Despite being in its seventh year on the market, the Nintendo Switch remains an incredibly popular gaming platform with a vast library of exclusive games. For those looking to join the Nintendo ecosystem, bundles offer excellent value by packaging the console with games and accessories. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down the best Nintendo Switch bundles available in 2024, analyzing their value, included content, and which types of gamers they best serve.

Nintendo Switch Models: Understanding Your Options

Before diving into specific bundles, it's important to understand the three Switch models currently available:

• Nintendo Switch OLED Model ($349.99): Features a larger 7-inch OLED screen, enhanced audio, 64GB of internal storage, and an improved kickstand. Best for those who primarily play in handheld or tabletop mode.
• Standard Nintendo Switch ($299.99): The original model with a 6.2-inch LCD screen, 32GB of storage, and all the core Switch functionality. A balanced option for both TV and portable play.
• Nintendo Switch Lite ($199.99): A handheld-only version that doesn't connect to a TV. Smaller, lighter, and more affordable, but lacks detachable Joy-Con controllers and some features.

Each model has its strengths, and different bundles are available for each. Now let's look at the best current offerings.

Best Nintendo Switch OLED Bundles

1. Nintendo Switch OLED – The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Edition

Price: $359.99
Contents: Special edition OLED Switch with Zelda-themed design and a download code for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Value Analysis: At just $10 more than the standard OLED console, this bundle effectively gives you a $69.99 game for $10, saving you $59.99. Additionally, the console features beautiful Zelda-themed Joy-Cons and dock designs that aren't available separately.

Best For: Zelda fans and collectors who appreciate limited edition designs. This is currently the best value OLED bundle on the market.

2. Nintendo Switch OLED – Mario Red Edition Bundle

Price: $349.99
Contents: Red Joy-Con controllers, red dock, and a download code for Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Value Analysis: This bundle provides the stunning red-themed OLED model at no additional cost over the standard OLED price, plus includes the newest Mario platformer (a $59.99 value). This represents nearly $60 in savings.

Best For: Mario fans and those who want a vibrant, distinctive console design. With the game essentially free, this is an exceptional value proposition.

3. Nintendo Switch OLED – Splatoon 3 Special Edition Bundle

Price: $359.99
Contents: Gradient blue and yellow Joy-Con controllers, Splatoon-themed dock, and Splatoon 3 download code

Value Analysis: Similar to the Zelda bundle, this special edition offers unique cosmetics and includes a full-price game for just $10 over the base OLED price. The distinctive gradient Joy-Cons are particularly desirable among collectors.

Best For: Splatoon fans and those who enjoy competitive multiplayer games. The unique Joy-Con colorway is one of the most distinctive available.

Best Standard Nintendo Switch Bundles

1. Nintendo Switch Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Bundle

Price: $299.99
Contents: Standard Nintendo Switch console, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe digital download, and 3-month Nintendo Switch Online membership

Value Analysis: This perennial holiday bundle is now available year-round at many retailers. It includes the base Switch at standard price but adds Mario Kart 8 Deluxe ($59.99) and 3 months of Nintendo Switch Online ($7.99), representing almost $68 in added value at no extra cost.

Best For: New Switch owners looking for maximum value and a game that appeals to almost everyone. This bundle has remained popular for years because Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the perfect game to introduce anyone to the Switch.

2. Nintendo Switch Animal Crossing: New Horizons Bundle

Price: $299.99
Contents: Standard Nintendo Switch with pastel green and blue Joy-Cons, Animal Crossing-themed dock, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons digital download

Value Analysis: Similar to the Mario Kart bundle in terms of price, this package offers the full-priced game ($59.99) at no additional cost over the base console price. The special edition Joy-Cons and dock design add collector's value.

Best For: Animal Crossing fans and casual gamers who enjoy relaxed, social gaming experiences. The themed console design is subtle yet distinctive.

3. Nintendo Switch Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Bundle

Price: $329.99
Contents: Standard Nintendo Switch, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate game, and Fighter Pass Vol. 1 DLC

Value Analysis: At $30 above the base console price, this bundle includes the game ($59.99) and the first Fighter Pass ($24.99), providing a $55 value for $30 extra—a net savings of $25.

Best For: Competitive gamers and fighting game fans who know they'll want the additional fighters included in the DLC pass.

Best Nintendo Switch Lite Bundles

1. Nintendo Switch Lite + Pokémon Scarlet/Violet Bundle

Price: $229.99
Contents: Nintendo Switch Lite (choice of color) and either Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet digital download

Value Analysis: For $30 above the base Switch Lite price, you get a full-priced Pokémon game ($59.99), representing a $30 savings. Some retailers may also include a screen protector or small accessory.

Best For: Pokémon fans who primarily want a handheld experience. The Switch Lite is perfectly suited for Pokémon games, which have always thrived on Nintendo's portable systems.

2. Nintendo Switch Lite + Animal Crossing Bundle

Price: $229.99
Contents: Nintendo Switch Lite in Coral or Turquoise, Animal Crossing: New Horizons digital download, and 3-month Nintendo Switch Online membership

Value Analysis: For $30 above the base price, this bundle includes a $59.99 game and a $7.99 online subscription, providing almost $68 in value for $30—a savings of nearly $38.

