Get Nintendo Games Cheaper: Tips & Tricks!

Hey there, fellow Nintendo fans! Are you always on the hunt for ways to save some cash while still enjoying the latest and greatest games on your Switch? You're definitely not alone! Buying digital games can sometimes feel like a wallet drain, but don't worry, there are actually several clever strategies you can use to snag those games for less. Let's dive into the wonderful world of Nintendo deals and discover how to get those digital games cheaper. We will cover everything from utilizing different eShops to keeping an eye on promotions and even exploring subscription services.

Understanding the Nintendo eShop Region Differences

One of the coolest tricks in the book is leveraging the fact that the Nintendo eShop isn't a single, unified entity across the globe. Prices for digital games can vary wildly depending on the region you're accessing the eShop from. This means that a game might be significantly cheaper in, say, the Mexican eShop compared to the US or European eShop. It's like international shopping, but for digital goodies!

How does this work, you ask? Well, Nintendo allows you to create multiple Nintendo accounts, each associated with a different region. All you need is a separate email address for each account. Once you've created an account in a region like Mexico or South Africa (which often have better deals), you can access that region's eShop through your Switch. The key is to then purchase eShop credit for that region – you can usually find these on online marketplaces. Once you've redeemed the credit, you can buy the game from that eShop, and it'll be tied to that specific Nintendo account. After the purchase, you can play the game on your main account as well, as long as the purchasing account is on the same console.

Keep in mind that this method requires a bit of setup, and you'll need to be comfortable navigating different eShops and potentially dealing with different currencies. But for those willing to put in the effort, the savings can be substantial, especially on bigger titles. Always do a quick price comparison before making a purchase to see if switching regions could save you some serious dough!

Following Sales and Promotions on the Nintendo eShop

Another fantastic way to save money on Nintendo digital games is to become a sales-stalking master. The Nintendo eShop regularly hosts sales and promotions, offering discounts on a wide variety of games. These sales can range from small price cuts to significant discounts, sometimes even up to 50% or more! The key is to stay informed and know when and where to look for these deals. Nintendo usually announces these sales on their website, social media channels, and directly on the eShop itself. It's a good idea to follow Nintendo's official accounts and sign up for their email newsletters to be among the first to know when a sale is happening.

Timing is everything when it comes to eShop sales. Nintendo often has seasonal sales, such as summer sales, holiday sales, and New Year's sales. They also frequently have themed sales that coincide with game releases or specific events. For example, you might see a sale on RPGs around the release of a new RPG title. Keep an eye out for these patterns and plan your purchases accordingly. Also, make it a habit to regularly check the eShop's "Deals" or "Sales" section. You never know when a hidden gem might be on sale for a price you can't resist!

Don't forget to compare prices across different regions, even during sales. Sometimes, a game might be on sale in one region but not in another, or the discount might be different. Using websites or apps that track eShop prices across different regions can be incredibly helpful in finding the best possible deal. Being patient and waiting for the right sale can save you a significant amount of money in the long run.

Nintendo Switch Online and Expansion Pack Perks

Let's talk about Nintendo Switch Online (NSO). It's not just about playing online with your friends! Subscribing to Nintendo Switch Online can actually unlock significant savings on digital games, especially if you're a fan of classic titles. The basic Nintendo Switch Online membership gives you access to a library of classic NES and Super NES games. This is a fantastic value if you enjoy retro gaming, as you get access to a growing collection of titles for a relatively low monthly or annual fee. Think of it as a Netflix for old-school Nintendo games!

But the savings don't stop there. Nintendo Switch Online also offers exclusive deals and promotions for members, such as discounts on select digital games. Keep an eye out for these offers, as they can sometimes be quite substantial. The real game-changer, however, is the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack. This premium tier of NSO includes everything in the base membership, plus access to a library of Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games. For retro gaming enthusiasts, this is an absolute goldmine!

The Expansion Pack also often includes access to DLC for select Nintendo Switch games, such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. This can be a huge money-saver if you were planning on buying these DLC packs anyway. While the Expansion Pack is more expensive than the base NSO membership, the added value in terms of classic games and DLC can easily justify the cost, especially if you take full advantage of everything it offers. So, if you're a retro gaming fan or have your eye on those specific DLC packs, the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack might be the cheapest way to get your fix.

Utilizing Game Vouchers and Bundles

Nintendo offers a pretty sweet deal called Game Vouchers, which can save you a bundle if you're planning on buying multiple first-party Nintendo games. These vouchers are typically available for purchase by Nintendo Switch Online members, and they come in pairs. The way it works is you buy a set of two vouchers for a fixed price, and each voucher can be redeemed for a digital download of an eligible Nintendo Switch game. The beauty of these vouchers is that they can be used on any eligible game, regardless of its individual price. This means you can use them to buy two of the most expensive, brand-new Nintendo games, effectively getting them at a discounted price. It's like a buy-one-get-one-half-off deal, but even better!

The savings can be significant, especially if you regularly buy first-party Nintendo titles. Before purchasing game vouchers, take a look at the list of eligible games and make sure there are at least two games you're interested in buying. Also, pay attention to the expiration date of the vouchers. They typically expire one year from the date of purchase, so you'll want to make sure you use them before they expire. Game vouchers are a fantastic way to save money on those big-name Nintendo games that rarely go on sale.

Bundles are another great option for saving money on digital games. Nintendo sometimes offers bundles that include a game and some additional content, such as DLC or in-game items, at a discounted price compared to buying them separately. Keep an eye out for these bundles on the eShop, especially around the time of new game releases or during special promotions. Bundles can be a particularly good value if you were already planning on buying the base game and the additional content anyway.

Physical Copies vs. Digital Downloads: A Price Comparison

One crucial factor to consider when trying to save money on Nintendo games is the age-old debate: physical copies versus digital downloads. While digital downloads offer the convenience of being able to play your games anytime, anywhere, without having to swap cartridges, physical copies often present opportunities for savings.

The price of physical games can fluctuate much more than digital games. Retailers often have sales, discounts, and promotions on physical games, especially older titles. You can also find used physical games at even lower prices from retailers or online marketplaces. It's not uncommon to find physical copies of games selling for significantly less than their digital counterparts on the eShop. However, there are times that the nintendo eshop will sell the games for less.

However, keep in mind the downsides of physical copies. They take up physical space, you have to worry about losing or damaging them, and you have to swap cartridges every time you want to play a different game. Digital downloads, on the other hand, are always accessible on your Switch, and you don't have to worry about physical media. Ultimately, the best approach is to compare the prices of physical and digital versions of the games you're interested in and choose the option that offers the best value for you. Sometimes, the convenience of digital is worth paying a bit extra, while other times, the savings from buying physical are too good to pass up.

Stay Informed and Be Patient to get Nintendo Games Cheaper

Saving money on Nintendo digital games requires a bit of planning, research, and patience. By utilizing different eShop regions, following sales and promotions, taking advantage of Nintendo Switch Online perks, using game vouchers and bundles, and comparing prices between physical and digital copies, you can significantly reduce the cost of building your Nintendo Switch game library. Remember to stay informed about the latest deals and promotions, and don't be afraid to wait for the right opportunity to buy the games you want at a price you can afford.

Happy gaming, and happy saving!