Not only do these bundles of Nintendo Switch Special Edition offer a range of included games and extras, they often come as exclusives to certain stores, further complicating things. With all these variables, it can be difficult for gamers to keep track of it all and gauge what the best value is, while also factoring in the designs.
RELATED: Things You Didn’t Know The Nintendo Switch Could Do
This piece will rank the overall best bundles for Nintendo’s hybrid console; factoring in the games, price, and sleekness of any custom skins included. These will include both current bundles as well as those that have seen limited releases and have since been discontinued.
Updated December 3, 2021, by Stephen LaGioia: Much like its own library, the Nintendo Switch offers a plethora of unique, diverse hardware options which continue to expand, especially with the release of the OELD model and the stripped-down, handheld focused Switch light. But even when focusing on the original rendition, Nintendo and third parties continue to churn out an abundance of distinct Switch bundles and enticing custom console designs. Unfortunately, most of them saw just a short window of release, and have since become rare, expensive collector’s items.
But with so many to keep track of—and the holiday season fast approaching—we felt it fitting to refine and add to this list of awesome limited and special-edition Switch consoles. Keep in mind: most of the prices listed are now inaccurate or hard to come by, as many of these have been discontinued (or at least made increasingly rare), driving up the prices. Still, there’s always the exciting prospect of some great new models coming down the pipeline.
15 Splatoon 2
The limited-edition Splatoon 2 Nintendo Switch console was a Walmart exclusive and had an RRP of $380. It came with a digital download of the game, a Splatoon-themed carry case, and neon-colored Joy-Cons in green and pink. Other than this, the console is the same as any other standard Switch, and the Joy-Cons in these colors were eventually released separately for $80.
As these neat Joy-Cons can be bought separately, this console is the worst out of all the limited-edition versions released to date, as one could easily turn their standard Switch into this version by just buying the controllers.
14 Super Mario Odyssey
When Super Mario Odyssey was released in 2017, Nintendo also released a special limited edition Nintendo Switch console for the occasion for $380. Not surprisingly given its increasing rarity, this has shot up an additional $100-or-so for many outlets and eBay users. The console came with two Cappy-red Joy-Cons, the only way to get official Joy-Cons in this color, but other than that, the console was fairly standard.
The console did include a full game download of Odyssey, and there was also a rather nice carry case that came with it too. However, as far as limited edition consoles go, this one is particularly lackluster.
13 Fortnite
Released earlier this year, this Fortnite limited edition Nintendo Switch console has a more subtle design than some of the other limited edition consoles, but it still works quite well. This is the only way to get blue and yellow joy-cons, and the little bus over the home button is a nice touch.
RELATED: The Best Nintendo Switch Games Of 2020, Ranked (According To Metacritic)
This console retails at $300, which is standard RRP for a normal Nintendo Switch console, so at least fans weren’t charged extra considering the minimalistic design. Fortnite is pre-installed on this console and it also comes with the Wildcat Bundle and 2,000 V-bucks.
12 Pokemon Dialga And Palkia Edition
What better way for a Pokemon fan to enjoy their flashy new Switch Lite than with a console decorated with sketches of two of the coolest monsters to grace the series. This recently-released custom handheld Nintendo Switch console surely makes for a great compliment to the similarly-enticing Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl; the games these awesome Legendaries come from.
The silver and gold line art look particularly cool against the metallic gray body of the console—making for perhaps the sleekest model of Switch lite yet. What’s even better is that, while it doesn’t come with any extra goodies, the machine isn’t a penny more than a typical Switch lite, with its $200 asking price.
11 Monster Hunter Rise
There’s just something about the glossy black and gold design of this special edition Nintendo Switch that just looks universally awesome, especially when the gold bits are made to resemble an ominous monster.
Not that it needed it, but Nintendo and Capcom further entice fans of the renowned Monster Hunter Rise with this similarly epic artwork, which decorated the Switch dock, Joy-Cons, and the included Pro Controller which better suits the game. The bundle also comes with a digital code for Monster Hunter Rise + Deluxe kit DLC. A relatively recent edition, this once-appealing package has come and gone, thus coaxing sellers to ask for hundreds more than its original asking price. However, this model once sat at a respectable $369.99.
10 Animal Crossing: New Horizons Bundle
Animal Crossing: New Horizons was one of the hottest games to release in 2020—and many fans were delighted to see a limited edition and adorable custom-designed Nintendo Switch console. However, it’s likely only the diehard enthusiasts of the game that found much value in this one, as it’s essentially just a painted Switch that comes with the usual components.
And in the eyes of many, the basic visuals and soft colors didn’t exactly present an appealing design. It’s important to note that the game itself was not included in the American version of this package—though it oddly was in the Japanese and European bundle. Still, at least it (usually) costs the same as the default Switch model at $300.
9 Jack Jeanne Switch Lite
Western gamers who aren’t particularly privy to Japanese manga are likely to not have heard of the subject matter here. Still, fans of Sui Ishida’s work, particularly his most recent project, Jack Jeanne from 2019, will probably find much to love about this special edition featuring his illustration on the back of the console. Sui Ishida is most known for his dark fantasy series Tokyo Ghoul.
We’re talking extremely limited quantities here, as only 100 units were available to those who pre-ordered Jack Jeanne for the Switch during a month-long window. Outside of collectors and diehard fans, it’s tough to see too many getting excited over this sketched turquoise special edition of the Switch Lite, as it’s a pretty minimalistic package.