Best For: Casual gamers who want a portable-only experience. Animal Crossing is perfectly suited for short play sessions and looks great on the Switch Lite's screen.

3. Nintendo Switch Lite Dialga & Palkia Edition

Price: $199.99
Contents: Special edition Switch Lite with Pokémon Legends: Arceus-inspired design

Value Analysis: This special edition console is available at the same price as the standard Switch Lite, but features exclusive Pokémon-themed design elements that aren't available elsewhere. While it doesn't include a game, the unique aesthetics make it desirable for collectors.

Best For: Pokémon fans and collectors who appreciate special edition hardware. This model is becoming increasingly hard to find at retail price.

Retailer-Exclusive Bundles

Beyond the officially packaged Nintendo bundles, several retailers create their own bundles by adding games and accessories. Here are some standouts:

1. GameStop Pro Value Bundle

Price: $399.99
Contents: Standard Nintendo Switch, choice of two games from a select list (usually $59.99 each), a carrying case, and a 128GB microSD card

Value Analysis: At $100 above the base Switch price, this bundle includes approximately $170 worth of games and accessories, representing about $70 in savings.

Best For: New Switch owners who want to hit the ground running with multiple games and essential accessories.

2. Costco Nintendo Switch Family Bundle

Price: $349.99
Contents: Standard Nintendo Switch, 12-month Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership, carrying case, and screen protector

Value Analysis: For $50 above the base price, this bundle includes a family subscription ($34.99), case ($19.99), and screen protector ($9.99)—nearly $65 in value, representing a $15 savings.

Best For: Families with multiple users who will benefit from the family subscription, which allows up to eight Nintendo accounts to access online features.

3. Target BOGO Game Deal

Price: Varies
Contents: Any Nintendo Switch console plus buy-one-get-one-half-off on select Nintendo games during promotional periods

Value Analysis: Target regularly runs promotions where console purchases can be combined with game discounts. For two $59.99 games, this typically represents a $30 savings.

Best For: Savvy shoppers who can time their purchase during Target's promotional periods, which typically occur several times throughout the year.

Digital Bundle Options

If you're purchasing a non-bundled Nintendo Switch, you might consider these digital bundles available from the Nintendo eShop:

1. Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers (Nintendo Switch Online members only)

Price: $99.99 for two game vouchers
Value Analysis: These vouchers allow you to select two eligible digital games (usually priced at $59.99 each), saving you approximately $20 compared to buying the games separately.

Best For: Nintendo Switch Online members who prefer digital games and know they'll be purchasing multiple first-party Nintendo titles.

2. Digital Collections

The Nintendo eShop frequently offers bundles of related games at discounted prices:

• Mario Party Superstars + Super Mario Bros. Wonder Bundle: $99.99 (saves $20)
• Zelda: Breath of the Wild + Expansion Pass Bundle: $69.99 (saves $10)
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe + Booster Course Pass Bundle: $84.99 (saves $15)

Best For: Players who want the complete experience of a game plus its expansions or who want to explore multiple games in a series.

How to Choose the Right Nintendo Switch Bundle

When selecting a Nintendo Switch bundle, consider these factors:

1. Console Type: Decide whether you want the versatility of the standard Switch, the premium screen of the OLED, or the portability and lower price of the Lite based on your playing habits.
2. Game Preferences: Choose a bundle that includes games you're genuinely interested in playing, not just the one with the biggest discount.
3. Digital vs. Physical: Most bundles include digital game downloads. If you prefer physical cartridges, factor this into your decision.
4. Additional Needs: Consider whether you'll need extra controllers, a carrying case, or a larger microSD card, and whether any bundles include these items.
5. Special Editions: Decide if unique console designs and collectibility are important to you, as these special editions often hold their value better over time.

Best Overall Value: Our Top Picks

Based on our analysis, here are our top three Nintendo Switch bundle recommendations for 2024:

1. Best Overall Value: Nintendo Switch OLED Mario Red Edition Bundle – Getting the premium OLED model with a first-party game at no extra cost represents exceptional value.
2. Best Standard Switch Value: Nintendo Switch Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Bundle – This timeless bundle offers a universally appealing game and online membership at no additional cost.
3. Best Budget Option: Nintendo Switch Lite + Animal Crossing Bundle – For portable-only gamers, this bundle provides the best balance of price and included content.

Conclusion

The Nintendo Switch continues to offer excellent value in 2024 through its various bundle options. While rumors of a potential Switch successor continue to circulate, the current Switch family remains well-supported with new games and represents a solid investment, especially when purchased as part of a value-adding bundle.

Whether you're drawn to the premium experience of the OLED model, the versatility of the standard Switch, or the portability and affordability of the Switch Lite, there's a bundle configuration that will help you maximize your gaming budget. By carefully considering the included games and accessories against your personal preferences, you can make the most informed purchasing decision.

As always, keep an eye on seasonal sales events like Black Friday, Prime Day, and the holiday season, when even better limited-time bundle deals may become available.