Tech Talk

The Nintendo Switch was, like most consoles during the pandemic, once in short supply. Thankfully, retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart now routinely stock the Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, and upgraded Switch OLED model in multiple color configurations, giving those who struck out ample opportunity to purchase Nintendo’s versatile console.

If you’re not sure where you can pick up a Switch as of right now, we’ve vetted stock and rounded up where you can purchase the Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch Lite, and the Nintendo Switch OLED model online and in-store. We’ve also scoured the web for any bundle that seems like a good deal, as well as discounts that might be applicable.

Where can I buy a Nintendo Switch right now?

• If you’re looking to pick up the standalone console with red and blue Joy-Cons, you can do so for $299.99 at Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Adorama, Walmart, Nintendo, and GameStop. Unfortunately, the model with the gray Joy-Cons is currently only available via Nintendo.
• The Animal Crossing: New Horizons Edition of the Nintendo Switch is also available for purchase at GameStop, Target, Best Buy, and Nintendo for $299.99, its usual retail price.
• If you’re not against buying a preowned or refurbished console, you’ll want to check out GameStop and Nintendo’s online store, where you can often find deals on refurbished Switch consoles. Right now, for instance, GameStop is selling first and second-gen models starting at $279.99. Note, however, that the second-gen model boasts significantly better battery life.

Where can I buy a Nintendo Switch Lite right now?

The Nintendo Switch Lite has a lot in common with the standard Switch, aside from a few key differences. The Lite only functions as a handheld console — meaning you can’t hook it up to your TV — and it’s smaller, lighter, and sturdier than its dockable counterpart. It also features a D-pad and can play all the same games, except those that require detachable Joy-Con controllers (which are very few). Regardless, it's a great handheld system for those who prefer to game on the go.

• Many retailers currently carry the Nintendo Switch Lite as a standalone console, though, colors are limited. Walmart and Adorama are selling the pink model for $199.99, its usual MSRP. Best Buy is also selling the pink model for the same price, and Nintendo has a few models for $199.99 in stock as well, including the blue, turquoise, and pink models. GameStop, meanwhile, is selling the turquoise colorway for the same price.
• If you don’t mind opting for a bundle, Adorama also is selling the gray, Pokémon-inspired edition with a 128GB microSD card, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond, and Pokemon Shining Pearl for $359.99.

 

Where can I buy a Nintendo Switch OLED model right now?

The Nintendo Switch OLED officially went on sale in October for $349.99, and offers a slew of improvements, most notably a vibrant 7-inch OLED display and an improved kickstand that offers far greater stability. The speakers get a bit louder and offer a touch more clarity, too, and there’s a wired ethernet port built directly into the dock.

While the supply is starting to catch up with demand, the Switch OLED model can still be relatively difficult to come by. Luckily, both color configurations are available at several retailers at the moment.

• Right now, you can pick up the model with white Joy-Cons at Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy for $349.99, its standard retail price. Both Amazon and Best Buy are also selling the model with red and blue Joy-Cons for the same price.
• If you’re looking for a bundle, Best Buy is also selling both the white model — as well as red and blue configuration — bundled with Metroid Dead for $409.98, which is the same price you’d pay if you were to purchase the items individually. The retailer is also selling the console in white or red and blue with Metroid Dead as well as a Switch carrying case and screen protector for $429.97.

What accessories do I need to buy for the Nintendo Switch?

Frankly, the Switch comes with everything that you need to get started and have fun. However, a few extra purchases can help you get a little more out of your console, and in some cases, help it weather the wear and tear that it’ll undoubtedly endure.

First off, a microSD card will help you extend your Switch’s default 32GB of storage, especially with each game ranging in download size from 1GB to tens of gigabytes. At Amazon, a 400GB microSD card will currently set you back $48.73, which is 30 percent off the typical price retail price. SanDisk’s microSD cards are also on sale in other size configurations, including a 200GB model for $26.99, which is still large enough that you should have little trouble storing several titles.

Let’s talk quickly about controllers. The Switch Joy-Cons have a somewhat unconventional look. Nevertheless, the Pro Controller is a great alternative to play most Switch games, though some Mario Party titles require the Joy-Cons to play. If you are looking for a Switch Pro Controller, Amazon, GameStop, Best Buy, and Target all currently have the controller available for around $69, which is the full MSRP.

 

Next up, get a tempered glass screen cover. The display on the Switch and Switch Lite is covered in plastic, and it’s just asking to get scratched as soon as you take it out of the box. Fortunately, you can save the heartbreak by getting an affordable, easy-to-apply glass cover at Amazon. Right now, for example, you can pick up two Orzly glass screen protectors for $9.61.

If you want to play online with friends, ensure your data is backed up to the cloud, and get access to a slate of on-demand games from the original Nintendo console and SNES console era, you’ll want to get a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. It’s $19.99 per year for a single user on a console or $34.99 a year for up to eight users on different consoles.