8 Nintendo Labo “Cardboard” Pack
No, this exclusive contest prize isn’t actually made of cardboard, which is probably smart as it would be a pretty fragile (not to mention dangerously flammable) device. This is actually a skin that’s made to resemble the material—and in quite a convincing fashion.
RELATED: The Worst Nintendo Switch Games Of 2020, Ranked (According To Metacritic)
In 2018, Nintendo had released a call to come up with neat new Labo ideas in various regions. The aim was to cobble together a cool Toy-Con creation with cardboard along with sketches and send it to Nintendo. The winner would receive this fake cardboard finished Switch, a Labo Creators jacket, and a framed award certificate signed by Labo developers. That would certainly make for some cool collector’s items! Simple as it may be, there’s something uniquely cool about this authentic-looking design.
7 Disney Tsum Tsum Festival Bundle
Believe it or not, the overtly-cute Disney-themed minigame romp Tsum Tsum actually did get a worldwide release back in November 2019. But unfortunately for Western collectors and fans of this adorable game, this console bundle was only ever released in Japan.
It’s a bummer, as it actually is a pretty solid package; assuming Disney Tsum Tsum toys happen to appeal to the reader. It contains a neat little custom design with images of a few of the toys on the console and controllers, along with a physical copy of the Disney Tsum Tsum Festival. It also includes the newer, spruced-up special edition Switch model which sports improved battery life. It costs 36,080 Yen; the equivalent of roughly$328. Though these days, it’s been sighted on eBay for $500-$600.
6 Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!/Eevee! Bundles
The base price of this special edition Nintendo Switch bundle is a touch steep at $400, yet it’s a fairly robust package. Not only does it include either the lovable Eevee or Pikachu variants of this RPG, but fans also get the Pokeball Plus accessory (which is normally going for around $40 these days). Fans also get a pretty adorable-looking Switch dock with these lovable Pokemon and some cool custom colors on the included Joy-Cons meant to resemble them.
As will be the case with many listed here, this somewhat outdated model might be listed at a steeper cost at most outlets, depending on age and availability. However, fans can find it at Gamestop.com (Best Buy and/or Walmart for various other bundles) at its original $400 asking price.
5 Pokémon Sword And Shield Zacian And Zamazenta Switch Lite
Part of the appeal of bundles is its slew of extra inclusions, which is, unfortunately, lacking when it comes to this recently-released Switch Lite. It doesn’t even include the game it’s marketing, Pokemon Sword & Shield.
RELATED: Reasons To Get A Switch Lite (& Reasons To Fork Out For The Original Version)
Still, the console itself sure comes with a sleek look, sporting a visually pleasing color palette that’s meant to represent the epic Legendary beasts Zacian and Zamazenta. If both Pokemon and portability are favored, this makes for a neat special edition Switch bundle, especially at its entry-level price of $199.99. This is the same price the base Switch Lite model is going for.
4 Nintendo Switch Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Edition
No—unfortunately, the neat Smash Bros GameCube controller isn’t included in this package, nor is the handy adapter that allows enables play with these typically preferred controllers. Still, at $359.99, this is a pretty cool special edition Nintendo Switch bundle, given the visually awesome design of the Switch dock and included Joy-Cons. Of course, this is assuming fans are lucky enough to still find one at this price, as its increasing rarity has coaxed sellers to list it for well over $500.
Players also get a copy of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, though, like most on this list, it comes in the form of a digital code. It would have been nice to get some added flair like a carrying case, an adapter, or at least a physical copy of the game. Regardless, one would think most diehard Smash fans would at least be somewhat enticed by this sleek bundle.
3 Monster Hunter XX Bundle
While the epic beast-slaying Monster Hunter series is quietly gaining some momentum in the West, the bulk of its success still can be traced to the “Land of the Rising Sun.” This likely provides the reasoning this super sleek special edition Monster Hunter bundle for Nintendo Switch was restricted to Japanese shores. It was discontinued not long after its August 2017 release.
The Switch dock is decorated with some pretty Monster Hunter tribal patterns, and it comes with a physical copy of Monster Hunter XX - also known as Generations in Western territories. This definitely makes (or made) for a neat bundle for fans of this grandiose RPG.
2 Dragon Quest XI S - Definitive Edition Bundle
It sure seems like Japan gets all the good stuff—at least these are the sentiments that Monster Hunter and Dragon Quest fans are likely to agree on. To help kick off the anticipated Switch launch Dragon Quest XI S, an appealing themed special edition Nintendo Switch bundle was released in late 2019.
This limited edition package didn’t just include some cool, detailed DQ artwork on the dock and Joy-Cons, but it also included a Definitive Edition copy of the RPG. This could be had for the price of 39,960 Yen, or roughly $364. Not a bad deal, especially for fans of this series!
1 Diablo 3 Eternal Collection Bundle
It’s hard not to view this as the all-around coolest and best-value special edition Nintendo Switch package, especially for fans of Blizzard’s classic Diablo series. This GameStop-only bundle comes with what’s essentially the “definitive” version of Diablo 3 with a slew of bells and whistles.
Not only do fans get all the extra content of that spruced-up port, but also included is a cool set of Ganondorf armor that players can flaunt online. Additionally, it includes one of the sleeker carrying cases that can be had, while boasting a custom Diablo 3-themed console and dock. At just $360, fans get a pretty good deal if factoring in the added perks of this bundle.
MORE: Best Nintendo Switch Accessories (And Some That Are Completely Pointless)
