Best Nintendo Switch gifts for 2023: Our top picks for Ninty fans
Let's-a-go shopping
1. Best overall
2. Best under $30
3. Best under $50
4. Best games
5. Best accessories
We're into the last few days for holiday shopping now, which means the final hunt is on for anyone after Nintendo Switch gifts ahead of the big day. The hybrid handheld has been out for years now, so there's no shortage of accessories, merch, and games to grab for the Ninty fan in your life. However, with shipping dates closing in on us you'll need to move fast to secure the gifts you want.
Whether you're on the hunt for some of the best Nintendo Switch accessories or you need some festive merchandise to brighten up your holiday, there's something for everyone on the shelves right now. We're helping you get your Nintendo Switch gift shopping done in no time, with our personal top picks right here.
How did we settle on these specific Nintendo Switch gifts, though? Our present-hunting team has spent years covering gifts for gamers, and has only suggested products we'd actually like to receive ourselves. Besides hands-on experience, we've also cross-referenced user reviews to make sure you're getting the best possible recommendations.
Benjamin handles all of our gifting content. He's been writing about present-worthy gear for five years, and has played Nintendo games since the mid-'90s.
Best Nintendo Switch gifts overall
Low on time? Here's a whistle-stop tour of the best Nintendo Switch gifts, keeping strictly to the highlights.
Best overall
Left it a bit late? The beauty of the Nintendo Switch gift card is you don't have to do too much thinking… and you can sort that last-minute present in seconds.
Best cheap
Besides being very cheap, these blind-boosters get you a random but iconic kit from the Super Mario Series – and the recipient is unlikely to have it.
Best decoration
The Super Mario series is one of the most iconic in gaming, so this very cool lamp (based on its mushroom power-ups) will delight most Nintendo fans.
Best controller
This official gamepad is one of the most popular Nintendo Switch gifts each year for good reason – it's arguably the best Nintendo Switch controller.
Best headset
Superb audio and a Bluetooth connection make this our go-to choice for the console, and it's one of the best Nintendo Switch headsets overall – no question.
Best storage
It's useful to have extra storage on your console, and this 128GB accessory is more than enough if you're hunting for the best Nintendo Switch SD cards.
Best Nintendo Switch gifts under $30
If you're keen to get the best Nintendo Switch gifts as cheaply as possible, these should be your first port of call. They're great stocking-fillers, too…
Best mug
We adore this novelty mug from Paladone - it reveals a Super Mario level when you pour in hot liquid. It's a delightful (and reasonably-priced) Nintendo Switch gift.
Best socks
Ah, socks – the most iconic gift of them all. You can take your pick from a variety of Nintendo franchises with this option, ranging from Zelda to Super Mario.
Best novelty
If you're looking for practical Nintendo Switch gifts, this is a must-have. It looks like it leapt off the screen, and can add a homely flair to your loved ones' gaming setup.
Stocking-filler
Is the Nintendo fan in your life into all things retro? Did they grow up with the original NES? These coasters will hit the spot, because they recreate old cartridges.
Cheap but great
It's not official, but it is awesome nonetheless. This little neon light punches well above its weight and is a statement piece for any room. It's not too expensive, either.
Best Nintendo Switch gifts under $50
Best for Xmas
It's now a tradition to break out the 'ugly' jumpers in time for Christmas, so why not rope Mario and co in? This is from Numskull, a trustworthy brand that's been doing this for years.
Best for winter
If the cold weather is closing in, there's nothing better than being snuggled up on the sofa with your Switch and a cozy oodie. These wearable blankets make such good presents.
For Animal Crossing fans
So many of us discovered the joys of Animal Crossing's chilled-out life during the pandemic, so if you're shopping for a fan of the franchise, you can't go far wrong with this plush.
Best for kids
What's better than playing Switch? Creating your own real-life Mario courses with Lego! This is ideal for younger gamers in particular, and they can always expand the set with other kits.
Best for Zelda fans
Nintendo's Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia is the perfect gift for fans of the franchise, and those looking to learn more about the lore of Hyrule.
Best retro
Hankering after times past? This retro recreation is modeled after the iconic SNES controller, so will go down very well with those that grew up on the system.
Best Nintendo Switch gifts: Games
Games make up some of the best Nintendo Switch gifts, simply because everyone loves unwrapping a shiny new box. While you'll need to have an idea of which games your recipient already has, these are the hottest titles that any player would be happy to dive into.
The latest Mario game has only just hit shelves, but it's already getting plenty of praise. It's a great choice if you're looking for a single-player or multiplayer experience, and the creativity on show here lives up to the Mario legacy.
Read more: Super Mario Bros. Wonder review
Breath of the Wild's sequel certainly impressed when it landed near the beginning of 2023, and it's a worthy follow-up to what is arguably the best Legend of Zelda.
Read more: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom review
If the person you're buying for wasn't around for the Gamecube era of the mid-2000s, get them this game. It's one of Nintendo's best by a long way.
Read more: Metroid Prime Remastered review
The wizarding world is still enchanting people years after the last film or book, so fans will appreciate being able to explore Hogwarts in this game. This version isn't out yet, but if the PS5/Xbox equivalents are anything to go by, it should be good.
The fourth entry in the Pikmin strategy series is just as wonderful as the previous three, but it's also a good entry-point to the series if you're new to all this.
Read more: Pikmin 4 review
Best Nintendo Switch gifts: Accessories
Trying to find the best Nintendo Switch accessories? Your wish is our command. We've listed the most must-have add-ons below.
Does the reciepient you have in mind travel a lot with their Switch? This will be their best friend, mixing a charger and dock together in one handy accessory.
This is the best Switch case we've seen, and we've yet to find one that does it better years on. If you're buying for someone who's only just got the console, this is essential.
If the person you're buying for prefers traditional controllers, this is what you should get them. The Pro Controller has a classic configuration with all the extra features of a Joy-Con.
For excellent audio and top-tier comfort, the Barracuda X is a winner. It's a little stripped back compared to some PC equivalents, but for a Nintendo Switch gift, it ticks all the boxes.
The Switch doesn't have much memory to speak of, so this SD card (by the experts over at SanDisk) is a helpful addition to your setup. There are bigger cards, but 128GB is enough.
We're also rounding up plenty more options in our guides to the best PS5 gifts and best Xbox gifts, so check those out if you're buying for someone with Sony and Microsoft's consoles.
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As the site's Tabletop & Merch Editor, you'll find my grubby paws on everything from board game reviews to the latest Lego news. I've been writing about games in one form or another since 2012, and can normally be found cackling over some evil plan I've cooked up for my group's next Dungeons & Dragons campaign.
- Tabitha BakerManaging Editor - Hardware