2025 has flown by and with Christmas fast approaching, it’s the annual scramble to find a festive treat or two. With a brand-new console, the Nintendo Switch 2, now available, it can be a challenge knowing what to buy. Why not treat a loved one, or yourself, this holiday season? Here is a Nintendo Christmas Gift Guide to help you find the perfect present.
Is there a difference between Nintendo Switch and Switch 2?
Yes, there is a significant difference between both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.
The Nintendo Switch 2 does follow the same design philosophy as its predecessor – compact, detachable Joy-Con controllers and the option to dock to a TV, but it also features greater graphical fidelity, improved controllers, processing power and a vibrant screen. In a nutshell, the console is far more powerful!
Switch 2 supports its own exclusive games, plus the majority of original Switch titles.
More information can be found in the Nintendo Switch 2 guide and FAQ.
Can Nintendo Switch games be played on Nintendo Switch 2?
Most original Nintendo Switch, or Switch 1, games can also be played on the newer Nintendo Switch 2. There are a handful of games that have compatibility issues or can’t be played using the new Joy-Con 2 controllers, though. A full list can be found on the Nintendo website.
Some titles also run with improved performance on the Switch 2, with smoother motion and crisper graphics via free updates. Specific games also have Nintendo Switch 2 Edition versions: paid upgrades with additional content and better performance.
Game save data and progress from existing Switch games can also be transferred to Nintendo Switch 2, allowing owners to continue on the newer hardware without starting games from scratch.
Switch 2 exclusive games, like Mario Kart World, cannot be played on the original Switch or Switch Lite.
The best Nintendo Switch 2 Bundles & Black Friday Deals
Looking to buy a Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2 for Christmas? It can be difficult knowing just where to start!
There are currently three main options available:
- The newest Nintendo Switch 2 console without a game, for £395.99 in the UK, directly from Nintendo. The same console comes with a £10 discount on Amazon, currently £385.99 at time of writing. Inside the box is the Switch 2 base unit – the screen, a set of Joy-Con 2 controllers, a dock for connecting to a TV and cables.
- Nintendo also have bundles, which include the console, accessories and a digital download for a game – with savings compared to buying separately. Bundles include Mario Kart World or Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Both are available for £429.99 each on the Nintendo Store, with a sizable additional discount on Amazon at £409.
For the most value Nintendo Christmas gift, it’s difficult to go wrong with Pokémon or Mario Kart!
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The original Switch console also makes a great Nintendo Christmas gift. The Nintendo Switch Lite is available at £199.99 with Animal Crossing: New Horizons. A Nintendo Switch OLED bundle, which includes Super Mario Bros. Wonder and 12 months of Switch Online, currently retails for £300.99.
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
Nintendo Switch 2 does come with its own set of Joy-Con controllers in the box, offering a larger grip and buttons for a more comfortable experience. Those looking for a dedicated, traditional option could consider the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.
As a premium, high-quality option, the Switch 2 Pro Controller offers buttery–smooth buttons and sticks, with a battery built for longer gaming sessions.
A strong contender for a Nintendo Christmas gift, its currently available from the Nintendo Store for £74.95, discounted on Amazon for £64.95.
More information: Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller review
Additional Switch 2 Storage
Looking to give the gift of Christmas memories? With a growing number of Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games and an extensive back catalogue, players could need additional memory for all their downloads. The Nintendo Switch 2 is designed for microSD Express cards, with faster loading and performance. Finding compatible cards can be a challenge, though. Nintendo do recommend a microSD Express card from memory experts, SanDisk.
A 256GB card on Amazon is available for £44 and £79.99 for the larger 512GB card.
More information: SanDisk 256GB microSDXC Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2 Review
Nintendo Switch 2 Games for Christmas Gifts
Nintendo Switch 2 has a growing library of exclusive games, from Mario Kart World to Donkey Kong Bananza. These titles would make the perfect Nintendo Christmas gift for an existing Switch 2 owner, or as part of a bundle if within budget.
Mario Kart World (Switch 2 only)
Who for: Families, multiplayer, arcade racing, online play
Launching with the Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart World is an exclusive game for the new hardware. A wide-open world to explore, crisp 4K visuals and a roaring soundtrack accompany 24 players racing for first place. An ideal family game for newer players to try and one for seasoned fans to devour. Mario Kart World is available as standalone game but is also included as part of a Switch 2 bundle above.
A boxed, physical edition of Mario Kart World is currently £52.95 on Amazon, with the digital release £74.99 on the Nintendo UK Store.
More information: Mario Kart World Review
Donkey Kong Bananza (Switch 2 only)
Who for: 3D platformer fans, solo-players, action game fans
The Nintendo Switch 2-only platforming adventure sees the iconic ape and his partner Pauline diving into destructible, sandbox-style platforming levels filled with secrets and sheer fun on the new hardware. The game is full of heart, classic Nintendo charm and colour – making Donkey Kong Bananza a standout Nintendo Christmas gift for players who appreciate huge worlds to explore.
A boxed, physical edition of Donkey Kong Bananza is £48.95 on Amazon, with the digital release £58.99 on the Nintendo UK Store.
More information: Donkey Kong Bananza Review
Super Mario Party Jamboree (Switch + Switch 2)
Who for: Multiplayer, families, online-play
Super Mario Party Jamboree is a bold gift pick for family and friends, a likely hit for the Christmas season. The expanded Nintendo Switch 2 version has camera support for hilarious competitive fun and crisp visuals fort added fidelity. Celebrate with both tears and laughter with a hearty helping of Mario Party, an ideal Nintendo Christmas gift that’s perfect for lively holiday gatherings.
A boxed, physical edition of Super Mario Party Jamboree – Switch 2 Edition is available for £48.95 on Amazon, with the digital release £49.99 on the Nintendo UK Store.
More information: Super Mario Party Jamboree Review
Pokémon Legends: Z-A (Switch + Switch 2)
Who for: Pokémon fans, solo players, action game fans
Set in the iconic Lumiose City, the latest Pokémon game is available for both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. An ideal Nintendo Christmas gift for fans of the Pokémon series, with plenty of exploration, collecting and an intriguing overarching story to be lost in whilst tucking into festive leftovers. Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a smart Pokémon pick for under the tree!
A boxed, physical edition of Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Switch 2 Edition is available for £49.99 on Amazon, with the digital release £49.99 on the Nintendo UK Store.
More information: Pokémon Legends: Z-A Review
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (Switch + Switch 2)
Who for: FPS fans, solo players, sci-fi fans, action game fans
Arriving 4th December 2025, this highly anticipated Metroid game sees Samus exploring a mysterious, uncharted planet where something rather sinister lurks. The perfect game for sci-fi fans and those who love a first-person adventure. Available for both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, the latter offers an upgraded push to make Samus’ next chapter really shine.
Metroid Prime 4 is available to pre-order for £58.99 on the Nintendo UK Store
Cheap Nintendo Gifts for Christmas
Looking for accessories, stocking fillers and Nintendo merchandise? The Nintendo UK Store has a range of toys and ideal Christmas gifts. Including Super Mario toys and plushies, The Legend of Zelda gifts full of Hylian lore and striking Animal Crossing themed merchandise.
Many of these items were part of the Nintendo UK Pop-up store – so for those who couldn’t secure Nintendo Christmas Gifts, the online UK store is another chance to stock up.
Amazon also has various themed accessories and games, including Super Mario lights from Paldone and Legend of Zelda accessories. TeeChu has retro gaming clothing options and pixel prints, too.
Stuck finding a Nintendo Christmas gift? Players would certainly appreciate a Nintendo gift card, which can be redeemed on games on the Switch eShop.
