Black Friday & the Elusive Nintendo Switch 2: What Shoppers Can Really Expect, Especially at Costco

Ah, Black Friday! That magical time of year when we all start dreaming of incredible deals, especially on tech. And if you're anything like me, your thoughts might immediately drift to Nintendo. Specifically, there's been a persistent hum – almost a hopeful whisper – about the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. Will it grace our shelves, perhaps even at a discount, this coming Black Friday?

Let's be real for a moment. While the idea of a brand-new console dropping right before the holiday shopping frenzy is undeniably exciting, the chatter around the Nintendo Switch 2 suggests a release sometime in 2025. That means seeing it appear with Black Friday doorbuster prices in 2024? Well, that's likely a bridge too far. New consoles, especially from Nintendo, tend to launch at full price, often selling out instantly, with discounts typically not appearing until much later. So, if your heart is set on the Switch 2, you might need to recalibrate those Black Friday expectations just a tad.

But hey, that doesn't mean Black Friday will be a bust for Nintendo fans! Far from it. This period is historically prime time for fantastic deals on the current Nintendo Switch family. We're talking about the vibrant OLED model, the ultra-portable Switch Lite, and even the original console. Expect to see retailers, including the big box stores, rolling out enticing bundles. These often include a console, perhaps a popular game or two (think Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing, or a classic Zelda title), and sometimes even a little eShop credit. It's a brilliant way to jump into the Nintendo ecosystem or upgrade your existing setup without breaking the bank.

Now, about Costco. The warehouse giant has always been a bit of a wildcard when it comes to Black Friday tech deals, but usually in a good way! Historically, Costco has offered some truly compelling Nintendo Switch bundles. What makes them stand out? Often, it's the sheer value – perhaps a console with not just one, but two popular games, or maybe a healthy Costco Shop Card thrown into the mix. Remember, though, you'll need that membership card handy to snag these exclusive offers. It's always worth keeping an eye on their early Black Friday ads as they start to trickle out; sometimes they have unique configurations you won't find anywhere else.

So, what's the takeaway here? If the Nintendo Switch 2 is truly your holy grail, you're likely in for a bit more of a wait, probably well into 2025. Don't hold your breath for Black Friday 2024 to deliver a discount on a console that probably won't even be out yet. However, if you've been eyeing a current-gen Switch – perhaps the stunning OLED for those crisp visuals, or the Lite for on-the-go gaming – then Black Friday is absolutely the time to pounce. Retailers, including our friends at Costco, are gearing up to offer some seriously attractive bundles. Keep those eyes peeled, set those deal alerts, and get ready to enjoy some fantastic Nintendo gaming, no matter which model you choose!