Nintendo Switch Black Friday Promos Have Been Announced—Here’s What You Need to Know

Three models of the Nintendo Switch are currently available.

• The standard Nintendo Switch: Usually available at $300, this is the most common model available. While there was a slight upgrade in processor speed and battery life between the V1 (2017) and V2 (2019) versions of the Switch, the difference is difficult to notice unless you’re comparing them side by side. Few sellers differentiate between the two versions—nearly all Switches currently available are the V2 model. We’ll probably see a handful of deals in the $250 range, as well as some game bundle deals such as the Nintendo Switch + Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Digital) + 3-Month Nintendo Switch Online Individual Membership bundle for about $300.

• The Nintendo Switch OLED Model: This is the newest and priciest version of the Nintendo Switch. The key standout difference here is the OLED screen, which is a major upgrade to the standard Nintendo Switch’s LCD screen. While the body is the same size, the bezel is notably smaller, meaning you get nearly a full extra inch of screen space. Combined with better speakers, slightly larger onboard storage (64 GB), and a better kickstand, the Nintendo Switch OLED is a premium model we love using. But if you’re seeking a significant improvement in performance or battery life from your standard Switch, you’ll have to wait for the next release. This model is only worth getting if you don’t have a Switch or are upgrading from a Switch Lite. The OLED model is typically priced at $350; it’s unlikely that we’ll see significant deals on this model, with the previous lowest deal available for about $325.

• The Nintendo Switch Lite: Available for about $200, this is the budget model of the Switch. Only able to be played in handheld mode, this model lacks the ability to connect to a TV, which limits the ease of use for multiplayer games. While you can use Joy-Cons or a Pro controller with the Switch Lite, the Joy-Cons are not removable or replaceable. Still, it’s a good option for households with multiple Switch devices, travel entertainment, or as a more budget-friendly kids option. We’ve seen deals as low as $160 in July of this year, so expect to see similar deals during Black Friday sales.

It’s highly unlikely that we’ll see any stellar deals on the Nintendo Switch this holiday season. Though we saw the standard Switch on sale for $260 in May and the OLED Switch for $325, it’s doubtful that we’ll see a sale for much better. Both sales were more outliers than the rule, but they represent a best-case scenario for Switch pricing this holiday season. Nintendo’s promotional bundle for the standard Switch is decent for those interested in online multiplayer, but it’s not a very compelling deal otherwise.

It’s not all doom and gloom in Nintendo land. We do expect to see some solid deals on select Switch games and accessories. Nintendo’s Switch Sports (physical cartridge) is already seeing sales, and it’s likely that favorites like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey will continue to see discounts as late November approaches.

This article was edited by Ignacia Fulcher and Nathan Burrow.