Black Friday, the shopping extravaganza that follows Thanksgiving, is a date circled on the calendars of bargain hunters everywhere. For gamers, it’s a prime opportunity to snag coveted consoles and games at significantly reduced prices. The Nintendo Switch, a hybrid console that seamlessly transitions between handheld and docked modes, was undoubtedly a hot ticket item during Black Friday 2019. But how much did it actually cost? Let’s delve into the deals of the past and uncover the price points that defined that year’s shopping frenzy.
Understanding the Nintendo Switch Landscape in 2019
To accurately gauge the Black Friday 2019 deals, it’s crucial to understand the Nintendo Switch market leading up to that point. The console had been available for over two years, establishing itself as a major player in the gaming industry. This maturity meant that retailers were more willing to offer discounts and bundle deals to attract customers.
The Nintendo Switch came in two main versions: the standard Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch Lite. The standard version, known for its versatility, could be played on a TV or as a handheld device. The Nintendo Switch Lite, a smaller and more affordable option, was purely a handheld console. This difference in functionality directly impacted their respective price points and Black Friday discounts.
The Standard Nintendo Switch: Market Price Before Black Friday
Prior to Black Friday 2019, the standard Nintendo Switch typically retailed for around $299. This was the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), and most major retailers adhered to it. However, some retailers offered bundles that included games or accessories at a slightly higher price, effectively providing a discount on the extras. It was essential to keep this MSRP in mind when evaluating the Black Friday deals to determine the actual savings. Knowing the baseline price helped consumers discern genuine discounts from cleverly marketed promotions.
The Nintendo Switch Lite: A Budget-Friendly Alternative
The Nintendo Switch Lite, launched in September 2019, was designed as a more accessible entry point into the Nintendo Switch ecosystem. Its MSRP was $199, making it significantly cheaper than the standard model. This lower price point naturally affected the types of Black Friday deals offered. While the discounts might not have been as substantial in dollar terms, the percentage savings could still be attractive. The Switch Lite catered to a different market segment, influencing the Black Friday strategy for that particular console.
Unearthing the Black Friday 2019 Deals
Black Friday 2019 saw a variety of deals on the Nintendo Switch, ranging from outright price cuts to attractive bundle offers. Retailers like Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Amazon all participated, each with their own unique promotions designed to lure in eager shoppers.
Standard Nintendo Switch Bundles: The Popular Choice
The most common Black Friday deals for the standard Nintendo Switch involved bundles. These bundles typically included a Nintendo Switch console, a popular game (such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Mario Odyssey, or The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild), and sometimes a bonus accessory like a carrying case or a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
While the console itself rarely saw a direct price cut below the $299 MSRP, the value of the bundled items made the overall deal highly appealing. For example, a bundle might include the Nintendo Switch and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for $299, effectively giving you the game (which retailed for around $50-$60) for free. These bundles provided the best value for consumers seeking a complete gaming experience.
Analyzing Bundle Values
To determine the true savings on a Black Friday bundle, savvy shoppers had to calculate the individual cost of each item included. If a bundle contained the Nintendo Switch ($299), Mario Kart 8 Deluxe ($60), and a carrying case ($20), the total value of the bundle would be $379. If the bundle was offered for $299, the savings would be $80. This meticulous approach helped consumers identify the most worthwhile deals.
Nintendo Switch Lite Deals: Focus on Affordability
Black Friday deals on the Nintendo Switch Lite also revolved around bundles, but due to its lower price point, the discounts were often less dramatic. Instead of including a full-priced game, bundles might offer a smaller discount on the console itself or include a less expensive game or accessory.
For instance, a retailer might offer the Nintendo Switch Lite for $199 with a free screen protector or a slight discount on a select range of games. The focus was on maintaining the accessibility of the Switch Lite while adding a small incentive for purchase.
Direct Price Cuts: A Rare Occurrence
Direct price cuts on the Nintendo Switch were relatively uncommon during Black Friday 2019. Retailers generally preferred to offer bundles, as this allowed them to maintain the perceived value of the console while still providing an attractive deal. However, some smaller retailers or online marketplaces might have offered limited-time discounts on the console itself. These deals were often quickly snapped up by eager shoppers. Finding a direct price cut on the Switch was like finding a needle in a haystack, requiring diligent searching and quick action.
