Nintendo Switch Online free 12 month membership included in new deals

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Seven years after it first graced living rooms, commutes, long-haul flights and family functions, the Nintendo Switch is still going strong. If you haven’t sprung for one yet, or you’re in the market for a new one, now’s a great time jump in.

On Nintendo’s website there’s a huge range of Nintendo Switch bundles discounted for Black Friday, with several including a full 12-month subscription to Nintendo Switch Online. Not only does this give you access to online multiplayer, but it also unlocks a huge selection of Nintendo 64, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, and Super Nintendo games to play any time you want.

You could pick up the Nintendo Switch OLED bundled with Super Mario Bros. Wonder and a 12-month subscription for just £309.99, down from £377.97. The OLED model has a brighter, larger and more vivid screen, as well as a sleeker dock for playing on the TV. Mario Wonder also received tremendous reviews when it released in 2023.

Alternatively, you could forego the TV capabilities for the £199.99 Nintendo Switch Lite bundled with Animal Crossing: New Horizons and the 12-month Switch Online membership. Animal Crossing was a runaway lockdown success, and it’s still a ton of fun to play in these less restrictive times.

The Nintendo Switch OLED model has a great reputation on Amazon with a 4.7 out of 5 average rating from almost 3,000 reviews. “Although I’d never owned a Nintendo console before, being a long-time PlayStation fan, I’m pleasantly surprised!” said one five-star review. “The gameplay is engaging, with a fantastic library of games that’s perfect for unwinding during hotel stays. The 7-inch OLED screen is stunning, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks that truly enhance games like Breath of the Wild and Metroid Dread.”

“Very pleased with the quality of the larger OLED screen,” said another. The large rear fold-out metal stand is another big improvement. A very good buy indeed.”

Another said: “I’m not a big game player these days, SNES was my era and never bettered. I thought the handheld/TV options were just a gimmick, but it’s actually a fantastic idea in practice. Great to pick up and play, or settle in front of the TV for a proper experience.”

Not everyone is impressed with it, however. “Gave into the kids but grudgingly bought,” said a reluctant buyer. “Can't believe how expensive these consoles are given the 'basic' specs. Yes they're fine but, given how expensive games are, you will end up spending a small fortune.” Others haven’t found the OLED screen to be a significant upgrade: “I haven’t noticed the OLED display at all when playing Breath of the Wild, and there’s no enhanced battery.”

For a more recent console, albeit without handheld features, the PS5 Slim Digital Edition is just £310 at Currys right now. You can also experience the latest games with the Xbox Series S, available from £209 at Very.

The Nintendo Switch bundles through Nintendo’s official site nevertheless offer tremendous value, a huge back catalogue of quality games to try, and everything you need to take the challenge online.