Nintendo has officially kicked off its Customer Appreciation Sale, reportedly using $300 million in government tariff refunds to fund discounts that are now in effect not only on the Nintendo Store and Nintendo eShop but also at participating retailers both online and offline.
There is one major caveat, though: there is not a single deal for a Nintendo Switch 2 game, and, aside from a few accessory deals, there are no Switch 2 hardware sales either. So if you were hoping to use this sale to gear up for the Ocarina of Time remake, you’re out of luck, though you can still save $10 on a pre-order through the right retailers.
Who is this sale for, then? If you’ve been eying a classic Nintendo game but couldn’t justify paying full retail price, or if you want to re-live older-generation games on next-generation hardware, now is the perfect time to indulge in some nostalgia.
Here are our favorite deals from this sale across hardware, games, and merchandise:
Best Nintendo Appreciation hardware deals
Why we like it
Don’t get us wrong: We’re big fans of the Nintendo Switch and its innovative Joy-Con controllers, but occasionally you yearn for simpler times, when a single controller held all the buttons and joysticks you needed. Nintendo must agree with us, because their own Pro Controller does a fantastic job recreating the experience of classic Nintendo and Nintendo 64 games, many of which you may be playing for the first time on your Switch console. And trust us: If you’re experiencing Goldeneye death matches for the first time, you’re going to want this controller in hand to stand a chance.
More hardware deals
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Nintendo Joy-Con (double) – $62.99
$89.99(save $27) -
Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Charging Stand – $24.49
$34.99(save $10) -
Nintendo Joy-Con (single) – $31.49
$44.99(save $13)
Best Nintendo Appreciation game deals
at Amazon
$79.98
Save $24.01
Why we like it
What better way to prepare for the Ocarina of Time remake than to re-live (or maybe play for the first time!) Breath of the Wild, the clearest spiritual successor to the N64 classic. All the way back in 2017, it was the standout game at the annual Game Awards, winning Game of the Year, Best Direction, and Best Action/Adventure Game, while it was recently named the second-best Nintendo game of all time by IGN. And unlike a lot of nearly-decade-old games, Breath of the Wild still feels fresh all these years later.
More game deals
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Luigi’s Mansion 3 – $41.97
$59.99(save $17) -
Animal Crossing: New Horizons – $41.97
$59.99(save $17) -
Mario Party: Superstars – $41.99
$59.99(save $17)
Why we like it
In keeping with the Zelda theme, you owe it to yourself to play the sequel to Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom. The game is just three years old now, but with more than 22 million copies sold, it’s also one of the handful of modern games that are a required experience for self-respecting gamers, casting a long shadow on game development ever since its release. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of returning to Hyrule or discovering eerie Depths below, take advantage of this discount while it lasts.
More game deals
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Metroid Dread – $41.97
$59.99(save $17) -
Super Mario Bros. Wonder – $41.97
$59.99(save $17) -
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury – $41.97
$59.99(save $17)
Why we like it
We’ll just go ahead and say it: there simply isn’t a better party game than Mario Kart, and that’s basically been true since the original NES release all the way back in 1992. It’s the madness of flying shells, an ever-rotating leaderboard, and an incredible variety of fun, unique race tracks that make these games endlessly replayable. Be warned, though: many friendships have ended over a Mario Kart race gone wrong.
More game deals
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Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door Standard – $41.99 $59.99 (save $17)
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Kirby Fighters 2 – $13.99
$19.99(save $6) -
Kirby: Star Allies – $41.97
$59.99(save $17)
Why we like it
Everyone is focused on Zelda these days, and rightfully so, but Nintendo has an exhaustive library of unique IPs that every game should experience at least once in their lives, and after the essential Mario and Zelda games, we would argue Metroid deserves top billing as well. Suit up as Samus Aran and explore the otherworldly Tallon IV planet with updated visuals and an unforgettable soundtrack.
More game deals
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Xenoblade Chronicles 3 + Expansion – $62.97
$89.98(save $27) -
Endless Ocean: Luminous Standard – $34.97
$49.99(save $14) -
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD – $41.97
$59.99(save $18)
Best Nintendo Appreciation merch deals
Why we like it
Lots of merch leans more towards novelty than practicality, but this Alarmo clock does exactly the opposite, nodding to your favorite company with an essential item you’ll use every day of your life. It isn’t a half-thought-out, poor-quality clock, either. You can choose from among your favorite Nintendo characters to wake you up each morning, while a built-in motion sensor quiets the alarm sound when you’re ready to get up. And when you finally get out of bed, you’ll be rewarded with a unique character celebration animation.
More game deals
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Mario Kart Slouch Hat – $16.44
$24.99(save $9) -
Amiibo Samus Figurine – $20.99
$29.95(save $10) -
Amiibo Donkey Kong and Pauline Figurine – $20.99
$29.99(save $10)
