Best Prime Day Nintendo Switch deals 2022: What to expect in the Amazon sale

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Lite Off Set
Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Lite Off Set (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / iMore)

Prime Day 2022 Nintendo Switch deals are upon us since this year's event runs from July 12 through July 13. We usually see a few fleeting deals on the consoles and we're especially hopeful the new Switch OLED will get some chunky discounts or at least a bundle.

Games and accessories are typically amongst the highlights of Switch Prime Day deals for sure. So if you've been meaning to grab a few new games, or maybe a nice new carry case, you'll want to take advantage of what might be the lowest prices of the year on some items.

Prime Day at a glance

Best Prime Day Nintendo Switch deals

Best Prime Day Switch games deals

The Nintendo Switch is a popular console, having sold close to 108 million units worldwide as of the last report. Honestly, this isn't surprising given the console's hybrid nature, which allows the system to either be played on your TV or on the go. The long list of hit Switch games that have already been released, coupled with the knowledge that several highly-anticipated Switch games are currently in development, also makes the Nintendo Switch a great purchase.

For anyone looking to save money, there's also a smaller, less expensive option to consider called the Nintendo Switch Lite. It has a few limitations like not having a kickstand, being unable to connect to a TV, and lacking motion controls. Still, it typically sells for about $100 cheaper than the original console, making it a great budget buy.

Then there's the Switch OLED, which has several improvements from the original handheld including a larger OLED screen, which shows off visuals more vibrantly and clearly. It's also got double the internal storage at 64GB — and an improved kickstand. Due to these upgrades, it sells for $50 more than the original Switch at an MSRP of $350. However, the significant differences when comparing the Switch and Switch OLED side by side make it worth going for.

As with many other products on the market, video games increased in demand shortly after the pandemic came to the U.S. For this reason, many consoles, games, and accessories are in short supply or priced higher than usual. However, it's still possible that there could be some good Nintendo Switch deals.

Get a new Switch this Prime Day

This year's Prime Day event is underway, running from July 12 through July 13. Discounts for most parts of the year for the Nintendo Switch are few and far between, but these are the links to keep an eye on. Just remember to pick up a microSD card for Nintendo Switch as the Switch has very little internal memory.

We'll be keeping an eye out for anything Nintendo related and of course any Apple Prime Day deals. But if you're after a wider spectrum of deals, including other gadgets, mattresses, fashion, Instant Pots, and the like, then our friends over at TechRadar will be covering them in a best Prime Day deals roundup.

Nintendo Switch | From $300 at Amazon

<a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2Fdp%2FB07VJRZ62R%3Fmnsid%3Dmbnx3-20%26tag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US""> Nintendo Switch | From $300 at Amazon

Nintendo's hybrid system allows you to play your favorite games while docked to a TV or wherever you want to go in handheld mode. The removable Joy-Cons make it incredibly easy for multiplayer gaming just about anywhere.

Nintendo Switch OLED | From $350 at Amazon

<a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FNintendo-Switch-OLED-Model-White-Joy%2Fdp%2FB098RKWHHZ%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US""> Nintendo Switch OLED | From $350 at Amazon

With its larger OLED screen, this Switch OLED iteration provides more vibrant colors and crisper imagery in handheld mode. It also has double the storage space, an upgraded dock, and a significantly improved kickstand.

Nintendo Switch Animal Crossing Edition | From $299 at Amazon

<a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2Fdp%2FB084DDDNRP%3Fmnsid%3Dmbnx3-20%26tag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US""> Nintendo Switch Animal Crossing Edition | From $299 at Amazon

This special version of the Nintendo Switch gives off beach vibes as it shows off designs from the hit Animal Crossing: New Horizons games. These typically run out of stock super quickly, so you'll want to grab it while you can.

Nintendo Switch Lite | From $200 at Amazon

<a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FNintendo-Switch-Lite-Turquoise%2Fdp%2FB07V4GCFP9%2Fref%3Dsr_1_2%3Fcrid%3D35T36ISX93DV1%26keywords%3Dnintendo%2Bswitch%2Blite%26qid%3D1655157220%26s%3Delectronics%26sprefix%3Dnintendo%2Bswitch%2Blite%252Celectronics%252C146%26sr%3D1-2%26tag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US""> Nintendo Switch Lite | From $200 at Amazon

This smaller, compact Switch Lite only works in handheld mode and comes in four different colors. It's the perfect budget option for anyone planning primarily to play single-player titles on the go.

Why should I buy a Prime Day Nintendo Switch deal?

Nintendo Switch deals — whether that's for the consoles or for Switch games — are pretty infrequent, so any time the console you want goes on sale for less than its retail price, you should take the opportunity. Big sales around the holidays and special events like Amazon Prime Day represent a unique chance to snag some of the best deals of the year. If you miss a good Switch deal on Prime Day, you might have to wait until Black Friday for another decent offer.

