Nintendo’s Black Friday 2025: A New Era for Game Deals
This Black Friday, Nintendo fans are facing something genuinely different. For seven years running, the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe bundle was the go-to holiday purchase—a reliable, family-friendly deal that made gifting a Switch almost a tradition. But 2025 has upended that legacy. The classic bundle is gone, replaced by a shifting landscape of new hardware, game discounts, and the first Black Friday for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Let’s break down what’s changed, what’s on offer, and why the story this year is more than just numbers on a price tag.
What’s New: Nintendo Switch 2 Headlines Holiday Shopping
Nintendo’s biggest news for 2025 is the Switch 2. With improved graphics, faster processing, and longer battery life, it’s clear Nintendo wants this console to be the centerpiece of holiday gaming. Priced at $449.99, the Switch 2 isn’t seeing any direct discounts yet—a move that fits Nintendo’s tradition of holding firm on hardware pricing, especially for new releases (ITP.net).
But there’s a twist: bundles are still in play. The Mario Kart World Bundle, for $499.99, pairs the new console with the latest racing title, Mario Kart World. Notably, this is not a discounted bundle, but it’s positioned as a premium gift for families wanting the newest experience. Nintendo is clearly steering buyers away from older hardware—and from the now-retired Mario Kart 8 Deluxe bundle that defined past Black Fridays (IGN).
Game Discounts: The Real Savings in 2025
With hardware prices holding steady, Nintendo is focusing its Black Friday deals on games and accessories. The official seasonal sale runs from November 20 to December 3, with the biggest digital discounts landing during the Cyber Deals event. Physical retailers and the My Nintendo Store are also slashing prices on select titles starting November 23.
Here’s what stands out this year:
- Princess Peach: Showtime!, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, Luigi’s Mansion 3, Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe—all at $39.99 each.
- Super Mario Odyssey, Nintendo Switch Sports, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, Splatoon 3—marked down to $29.99 each. These titles also come with free performance and graphics updates for Switch 2 owners.
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Switch 2 Edition and Donkey Kong Bananza headline the launch lineup for the new system, though discounts are limited for these fresh releases.
- Selected amiibo figures—including The Legend of Zelda Sages and Street Fighter 6 characters—discounted by $10.
Unlike previous years, first-party Nintendo games are seeing more modest reductions, reflecting the company’s tendency to keep flagship titles at premium prices. However, the deals on older hits and the inclusion of free upgrade packs for Switch 2 give fans new reasons to revisit their favorites.
Accessories and Storage: Where the Deepest Cuts Happen
The real bargains for Nintendo hardware come from third-party accessories and storage solutions. If you’re looking to kit out a new Switch 2, Black Friday is the time to act. Companies like PowerA, PDP, Hori, and Genki are slashing prices on controllers, charging docks, and storage cases (gam3s.gg).
Notable deals include:
- Nintendo Switch accessories starting from $9.49
- Samsung MicroSD Express Cards—$20 off at select retailers and Nintendo stores, starting November 30
- Special discounts on charging docks and controller bundles
These accessory deals are critical for families and new players looking to expand their setup or make the most of the Switch 2’s upgraded capabilities. As usual, the deepest savings are found outside Nintendo’s own hardware lineup.
The End of an Era: Farewell to the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Bundle
The discontinuation of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Black Friday bundle is more than a footnote—it’s the end of a tradition that defined Nintendo’s holiday marketing since 2018. For years, the $299.99 bundle offered unbeatable value and helped fuel the Switch’s rise to dominance. But with the Switch 2 now front and center, and Mario Kart World taking the reins, Nintendo is signaling a clear shift (IGN).
The company has also increased prices on older Switch models in the U.S., with the standard Switch 1 now retailing at $339.99. Analysts point to rising tariffs and production costs as reasons for both the price hike and the lack of hardware discounts. The days of cheap Switch consoles for the holidays may be over—at least for now.
Festive Events and Family Experiences
Nintendo isn’t just selling games this season—it’s hosting. Flagship stores are rolling out themed décor, limited-edition merchandise, and gift-with-purchase offers. Families are invited to join festive events, demo the latest titles, and take part in hands-on sessions for Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, Kirby Air Riders, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.
These experiences are designed to make shopping interactive and memorable, with giveaways and exclusive items available while supplies last. Nintendo’s online Holiday Gift Guide and wish-list creator add a personal touch, helping families plan their gaming purchases together (ITP.net).
What Does This Mean for Shoppers?
If you’re buying Nintendo this Black Friday, here’s the bottom line: don’t expect console discounts or legacy bundles. Instead, focus on game deals, accessory markdowns, and the chance to experience the Switch 2’s new features. The biggest savings are found in software and third-party gear, while hardware remains at premium prices.
Retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Dell, and Woot are leading the way on game and accessory deals. Early shoppers can snag Switch 2-compatible games at lower prices, upgrade storage, and pick up controllers and cases for less. Meanwhile, Nintendo’s own stores are offering exclusive events and merchandise for those seeking a more personal holiday experience.
For longtime fans, the shift away from the classic Mario Kart bundle may feel bittersweet. But as Nintendo pivots to new hardware and experiences, the focus is firmly on the future—one that promises more immersive gaming, family-friendly play, and a fresh slate of deals for 2025.
Nintendo’s Black Friday 2025 is a turning point, not just in deals but in strategy. The retirement of the iconic Mario Kart 8 bundle marks the end of an era and signals Nintendo’s intent to drive interest toward its latest hardware and games. For shoppers, the path is clear: look to games and accessories for real savings, and expect new traditions to emerge as the Switch 2 begins its journey.