The Nintendo Switch, and its kid cousin, the Nintendo Switch Lite, have been somewhat of an elusive item for many throughout the past year or two. Thanks to a global pandemic and worldwide semiconductor chip shortage, all three major consoles have faced manufacturing problems along the production line, making them not only hard to find but hard to buy at a reasonable price.
Gamers feeling left out can rejoice, though, as Nintendo has just published their Holiday Gift Guide, which covers all things Switch and is sure to lift the spirits of those trying to get their hands on the hybrid console. From bundles brimming with choices to discounts on physical games and accessories, Nintendo is pulling out all the stops to try and make sure its fans are catered for this Black Friday and beyond. Here’s what players will get in every offer Nintendo has advertised.
The Nintendo Switch Black Friday Bundle
The main attraction comes in the form of a bundle including one of the Switch’s most popular and successful games, as well as the means to play it online with other people. With an original model Switch, a copy of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and a subscription to three months’ worth of Nintendo Switch Online, this bundle is definitely aimed at those wanting to experience the social aspect of the Switch, be it online or in the living room.
But is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe enough to entice buyers? The game itself originally debuted on the Wii U system back in 2014. While the Nintendo Switch upgrade is definitely the best iteration of the game, it has already been out for most of the Switch’s four-and-a-half-year lifespan. It’s also worth noting that the bundle only includes the basic Online membership package, not the recently expanded version. This does include access to emulated versions of classic NES and SNES games, but those looking to relive N64 and Sega Genesis games will have to upgrade their subscription to do so.
On the bright side, the bundle will save those buying it $70, which is the same price as the console on its own, meaning that the game and subscription come free. This collection is a great deal for those new to the console. The offer begins November 21 and is available while stocks last.
Savings on Great Nintendo Games
Should players want to expand their library beyond that of Mario Kart, Nintendo is offering discounts on select games from November 21 through 27. The selection features 10 of Nintendo’s finest first-party titles from multiple genres to suit any gamers’ needs.
Continuing the Mario theme, players can enjoy three titles featuring Nintendo’s Italian mascot. Solve countless in the endearing puzzle RPG Paper Mario: The Origami King, create and curate an infinite number of levels in Super Mario Maker 2 and experience the classic side-scrolling Super Mario experience in Super Mario Bros U Deluxe.
For those that want to explore the vast open worlds the Switch has to offer, look no further than The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, a sprawling RPG with a beautiful art style. Fight against the machines of the Mechon race in the open world of Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition. Alternatively, players can choose their own path in turn-based tactical RPG, Fire Emblem: Three Houses. The deal also includes the hack and slash adventure Astral Chain, in which players assume the role of a detective that takes on supernatural beings.
Finally, for younger gamers, the deal includes savings on colorful shooter Splatoon 2, cute platformer Kirby: Star Allies and the beautiful remake of a Game Boy classic, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening. All of the above games feature a substantial $20 price cut, making them an enticing $39.99 to any gamers that have been holding off until just the right time.
Nintendo Switch Accessories Galore
The Nintendo Switch follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, the Wii, when it comes to turning games into something more than just sitting on the couch and staring at a screen. Ring Fit Adventure takes what Wii Fit did to the world of video game aerobics and amplifies it, combining fitness and exercise routines with RPG elements to make a unique experience with a lot of replay value. Party mode adds a social aspect to the mix, while the original Wii Fit players may notice similarities in the game’s guided fitness section.
The saving on Ring Fit Adventure comes in at $25, bringing the price down to $54.99, which is a great price considering how much some players were willing to pay to get their hands on a copy during lockdown. That said, the Ring Fit accessory itself only really sees use within this game, so bear that in mind before purchase.
Possibly the coolest and most innovative uses of the Nintendo Switch system, save perhaps the Nintendo Labo, is Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit. The game combines the classic Mario Kart experience with remote control car racing, using the player’s home as the track. Each real-life kart is controlled by the Nintendo Switch and has a video camera that relays back to the Switch’s screen. The track can be customized and placed on any flat surface, making the player’s home come to life in endless ways. A $40 saving on Home Circuit makes it a very inviting $59.99. Both these deals are available from November 21 through 27.
That’s every deal Nintendo has for this Black Friday. With something for new players and discounts for long-time fans, the offering is varied but also limited. Is it fresh enough to keep players happy, or will the return of Mario Kart 8 and the surprising lack of AAA games be a swing and a miss?
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