Which Prime Day Nintendo Switch deal is right for me?

Whether you should get a Prime Day Nintendo Switch deal on the original Nintendo Switch model, the larger Switch OLED, or the Nintendo Switch Lite really comes down to what games you want to play and how you intend to use the gaming system.

The Nintendo Switch can be played anywhere in handheld mode, has a kickstand for tabletop mode, and can even dock to your TV. It also has detachable Joy-Cons, which can be turned sideways and used as two separate controllers for multiplayer gaming. It's the perfect option for both single-player titles and game nights. Plus, the Joy-Cons feature rumble and motion controls for more immersive gaming.

In comparison, the Switch OLED is slightly larger and with that titular OLED display that makes visuals come through more clearly and with better coloring. This improvement is achieved even though the resolution is the same as the original Switch with 720p in handheld and 1080p in docked mode. But for anyone who plans to play more while on the go, this improved Switch is a great choice.

The Nintendo Switch Lite on the other hand is a solely handheld system that does not have a kickstand, motion controls, rumble, removable Joy-Cons, nor the ability to be played on TV. This limits it to being a handheld-only device best meant for solo play. Since there aren't any motion controls, certain games won't work as well on Nintendo Switch Lite. Though, you can purchase separate Joy-Cons and a playstand if you want to make it easier to play with others. If you think you'll only be playing on the go, this is the cheaper option to go with.

Best Prime Day Nintendo Switch game deals

Despite being Amazon Prime Day, sometimes the best Switch game deals are found on other stores. Here are the best price drops we've seen so far.

Immortals Fenyx Rising | Was $40 now $15 at Best Buy

<a href="https://shop-links.co/link/?exclusive=1&publisher_slug=future&article_name=im-d-n-69779&u1=UUimUdUnU69779&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fimmortals-fenyx-rising-standard-edition-nintendo-switch%2F6355877.p%3FskuId%3D6355877" data-link-merchant="shop-links.co""> Immortals Fenyx Rising | Was $40 now $15 at Best Buy

This game has you play as a demigod who must traverse a vibrant world in order to save the Greek gods. There are weapons to unlock, monsters to slay, and puzzles to solve.

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle | Was $60 now $20 at Best Buy

<a href="https://shop-links.co/link/?exclusive=1&publisher_slug=future&article_name=im-d-n-69779&u1=UUimUdUnU69779&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fmario-rabbids-kingdom-battle-nintendo-switch%2F5909500.p%3FskuId%3D5909500" data-link-merchant="shop-links.co""> Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle | Was $60 now $20 at Best Buy

This turn-based tactical strategy game surprised everyone by showing how good of a crossover mixing Mario and friends with Ubisoft's Rabbids could be. Each character has their own weapons and skills which you need to employ in combat. With the sequel coming out this October, this is the perfect time to pick up the original and play through it.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity | Now $30 was $60 at Best Buy

<a href="https://shop-links.co/link/?exclusive=1&publisher_slug=future&article_name=im-d-n-69779&u1=UUimUdUnU69779&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fhyrule-warriors-age-of-calamity-nintendo-switch-nintendo-switch-lite%2F6414111.p%3FskuId%3D6414111" data-link-merchant="shop-links.co""> Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity | Now $30 was $60 at Best Buy

This hack and slash adventure is a prequel game to the award winning Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Get to know what happened between Link, Zelda, and the Champions before Calamity Ganon struck.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword | Was $60 now $35 at Best Buy

<a href="https://shop-links.co/link/?exclusive=1&publisher_slug=future&article_name=im-d-n-69779&u1=UUimUdUnU69779&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fthe-legend-of-zelda-skyward-sword-hd-nintendo-switch-lite-nintendo-switch%2F6414119.p%3FskuId%3D6414119" data-link-merchant="shop-links.co""> The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword | Was $60 now $35 at Best Buy

This adventure is the earliest one within the official Zelda timeline. Link and Zelda are students together on a floating island in the sky. Then one day, Zelda is knocked off her Loftwing and plunged into the world below the clouds. Now it's up to Link to save her and defeat an evil presence that awaits him.

Rebecca Spear
Gaming Editor

Gaming aficionado Rebecca Spear is iMore's dedicated gaming editor with a focus on Nintendo Switch and iOS gaming. You’ll never catch her without her Switch or her iPad Air handy. If you’ve got a question about Pokémon, The Legend of Zelda, or just about any other Nintendo series check out her guides to help you out. Rebecca has written thousands of articles in the last six years including hundreds of extensive gaming guides, previews, and reviews for both Switch and Apple Arcade. She also loves checking out new gaming accessories like iPhone controllers and has her ear to the ground when it comes to covering the next big trend.