Nintendo Switch Holiday Buyer’s Guide | System Options

 

 

 

SYSTEM OPTIONS

 

 

 

Nintendo Switch Gray

We realize that many of our readers may not yet own a Nintendo Switch. Unlike the other console manufacturers, Nintendo has kept your options fairly simple. The actual specs of the each Nintendo Switch console at retail are identical. They all contain 32GB of internal storage, with the option of increasing memory via a micro SD Card (see our section on memory for suggestions). They all include two Joy-Con controllers (one left and one right) as well as a Joy-Con Grip to combine them to form a standard controller with two analog sticks.

Nintendo Switch Red & Blue

The basic packages have been shipping since the system launched back on March 3, 2017. These systems are identical with the exception of the Joy-Con controller colors. You can choose from the standard gray set, which comes packed with two gray Joy-Cons or you can get the neon set, which is packed with a Neon Red and Neon Blue Joy-Con. We’re partial to the neon set and would suggest that one over the gray. Not only does it add a pop of color, but when each Joy-Con is used separately, it’s easier to tell them apart. These retail for $299.99.

Nintendo Switch Splatoon Bundle

Nintendo has two bundle sets available that should be considered as well. The first is the limited edition Splatoon 2 bundle, which is exclusive to Walmart. The Switch hardware is the same as any other set, but the Joy-Con controllers unique colors: Neon Green and Neon Pink. This package also comes with a digital code for Splatoon 2 and a special edition carrying case for the Switch. This bundle retails for $379.99, so there isn’t a price break for buying everything together, although at press time it’s the only way to get those special colored Joy-Con controllers in North America. Keep in mind that Splatoon 2 is digital, so you won’t be able to resell it once redeemed and it takes up valuable space on your Switch’s storage. This may or may not be an issue depending on if you also buy a memory card.

Nintendo Switch Mario Bundle

The other bundle that will be made available on October 27 is the one with Super Mario Odyssey included. Again, the base system is the same as all of the others, except this one has deep red colored Joy-Con controllers, a digital copy of Super Mario Odyssey, and a special edition carrying case for the Switch. It retails for $379.99, so once again you are not saving money by purchasing this bundle. Keep in mind the game will take up more room on your system since it's digital as well.

If we were buying a Nintendo Switch for the holidays we would choose the Neon Switch and buy the other products separately. This not only saves room on storage, assuming you by the cartridge versions of the games, but it also gives you more options to choose your own carrying case. Of course, if the other limited edition Joy-Con colors really are must-haves for you, then by all means track down a bundle. You can’t go wrong with any one of them!