Best Nintendo Switch gifts for 2024
Let's-a-go shopping
Christmas may seem like a while away, but now is actually a great time to grab the best Nintendo Switch gifts. Sales season sees everything from merchandise to toys getting drastically reduced in price, so it's your chance to score a bargain on thoughtful presents.
No matter whether you're on the hunt for accessories or you need some festive collectibles to brighten up your Holiday, there's something for everyone on the shelves right now. In fact, there's arguably too much choice. That's why the 12DOVE experts and I are helping you get your Nintendo Switch gifts shopping done in no time with personal recommendations.
How did we settle on these specific Nintendo Switch gifts? Well, our present-hunting team has spent years covering must-have gifts for gamers professionally and as fans, so we've only suggested products we'd actually like to receive ourselves. Besides hands-on experience, we've also cross-referenced user reviews to make sure you're getting the best possible recommendations.
Benjamin handles all of the gifting content at 12DOVE and has been writing about present-worthy gear for six years. However, he's played Nintendo games since the mid-'90s and is a huge fan of its many franchises. His favorite game is still Super Mario Galaxy.
Best Nintendo Switch gifts overall
Low on time? Here's a whistle-stop tour of the best Nintendo Switch gifts, keeping strictly to the highlights.
Best overall
Left things a bit late? Not to worry, this digital gift card for the Nintendo eShop will help. Besides being delivered to your inbox right away, it allows the recipient to buy what they want from the store (be it games, add-ons, or downloadable content) at their leisure. It's the perfect last-minute present, in other words.
Best for Xmas
It's now a tradition to break out the 'ugly' jumpers in time for Christmas, so why not rope Mario and co into the festive fun? This delightfully gaudy option is from Numskull, a trustworthy brand that's known for premium quality at a reasonable price. Want the same sweater in the UK? You can grab it from Amazon UK here.
Best novelty
I can't tell you how much I adore this range of gaming ornaments by Hallmark. Although heroes from across gaming are recreated here, Nintendo characters like Mario, Pikmin, Link, Pikachu, and Samus make up the lion's share of figures. If you ask me, the best ones (available at Amazon) are these adorable Pikmin because they're almost to-scale with their game counterparts, or these workhorse Mario items that look great well in bulk on a tree around more individual pieces.
Best mug
I adore this novelty mug from Paladone; it's the perfect kind of Nintendo Switch gift for long-time fans like me who've been with Mario and co for decades. It reveals an original Super Mario level from the NES when you pour in hot liquid, which is a fun effect.
Best decoration
Nintendo's Super Mario series is one of the most iconic in gaming, so this very cool lamp based on its mushroom power-up should delight most fans who play on Switch. It's a nifty, thoughtful gift that won't cost you a (Bob)bomb.
Stocking filler
Want a good stocking filler? This fits the bill. Besides being fairly cheap on the whole, these blind-boosters get you a random but iconic kit from the Super Mario Series. This means the recipient is unlikely to have it already.
Best Nintendo Switch gifts under $30
If you're keen to get Nintendo Switch gifts as cheaply as possible, these presents should be your first port of call. They're great stocking fillers or Secret Santa candidates.
Best mugs
There are plenty of Nintendo-themed mugs you can choose from, but Paladone's offerings are my favorite by far. Besides being a trustworthy brand that has a reputation for high-quality merch, their designs speak to every part of the fandom.
Stocking-filler
If you're on the hunt for cheap and cheerful gifts that might work as a Secret Santa present or stocking filler, this genius idea will take the cake. These magnets let the recipient create their own Super Mario levels across their fridge, and can be combined in endless combinations.
Best bottles
Another easy (but practical) Nintendo Switch gift idea would be a themed water bottle. Paladone makes quite a few based on everything from Animal Crossing to Super Mario, and I hear consistently great things about them.
Best novelty
If you're looking for practical Nintendo Switch gifts, this is a must-have. It looks like it leapt off the screen, and can add a homely flair to your loved ones' gaming setup.
Best decoration
It's not official, but it is awesome nonetheless. This little neon light punches well above its weight and is a statement piece for any room. It's not too expensive, either, and enjoys a wealth of positive user-reviews.
Best Nintendo Switch gifts under $50
If your budget can stretch a little further, you'll be able to nab the best Nintendo Switch gifts overall. These options are more impressive or long-lasting; they're less of a novelty.
Best for Xmas
'Ugly' Christmas sweaters are some of the best Nintendo Switch gifts during festive season. You can get a general overview of what's on offer by hitting the button above, but my favorites (all available at Amazon) are the Numskull 'Happy Holidays' version featuring Mario and co, this officially licensed Animal Crossing one by Geeknet, and the Super Mario Goomba jumper from Nintendo.
