebound customers flocked to gaming.
The Switch became so popular in 2020 and 2021 that it was almost impossible to find in stock. While supply has improved, shortages during the holidays are still likely analysts say.
“Demand for Switch remains very strong so I think finding stock could be challenging,” Harding-Rolls said. “If parents can’t get one for the holidays the demand will just build.”
Year to date, the Switch ranks as the best selling console in both units and dollars, NPD Group video game analyst Mat Piscatella said in an interview.
“Demand continues to outstrip supply which speaks to just how popular Switch has become,” Piscatella said.
Great Value Drives Demand
Experts point to several factors behind surging demand including high-quality exclusive games and the ability to play the Switch anywhere. Most importantly, they say, the console packs great value at $299 given its versatility across handheld and TV gaming.
“Consumers recognize the value proposition and game publishers are drawn to the platform,” Piscatella said.
|Nintendo Switch Sales| |
:–|:–|
|2021 Units Sold|23 million|
|2022 Units Sold Forecast| 21 million|
|All Time Global Hardware Sales| 114 million|
The hybrid nature of the Switch has made it Nintendo’s fastest-selling console ever as seen in the table above. For parents, buying a Switch gets you both a traditional TV console and handheld gaming for kids.
“The Switch meets the needs of so many consumers which is driving massive demand,” said Louise Shorthouse gaming analyst at Futuresource Consulting. “I don’t see sales slowing yet with new games still coming.”
Outlook for 2023 & New Switch Model Rumors
Nintendo plans to roll out several major game titles in 2023 likely sustaining demand. The slate includes the Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Pikmin 4, Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC Wave 3.
Rumors also continue to swirl that Nintendo may release an upgraded Switch console with 4K graphics. While not confirmed, analysts say a new model could create an entirely new upgrade cycle for the platform.
For now, the red-hot demand is likely to continue this holiday season. So consumers should buy early and be ready to pounce on Switch deals.
With critically acclaimed new games on the way well into 2023, the 6-year old Switch still offers great bang for the buck. Get it before Nintendo comes out with Switch 2.0 and inevitably raises the price.
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