The Nintendo Switch 2 is going to be the hot gift this holiday season. As it's a new console, parents may not know the ins and outs of what they should buy.
You don't need to rely on a letter to Santa to know which games to give with the Switch 2. I created this guide to answer your most pressing Switch 2 questions and help make holiday shopping a breeze. Keep in mind, many of these items will likely be on sale throughout the holiday season, so get ready to score a deal, too. Also, be sure to check out which of my game picks for the Switch 2 made the list of CNET"s 10 Favorite Games of 2025.
Watch this: We Finally Unbox and Play the Switch 2. Should You Buy One?
Which Switch 2 bundle to buy
You can buy the console by itself, but I recommend going with a bundle. Not only does it lower the cost of the game compared to buying it separately, but it also means there's something to play right out of the box. There are different Switch 2 bundles available, but the best bet is the Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle. Along with the console, you get a digital code to download the racing game, and let's face facts, you simply can't go wrong with Mario Kart World as the first title for the console. Again, it also makes financial sense as Mario Kart World sells for $80, which means receiving it in a bundle would ultimately save money versus buying the game in the future.
Which Switch 2 game to buy for the holidays
Even though the Switch 2 is less than six months old, there's still a wealth of games available for it, thanks to the console being backward compatible with the original Switch. Figuring out which game to buy with the Switch 2, beyond Mario Kart World, comes down to what kind of gamer the console is for. Here are some of my favorite picks.
It's not often you can point to one game and say definitively that it's the best game on that console, but in the six months since the Switch 2 launch, Donkey Kong Bananza is that game. It's been years since the original Nintendo mascot received his own game, and it's an instant classic. If there's one game that anyone with a Switch 2 will likely enjoy, regardless of age or game preferences, it's this one.
If you're buying a Switch 2 for a child 8 years or younger, Paw Patrol: On a Roll is a solid choice, especially if they're a fan of the cartoon. It's an easy choice for kids who are just learning how to play games, and since it's a title for the original Switch, it's more affordable.
If your kids are a little too old for Paw Patrol, you simply can't go wrong with a Pokemon game. The newest entry in the franchise is Pokemon Legends: Z-A. It's a bit of a departure for the monster-catching game, and it's a little tougher than the standard Pokemon game. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, as well as Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, are all playable on the Switch 2, but Pokemon Legends: Z-A is something fresh and new.
One of the less-discussed features of the Switch and Switch 2 is how the system is designed for co-op games. The Joy-Cons on the console, if needed, can allow for two people to play at the same time. So if you're a parent, you can create plenty of fond memories playing with the kids. Split Fiction is perfect for this. While the game is a little tough, the storyline is going to melt your heart and you'll probably shed a few tears. Split Fiction is rated T for Teen as it has blood, violence and strong language, but nothing too offensive.
The Switch 2 also has a wealth of games from well-known franchises, including:
Sonic X Shadow Generations ($50)
Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 ($70)
Gift ideas for family and friends
For the grandparents or other family members or friends who want to join in on the Switch 2 gift giving, there are plenty of options. One easy choice is more games, either for the Switch 2 games or the original Switch. Here's CNET's list of the Best Switch Games.
If the parents have the console and games covered, there are still some gifts that anyone with a Switch 2 will want.
The Switch 2 is designed to be portable, but it's not indestructible. That's where a good case can help. The Switch 2 carrying case from Belkin can easily carry around the handheld as well as a few games, and it has a durable shell to protect it from any drops. There's also a hidden compartment for an Apple AirTag, making it easy to locate if it goes missing.
A perfect accessory for a Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle is a steering wheel. Hori's Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe is quick to set up, and it can work with other racing games for the Switch.
Even though the Switch 2 is a handheld console, many prefer keeping it docked and connected to a TV. And while the Joy-Con 2 are fine controllers, nothing beats having a solid gamepad in your hands. Nintendo's Pro Controller for the Switch 2 is just that. It feels as good as any controller on the market while also making full use of the Switch 2 features, and it connects to the console easily.
FAQ
Do I need to buy any other cables for the Switch 2?
No. Inside the Switch 2 box is the power adapter for the console, as well as an HDMI cable and a dock to connect it to the TV. The HDMI cable is just shy of 5 feet long, so if you know the Switch 2 will be connected to a TV that's farther away than that, you'll need to get a longer cable.
Do I need to buy extra storage for the Switch 2?
The Switch 2 comes with 256GB of built-in storage, and that can fill up quickly if you buy a lot of games. To upgrade the storage, you'll need to buy microSD Express cards, which are newer and still a little pricey. They do frequently get discounted, though, so just keep an eye on the prices.
Do I need to buy any subscriptions?
If you know the person you're buying the Switch 2 for wants to play games online with their friends, such as Mario Kart World or Fortnite, then you should also consider a Switch Online subscription. There are two subscription tiers, with the $20 tier providing online access and access to retro NES, SNES and Game Boy titles, while the $50 Switch Online plus Expansion Pack tier adds N64 and Gamecube games, along with upgrade packs to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
What are Switch 2 upgrade packs?
Original Switch games do work on the Switch 2, but they don't make use of the additional graphical power offered in the newer console. For $10 to $20, a game for the original Switch can be upgraded to a Switch 2 game. Upgrading a game will increase its resolution, smooth out its frame rates, speed up loading times and add other features found only on the Switch 2. Not every game for the original Switch has an upgrade option, and it's debatable whether some are worth the additional cost. This upgrade is available on the Nintendo eShop on the Switch 2 or Nintendo's website, and games with the upgrade pack include Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Super Mario Party Jamboree and the upcoming Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.
Watch this: Review: The Switch 2 Pro Controller