For adults
There's no shortage of good Lego kits based on Nintendo franchises (be it Super Mario, Animal Crossing, or Zelda), but the one I love most is this characterful spin on the iconic Mario Piranha Plant. It's got personality to spare, and even though its price tag is over $50, I consistently see it on sale for less.
Best toys
You aren't short on choice when it comes to Nintendo plushies. You can get cuddly versions of everything from Kirby to Splatoon Inklings. Because these are officially licensed by the famously exacting Nintendo, you won't wind up with cheap tat. If I had to choose just a couple, I'd go for the Legend of Zelda Korok at Amazon (it captures the woodland critters' essence perfectly) and the mischievous-looking Bowser Jr. at Amazon.
Best for winter
If the cold weather is closing in, there's nothing better than being snuggled up on the sofa with your Switch and a cozy oodie. These wearable blankets make such good presents. Although there are plenty to choose from, this Pikachu version stands out the most so far as I'm concerned. It's got consistently good user-reviews as well.
Best for kids
What's better than playing Switch? Creating your own real-life Mario courses with Lego! Or is it making an Animal Crossing island on the kitchen table? You can do either with Lego's gaming range, and even though anyone can enjoy it no matter how old they are (they look great on display), younger gamers in particular will enjoy the imaginative play offered by these kits. My favorites, which are available at Amazon, are Animal Crossing Isabelle's House Visit and the Mario starter set.
Best retro
Hankering after times past? This retro recreation is modeled after the iconic SNES controller, so will go down very well with those that grew up on the system.
Best Nintendo Switch gifts: Games
Games make up some of the best Nintendo Switch gifts, simply because everyone loves unwrapping a shiny new box. While you'll need to have an idea of which games your recipient already has, these are the hottest titles that any player would be happy to dive into.
✅ Gorgeous visuals
✅ Wild creativity
❌ Slippery controls
This utterly delightful remake of the underrated Epic Mickey is a must-have if the recipient hasn't played it before. The original was a brilliant and fiercely creative platformer which still stands the test of time, so I'm pleased to see it get an encore for Switch. While it's always wise to check that your loved one doesn't have the game already, I'd say it's the one they're least likely to own out of all the options listed here.
✅ Classic Zelda
✅ Puzzle focus
❌ Top-down
Does your loved one enjoy adventure, puzzles, and fantasy? There's a new Legend of Zelda out now, and it stars the Princess Zelda herself as a playable character for the first time. It's a return to classic top-down puzzle solving seen in the likes of Link to the Past, so retro gamers will also appreciate this installment.
✅ New minigames
✅ Pro mode
❌ A bit samey
Does the person you're shopping for love multiplayer games? Are they a fan of lighthearted team challenges? Then they'll love the latest version of Super Mario Party, a series that's been going for decades. It plays like a board game, and you'll all take on various minigames between moves.
✅ Very funny
✅ Good combat
❌ Stealth sections
This spin on the Mario Bros. is a bit of a departure from the norm for Nintendo's mascot; rather than being a platforming adventure, it's an RPG with greater emphasis on combat, puzzles, and exploration. However, it nails the assignment. It's laugh-out funny too, so is definitely worth a look.
✅ Lush world
✅ Easy-going
❌ Fairly simple
This is probably the crossover I least expected to see, but I won't complain. Combining PlayStation series Horizon with everyone's favorite plastic bricks, it's a weird but wonderful combo that allows Switch players to explore a world that's not otherwise available on their platform.
Best Nintendo Switch gifts: Accessories
Trying to find the best Nintendo Switch accessories? Your wish is our command. We've listed the most must-have add-ons below.
Does the reciepient you have in mind travel a lot with their Switch? This will be their best friend, mixing a charger and dock together in one handy accessory.
This is the best Switch case we've seen, and we've yet to find one that does it better years on. If you're buying for someone who's only just got the console, this is essential.
If the person you're buying for prefers traditional controllers, this is what you should get them. The Pro Controller has a classic configuration with all the extra features of a Joy-Con.
For excellent audio and top-tier comfort, the Barracuda X is a winner. It's a little stripped back compared to some PC equivalents, but for a Nintendo Switch gift, it ticks all the boxes.
The Switch doesn't have much memory to speak of, so this SD card (by the experts over at SanDisk) is a helpful addition to your setup. There are bigger cards, but 128GB is enough.
We're also rounding up plenty more options in our guides to the best PS5 gifts and best Xbox gifts, so check those out if you're buying for someone with Sony and Microsoft's consoles.
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As the site's Tabletop & Merch Editor, you'll find my grubby paws on everything from board game reviews to the latest Lego news. I've been writing about games in one form or another since 2012, and can normally be found cackling over some evil plan I've cooked up for my group's next Dungeons & Dragons campaign.
- Tabitha BakerManaging Editor - Hardware