The best Nintendo Switch special edition consoles - and where you can still buy them

Switch it up in style

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The Nintendo Switch has done pretty well for itself since its launch seven years ago.Shipping well over 132 million unitsas of late last year, the handheld hybrid console has enjoyed a pretty lucrative run. Even with a potential Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, players simply haven’t been able to get enough of the Switch.

But Nintendo knows this all too well. Throughout the years, severalNintendo Switchspecial edition consoles have hit shelves, offering unique designs that set them apart from the standard model. These exist across the entire Switch family, be that the regular console, theNintendo Switch OLEDor the extra-portableNintendo Switch Lite, so regardless of your console preference there’s bound to be a special edition available to you.

The best thing about these Nintendo Switch special edition consoles is that many can still be bought at retail price despite their special edition label. So if you missed your chance to pick one up around launch, it’s still not too late to purchase one at a sensible, non-inflated price point. Below is a list of our favorite Nintendo Switch special edition models, including links to where you can still buy them.

Nintendo Switch OLED - The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Edition

The Nintendo SwitchOLED-The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the KingdomEdition is my personal favorite Nintendo Switch special edition console. Any OLED model is already glorious thanks to that sharp, vivid OLED display. But the aesthetics of this special edition has me highly recommending it for Zelda enthusiasts.

Sporting a white dock emblazoned with the series’ iconic Triforce motif and golden markings to represent the technologically advanced Zonai race referenced within the game, it’s a real eye-catcher right off the bat. The included Joy-Con controllers are a huge win here, too, with intricate markings etched on the gold-hued gamepads. There’s some lovely, swirling patterns on the back side of the Switch console, too.

It is worth noting that this special edition model is slightly pricier than a standard Nintendo Switch OLED though, and unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a copy ofTheLegend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.However, the strong aesthetics alone make it worth paying slightly more for, especially if you’re a longtime fan of the Zelda series.

Nintendo Switch OLED - Mario Red Edition

ThisSuperMario-inspired Nintendo Switch OLED is one of the more basic special editions out there. But that said, it’s got more things going for it than just looks, and it does have some pleasing aesthetic touches of its own.

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TheMarioRed Edition features a bold red dock, alongside matching Joy-Con controllers and console. The back of the dock also has a little silhouette of the plumber himself. Plus, popping off the protective faceplate on the back of the dock reveals a row of coins; a neat touch that makes me feel like I’ve warped into one of theSuper Mario Bros.underground levels.

Perhaps best of all is the fact that the Mario Red Edition costs the same as the standard Nintendo Switch OLED models. So, if you’re after a colorway that’s a little more vibrant rather than the plain aesthetics of the original, this version of the console provides just that at no extra cost unlike many alternatives.

Nintendo Switch OLED - Splatoon 3 Special Edition

Launching just ahead of the release ofSplatoon 3in 2022, the Nintendo Switch OLED -Splatoon 3Edition sports a design that simply looks excellent. The dock itself isn’t particularly remarkable, sporting a white finish and a thematic yellow splodge of paint. But, havingSplatoon’slanguage and iconography etched there is a nice touch.

To put it above the rest, it’s the Joy-Con controllers that I think are especially impressive here. The left features a blue-to-purple gradient, while the right-handed side sports a lovely yellow-to-green. Both also feature stylizedSplatoongraphics, as does the rear of the handheld itself.

Design-wise, it’s certainly on the busier side, but I can’t help but love its commitment to theSplatoonseries' overtly brash stylings. Like theTears of the Kingdomspecial edition, this Nintendo Switch OLED model is a touch pricier, which is worth keeping in mind.Splatoon 3is also sold separately here, which is worth noting if you were hoping for a neat little bundle deal.

Nintendo Switch - Animal Crossing: New Horizons Special Edition

Moving on from the OLED, there are plenty of lovely special editions for the standard Nintendo Switch model. Case in point: this utterly gorgeousAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsspecial edition console that nails the breezy, summery vibes of Tom Nook’s island getaway.

The dock features a sandy white background with a subtle texture, and a graphic showing Tom Nook, Timmy and Tommy greeting potential island-goers. It’s incredibly charming, and further accentuated by the pastel green and blue Joy-Con controllers that are particularly eye-catching.

Once again, though, it pains me to say that a copy ofAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsis not included with this special edition, which is a massive shame. However, we’ll be remedying this with two Nintendo Switch Lite variants that address this problem further down the list.

Nintendo Switch - Monster Hunter Rise Deluxe Edition

I have a particular attachment to this model, as it was my mainstay Nintendo Switch console before I upgraded to the OLED. TheMonster Hunter RiseDeluxe Edition Switch isn’t just one of the nicest looking models out of all the special editions, it’s also got serious bang for buck potential.

This is one of the classiest Switch designs out there, featuring the game’s flagship monster, the Magnamalo, etched in gold against the black dock. The Joy-Con controllers are quite nice, too, both sportingMonster Huntericonography against a standard gray finish. It’s a more subtle design, and series fans may have expected something flashier, but I love the more niche touches here that mean the console doesn’t stand out too harshly against a wider gaming setup.

Slick aesthetics aside, it’s also worth noting that this Nintendo Switch special edition also comes with a digital copy ofMonster Hunter Riseand a handful of bonus content. With that in mind, it’s seriously excellent value for bothMonster Hunterfans as well as folks keen on having a new Switch game to play right off the bat.

Nintendo Switch Lite - Timmy & Tommy’s and Isabelle’s Aloha Edition

We’re back on the island with a couple ofAnimal Crossing: New Horizons-themed Nintendo Switch Lite consoles now. The Lite certainly isn’t for everyone, relying exclusively on the portability factor, but I feel these models in particular warrant a mention.

There are two versions of this Nintendo Switch Lite model. Timmy & Tommy’s Aloha Edition sports a turquoise finish with leaf patterns on the back, whereas the Isabelle Aloha Edition is much the same, albeit with a coral pink hue instead, both echoing theNew Horizonscharm.

There’s a bonus here that wasn’t the case with the standard Nintendo SwitchAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsspecial edition, too. These Aloha editions do come with a digital copy of the game, making it an excellent choice for gifting to friends and family looking to start their island retreat for the first time.

Looking for more Nintendo Switch-focused hardware? Be sure to check out our guides to thebest Nintendo Switch controllersandbest Nintendo Switch accessories.

Rhys is TRG’s Hardware Editor, and has been part of the TechRadar team for more than two years. Particularly passionate about high-quality third-party controllers and headsets, as well as the latest and greatest in fight sticks and VR, Rhys strives to provide easy-to-read, informative coverage on gaming hardware of all kinds. As for the games themselves, Rhys is especially keen on fighting and racing games, as well as soulslikes and RPGs.

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