Black Friday is a shopper’s Super Bowl, a day when retailers unleash a torrent of deals enticing consumers to open their wallets. For gamers, it’s a prime opportunity to snag that coveted console, the latest games, and essential accessories. One console consistently on everyone’s wishlist is the Nintendo Switch. But the burning question in 2019 was: how much would a Nintendo Switch cost on Black Friday? Let’s dive into predicting and dissecting the 2019 Black Friday Nintendo Switch deals, considering historical trends, competitor pricing, and other influencing factors.
Understanding the Nintendo Switch Market in 2019
The Nintendo Switch, released in 2017, had already established itself as a gaming phenomenon by 2019. Its hybrid nature – allowing players to seamlessly transition between playing on a TV and on the go – made it incredibly appealing to a wide audience. This popularity meant that deep discounts were less likely than on consoles struggling to gain traction.
Strong Demand: The Switch consistently topped sales charts, indicating high demand. Retailers knew they could sell the console without drastically reducing the price.
Limited Price Cuts Historically: Nintendo generally avoids deep price cuts on their consoles, preferring to maintain perceived value.
The Nintendo Switch Lite Factor: The introduction of the Nintendo Switch Lite in September 2019, a cheaper, handheld-only version, added another layer of complexity to the Black Friday predictions. Would retailers focus on pushing the Lite, or would the original Switch still be a major draw?
Analyzing Previous Black Friday Nintendo Deals
One of the best ways to predict future Black Friday deals is to look at the past. Examining previous years’ offers can provide valuable insights into retailers’ strategies.
Black Friday 2017: The first Black Friday after the Switch’s release saw limited discounts on the console itself. Bundles were more common, typically including a game (like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild) or an accessory.
Black Friday 2018: Similar to 2017, standalone Switch consoles rarely saw significant price reductions. Again, bundles were the dominant offer, often including a popular game and sometimes an extra controller.
Key Takeaway: History suggested that standalone Nintendo Switch consoles would likely not experience dramatic price drops on Black Friday 2019. The focus would probably remain on bundles, offering added value instead of direct discounts.
Predicting Black Friday 2019 Nintendo Switch Deals
Given the Nintendo Switch’s market position and historical Black Friday patterns, it was possible to make informed predictions about the deals that shoppers could expect in 2019.
Standalone Console Deals: Expect very modest discounts, perhaps $20-$30 off the standard retail price. Some retailers might not offer any discount at all on the standalone console.
Bundle Deals: This was where the real savings were anticipated. Retailers were likely to offer bundles including:
* The Nintendo Switch console.
* A popular game (e.g., Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Mario Odyssey, Pokémon Sword/Shield).
* A Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
* An extra controller (Joy-Cons or Pro Controller).
* A carrying case.
Nintendo Switch Lite Deals: As a newer, lower-priced option, the Switch Lite was expected to see more aggressive discounting, both as a standalone product and in bundles.
Refurbished Options: Keep an eye out for deals on refurbished Nintendo Switch consoles. These could offer significant savings for budget-conscious shoppers.
The Impact of Competitor Consoles
The Black Friday landscape isn’t just about Nintendo. The deals offered on competitor consoles, like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, also influence pricing strategies.
PlayStation 4 and Xbox One: These consoles were nearing the end of their life cycles in 2019, meaning retailers were likely to offer significant discounts to clear out inventory.
Competitive Pressure: The aggressive pricing on competing consoles could indirectly put pressure on retailers to offer some sort of deal on the Nintendo Switch, even if it wasn’t a direct price cut on the console itself.
Factors Influencing Black Friday Pricing
Several factors beyond historical trends and competitor pricing play a role in determining Black Friday deals.
Inventory Levels: Retailers with excess Nintendo Switch inventory might be more willing to offer deeper discounts to move units.
Marketing Strategy: Black Friday deals are often part of a broader marketing strategy. Retailers might use attractive console deals to draw customers into their stores or websites, hoping they will also purchase other items.
