Nintendo Switch game prices range from $20 to $70, depending on the game and where you buy it

Most new Nintendo Switch games cost between $50 and $70. Older games, smaller titles, and games on sale often cost $20 to $40. You can find prices lower than the standard retail amount through sales, used copies, and digital discounts, though the official Nintendo eShop (the digital store built into the Switch) rarely marks down first-party Nintendo games like Mario or Zelda.

The price you pay depends on three things: whether the game is new or used, whether you buy a physical cartridge or download it digitally, and how long ago the game came out. A brand-new copy of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom costs $70 at launch. That same game might cost $40 used at a game store six months later, or $50 on the eShop during a rare sale.

Key Takeaways

  • New Nintendo Switch games from major publishers typically cost $50 to $70, with Nintendo's own games usually at the $60 or $70 price point.
  • Smaller indie games and older titles often cost $20 to $40, and some cost under $10.
  • Used physical games are usually cheaper than new ones, but digital games rarely go on sale unless the publisher chooses to discount them.
  • The Nintendo eShop, Amazon, GameStop, and local game stores all sell Switch games at different prices, so comparing before you buy can save money.

What new Nintendo Switch games cost

Nintendo's own games — titles like Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and The Legend of Zelda series — cost $60 or $70 new. Most third-party publishers (companies other than Nintendo) price their new games at $50 to $60. A few premium games from major publishers like EA or Ubisoft may cost $70.

These prices are the same whether you buy a physical cartridge or download the game digitally to your Switch. The Nintendo eShop shows the same $60 or $70 price as a store shelf. The difference is that a physical cartridge can be resold or traded in, while a digital purchase is tied to your account and cannot be transferred.

How much indie and smaller games cost

Games made by smaller studios or independent developers often cost $15 to $40. Some well-known indie titles on the Switch include Hollow Knight ($15), Celeste ($20), and Stardew Valley ($15). These games are usually shorter or simpler than big-budget titles, which is why the price is lower.

The Nintendo eShop has hundreds of games under $10, though many of these are very short or experimental. Browsing by price range on the eShop is one way to find budget options, but reading reviews first helps you avoid games that are cheap because they are unfinished or poorly made.

Where to buy and how to find lower prices

Physical copies at retail stores like Target, Walmart, and GameStop sometimes go on sale, especially for games that have been out for several months. Amazon also sells physical Switch games and often has discounts on older titles. Used games at GameStop or local game stores are typically 20 to 40 percent cheaper than new copies.

The Nintendo eShop rarely discounts Nintendo's own games, but third-party games go on sale more often. Following a price-tracking website like IsThereAnyDeal or CheapShark can alert you when a game you want drops in price. Nintendo also runs occasional sales events where many games are discounted at once, though these are unpredictable.

How game age affects the price

Games that came out more than a year ago usually cost less than launch-day prices. A game that cost $60 when it launched might cost $30 to $40 used or on sale after a year. Nintendo games hold their value longer than most — a Mario or Zelda game from three years ago may still cost $50 used, while a third-party game from the same time might cost $20.

If you are willing to wait, prices drop faster for games that did not sell as well at launch. Games that were popular and sold millions of copies stay expensive longer because demand stays high. Checking the release date and user reviews can help you decide whether a game is worth the current asking price or worth waiting for a discount.

Physical versus digital: price and resale

Physical and digital games cost the same at the moment of purchase. The real difference is what happens after. A physical cartridge can be sold, traded in, or given away. A digital game stays on your account and cannot be transferred or resold. If you think you might want to resell a game later, buying physical saves money in the long run.

Digital games take up storage space on your Switch or on a microSD card (an optional memory card you can buy separately). Physical cartridges do not use any storage space. If you own many games and play them all regularly, digital is more convenient. If you buy games, finish them, and want to move on, physical lets you recoup some of the cost by selling the cartridge.

Nintendo Switch Online and game pricing

Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription service that costs $20 per year for the basic plan or $50 per year for the Expansion Pack. This subscription does not lower the price of games you buy — it gives you access to a library of older Nintendo games (NES, SNES, and N64 titles) that you can play as long as your subscription is active. It also lets you play online multiplayer in games that support it.

If you are interested in playing classic Nintendo games, the subscription might save you money compared to buying those games individually on the eShop. However, it does not affect the price of new Switch games. You still pay full price for Mario Kart, Zelda, or any other new release whether you have the subscription or not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do Nintendo games stay expensive longer than other games?

Nintendo games sell in very high numbers and stay popular for years. Because demand stays high, retailers and resellers do not need to lower the price to move inventory. A Mario or Zelda game from five years ago may still cost $40 to $50 used because people still want to play it.

Can I buy Switch games cheaper on other websites or in other countries?

Digital games are region-locked, meaning a game bought on a US eShop account cannot be cheaper by switching regions. Physical cartridges work on any Switch worldwide, so importing a used game from another country is technically possible but usually not cheaper after shipping costs. Sticking with local retailers is simpler.

Do Nintendo Switch games ever go on sale on the eShop?

Third-party games go on sale regularly, sometimes dropping 30 to 50 percent off. Nintendo's own games rarely go on sale, and when they do, the discount is usually 10 to 20 percent. If you want a Nintendo game at a lower price, buying a used physical copy is usually faster than waiting for a digital sale.

What is the cheapest way to play Switch games?

Buying used physical games at GameStop or local stores is usually the cheapest option. Nintendo Switch Online also gives you access to dozens of classic games for $20 per year if you are interested in older titles. Indie games under $20 are also a budget-friendly way to find new games to play.

Do I need to buy a microSD card to store digital games?

The Switch comes with 32 GB of built-in storage, which holds about five to ten large games depending on their size. If you buy more than that digitally, you will need a microSD card (usually $15 to $30 for a 128 GB card). Physical games do not use any storage space, so you only need a card if you buy many digital games.