1. Best overall
2. Best under $30
3. Best under $50
4. Best games
5. Best accessories
The clock is ticking when it comes to Christmas presents, so speed is of the essence if you want to track down last-minute Nintendo Switch gifts. Some retailers have already passed their final shipping dates, so it's a good idea to hit checkout as soon as you can to avoid disappointment.
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 GamesRadar+ 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 GamesRadar+ and has been writing about present-worthy gear for six years. However, he's played Nintendo games since the mid-'90s. His favorite game is still Super Mario Galaxy, and he's hoping to finish revisiting Breath of the Wild over the Holiday break.
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.
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.
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.
I adore this range of ornaments by Hallmark. Although it recreates heroes from across gaming, Nintendo characters 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 the Mario special items that look great in bulk.
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.
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.
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.
You won't struggle to find a good t-shirt that matches your loved one's interests. If they adore Nintendo, there are loads to choose from. I've listed some from Amazon here as that's the easiest place to shop, but my favorites would be the Boo design that's made up of little icons from the series and the Bullet Bill Kanji tee.
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 with high-quality merch, their designs speak to every part of the fandom. My picks from Amazon are the Game Boy mug (I'm old-school) and the Legend of Zelda tankard mug.
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. Get a couple if you want truly sprawling courses.
Another easy (but practical) Nintendo Switch gift would be a themed water bottle. Paladone makes plenty based on Nintendo franchises, and I hear consistently great things about them. I adore the Animal Crossing one at Amazon because it's such a cheerful design, but the Tears of the Kingdom bottle is my favorite with that Celtic knot aesthetic.
If you're looking for practical Nintendo Switch gifts, this is a must-have. It's practically leapt off the screen, and can add a homely flair to your loved ones' gaming setup. You can use it as either a plant pot (add a Venus fly trap for a real-world Piranha Plant) or stationary storage. Either way, it'll look great.
It's not an official piece of Nintendo merch, 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 that praise its quality (not to mention the fact that it's dimmable, if you want a cozier atmosphere.)
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.
'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.
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.
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.
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, is as cute as a button, and is apparently oh-so fluffy.
What's better than playing Switch? Creating real-life Mario courses or Animal Crossing islands with Lego! You can do either with the gaming range, and even though anyone can enjoy them no matter how old they are (they look great on display), young gamers in particular will enjoy the imaginative play offered here. My favorites, which are available at Amazon, are Animal Crossing Isabelle's House Visit and the Mario starter set.
Want to make sure everything stays tidy in your loved one's gaming space, or the shared living room? This locker from Numskull gives you the ability to tidily store away games, controllers, and headsets. Sure, it's not specifically Nintendo-themed. But it will still do the job very nicely.
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.
This isn't strictly a game, but gets you access to loads of older and retro titles for the console… including from N64 and Game Boy Advance. You can revisit all the classics with this one, which makes it a winner in my eyes.
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.
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, and I'd argue it's the best Nintendo Switch controller of the lot.
This is the best Switch case we've seen, and I've yet to find one that does it better several years since we started covering Switch. If you're buying for someone who's only just got the console, this is essential.
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 and is one of the best Nintendo Switch headsets.
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. I'm a big fan of that era so it makes me nostalgic just looking at the thing.
Does the recipient 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. It's a surprisingly popular choice as well, and always flies when we report that it's on offer.
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 more than enough.
Nintendo Switch gifts FAQ
What should you buy for Nintendo Switch gamers?
There's certainly enough to choose from when it comes to Nintendo Switch gifts, but I'd recommend making a beeline for a couple of products in particular: the light-up Super Mario mushroom decoration by Paladone, Lego Super Mario character packs, or one of the many licensed t-shirts available from the likes of Amazon. The recipient is unlikely to have these yet, so you avoid the risk of doubling up on presents.
Should you buy games for Nintendo Switch gamers?
While it may seem counter-intuitive, I'd actually suggest avoiding games when shopping for Nintendo Switch gifts. Unless you know exactly what your loved one already has (or they've asked you for something specific), there's a good chance you'll double up on something they own. To avoid disappointment, I'd prioritize merchandise because your loved one is unlikely to have it already.
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.
