Nintendo - Holiday Gift Guide

November 16, 2023 Luke Henderson

There is something special about opening up presents on Christmas morning and finding a console and games. As someone who has lived that a few times, its truly a incredible feeling and leads to great memories.

That being said what if you are now the buyer of the presents or looking to supplement what Santa is bringing, well we have you covered on just a few items that you can choose from, especially if you are buying for that Nintendo fan or younger gamer.

The Nintendo Switch is almost 8 years old, as it released on March 3rd 2017 and this is the consoles 7th holiday season, so there is a fair chance that there is already a Switch console in the life of your target person. If there isn’t or you are looking to pick up a secondary console for the younger member of the family, then its still a great time to buy one.

As for games, there are countless great titles on the platform, so we have included a few recommendations as well. Just note that the prices below are the RRP that is recommended retail price, this should be the most that you pay for the item, but some stores will have discounts on some games or hardware, so you might be able to score it cheaper, just keep an eye on prices.

Nintendo Switch - OLED Model

Price: $539.95 rrp

The OLED Model of the Nintendo Switch is the one to get, if you are getting your first one, as it provides the best screen for when you are not connected to a TV, but also provides more storage, better speakers and other enhancements.

Prices for the console vary, the RRP is $539.95, but The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom console is $10 more for some reason, but the console is on sale a bit at most stores for closer to $500. There are a few options as well, there is the standard white, the blue/red, a new Mario red and of course the Zelda themed console. Nintendo are also going to offer up a special Mario Kart bundle ahead of the holiday season as well, which comes with the white console, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and 3 months of Nintendo Switch Online.

Super Mario Party + Joy-Con Pair

Price: $139.95 rrp

Available: EB Games | JB HiFi | Amazon | Nintendo

The Mario Party series has been around for quite a while now and this bundle is actually the second time its come around, this time however the colours of the Joy-Con are different. The last time we saw it they were Neon Green and Neon Pink, now though they are Pastel Purple and Pastel Green, but otherwise its the same deal. If you are in need of extra controllers and don’t have the game, then for the extra its a good buy.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Price: $89.95

Review: Link

If you are one of the 18m people that bought the game within its first six weeks on sale, then you know why this is here and if you have not got the game, then you are likely to have at least heard of the game. We really loved it, and if you have a few hundred hours to spare, I am sure you will as well.

Red Dead Redemption

Price: $69.95 rrp

Review: Link

Red Dead Redemption set a standard for Rockstar Games when it released back in 2010, with the same attention being given to Grand Theft Auto V and then Red Dead Redemption 2. While the Switch version doesn’t look as pretty as the game does on other platforms, it still looks great and plays just as well. With the base game offering up plenty to enjoy, along with the stand alone story expansion, you will be living the cowboy life for months to come.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Price: $79.95 rrp

Review: Link

It is a new 2D Mario game, that is all you really need to know. Ok, this time around the multiplayer won’t cause fights to break out, so its a perfect Christmas day title, but beyond that, there are playable characters that suit all skill levels. Along with new power ups and enemies, everything really fees fresh just be aware that it can be addictive to collect all the medals.

Minecraft

Price: $39.95 rrp

Review: Link

At this point there isn’t a soul who doesn’t know Minecraft, it is on every gaming platform that exists today and for good reasons, its digital Lego. The Switch version does include some extra goodies not found elsewhere, as well as the Super Mario pack. At this stage if you are buying for a kid, they are either aware of Minecraft or about to be and this is a great way to get them ready for it.

advance wars 1+2: re-boot camp

Price: $79.95 rrp

Review: Link

Available: EB Games | JB HiFi | The Gamesmen | Amazon | Nintendo eShop

The Advance Wars series has been a bit of a fan favourite since it launched on the GameBoy Advance and while the series went away after the DS titles, the Switch release brought it back in style. With a new look, but the same core gameplay that fans adore, this was a great remake of two beloved titles and anyone who is a fan of the series, needs to have this in their library.

Metroid Prime Remastered

Price: $59.95 rrp

Review: Link

Metroid was always a niche series for Nintendo, so much so that its the only series to skip the Nintendo 64, but when it landed on GameCube, its new perspective really changed things up. The Remastered release is just that, a remaster of the original, but it will more modern controls and other gameplay refinements, its taken what was a great game and made it even better, if only they would do the other games as well.

NIntendo eShop Gift Cards

Price: $15, $30 or $60

Available: Most retailers

Another option for the avid gamer is an eShop Gift Card, which are set at $15, $30 or $60 amounts and can be used to buy digital content on the Switch’s eShop. That content can be whole games, DLC for existing games that are owned, in-game content like Fortnite V-Bucks or even a Nintendo Switch Online membership.

The team at Vooks.net rounded up a good selection of games that you could get with each domination of card and while the list would have more games added in the year since it was written, it is still a solid list.

So there you go, a good selection of games that should keep your Nintendo fan happy. Of course, if they already own a Switch then getting the games is all you need, but if they are wanting the console now is the best time to get on board.