Black Friday is here, and if you’re a Nintendo Switch enthusiast, you’re in for a treat! After covering these sales for five years, I can confidently say that this year’s deals have reached an unprecedented level. Here’s a breakdown of the hottest bundles, discounts, and essential gadgets, along with some pro tips to secure the best offers.

Walmart’s Unbeatable Nintendo Switch Bundle

For those opting to shop online, Walmart stands out with an incredible deal on the Nintendo Switch Mario Kart 8 Deluxe bundle. Currently priced at $249 (after a generous $50 discount from $299), this package includes the standard edition console, a free copy of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and 12 months of Nintendo Switch Online service. However, with Amazon's stock dwindling quickly, it’s clear the competition is fierce and shoppers need to act fast.

Be Careful with Special Edition Bundles

While Best Buy’s Hyrule Edition Nintendo Switch Lite and The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom bundle may seem attractive at $269.98, it’s essential to remember that you're paying the full MSRP for both items. This isn’t a real deal! If you're interested, it's advisable to purchase each item separately. Woot has Echoes of Wisdom available for just $44.99, significantly lower than Best Buy’s bundled price.

Looking for Accessories? Keep an Eye on the Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe

When it comes to accessories, the Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe is often overlooked but should be on your radar this Black Friday. With a typical price around $109.99, it has previously dipped as low as $69.99, making anything below $90 a great bargain. If you’re serious about your Mario Kart skills, this is a must-have accessory!

Rumors of the Nintendo Switch 2

Looking to the future, the Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to launch around March next year amidst a wave of excitement. The good news is that it has been confirmed to be backwards compatible, meaning that any games purchased during this Black Friday sale will also be playable on the new system.

Switch Lite’s Lack of Deals

This year, the Nintendo Switch Lite seems to be receiving minimal attention, with very few discounts—a stark contrast to the strong savings seen on standard and OLED models. Historically, Switch Lite discounts haven’t reached the same heights, making it unlikely to see significant sales any time soon.

Amazing Discounts on Top Games

In addition to console deals, Black Friday brings incredible prices for popular Nintendo games. For instance, Super Mario Odyssey is down to a record-low of $29.99 at Best Buy, marking a substantial drop from its usual $59.99 price tag. It’s a fantastic opportunity to grab this critically acclaimed title!

Don’t Miss Out on Game Gear!

For those wishing to enhance their gaming experience, the Genki Shadow Cast 2 capture card offers fantastic capabilities for around $39.99, allowing you to play your Nintendo Switch games on your iPad. Plus, the Genki Covert Dock is also discounted, making it easier than ever to game on-the-go.

The Best Controllers for Your Switch

When it comes to choosing between the Hori Split Pad Pro and standard Joy-Con controllers, your playing style will dictate your choice. The Split Pad Pro is perfect for comfortable, handheld gaming but lacks wireless functionality. On the other hand, the Joy-Con's wireless action is unbeatable for multiplayer fun on the go. For controller lovers, the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is $49.99, well worth the investment for regular docked gameplay due to its superior comfort and features.

Don't Overlook the Hottest Titles and Discounts!

For Sonic fans, Sonic X Shadow Generations has dropped to an impressive $29.99, making it an excellent choice for newcomers and long-time fans alike. Meanwhile, the highly anticipated The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is available at an unbeatable price of $39.99 at Best Buy for this Black Friday only.

Is It Time to Buy a Nintendo Switch?

If you haven't yet jumped on board with the Nintendo Switch, this Black Friday marks the perfect time to do so. With bundles offering fantastic savings and the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, now is your chance to enhance your gaming collection. However, if you’re currently enjoying the Switch Lite, it might be wise to wait for the next-generation console for a more significant upgrade.

Don’t miss out on these incredible deals, and happy shopping this Black Friday!