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.
Watch this: We Finally Unbox and Play the Switch 2. Should You Buy One? 09:23
Which Switch 2 bundle to buy
David Carnoy/CNET Switch 2 with Mario Kart World Bundle 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. $601 at Amazon $564 at Best Buy $500 at Target
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.
Outright Games For younger gamers Paw Patrol: On a Roll! 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. $22 at Amazon
Best Switch 2 game for kids Pokemon Legends: Z-A 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. $70 at Target
Hazelight Studios Best co-op game Split Fiction 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. $50 at Amazon $40 at Walmart $50 at Best Buy
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