The holidays are fast approaching! Given how turbulent 2020 was in its entirety, we could all use a lot of festive cheer for the most wonderful time of the year. Whatever you celebrate this season, we're here to give you tips on how to show your care for that special gamer in your life. Here's your holiday gift guide for the Nintendo Switch.

Why the Switch?

It's time for a change. There's no shortage of platforms for gaming but the Nintendo Switch remains a unique offering for any gamer. The versatility of Nintendo's latest consoles offers gaming options for serious gamers and the young budding players of your household. Nintendo has always been at the forefront of family-friendly games but that's not all that the Switch offers.

The Switch holds one distinction over all its competitors. The flagship Nintendo console is so far the only gaming console that is fully portable. You can of course lug around your gaming laptop everywhere you go but that would be entirely cumbersome.

If you're looking for a great spread of family-friendly and serious games, easy multiplayer setup, portability, TV compatibility, and so much more, the Switch is your 2020 holiday pick. Here are things you need to watch out for.

Going for 2nd

It's very important before you click add cart to any Nintendo Switch package that you're sure it's the proper one. The Switch received a hardware update that allegedly sports a better battery. It's not a monumental difference in hardware but it's definitely better to get the newer model. Make sure you're picking up a V2 iteration of the Nintendo Switch. It should appear right on the digital storefront item title. If you're purchasing in-person then double-check with the salesperson assisting you. I'm sure they'd love nothing more than to off-load their old stock but make sure you don't get duped!

A Switch combo will net you anywhere between USD 380-440 depending on the packaging. Some consoles come with one free game so if you find one with a game you're sure you want to pick up then it's not a bad idea to go for the bundle option. However, and I can't stress this enough, double-check that you're getting the V2 iteration of the console. Your child or significant other will thank you, believe me.

It's in the cards

The Nintendo Switch has internal storage but you're going to want to bump that storage cap up. Most consoles require the replacement of the included hard drive but luckily for you, the Nintendo Switch has a simple micro SD port. Game retailers these days will also offer packaged micro SD cards with Nintendo Switch purchases. Just in case your retailer is one of the rarer ones with no SD card packages here's all you need to know. You're better off not skimping on getting a micro SD card since this is where most of your files will go. If you intend to purchase games digitally, all your downloads head into the micro SD card.

We suggest picking up a SanDisk micro SD high-class card. High-class in this instance just means that files go in and out of the card quicker than cheaper cards. A 256 GB micro SD will cost you about USD 30-40 while a 512GB model will go anywhere from USD 80-100. Most first-party Switch games are around 10GB each so you can do a lot with 256GB of storage. If you're more inclined to never having to think about storage limitations then splurge for a 512GB model. There are bigger versions of micro SD cards but they're completely over-the-top.

Accessorize

There are just as many accessories for your soon-to-be game console for you to go over. If you're planning on turning your new Switch into an absolute party machine then you should definitely pick up an extra pair of Joy-Cons. A brand new pair of Joy-Cons will cost you around USD 100 on Amazon. You can also get a more traditional wireless controller that Nintendo crafted specifically for their latest console. Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers sell for around USD 70-80. Prioritize the extra Joy-Cons if you have a lot of family members or friends around the couch but go for the Pro Controller if you just want a better-feeling gamepad.

Consider shelling out a few dollars to protect your precious console-to-be. There are several options for Nintendo Switch screen protectors available for sale on online storefronts. Prices for screen protectors range from USD 6-10. You should get a tempered glass protector for extra protection of your fragile screen. Remember that the Switch is mostly a portable game machine so it's more susceptible to dings and scratches. Nintendo also offers an official carrying case for around USD 13-20. Having your console in its own case may seem like adding unnecessary bulk to your daily loadout but it's all worth it to keep your device protected. There are several brands of cases and switch protectors that are available for sale so look into which one you like the most. Any retailer worth the salt should have bundles that include choices for protective cases and accessories.

Game time!

Going through the entire Switch library is a nightmare for the uninitiated. Luckily for you, the console's top five best-selling games offer a nice spread of different genres. You're also better off focusing on first-party games, meaning games made by Nintendo, instead of looking at ports. Other games can be played on other platforms so focus on what you can play only on your future gaming console. Here's a brief overview of the top games of the console.

Best Selling Switch Games

  1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
  2. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
  3. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
  4. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
  5. Pokémon Sword & Pokémon Shield

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the latest iteration of Nintendo's action arcade racer. Hurl turtle shells and boost your way through your friends in this chaotic go-kart racer. The 2nd entry in the list offers a far more leisurely pace of gaming. Animal Crossing: New Horizons sees players living in a thriving community with cute anthropomorphic characters. The game features a colorful cast of characters along with boundless customizability options for your character and your home.

If you're out to settle some past grudges in the family then it's time to pick up Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. The latest in the crossover arcade fighter features a vast array of fighters from a wild mix of franchises. Have you ever wanted to see Pikachu throw a punch at Mario? This is your chance. The final two entries in the shortlist are two different approaches to the RPG adventure genre. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a magnificent venture into a decaying world. It is perhaps one of the most gripping RPG sandboxes in recent memory and it is helped by its fantastic game mechanics. The last entry in the list I feel needs no introduction. Just know that the Pokémon series has come a long way from its humble Gameboy roots.

Nintendo Switch games usually go for around USD 60 but there are some games that go on sale on the online Nintendo Game Store. As previously mentioned, some consoles come bundled with games so look towards those picks if you're looking to save a few bucks on some games. The prices on physical copies of the game still gravitate around the USD 60 price tag but they are more prone to discounts especially during holiday sales. You can also opt to include your Nintendo Switch gift package with prepaid Nintendo Game Store cards so your friends and family can go game shopping for themselves.

Special Mention: 8BitDo Wireless Adapter

Here's a little something extra to make your Nintendo Switch experience a little more special. The 8BitDo Wireless Adapter is a USD 20 USB thumb drive that makes it possible to play most past-generation wireless controllers with a Switch. The Nintendo Switch comes with included Joy-Cons but they just fail to hit the mark sometimes. They're perfectly fine for party games and casual couch games but if you're looking for something more stable you have to shell out for a Nintendo Pro Controller. Luckily for you, dear reader, if you have any old wireless controllers lying about the house, you can just pick up one of these wireless adapters from 8BitDo. I've primarily used this myself with a PlayStation 4 controller and it works seamlessly. There's no audio passthrough unfortunately but the motion tracking works perfectly. The adapter is supposedly compatible with Xbox controllers, old Nintendo controllers, and several other novelty controllers from 8BitDo.

It's never too early to start thinking of presents for the holidays. Hopefully, this humble guide has helped nudged you in the way of picking up a brand new Nintendo Switch for your loved ones. You can never go wrong with what is currently the best selling gaming console of this generation. Bear in mind that all prices listed in this guide are subject to change due to holiday sales, so keep an eye out for great deals! Happy shopping and happy gaming!