It has been seven months since the Nintendo Switch 2 officially hit shelves on June 5, 2025, and for the first time, patience is paying off for early adopters. Retail giants Best Buy and Amazon have unexpectedly launched the ecosystem's first significant discount wave this week, slashing prices on the holiday season's biggest hit, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, and essential next-gen peripherals. With the 2026 gaming calendar heating up, these deals mark the perfect entry point for those who held off during the console's initial launch frenzy.

Historic Low: Pokémon Legends: Z-A Slashed by $14

The headline offer this weekend is undoubtedly the price drop on Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Released in October 2025 to critical acclaim, the title takes players back to a reimagined Lumiose City with a fluid, real-time combat system that fully utilizes the Switch 2's T239 processor. For the first time, the game is seeing a direct $14 discount at major retailers, bringing the price down significantly from its standard MSRP.

This deal applies to both the standard physical edition and the enhanced Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, which features unlocked framerates and 4K upscaling when docked. If you are playing on the new hardware, the performance difference is night and day—Lumiose City's neon-drenched streets look stunning on the console's 7.9-inch 1080p display. Considering the game is barely three months old, a discount of this magnitude is a rare move from Nintendo, likely timed to clear inventory before the rumored spring content updates.

Essential Upgrades: 31% Off Next-Gen Controllers

Perhaps even more surprising than the software sale is the deep discount on hardware accessories. Next-gen controllers are currently seeing a 31% price cut, a deal that includes the acclaimed Switch 2 Pro Controller and select Joy-Con 2 sets. This is the first time official Nintendo accessories have dipped below their launch MSRP since the console arrived.

The new Joy-Con 2 controllers are a massive upgrade over their predecessors, featuring the new magnetic attachment system and improved ergonomics. More importantly, they include the new "mouse-click" switches and optical sensors that games like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond are set to utilize heavily. If you have been eyeing a second pair for multiplayer sessions of Mario Kart World, this 31% discount brings the price into a much more palatable range, avoiding the steep near-$80 entry fee we saw at launch.

Is the Switch 2 Console on Sale?

While software and accessories are seeing aggressive cuts, the Nintendo Switch 2 console itself remains at its steady list price of $450. Demand has stabilized since the frantic sell-outs of last summer, but stock remains consistent at Best Buy and Target. Do not expect a direct price drop on the hardware anytime soon; however, Best Buy has begun bundling the console with 3-month Nintendo Switch Online memberships in some regions, effectively adding $8 of value to the package.

Why Buy Now? The 2026 Lineup Awaits

Investing in the ecosystem now makes strategic sense given the upcoming release schedule. February and March 2026 are packed with heavy hitters. Leaked retail listings have already hinted at imminent releases like Mario Tennis Fever and the cozy life-sim spin-off Pokémon Pokopia arriving as early as next month. Securing "Pro" grade controllers now ensures you are ready for the competitive precision these titles will demand.

Furthermore, with the Pokémon Legends: Z-A expansion pass likely to be detailed in the upcoming "Pokémon Day" broadcast, jumping into the base game at a discounted price is a smart play. The current $14 savings effectively covers the cost of a future DLC pack, making this the most economical way to experience the full Generation IX conclusion.

Verdict: Don't Wait on the Controller Deal

While the Pokémon discount is attractive, the 31% off controllers is the true "buy now" alert here. Nintendo hardware rarely sees discounts this deep outside of Black Friday. Whether you need a Pro Controller for long Zelda sessions or fresh Joy-Cons for family game night, these prices are unlikely to be beaten until late 2026. Check the listings at Best Buy and Amazon immediately, as stock for the specialized "Midnight Blue" and "Magma Red" Joy-Con variants is already fluctuating.