Siliconera’s 2023 Nintendo Switch Games Holiday Gift Guide  

It’s that time of year when you may start making your gift wish list or searching for games and consoles to add to your Nintendo Switch holiday shopping list, and we’re once again here to guide you. As usual, we have an array of recommendations for things you or people you love might want this year.

Which Switch Bundles are available for the 2023 Black Friday holiday shopping season?

There are two specific bundles released this year, but only one involves a system. The console this year is a $349.99 Super Smash Bros Ultimate Nintendo Switch OLED Black Friday bundle. That gives you a console with a special design based on the game, a code to download the fighting game, and three months of Nintendo Switch Online. 

The other bundle offers a way to get Joy-Cons with a game. For $99.99, you can get a digital copy of Super Mario Party and a pair of red and blue controllers. As the controllers are normally $79.99 and Nintendo sells the title for $59.99, it’s a bit of a savings.

As a reminder, there are also still some ever-present options. One is the $299.99 standard Switch Mario Kart 8 Deluxe bundle. There are also the $199.99 Switch Lite systems, though those don’t have removable Joy-Cons.  

Guide to Nintendo Switch games that make a great holiday gift for anyone

So some games are just generally great! They’re fun for folks regardless of their skill level. Anyone can jump in and find something to enjoy about them. 

• Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon – $59.99
• Disney Illusion Island – $39.99
• Ghost Trick – $29.99
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – $69.99
• Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection – $59.99
• Pikmin 4 – $59.99
• Star Ocean The Second Story R – $49.99
• Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life – $49.99
• Super Mario Wonder – $59.99
• WarioWare: Move It (note that it can’t be played on a Switch Lite due to its motion controls) – $49.99

Nintendo Switch games that make a great holiday gift for more advanced or niche players

These games are a bit more off the beaten path. Yes, anyone could theoretically get one and absolutely love them! However, due to their genres or certain elements, they may require a familiarity with certain mechanics, series, or gameplay elements.

• Advance Wars 1+2 Re-Boot Camp – $59.99
• Anonymous;Code – $59.99
• Disgaea 7 – $59.99
• Dredge: Deluxe Edition – $39.99
• Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection – $79.99
• Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse – $49.99
• Fire Emblem Engage – $59.99
• Jack Jeanne – $49.99
• Master Detective Archives: Rain Code – $59.99
• Metroid Prime Remastered – $39.99
• Octopath Traveler 2 – $59.99
• Persona 5 Tactica – $59.99
• Rune Factory 3 Special – $39.99
• Sea of Stars – $34.99
• Theatrhythm Final Bar Line – $49.99

Fun novelties that are Switch-adjacent

If someone already has a Switch and enjoys playing in handheld mode, a Nitro Deck could be a good option. It’s $59.99 and acts as a controller for standard and OLED models. It features snappier controls, some buttons you can remap, and a comfortable grip. You can also use it as a controller if you are using the system docked, or have it display your system.

It might also be fun to pick up some soundtracks for folks, especially if they like vinyl. For example, iam8bit sells Johto Legends. It is a two-record set of Pokemon Silver and Gold music for $42.99. Procyon Studio also recently released the Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition Original Soundtrack. That’s ¥5,500 (~$36).

There have also been a lot of Pokemon plush released lately. For example, there’s a whole line of Squishmallows ranging from about $20-40 in price, depending on their size. Pikachu, Gengar, Togepi, Snorlax, Piplup, Winking Pikachu, and Santa Hat Pikachu are all available. The Pokemon Center is selling holiday ones again too, which include the $39.99 Pikachu with Santa hat and cape, $27.99 Piplup with Mantype with red and green accessories, $24.99 Psyduck with Santa hat and gift bag, and $24.99 holiday Pawmi. There are also $14.99 stocking keychain plush with Fuecoco, Pikachu, Quaxly, and Sprigatito.