Specific Retailer Deals: A Closer Look
To give a more concrete idea of the Black Friday 2019 deals, let’s examine some of the offers from major retailers:
Walmart’s Black Friday Nintendo Switch Deals
Walmart often featured Nintendo Switch bundles that included a console and a popular game like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or Super Mario Party. These bundles typically retailed for the standard console price of $299, effectively offering the game for free. Walmart was known for its competitive pricing and wide availability, making it a popular destination for Black Friday shoppers.
Target’s Black Friday Nintendo Switch Deals
Target also offered Nintendo Switch bundles, often including a console and a free game. They sometimes included Target gift cards with the purchase of a Nintendo Switch, adding further value to the deal. Target’s REDcard holders often received additional discounts, making their offers even more appealing.
Best Buy’s Black Friday Nintendo Switch Deals
Best Buy’s Black Friday deals on the Nintendo Switch were similar to those of Walmart and Target, focusing on bundles with popular games. They also offered deals on Nintendo Switch accessories, such as controllers and carrying cases. Best Buy’s My Best Buy loyalty program provided members with exclusive deals and early access to sales.
Amazon’s Black Friday Nintendo Switch Deals
Amazon’s Black Friday deals on the Nintendo Switch were dynamic, with lightning deals and limited-time offers appearing throughout the day. They offered both console bundles and discounts on individual games and accessories. Amazon Prime members often received exclusive deals and free shipping, making Amazon a convenient option for online shoppers.
The Aftermath: Evaluating the Black Friday 2019 Impact
Black Friday 2019 proved to be a successful shopping event for the Nintendo Switch. The console remained a top-selling item, driven by the attractive bundle deals offered by major retailers. While direct price cuts were rare, the value provided by the bundles made the Nintendo Switch an irresistible purchase for many gamers. The strategic bundling of games and accessories proved to be a winning formula for retailers and a great value for consumers.
The Nintendo Switch Lite also performed well during Black Friday 2019, offering a more affordable entry point for new gamers. Its lower price point and appealing bundle deals contributed to its popularity as a holiday gift.
Lessons Learned for Future Black Friday Shoppers
Analyzing the Black Friday 2019 deals on the Nintendo Switch provides valuable insights for future Black Friday shoppers. Here are some key takeaways:
- Research is crucial: Before Black Friday, research the standard retail price of the items you want to buy. This will help you determine the true savings offered by Black Friday deals.
- Compare deals from multiple retailers: Don’t settle for the first deal you see. Compare offers from different retailers to find the best possible price.
- Pay attention to bundle contents: Evaluate the value of each item included in a bundle to determine if the overall deal is worthwhile.
- Be prepared to act fast: The best Black Friday deals often sell out quickly. Be prepared to make a purchase as soon as you find a deal you like.
- Consider online shopping: Online retailers offer the convenience of shopping from home and often have competitive prices.
By following these tips, you can maximize your chances of scoring a great deal on a Nintendo Switch or other coveted items during future Black Friday events. Black Friday is a competitive event, and the consumers who are the most informed and prepared are usually the most successful.
Beyond the Price Tag: Factors Influencing Purchase Decisions
While price is a major factor, it’s not the only consideration when purchasing a Nintendo Switch on Black Friday. Other factors, such as game selection, desired features, and retailer reputation, also play a significant role.
Game Selection: Choosing the Right Titles
The availability of specific games can heavily influence a purchase decision. If a particular game is highly desired, a bundle that includes that game becomes much more attractive. Consumers should consider their preferred genres and the games that are currently available or upcoming on the Nintendo Switch when making their purchase.
Features: Standard Switch vs. Switch Lite
The choice between the standard Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch Lite depends on individual preferences and usage scenarios. The standard Switch offers the flexibility of playing on a TV or as a handheld device, while the Switch Lite is a more portable and affordable option. Consumers should carefully consider their needs and preferences when deciding which model to purchase.
Retailer Reputation: Trust and Reliability
Purchasing from a reputable retailer ensures a smooth and reliable shopping experience. Major retailers like Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Amazon have established reputations for customer service and returns policies. Consumers should choose retailers they trust to avoid potential issues.
