Best Nintendo Gifts 2021: Nintendo Switch Holiday Gift Ideas

The original hybrid console that merged the best of Nintendo home and portable devices into one machine, Nintendo Switch has been a game-changer since its launch in 2017. Whether you’re playing first-party games at home while it Is Docked Or You If you’re browsing a few indie games on a bus ride, the basic idea of ​​a console that makes the gaming experience equal in either mode has been just phenomenal.

Out of the box, you get the console, two Joycon controllers, the charging station that connects to your TV, and all the necessary cables you’ll need to charge it between sessions. While it may not have the fancy OLED display of the new model on the market, the original Switch’s LCD display is still more than capable of transmitting bright and vivid images in portable mode, and afterwards four years old, it now has a solid library of games to choose from.

If you’re looking for handheld games and a crisp display, Nintendo’s new OLED model Switch will certainly satisfy those specific cravings. While the internal hardware of the OLED model of the Switch is the same as that of the regular Switch console, its screen has thinner edges, is one inch larger, and the overall presentation of games makes for a brighter overall experience. Along with several other quality of life improvements, the Switch OLED model is the definitive Nintendo console for anyone who prefers to play in portable mode.

Unfortunately, the OLED Switch is extremely hard to find in stock, so be sure to follow our restock the tracker for updates.

This is a new gift idea for all the Zelda fans in your life as well as those who just love good nostalgia. The Legend of Zelda Game & Watch is a retro handheld handheld computer containing three classic Zelda games: The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening.

The Switch OLED model is perhaps the best Nintendo console for anyone who prefers the portable nature of this system, but don’t count the Switch Lite. With its more rugged design and affordable price, it’s perfect for the younger family members who just want to jump into their favorite games and aren’t too concerned about the difference in color contrast that an OLED display can provide. . It does come with a few caveats to justify its lower price, though, such as the controls built into the console, no hardware to allow it to connect to your TV, and a small number of games that aren’t compatible with it.

Most of Nintendo’s games ship on physical cartridges, but the console has seen a significant increase in the number of people embracing digital purchases thanks to the ease of access on the Switch. For someone who has a Switch, an eShop gift card is a great gift because it will allow them to grab a game that they have had their eyes on for a while, and you will avoid accidentally buying the wrong title in the game. process.

Nintendo eShop gift cards are available at different prices and up to a maximum of $ 99, and as soon as you purchase one, you receive a digital code via email that you can pass on to the lucky recipient.

It might not have as many bells and whistles as Sony’s PlayStation Plus subscription services or Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass, but Nintendo Switch Online is still a solid selection to access online that includes a library of retro classics. Required for online multiplayer access, subscribers also receive cloud save saves for most games, and the service comes in two annual subscription packages.

An individual membership will cost $ 20 for one year, while a family membership increases the price to $ 35. There is also the recently revealed Nintendo Switch Online Membership Plan + Expansion Pack that costs $ 50 for a 1 year membership, adding Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis to the offer and the Happy Home Paradise DLC from Animal Crossing.

Switch Joy-con controllers are fun peripherals that can be combined to form a more traditional input device, but for anyone looking for something with a more ergonomic design and bigger buttons, the Switch Pro controller is the way to go. to be continued. Shaped like a modern controller, it has impressive battery life and an attractive finish that lets you peek under the hood of the controller.

You’ll get a pair of Joy-Cons with your regular Switch and the OLED model, but more Joy-Cons are always better, especially if you live in a household that houses multiple players. For multiplayer games like Super Mario Party or Overcooked that allow up to four players to participate, an extra pair of Joy-Cons comes in handy, and they’re also available in a range of fun colors to help brighten up your living room.

The original switch may cause some hand cramps after a long gaming session, but the Hori Split Pad Pro remedies this with an ergonomic design, excellent D-pad, and large buttons. Giving you a better grip on the console, the controller replaces the Joy-Cons and also adds more precise analog sticks, programmable rear paddles, and it won’t lock your Switch into the dock when you slide it out. for a recharge.

With SNES and Genesis games available on it, the Switch is home to a treasure trove of classic games. The best way to play these games is with a controller that also offers a legacy-themed approach to interactivity, and 8BitDo is a third-party option that offers extensive button mapping, rechargeable battery and a custom rumble feature.

While the Nintendo Switch only added Bluetooth headset functionality this year, it does come with a few notable audio lag issues. The best way to do this is to use a headset that includes a wireless dongle, and the SteelSeries Arctis 1 is one of the best you can get for the console. Once you plug it into the USB-C port, a solid connection will provide crystal-clear sound, communication, and dozens of hours of gaming with this comfy box set.

Mario Kart has been one of the best racing game franchises for decades, and now that action is finally available in your own home with Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit. The box contains a number of cardboard accessories that you can use to build a course, and the Mario Kart holder which is surprisingly fast and looks like a perfect replica of the famous vehicle. It’s available with either Mario or Luigi in the driver’s seat, and once you connect it to a Nintendo Switch, it delivers an exhilarating version of Mario Kart. Just make sure you watch out for cats in your home while you are racing.

What’s better than Super Mario Bros. and Lego? Obviously, the two franchises come together in a fun package. The Lego Super Mario Starter Course is always a fun introduction to Nintendo’s and Lego’s favorite plumber’s world, allowing you to create a Super Mario course in Lego form. The best part about this kit is Mario himself, as the figure has LED screens in his eyes, mouth and stomach which create various sounds as used in the game.

Perfect for anyone who has just received the latest Metroid game, these Amiibo figures come with nifty in-game features such as an extra energy tank, daily health replenishment function, and a Missile + tank that gives Samus Aran additional ammo. Beyond the perks of the game, the Amiibos Samus and EMMI are just fantastic, and once you’ve stocked up on Metroid Dread, they’ll continue to show off their awesome design when they’re on your shelf.

There’s only 32GB of storage available in the Switch – increased to 64GB on the OLED model – so a microSD memory card is essential. There are plenty of them on the market, but one of the best you can get is Sandisk’s officially licensed microSD card which boosts the Switch’s storage capacity with 128GB of digital space. More than enough space to host several proprietary games and plenty of indie titles.

A good carrying case is essential when you take your Nintendo Switch out, and of all the options available, none are more heartwarming than this Animal Crossing: New Horizons themed case from PowerA. Adorned with soothing colors and themes taken from the hit game, the case also has a durable outer shell, feels soft on the inside, and has space to store a few extra games on the inside.