Best Nintendo Switch gifts for 2024

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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.

Written by
Benjamin Abbott, Tabletop & Merch Editor at GamesRadar
Written by
Benjamin Abbott

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 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 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 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.

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.

Nintendo Switch gifts FAQ

Hands pulling Joy-Cons away from a screen on a surface with a coffee mug, beside a Switch and games on a wooden surface

(Image credit: Future, Nintendo)

Is Nintendo Switch a good present?

If you're shopping for someone who loves family-friendly or multiplayer games, Nintendo's home-portable hybrid makes a great present! Or at least, it did. The system is now coming to the end of its life, and a new replacement system is imminent. With that in mind, I'd strongly recommend holding fire until the Nintendo Switch 2 is announced. We know it'll arrive early in 2025, so it shouldn't be a long wait.

Fortunately, all Nintendo Switch games can be used on the Switch 2. This means you can still stock up on old favorites or carry across your existing collection.

If you're utterly determined to stick with the original Switch, though, I'd probably try to keep things as low-cost as possible. That means opting for the handheld-only Switch Lite or, if your loved one is keen to play couch co-op, looking out for bundles on the normal Switch with the likes of Mario Kart (they usually appear every Black Friday).

Is there a new Switch coming out in 2024?

Don't worry, there isn't a new Nintendo Switch console on the way in 2024. However, there is going to be a Nintendo Switch 2 in early 2025. That means you may want to avoid purchasing the current system, because it's about to become outdated.

Existing Nintendo Switch games are compatible with the Switch 2 though, so fans at least won't lose their existing collection. You can also stock up on any games you want now safe in the knowledge they won't be useless in a few months' time.

Can you gift things on Nintendo Switch?

Want to give a loved one a game or add-on through the Nintendo eShop? Sadly, that's not possible - you aren't able to buy a game in the eShop and then give it to someone else's account. The best alternative would be giving the person in question an eShop gift card instead. That way, they can buy whatever they're looking for themselves.


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.

Benjamin Abbott
Tabletop & Merch Editor

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.

With contributions from