In conclusion, while pinpointing an exact, singular price for a Nintendo Switch on Black Friday 2019 is impossible due to the variety of bundles and deals available, understanding the market context, analyzing bundle values, and comparing offers from different retailers can help you make informed purchasing decisions. The Nintendo Switch was a highly sought-after item during that year’s shopping event, and by following the lessons learned from past Black Fridays, you can better prepare for future shopping extravaganzas.
What was the typical price of a Nintendo Switch on Black Friday 2019?
On Black Friday 2019, the standard Nintendo Switch itself wasn’t typically offered at a discounted price. Retailers generally maintained the regular MSRP of $299. However, the real draw was the bundles offered that included games or accessories to make the offer more appealing.
These bundles were strategically designed to attract consumers. For example, a bundle might include the Nintendo Switch console, a popular game like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and potentially a three-month Nintendo Switch Online membership, all at the standard price of the console. This effectively gave the buyer the game and online subscription for free, providing significant value.
Were there any actual discounts on the Nintendo Switch console alone during Black Friday 2019?
Finding a direct discount on the standalone Nintendo Switch console itself on Black Friday 2019 was relatively rare. Retailers focused on incentivizing purchases through bundled offers rather than cutting the price of the console directly.
This strategy allowed retailers to maintain profit margins on the console while still attracting customers with the perceived value of the bundled games and accessories. While a dedicated shopper might have found a very limited regional or store-specific deal on the console alone, these were generally exceptions rather than the rule.
What kind of Nintendo Switch bundles were offered on Black Friday 2019?
The most common type of Nintendo Switch bundle offered during Black Friday 2019 included a full-priced Nintendo Switch console bundled with a popular game, often at the standard $299 price point. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was a frequently included title.
Other bundles might have incorporated different games, such as New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, or a selection of accessories, such as a carrying case or extra controllers. Some retailers even offered bundles that included a subscription to Nintendo Switch Online, further enhancing the value proposition for consumers.
Which retailers had the best Nintendo Switch deals on Black Friday 2019?
Major retailers such as Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Amazon were the key players offering Nintendo Switch bundles during Black Friday 2019. Their deals often varied in terms of the specific games included in the bundle.
Walmart and Target, in particular, were known for offering competitive bundles that included Mario Kart 8 Deluxe at the regular console price. Best Buy and Amazon also provided similar deals, but it was important to compare the specific offerings to determine which bundle best suited an individual’s preferences. Black Friday ads from each store typically revealed the specific bundle content.
How did the Nintendo Switch Lite factor into Black Friday 2019 deals?
The Nintendo Switch Lite, which had been released earlier in 2019, was also part of Black Friday deals. Because it was a newer product and had a lower MSRP of $199, discounts and bundles were generally less aggressive compared to the standard Switch.
While the standard Switch bundles primarily offered games, Switch Lite deals might have focused on smaller discounts, accessory bundles, or combinations of games and accessories tailored to the handheld-only experience. Retailers frequently offered bundles with specific color variations of the Switch Lite, like turquoise or yellow, along with popular games.
Why were Nintendo Switch deals focused on bundles instead of direct price cuts?
Nintendo, and retailers selling their products, commonly use bundles to drive sales without directly devaluing the core product. This strategy allows them to maintain the perceived value of the console and protect profit margins.
By offering popular games or accessories at no extra cost, they can incentivize purchases and appeal to a wider range of consumers. Bundling provides added value and makes the offer more attractive than a simple price reduction, while still allowing the console’s MSRP to remain consistent, safeguarding its long-term market positioning.
Were there any significant differences in Nintendo Switch Black Friday deals between 2018 and 2019?
The Nintendo Switch had been on the market for nearly two years by Black Friday 2019, leading to more mature and refined bundling strategies compared to 2018. In 2018, direct discounts on the console were even rarer, with bundles being the primary driver of sales then as well.
By 2019, retailers had a better understanding of consumer preferences and were able to curate more appealing bundles with more popular games and relevant accessories. The introduction of the Nintendo Switch Lite in 2019 also added a new dimension to the Black Friday deals, offering a more budget-friendly option alongside the standard console, although with its own set of deals that typically differed from the standard switch offerings.