3 hours ago
6
If you're like us, Nintendo holds a special place in your heart thanks to iconic characters like Mario, Peach and Donkey Kong and multiple generations of best-selling consoles. But little did we know that outside of gaming hardware and accessories, there's an ever-growing assortment of Nintendo-themed toys, clothes and decor. And it's kind of a problem because we want all of it. So to help you figure out the best gifts for the Nintendo fan in your life, we've put together a big list of our favorite products that will give anyone a power-up this holiday season. Of course, if none of these quite fit the bill, you can also head over to our full list of the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories for even more ideas.
Best Nintendo gifts
If someone you love doesn't have a Switch 2 yet, you have the opportunity to do something this holiday season that they will never forget. I know because more than 30 years later, I still have vivid memories of getting my first console — a SNES — at my grandparents' house on Christmas Day.
This year, there really isn't a better present that you could give than a Switch 2. Furthermore, Nintendo recently released a bundle that includes the console and Pokémon Legends: Z-A in the same package, which is great because not only is it cheaper than buying each item separately, but it also gives your loved one a great game to play on day one. Alternatively, there's a different bundle that comes with Mario Kart World. But no matter which one you choose, you really can't get it wrong.
For anyone who prefers playing their Switch 2 while it's docked to their TV, the new Pro Controller is basically a must-have accessory. It supports nearly all the same features as what you get from the Switch 2's attached Joy-Con, but it's much more comfortable (especially for people with bigger hands), has larger joysticks and a pair of extra customizable buttons in back. There's also a built-in audio jack so you can plug in wired headphones and game without waking up the whole house and its battery life is so good it can go weeks between charges.
If you have someone in your life who prefers taking their Switch 2 on the go and doesn't already have a case, do them a favor and get them one ASAP. One of my favorites is Belkin's Charging Case for the Switch 2 because on top of its rigid design, it also comes with an included battery pack to help extend the runtime of Nintendo's console.
But really, it doesn't even have to be this one. You could opt for something more luxurious like Waterfield's Magnetic Switch 2 case or go for something simpler like this basic travel pouch from Hori. Just get them a protective carrier of some kind because the last thing any gamer wants is for their console to get broken in transit.
This might not be the most exciting gift, but it's one that practically every Switch 2 owner will appreciate. That's because even though the console comes with a 256GB SSD, with games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Street Fighter 6 coming in at over 50GB each, Nintendo's onboard storage can fill up pretty quickly. For anyone who needs extra room, a microSD Express card is a huge upgrade. And unlike its predecessor, it's important to note that standard microSD cards aren't compatible with the Switch 2, so there's a good chance that unless they already bought one of their own, this is something they need. SanDisk's microSD Express card is a good option, but you can see other options in our full guide on the best microSD Express cards for the Switch 2.
The previous Mario Kart game — Mario Kart 8 — lasted us the better part of a decade, and with a huge new open environment to explore and tons of fresh tracks, Mario Kart World feels like it's going to do the same for the Switch 2. Mario Kart is one of the most universally beloved franchises in gaming history and if you know a Switch 2 fan that doesn't have it, this is an easy win.
While a whole new generation of Pokémon is still probably a year out, Legends Z-A is a great addition to the franchise that offers a fun twist on the series' traditional turn-based combat. It also offers a fresh look at Lumiose City and heralds the return of mega evolutions, including new forms for some classic 'mons. I mean just check out Mega Victrebell. If this doesn't make someone happy, I don't know what will.
Instead of a brand new mainline Mario game for the Switch 2's launch, we got this and I'm so glad we did because it's a ground-pounding, barrel-smashing blast. And coming from the team that created Mario Odyssey, Donkey Kong Bananza feels like a new instant classic from Nintendo.
For a long time, this seemed destined to be vaporware. But it finally came out earlier this fall and the wait has been worth it. Granted, this is a multi-platform release, so it's available on other consoles. But thanks to its less demanding (but still gorgeous) 2D art style and straightforward hack-n-slash gameplay, Hollow Knight: Silksong feels like a perfect match for the Switch 2, regardless of whether you're playing it on a TV or in handheld mode.
