Nintendo Switch Digital Game Sales: When Do They Happen?

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Do Nintendo Switch Digital Games Go On Sale?

Hey there, fellow Nintendo Switch gamers! One question that's always on our minds is, do Nintendo Switch digital games ever go on sale? The answer is a resounding yes! Nintendo, along with various third-party publishers, frequently offers discounts on digital titles in the Nintendo eShop. Knowing when and how to find these sales can save you a ton of money and allow you to expand your game library without breaking the bank. So, let's dive into the details of Nintendo Switch digital game sales, so you can be prepared to snag some amazing deals!

First off, it's important to understand that these sales are a regular occurrence. Nintendo doesn't keep a rigid schedule, which can be a bit frustrating, but that also means there's almost always something on sale if you keep an eye out. These sales can range from small discounts of 10-20% off to significant price drops of 50-75% or even more! The types of games on sale can vary widely too. You might find indie darlings, AAA blockbusters, or even older titles that are still a blast to play. Nintendo's own first-party titles are less frequently discounted, but when they are, it's definitely worth taking notice.

Timing is also key. Nintendo tends to align its sales with specific events, holidays, or seasons. For example, you can almost always count on a big sale around Black Friday, the holiday season in December, and during the summer. They also often run sales in conjunction with events like E3 (though now that E3 is gone, they might shift to similar timing), or to celebrate anniversaries of particular games or franchises. Keeping an eye on these patterns can help you predict when the next big sale might be. The best way to stay informed is to regularly check the Nintendo eShop on your Switch, visit the Nintendo website, or follow gaming news outlets that report on these deals.

How to Find the Best Deals

Finding the best deals on Nintendo Switch digital games requires a bit of savvy, but it's well worth the effort. Here’s a breakdown to help you find those sweet discounts:

  • Check the Nintendo eShop Regularly: The most straightforward way to find sales is to browse the Nintendo eShop directly on your Switch. Nintendo usually has a dedicated section for deals, making it easy to see which games are currently discounted. Make it a habit to check this section at least once a week.
  • Use Online Deal Trackers: Several websites and online communities are dedicated to tracking video game sales. These sites aggregate deals from various sources, making it easier to compare prices and find the best discounts. Some popular options include Deku Deals, CheapAssGamer, and Reddit's r/NintendoSwitchDeals.
  • Follow Gaming News and Social Media: Many gaming news outlets and influencers on social media regularly report on Nintendo Switch sales. Following them on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube can help you stay informed about the latest deals as soon as they are announced.
  • Create a Wishlist on the eShop: The Nintendo eShop allows you to create a wishlist of games you're interested in. When a game on your wishlist goes on sale, you'll receive a notification, ensuring you never miss a deal. This is a super handy feature that can save you a lot of time and effort.
  • Consider a Nintendo Switch Online Subscription: Nintendo Switch Online subscribers often get access to exclusive deals and discounts. Keep an eye on these offers, as they can sometimes be quite significant. Additionally, subscribers get access to classic NES and SNES games, adding even more value to the subscription.

Types of Sales to Watch Out For

Knowing the different types of sales that Nintendo and third-party publishers run can help you anticipate when to open your wallet. Here are a few common types of sales you might encounter:

  • Holiday Sales: As mentioned earlier, Nintendo frequently runs major sales during holidays like Black Friday, Christmas, and New Year's. These sales often feature some of the biggest discounts of the year, so they're definitely worth waiting for.
  • Thematic Sales: Nintendo sometimes organizes sales around specific themes, such as indie games, action games, or RPGs. If you have a particular genre you're interested in, keep an eye out for these thematic sales.
  • Publisher Sales: Individual game publishers like Capcom, Square Enix, and Ubisoft often run their own sales on the eShop. These sales can be a great way to snag games from your favorite developers at a discounted price.
  • Anniversary Sales: To celebrate the anniversary of a game or franchise, Nintendo or the publisher might offer a special discount. These sales are usually time-limited, so be sure to act fast if you see a game you want.
  • Surprise Sales: Occasionally, Nintendo will surprise us with unannounced sales. These can pop up at any time, so it's always a good idea to check the eShop regularly, so you don't miss out. These surprise sales often coincide with game announcements or events, creating extra buzz and excitement.

Tips for Maximizing Your Savings

To make the most of Nintendo Switch digital game sales, here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind:

  • Be Patient: If there's a game you really want, but it's not currently on sale, try to be patient. Chances are, it will go on sale eventually. Adding it to your wishlist and waiting for a discount can save you a significant amount of money in the long run. If you absolutely must play it right away, consider renting a physical copy to get your fix while you wait for the digital version to go on sale.
  • Compare Prices: Before making a purchase, take a few minutes to compare prices on different platforms and retailers. Sometimes, you might find a better deal on a physical copy of the game, especially if you're willing to buy pre-owned.
  • Check Reviews and Ratings: Just because a game is on sale doesn't necessarily mean it's worth buying. Before you pull the trigger, check out reviews and ratings from other players to make sure the game is actually good. Websites like Metacritic and OpenCritic can be valuable resources for this.
  • Consider the Game's Longevity: Think about how long you're likely to play the game. If it's a short, single-player experience, you might not want to pay full price for it. However, if it's a game you can see yourself playing for months or even years, it might be worth investing in, even if it's not on sale.
  • Set a Budget: It's easy to get carried away when there are a lot of games on sale, so it's a good idea to set a budget beforehand. This will help you avoid overspending and ensure you only buy games you really want.

Regional eShop Differences

Another thing to keep in mind is that the Nintendo eShop is region-locked, and prices can vary from one region to another. If you're feeling adventurous, you can create accounts in different regions to take advantage of potentially cheaper prices. However, keep in mind that this can be a bit of a hassle, and it's not always worth the effort. Also, be aware that some games may not be available in certain regions due to licensing restrictions.

To create an account in a different region, you'll need to change the region setting on your Nintendo account. You can do this by logging into your account on the Nintendo website and navigating to the profile settings. Be sure to use a valid address and postal code for the region you're switching to. Once you've created the account, you can access the eShop in that region by switching the user profile on your Nintendo Switch.

Keep in mind that if you purchase a game in a different region, you may not be able to access DLC or updates for that game unless you also purchase them from the same region's eShop. Additionally, some games may have different language options depending on the region, so be sure to check the game's details before making a purchase.

Conclusion

So, do Nintendo Switch digital games go on sale? Absolutely! With a bit of planning and patience, you can score some fantastic deals on a wide variety of games. Make sure to regularly check the Nintendo eShop, follow deal trackers and gaming news outlets, and create a wishlist to stay informed about the latest discounts. Happy gaming, and may the sales be ever in your favor!