Get ready, gamers! nintendo has just launched a massive digital sale on the eShop, a rare event that’s perfect for expanding your game library. This isn’t just any sale; it’s an excellent opportunity for both current Nintendo switch owners and those getting ready for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Discounts cover a huge range of titles, from Nintendo’s own hits to popular third-party blockbusters and essential indie gems.
The Nintendo eShop Summer Sale kicked off recently and runs through July 9th at 11:59 p.m. PDT. Don’t miss this limited-time chance to snag games at significantly reduced prices. With deals this good, it’s easy to see why many players are looking to fill up their console’s storage.
What’s Included in the Rare Nintendo Summer Sale?
Nintendo is known for rarely putting its first-party titles on deep discount. That makes this summer sale particularly noteworthy. You’ll find celebrated exclusives alongside a vast selection of games from other publishers.
Top First-Party Titles Discounted
Many of Nintendo’s most beloved games are part of the sale. These titles are not only classics for the original Switch but are also confirmed to be compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2, with some even receiving specific enhancements for the new hardware.
Look for major price drops on games like:
Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD (A recent release!)
Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition
Nintendo Switch Sports
Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition
While prices vary, many of these titles, usually retailing for $60, are now available for around $40-$42. That’s a substantial saving! For example, Super Mario Odyssey, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, and Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition are all listed around the $40-$42 mark. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening and Animal Crossing: New Horizons are also heavily discounted. There’s even a bundle for Animal Crossing: New Horizons + DLC at a reduced price.
Must-Have Third-Party and Indie Deals
The summer sale isn’t limited to Nintendo’s own catalog. A massive collection of third-party and indie titles are also seeing significant price cuts. This is where you can find some truly exceptional deals to expand your digital library.
Highlights include:
Hades: Often cited as one of the best indie games ever, available for a steep discount at just $9 (originally $25). This is an incredible value!
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim Anniversary Edition: Grab this massive RPG experience for $28 (down from $70).
Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope: A fantastic turn-based strategy game heavily discounted to $15 from $60.
Persona 5 Royal: This massive JRPG is listed for around $21 (down from $60).
Balatro: The popular deck-building roguelike is included.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Definitive Edition
Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection
Sonic Frontiers
Unicorn Overlord
Diablo 3: Eternal Collection
Borderlands 2
Tetris Forever
Metal Slug Tactics
Yakuza Kiwami
Monster Train First Class
Cult of the Lamb
Slay the Spire
Many titles that started at $60 are available in the $15-$30 range, representing discounts of 50% or even 75% or more. These prices make it easy to fill up your digital storage. You might even find additional deals on external retailer sites like Amazon or Woot.
Why This Sale is Perfect for Nintendo Switch 2 Owners
If you’re one of the many gamers anticipating or already owning the new Nintendo Switch 2, this sale is strategically timed for you. While the Switch 2 boasts exciting upgrades, including improved graphics and a larger screen, it also introduces new considerations, particularly regarding storage.
Understanding Switch 2 Storage Limitations
The Nintendo Switch 2 comes with a respectable 256GB of internal storage. This is a huge leap from the original Switch’s 32GB. However, game sizes are increasing dramatically. Modern titles optimized for the Switch 2 can easily consume tens of gigabytes. Games like Cyberpunk 2077 (around 60GB) or Split Fiction (nearly 70GB) can quickly eat through that space. Installing just a few larger games can fill up the internal 256GB very fast.
Expanding storage on the Switch 2 requires the newer, faster microSD Express cards. These cards offer significantly quicker read speeds (800 MB/s or higher) compared to standard microSD cards (around 120 MB/s), which is important for loading times on the new console. However, microSD Express cards are currently more expensive and can be harder to find than traditional microSD cards.
Building Your Switch 2 Digital Library
This is where the eShop summer sale offers significant value. Buying digital games now at discounted prices allows you to:
- Immediately start filling the Switch 2’s internal 256GB: Acquire a substantial library of games before it fills up.
- Prepare for future storage expansion: Purchase games now while they are cheap, and download them later onto a microSD Express card when you add one.
- Save money on games you’ll need anyway: With many popular titles confirmed compatible and even enhanced for Switch 2, you can build your core game collection without paying full price.
Considering the cost of microSD Express cards needed for expansion, saving significantly on the games themselves is a smart financial move.
Enhanced Games for the New Hardware
Several titles on sale have received free updates or are specifically optimized to leverage the Switch 2’s capabilities. Games like Super Mario Odyssey, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, and Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD* are reported to benefit from the new hardware, potentially offering improved visuals or performance. Purchasing these during the sale means you get the enhanced experience at a lower cost, ready to play on day one with your Switch 2 or as an upgrade on your existing library.
How to Grab These Digital Deals
Accessing the sale is simple. Just power up your Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 and head to the Nintendo eShop. You’ll find the Summer Sale prominently featured, allowing you to browse discounted titles by category, price, or publisher. Remember, the deals are on digital versions of the games.
Keep in mind that while the main event is on the eShop, external retailers might also be participating or offering their own deals on compatible games. Comparing prices can help you maximize your savings.
Don’t Miss Out: Sale End Date
This extensive sale is only available for a limited time. Make sure to complete your purchases before the sale concludes on July 9th at 11:59 p.m. PDT. Mark your calendars so you don’t miss the chance to add these great games to your collection at a discount.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates for the Nintendo Summer Sale?
The Nintendo eShop Summer Sale began on a Thursday and is scheduled to end on July 9th, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time (PDT). This means you have a limited window to take advantage of the discounts on digital games.
Do these sale games work on the Nintendo Switch 2?
Yes, many of the games included in this Summer Sale are compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo has confirmed that many original Switch games have received or will receive free updates to run on the new hardware. Some featured titles are even reported to have specific graphical or performance enhancements for the Switch 2. This sale is a great way to build a game library for the new console.
Is the Nintendo Switch 2’s internal storage big enough for these games?
While the Nintendo Switch 2 has significantly more internal storage (256GB) than the original model, many modern games, especially those enhanced for the Switch 2, are very large (often exceeding 50GB). Installing even a few large titles can quickly fill up the 256GB. Most Switch 2 owners will likely need to expand storage using an expensive microSD Express card relatively soon, making this sale an opportune time to acquire digital games to fill that space.
Get Your Games Before the Sale Ends
The Nintendo eShop Summer Sale presents a rare and valuable opportunity. With significant discounts on a wide array of games, it’s an ideal time to pick up those titles you’ve been wanting. For Nintendo Switch 2 owners, it’s particularly strategic, helping you start filling up that console storage with great games at reduced prices. Head to the eShop now and grab your favorites before July 9th!