Prior to this fall, getting physical copies of these classics was incredibly difficult, as they were only available in a limited collection for the original Switch. But now you can relive these platforming masterpieces with higher quality visuals that look great on the Switch 2.
This ain't your average Amiibo, because in a lot of ways, the new figures for Kirby Air Riders are like mix-and-match Transformers. Not only can you detach each character from their vehicle and swap them onto another, but they can also be leveled up in-game to help you reach greater heights.
When I first saw this Lego set in person, it took all my restraint not to run out and buy it for myself. Just look at it. If this doesn't conjure up cozy feelings of a handheld that chewed through AA batteries while keeping millions of kids entertained during road trips in the '90s, then you might be dead inside. Lego even includes some faux displays with a lenticular effect to give the impression that the game actually runs. Very neat.
With Metroid Prime 4 due out in early December, this look back at all the wonderful art from previous entries in the franchise is the perfect table-setter for a new Metroid game and any die-hard fans of our favorite armored heroine.
Look, you can't play video games all the time (even though we'd all like to) and I'd argue that's not healthy either. But if you want to introduce older kids to a classic game that has stood the test of time, it's hard to go wrong with this marriage between chess and Zelda.
There is so much lore and history to the Zelda franchise that it was difficult to keep things straight. That is, up until a few years ago when this compendium came out and finally corrected the record and shed some light on some of the murkier events across one of the most storied game sagas of all time.
This may not be a welcome sight for parents, but this is sure to delight children who love cars, Mario or both. And because it has room to store more than 30 karts, this might actually help reduce some clutter. That's a win-win situation in my book.
If you're looking for a less frenetic nod to Nintendo's creations, this 1,000-piece Pikmin puzzle is fun for the whole family. It's the perfect activity to relax while enjoying good food, drink and the warmth of a nearby fire. And if this particular set doesn't do it, there's also an official Mario Kart-themed one as well.
For young Nintendo fans who might not be ready for video games yet, Rosalina's Storybook is a charming way to introduce children to the most underappreciated Nintendo princesses.
When I first laid eyes upon this, I instantly knew it was destined to spark joy in the lives of dads across the country. It's loud, it's tacky and it says you're ready to party. And yet there's still something undeniably cool about a shirt with a gorilla smashing barrels on it. And if you're feeling a little sinister, there's this option featuring all the best baddies.
You can't hate Kirby. You just can't. He's just a lovable little puffball that deserves to go wherever he wants — and thanks to this backpack that looks like a plushie or this nifty little beanie, you can take him with you everywhere.
Even though Nintendo owns a third of the Pokemon Company, there are so many Pokemon-themed gifts that we simply don't have room for them here. But I'd be remiss not to mention this 24-inch Gengar plush I bought my son for his birthday this year, which has quickly become a new member of the family and the go-to option when someone wants to safely body slam something into the ground.
There's something about a themed product that fits so naturally into other situations, which makes the idea of a Super Star tree topper such a fun addition to this year's holiday celebrations. It even comes with a remote that you can use to activate a synchronised light and music show, how fun is that?
Alternatively, if you want more variety for the decorations on a loved one's Christmas tree, there's a whole family of ornaments featuring characters like Princess Peach, Chikorita and pretty much any other Nintendo character you can think of.
If you know someone like me who has an addiction to plushies, there is no shortage of cuddly gifts to choose from. This Bob-omb is simply adorable and this very tossable green shell is a great way to get payback against anyone who beat you in Mario Kart. But there are so many options. There's a One Up mushroom, a Buzzy Beetle and a big 'ole Thwomp and so much more. However, my favorite new entry for this holiday season might be this Morph Ball from Metroid, though timing on this one is a bit trickier since it doesn't officially go on sale until November 14.
This is a great gift for kids because not only can it serve as a night light, it also livens up any room while looking and functioning just as good as it does in game (you know, aside from making you invincible).
Check out the rest of our gift ideas here.
English (US) ·