Nintendo EShop Sales: How To Find The Best Deals

Hey there, fellow Nintendo fans! The question on everyone's mind: do Nintendo eShop games go on sale? The short answer is a resounding yes! Nintendo, while sometimes perceived as a bit stingy with discounts compared to other platforms, does indeed offer sales on its digital storefront. However, navigating these sales and snagging the best deals requires a bit of know-how. So, let's dive deep into the world of Nintendo eShop sales, uncovering how to find them, what to expect, and tips to maximize your savings.

Understanding Nintendo eShop Sales

The Nintendo eShop is the digital marketplace where you can purchase and download games directly to your Nintendo Switch, 3DS, or Wii U. While physical copies are great, digital downloads offer convenience and the ability to carry your entire library with you. But, let's be real, games can be expensive! That's where sales come in. Nintendo offers various types of sales throughout the year, and understanding these can help you plan your purchases strategically. Keep your eyes peeled, because during these periods, you can score some amazing deals on both first-party and third-party titles. Seriously, some discounts are deep enough to make you do a double-take!

Types of Sales

• Seasonal Sales: Nintendo frequently holds sales tied to specific seasons, such as a Summer Sale, a Winter Sale, or a Holiday Sale. These are typically the biggest sales events, with a wide selection of games discounted.
• Themed Sales: These sales revolve around a specific theme, like a sale on indie games, RPGs, or games from a particular publisher. If you have a favorite genre or developer, these themed sales are definitely worth checking out.
• Publisher Sales: Sometimes, individual game publishers will host their own sales on the eShop, discounting their entire catalog or specific titles. Keep an eye on publishers like Capcom, Square Enix, and Ubisoft, as they often have great sales.
• Anniversary Sales: To celebrate the anniversary of a game's release or a franchise's milestone, Nintendo might offer a special sale on related titles. These can be unpredictable, but they're a nice surprise when they happen.
• Weekly Deals: Nintendo updates the eShop with new deals every week, offering discounts on a smaller selection of games. These weekly deals are a good way to discover hidden gems and save a few bucks on titles you've been eyeing.

How to Find Nintendo eShop Sales

Okay, so now you know that sales exist. But how do you actually find them? Don't worry, I've got you covered. Here's a breakdown of the best ways to stay informed about Nintendo eShop sales and make sure you never miss a deal.

Checking the eShop Directly

This might seem obvious, but the most straightforward way to find sales is to simply browse the eShop on your Nintendo Switch or the Nintendo website. Nintendo usually highlights ongoing sales prominently on the eShop's main page. Look for banners, special sections, and featured games with discounted prices. You can also filter games by price to quickly see the cheapest options available. Get in the habit of checking the eShop regularly, especially during major holidays or seasonal changes. Seriously, just a quick glance every few days can reveal some sweet deals you might otherwise miss. Don't underestimate the power of a casual scroll!

Following Nintendo's Social Media

Nintendo is pretty active on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. They often announce upcoming sales and highlight current deals on these channels. Following Nintendo's official accounts is a great way to stay informed about the latest promotions. Turn on notifications for these accounts so you don't miss any important announcements. Plus, it's a good way to stay up-to-date on all things Nintendo, from new game releases to upcoming events.

Subscribing to Nintendo's Newsletter

Nintendo offers an email newsletter that often includes information about upcoming sales and special promotions. Subscribing to the newsletter is a convenient way to receive updates directly in your inbox. You can usually sign up for the newsletter on Nintendo's website. Make sure to check your spam folder, just in case the emails end up there. While the newsletter might not be as immediate as social media, it's still a valuable resource for staying in the loop.

Using Deal Websites and Forums

Several websites and online forums are dedicated to tracking video game deals, including Nintendo eShop sales. These sites often have dedicated sections for Nintendo games and allow users to share deals they've found. Some popular options include:

• Nintendo Life: This website has a dedicated section for eShop deals and news, making it a great resource for staying informed.
• Reddit's r/NintendoSwitchDeals: This subreddit is a community-driven platform where users share Nintendo Switch deals and discuss sales. It's a great place to find hidden gems and get recommendations from other gamers.
• Deku Deals: This website allows you to create a wishlist of games and track their prices over time. You'll receive email notifications when the games on your wishlist go on sale. Deku Deals is an invaluable tool for serious deal hunters.

Setting Up Wish Lists and Price Alerts

Speaking of wish lists, the Nintendo eShop allows you to create a wish list of games you're interested in buying. This is a great way to keep track of games you want and receive notifications when they go on sale. Some third-party websites, like Deku Deals, offer even more advanced features, such as price tracking and email alerts. These tools can help you snag the best deals possible by notifying you as soon as a game reaches your desired price.

Tips for Maximizing Your Savings

Finding sales is only half the battle. To truly maximize your savings on the Nintendo eShop, you need a few extra strategies up your sleeve. Here are some tips to help you get the most bang for your buck.

Be Patient

This is perhaps the most important tip of all. Games go on sale frequently, so don't feel pressured to buy a game at full price if you can wait a little while. Most games will eventually go on sale, sometimes for significant discounts. Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to saving money. Keep an eye on your wish list and wait for the right moment to strike.

Compare Prices

Before buying a game on the eShop, take a moment to compare prices with physical copies. Sometimes, physical versions can be cheaper, especially if you find them on sale at retailers like Amazon or Best Buy. Also, consider buying used physical copies, which can often be found for even lower prices. Don't assume that digital is always the cheapest option. A little research can save you a surprising amount of money.

Consider Nintendo Switch Online

If you're a Nintendo Switch owner, consider subscribing to Nintendo Switch Online. In addition to online play and cloud saves, Nintendo Switch Online also offers exclusive deals and discounts on select games. Subscribers also get access to a library of classic NES and SNES games, which is a great bonus. The Expansion Pack tier of Nintendo Switch Online also includes N64 and Sega Genesis games. It's definitely worth considering if you're a fan of retro gaming.

Take Advantage of Bundles and DLC Sales

Sometimes, Nintendo offers bundles that include multiple games or DLC packs at a discounted price. These bundles can be a great way to save money if you're interested in multiple titles or want to expand your favorite games with additional content. Keep an eye out for these bundles, especially during major sales events.

Check for Regional Price Differences

This is a more advanced tip, but it can potentially save you a significant amount of money. The prices of games on the eShop can vary depending on your region. By changing your Nintendo account's region, you might be able to take advantage of lower prices in other countries. However, be aware that this practice is against Nintendo's terms of service and could potentially result in your account being banned. Proceed with caution and do your research before attempting to change your region.

Conclusion

So, do Nintendo eShop games go on sale? Absolutely! By understanding the different types of sales, knowing where to find them, and following these tips, you can become a master of eShop deals and build your digital game library without breaking the bank. Happy gaming, and happy saving!