Online vs. In-Store Deals: Some retailers offer different deals online versus in-store. It’s crucial to compare prices across channels to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Analyzing Black Friday 2019 Deals Once Announced
The predictions were just the starting point. Once the official Black Friday ads started leaking and the deals were announced, a more accurate assessment became possible. The key was to analyze the specific offers from major retailers and compare them to expectations.
Key Retailers to Watch: Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, GameStop, and Kohl’s.
Bundle Components: Carefully examine what’s included in each bundle. Is the game a title you actually want to play? Is the extra accessory useful?
Price Comparison: Don’t just assume the advertised deal is the best. Compare prices across multiple retailers, including smaller online stores.
The Actual Black Friday 2019 Deals: A Retrospective
So, how did the predictions hold up? Let’s look at what actually happened on Black Friday 2019 with Nintendo Switch deals.
As predicted, standalone Nintendo Switch consoles saw minimal discounts. Most retailers stuck to the standard MSRP.
Bundles were the name of the game. Several retailers offered bundles including the Nintendo Switch, a digital download code for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and a 3-month Nintendo Switch Online membership. These bundles generally sold for the regular price of the console, effectively giving away the game and online subscription. This was a very attractive offer.
The Nintendo Switch Lite did see slightly more aggressive discounts, often bundled with a game or accessory. However, the deals weren’t dramatically better than those offered on the original Switch bundles.
Refurbished consoles were available at some retailers for discounted prices, offering a budget-friendly option.
Overall, the Black Friday 2019 Nintendo Switch deals aligned with the predicted focus on bundles and minimal discounts on the standalone console.
Examples of Specific Black Friday 2019 Deals
To illustrate the types of deals available, here are examples of actual Black Friday 2019 offers from major retailers:
- Walmart: Offered a Nintendo Switch bundle with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (digital download) and a 3-month Nintendo Switch Online membership for the standard console price.
- Best Buy: Similar to Walmart, Best Buy offered a Nintendo Switch bundle with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and a Nintendo Switch Online membership for the regular price.
- Target: Offered a similar Nintendo Switch bundle with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
These examples highlight the common strategy of bundling the console with a popular game to add value without directly discounting the console itself.
Lessons Learned and Future Black Friday Strategies
Black Friday shopping is a strategic game. Here are some key takeaways from analyzing the Nintendo Switch deals of Black Friday 2019, and tips for future Black Friday endeavors.
Do Your Research: Don’t jump on the first deal you see. Research prices and bundle components across multiple retailers.
Consider Bundles: Bundles often offer the best value, even if you don’t need every item included. Consider the total cost of the bundle versus buying the console and desired accessories separately.
Be Prepared to Act Fast: The best deals often sell out quickly, so be ready to make a purchase when you find a price you’re comfortable with.
Don’t Forget Refurbished Options: Refurbished consoles can be a great way to save money, as long as you purchase from a reputable retailer with a good return policy.
Stay Informed: Follow Black Friday deal websites and social media accounts to stay up-to-date on the latest offers.
Patience is Key: Sometimes, the best deals appear after Black Friday itself. Keep an eye out for post-holiday sales and clearance events.
Final Thoughts
Predicting Black Friday deals is an inexact science, but by analyzing historical trends, understanding market dynamics, and carefully comparing offers, shoppers can significantly increase their chances of scoring a great deal. Black Friday 2019 for the Nintendo Switch proved that bundles are king, and that patience and research are essential for maximizing savings. Looking ahead, these strategies will remain valuable for future Black Friday shopping sprees. Happy gaming!
What kind of Nintendo Switch deals were generally expected for Black Friday 2019?
Black Friday 2019 was anticipated to bring bundles focused on the original Nintendo Switch and potentially the newer Nintendo Switch Lite. The focus was predicted to be on value, meaning discounts weren’t necessarily expected on the console alone, but rather bundled with popular games or accessories. Retailers were expected to compete by offering different game combinations or including extra controllers or memory cards to sweeten the deals.
