Console Gaming, Culture

Top 10 Nintendo Switch Black Friday Picks for 2023

November 16, 2023 • Rehack Team

1. Nintendo Switch OLED

If your friends or family are looking to upgrade their Switch console, keep an eye out for deals on the Switch OLED. This premium model is currently the gold standard for Switch consoles thanks to its bright and crisp OLED screen. It comes with special edition white joy cons, which makes it easy to spot in stores and online.

The most likely shops in the US for Black Friday deals on the Switch OLED are Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target and GameStop. It has an MSRP of $349.99, but you can often find it for around $300 during holiday sales.

If you’re shopping for a Zelda fan, watch out for the Tears of the Kingdom special edition of the Switch OLED. This model is less likely to go on sale, but it is a limited edition, so you’ll want to pick one up while they’re still available.

2. SanDisk microSDXC (128GB to 1TB)

A good microSD card is a must-have for any Switch player. They make great gifts since you can always upgrade to a higher storage capacity microSD card.

The top Nintendo Switch Black Friday deal to look out for in this category is the SanDisk microSDXC line of cards. These microSD cards are currently the gold standard for the Switch. They range from 128GB up to 1TB of storage. Amazon tends to have the best deals on them, but you can also find them at Walmart, Target, Best Buy and GameStop.

3. Super Mario Bros Wonder

One of this year’s best Nintendo Switch Black Friday deals to look out for is Super Mario Bros Wonder, the latest installment in everyone’s favorite series about a pair of plumbers. Super Mario Bros Wonder is one of the best games in the Mario franchise in recent years. The addition of the quirky wonder flower mechanic adds some much-needed spice to the standard Mario format. You can’t go wrong picking up this game for a holiday gift for any Switch fan.

4. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is the latest addition to the fantastic line of Switch titles in the Zelda franchise. It’s definitely a great gift choice for Switch fans, especially anyone who loved Breath of the Wild.

Tears of the Kingdom is a direct sequel to BOTW and uses the same open-world format. It does introduce some exciting new abilities for Link, though, and new Sky levels. Be careful which version of the game you buy when you’re shopping, though – there is a US version and an international version.

5. Super Mario RPG

Super Mario RPG is one of the top Nintendo Switch Black Friday deals to watch out for this year. This game dropped on November 17, 2023, so you have a good chance to gift it before Switch fans you know can buy it themselves.

Super Mario RPG is actually a remake of a unique 1996 Mario game Nintendo made in collaboration with Final Fantasy developers Square Enix. The new version retains the RPG elements and plot of the original but with modern 3D graphics. This game is not like other Mario titles, though. It feels and plays like a Final Fantasy game with a Mario theme, which some gamers might like more than others.

6. Pokemon Scarlet/Violet

Pokemon Scarlet or Violet both make awesome gifts for any Switch fan who doesn’t already have either game. Both are on our list of top Nintendo Switch Black Friday deals to watch for since part 2 of the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC is coming out December 14, 2023, just in time for the holidays.

If you’re unfamiliar with Pokemon but want to gift this one, you can choose either Scarlet or Violet. Both are the same game with a few minor differences (the default avatar outfits are different colors and each has an exclusive pokemon). The additional DLC content is available through the Switch eShop, so you can also pick up a $35 eShop gift card for a friend or loved one to purchase the DLC with.

7. HORI Split Pad Pro/Compact

The HORI Split Pad is the perfect gift for any Switch fan frustrated with stick drift on their joy cons. Stick drift is an infamously common issue with a lot of joy cons, but the HORI Split Pad offers an alternative.

You can pop your Switch in and connect the HORI Split Pad as a third-party controller. It feels and plays like normal joy cons, just without the stick drift. There are two versions available: Pro and Compact. The Pro version is the best choice for most gamers, but the Compact is the way to go if you want a smaller footprint.

The HORI Split Pad Pro and Split Pad Compact are both normally priced at $49.99. Watch out for deals on Amazon in particular and keep an eye out for Zelda and Pokemon special editions.

8. CRKD Nitro Deck

The CRKD Nitro Deck is a fantastic alternative to the HORI Split Pad, especially for anyone looking for a retro aesthetic for their Switch. The CRKD Nitro Deck is also designed to replace standard joy cons while maintaining the Switch’s normal handheld format.

If you want to get rid of stick drift or simply want a different look for your Switch, it’s an awesome accessory to pick up. What’s especially cool about the Nitro Deck are all the color options. If you’re gifting for a retro gaming fan, keep an eye out for deals on the Nostalgia Collection models which are inspired by the Nintendo 64 and Super Nintendo.

The CRKD Nitro Deck is normally priced at $89.99 directly from CRKD.

9. 2023 Pastel Series Joy Cons

Switch fans can always use new joy cons, so they’re a fantastic gift idea. The new pastel series joy con sets are one of the top Nintendo Switch Black Friday deals to keep an eye out for this year.

These lighter colored joy con sets are perfect for anyone who wants a more mellow look for their Switch console. They’re available in pink/yellow pairs or purple/green pairs, both of which are compatible with either the classic Nintendo Switch or the Switch OLED. (Please note that joy cons are not compatible with Switch Lite consoles.)

10. Afterglow Wave Wireless Switch Pro Controller

If you’re shopping for someone who likes to use a Switch Pro controller, check out the PDP Afterglow Wave Wireless. This unique, officially-licensed Pro controller has an awesome RGB lighting setup that really makes it stand out.

You can customize the lighting on the controller using several preset modes. It’s wireless and rechargeable with a battery life of about 40 hours between charges. The Wave Wireless is compatible with the Switch and Switch OLED (you can also connect it to a laptop or PC using Bluetooth). Keep an eye on Amazon for the best deals on this great controller.