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where to get switch games for cheap（Best Places to Buy Switch Games at Low Prices）

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Where to Get Switch Games for Cheap: Smart Strategies for Budget Gamers

Love Nintendo Switch but hate emptying your wallet? You’re not alone.

The Nintendo Switch has revolutionized portable and home gaming with its hybrid design, exclusive titles, and ever-growing library. But let’s be honest — those game prices? They can sting. New releases often hover around 60, and even older titles rarely drop below 40. If you’re a budget-conscious gamer or just want to stretch your entertainment dollar further, knowing where to get Switch games for cheap isn’t just helpful — it’s essential.

The good news? You don’t need to wait years for massive discounts or sacrifice quality for cost. With the right approach, you can build a thriving Switch library without breaking the bank. In this guide, we’ll explore legitimate, reliable, and clever ways to score Nintendo Switch games at a fraction of retail — all while avoiding scams and buyer’s remorse.

1. Digital Sales: The Obvious (But Often Overlooked) Goldmine

Nintendo’s eShop may not slash prices as aggressively as Steam, but it does run regular sales — especially around holidays, Nintendo Direct announcements, and seasonal events. Keep an eye on the “Deals” tab in your eShop or subscribe to Nintendo’s newsletter for early alerts.

Titles like Hollow Knight, Celeste, and Stardew Valley frequently drop to 10–15 during these events. Even first-party games like Super Mario Odyssey or The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild occasionally see 30–40% off — rare, but worth waiting for.

Pro Tip: Use price-tracking websites like IsThereAnyDeal or Switch Price Tracker (a fan-made site) to monitor digital price history and set alerts. You’ll know exactly when your wishlist titles hit their lowest.

2. Physical Copies: Retailers, Resellers, and Hidden Gems

Physical games depreciate faster than digital — and that’s great news for you. Check out:

  • Amazon Warehouse & Used Section – Refurbished or “Like New” copies often sell for 40–60% off.
  • GameStop (In-Store & Online) – Their pre-owned section is legendary. You can often find recent titles under $30, especially if traded in after holiday seasons.
  • Local Game Stores & Flea Markets – Smaller shops sometimes undercut big retailers to move inventory. Plus, you support local business.

Case in Point: A user on Reddit recently snagged a Metroid Dread physical copy for 35 — two months after launch — by checking a local indie game shop’s clearance bin. Retail? 60.

3. Bundle Deals & Console Packages

Sometimes, the cheapest way to get a game is to buy it with something else. Nintendo and retailers often bundle popular titles with consoles or accessories.

For example:

  • The Animal Crossing: New Horizons Edition Switch bundle included the game + pastel console — effectively saving $60 vs. buying separately.
  • Black Friday and Prime Day often feature bundles like “Switch Lite + Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” for under $200 total.

Even if you already own a Switch, consider gifting the bundle or reselling the hardware to offset the game’s cost. It’s a sneaky, but effective, loophole.

4. Subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack

Wait — how does a subscription help you get games cheap?

Simple: Nintendo Switch Online members get access to a rotating library of free classic games — including NES, SNES, N64, and Sega Genesis titles. While not “new” games, classics like Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and Star Fox 64 are timeless — and effectively “free” as long as you’re subscribed.

Plus, Expansion Pack members get access to select DLCs like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass and Animal Crossing: Happy Home Paradise — content that would cost $25+ standalone.

Think of it as a Netflix for retro Nintendo — and it costs less than $50/year.

5. Third-Party Retailers & Digital Key Sites (Use Caution!)

Sites like CDKeys, Green Man Gaming, or Humble Bundle occasionally carry Switch digital codes at discounted rates — sometimes 10–30% below eShop. These are legitimate, but always verify region compatibility and seller reputation.

Red Flag Alert: If a deal seems too good to be true (e.g., $10 for Tears of the Kingdom), it probably is. Avoid gray-market key resellers or auction sites with no buyer protection.

Smart Move: Humble Bundle’s “Nintendo Switch Bundles” have offered curated indie packs (5–8 games) for 15–25. Titles like Dead Cells, Enter the Gungeon, and Slay the Spire are regularly included — all high-quality, all deeply discounted.

6. Trade, Borrow, or Rent — The Community Economy

Don’t underestimate the power of sharing.

  • Local Buy/Sell/Trade Groups (Facebook, Craigslist, Nextdoor) often have gamers selling off completed titles for 10–20.
  • Game Libraries — Yes, some public libraries now lend Switch games! Check your local branch.
  • Game Rentals — While services like GameFly have scaled back, some indie rental startups still operate regionally.

Real-Life Example: A college student in Austin built a 30-game Switch library over

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