Deals were also expected on Nintendo Switch games, both physical and digital. First-party Nintendo titles rarely see significant price drops, but some discounts were anticipated on older, more established titles like Super Mario Odyssey or The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Third-party games were predicted to have deeper discounts, potentially reaching 50% off, making it a good time to expand one’s game library.
Were there any predictions regarding deals on the Nintendo Switch Lite?
While the original Nintendo Switch was expected to have the most compelling bundles, the Nintendo Switch Lite, being a newer and less expensive console, wasn’t anticipated to have significant standalone discounts. Retailers would likely prioritize moving older Switch inventory. However, some bundled deals with a game or accessory were expected to entice consumers looking for a more budget-friendly option.
The appeal of Switch Lite deals was predicted to depend on the included game or accessory. Bundles featuring popular first-party titles that are playable in handheld mode, such as Pokémon Sword or Animal Crossing: New Horizons (though the latter hadn’t been released yet), were thought to be the most attractive. Bundling with accessories like a carrying case or screen protector would also add value for those purchasing the console as a gift.
Where were the best places to look for Nintendo Switch Black Friday deals in 2019?
Major retailers like Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Amazon were expected to be the primary destinations for Nintendo Switch Black Friday deals. Each retailer usually offered unique bundles and promotions to attract customers. Monitoring their Black Friday ads leading up to the event was crucial for identifying the best offers and planning a shopping strategy.
Beyond the big box stores, smaller retailers and online marketplaces like GameStop, Kohl’s, and even eBay were also worth checking. These stores sometimes offered unexpected deals or had leftover inventory that could be discounted. Comparing prices across multiple retailers was essential to ensure securing the best possible deal on the Nintendo Switch or related accessories.
What were some strategies for saving money on Nintendo Switch purchases during Black Friday 2019?
One of the best strategies was to research deals ahead of time and create a shopping list. Identifying specific bundles or games that were desired and knowing their regular prices allowed for quick identification of legitimate discounts during the Black Friday rush. This prevented impulse purchases and ensured focus on the best value.
Another important strategy was to sign up for email alerts from major retailers and monitor their social media accounts. Many stores released Black Friday ads early or offered exclusive deals to subscribers and followers. Using price comparison websites and apps could also help track deals and identify the lowest prices across different retailers.
What was the likelihood of finding deals on Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions during Black Friday 2019?
Deals on Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions were considered a possibility, but not a guarantee. Retailers sometimes offered discounts on annual subscriptions as an add-on to console or game purchases. These deals were often subtle and required careful observation of the bundle details.
While standalone discounts on Nintendo Switch Online were less common, retailers occasionally included free months of the service with the purchase of specific games or bundles. Monitoring for these types of offers could represent a significant saving for those who already intended to subscribe to the online service. Third-party retailers sometimes offered discounted digital codes as well.
What accessories were most likely to be discounted for the Nintendo Switch during Black Friday 2019?
Accessories like extra Joy-Con controllers, Pro Controllers, and carrying cases were highly likely to be discounted during Black Friday 2019. These items were popular add-ons for Nintendo Switch owners, and retailers often used them to create appealing bundle deals or offer them as standalone discounts. Memory cards (microSD cards) were also expected to see price drops, as they are essential for expanding the storage capacity of the console.
Headsets, charging docks, and screen protectors were other accessories anticipated to be discounted. Third-party accessories were often more heavily discounted than official Nintendo products. Paying attention to the specifications and compatibility of third-party accessories was important to ensure they met individual needs and quality expectations.
If someone missed out on Black Friday deals, were there other opportunities to save on the Nintendo Switch later in 2019?
Even if someone missed Black Friday, there were still opportunities to find deals on the Nintendo Switch leading up to Christmas and during the post-Christmas sales. Retailers often offered similar or slightly modified promotions throughout December. Monitoring for these deals required continued vigilance but could yield savings.
Cyber Monday, the Monday following Black Friday, also offered potential for online deals. While Cyber Monday traditionally focused on electronics, some retailers extended their Black Friday deals or introduced new ones for a limited time. Checking online retailers on Cyber Monday was a worthwhile strategy for securing a Nintendo Switch or related accessories at a discounted price.