Hey guys! Want to dive into the amazing world of Nintendo games without emptying your wallet? You're in the right place. Getting your hands on the latest adventures of Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon doesn't have to break the bank. Let's explore some clever ways to save money while still enjoying all the fun Nintendo has to offer. Let's get started on how to buy nintendo games cheaper.

1. Explore Nintendo Switch Online Benefits

Nintendo Switch Online is more than just an online multiplayer service; it's a treasure trove of retro gaming goodness and exclusive deals! Subscribing to Nintendo Switch Online opens up a world of classic NES and SNES games, which you can play anytime, anywhere. For a small annual fee, you get access to a growing library of iconic titles like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Super Metroid. This alone can save you a ton of money compared to buying each of these games individually.

But wait, there's more! Nintendo Switch Online subscribers also get access to exclusive offers and discounts on select digital games. Keep an eye on the Nintendo eShop for special promotions that are only available to members. Sometimes, you can snag a popular title for a fraction of the regular price. Plus, the Expansion Pack tier includes even more benefits, such as access to Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games, as well as DLC for certain Switch games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. This can be a particularly great value if you were already planning on buying those DLC packs.

Pro Tip: Consider splitting a family membership with friends or family. A family plan allows up to eight Nintendo Accounts to share the same membership, making it incredibly cost-effective. If you can find seven other people to join in, you'll be paying just a few dollars each for a whole year of Nintendo Switch Online benefits. Think of all the virtual adventures you can embark on together!

2. Hunt for Deals on the Nintendo eShop

The Nintendo eShop is your digital gateway to a vast library of games, and it's also a prime hunting ground for deals. Nintendo frequently offers sales and promotions on a wide range of titles, from indie gems to AAA blockbusters. Make it a habit to check the eShop regularly for discounts; you might be surprised at the bargains you can find. Look for sales events like the Indie World Sale, the Big Ol' Super Sale, and seasonal promotions tied to holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

One of the best ways to stay on top of eShop deals is to add games to your Wish List. When a game on your Wish List goes on sale, Nintendo will send you an email notification, so you'll never miss out on a price drop. You can also browse the "Great Deals" section of the eShop to see a curated list of discounted games. Don't forget to check the "Digital Only" section as well, as these games often have deeper discounts compared to their physical counterparts.

Remember: Compare prices between the eShop and physical retailers before making a purchase. Sometimes, physical versions of games can be cheaper, especially if they're on sale or clearance. It pays to do your research and weigh your options. Also, take advantage of any My Nintendo rewards you may have. You can often redeem your points for discounts on digital games, further reducing the cost.

3. Embrace the World of Used Games

Buying used games can be a fantastic way to save a considerable amount of money, especially on older titles. Many retailers, such as GameStop, offer a selection of pre-owned games at discounted prices. You can also find used games on online marketplaces like eBay and Facebook Marketplace. Just be sure to do your due diligence and check the seller's reputation before making a purchase.

When buying used games, inspect the game cartridge or disc carefully for any signs of damage. Scratches, cracks, or excessive wear can affect the game's performance. If possible, test the game before buying it to ensure that it works properly. Also, be aware that some used games may not include the original packaging or instruction manual. This might not be a big deal for some people, but it's something to keep in mind.

Think about it: Trading in games you no longer play can also help you save money on new purchases. Many retailers offer trade-in programs where you can exchange your old games for store credit. This credit can then be used to buy new or used games, effectively reducing the out-of-pocket cost. It's a win-win situation: you get rid of games you don't need, and you save money on the games you want.

4. Keep an Eye on Physical Retailer Sales and Promotions

Don't underestimate the power of physical retailer sales and promotions. Stores like Best Buy, Target, and Walmart frequently offer discounts on Nintendo games, especially during major shopping events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and back-to-school sales. Keep an eye on their weekly ads and online flyers to spot potential deals. Signing up for their email newsletters can also give you a heads-up on upcoming sales.

One strategy is to price match. Many retailers will match the prices of their competitors, so if you find a game cheaper at one store, you can ask another store to match that price. This can save you the hassle of driving to multiple stores to get the best deal. Also, be sure to check for clearance sales. Retailers often mark down older games to make room for new inventory, so you can sometimes find incredible bargains on games that have been out for a while.

Consider this: Using store credit cards or rewards programs can also help you save money. Some retailers offer discounts or cashback rewards when you use their store credit card, while others have loyalty programs that give you points for every purchase. These points can then be redeemed for discounts on future purchases. It's a simple way to save a little bit of money on every game you buy.

5. Consider Game Rental Services

If you're the type of gamer who likes to try out a lot of different games without committing to a purchase, game rental services like GameFly can be a great option. For a monthly fee, you can rent games and have them shipped to your door. Once you're done playing a game, you simply return it and rent another one. This allows you to experience a wide variety of games without having to buy them all.

Game rental services are particularly useful for trying out games that you're not sure you'll like. Instead of spending $60 on a game that you might end up disliking, you can rent it for a few weeks and see if it's a good fit for you. If you end up loving the game, you can usually purchase it from the rental service at a discounted price. This can be a much more cost-effective way to build your game library.

Important: Be aware of the terms and conditions of the rental service. Some services have late fees or restrictions on the number of games you can rent at a time. Also, be sure to take good care of the games while you have them. You'll be responsible for any damage or loss that occurs while the game is in your possession.

6. Follow Social Media and Gaming Communities

Staying informed is key to finding the best deals on Nintendo games. Following social media accounts and participating in gaming communities can give you a heads-up on sales, promotions, and other opportunities to save money. Many retailers and gaming websites have social media accounts where they announce deals and discounts. Following these accounts can help you stay in the loop.

Gaming communities, such as Reddit's r/NintendoSwitchDeals, are also great resources for finding deals. Members of these communities often share information about sales, price drops, and other ways to save money on Nintendo games. You can also ask for advice from other gamers about which games are worth buying and which ones to avoid. It's a great way to get honest opinions and recommendations.

Bonus tip: Set up Google Alerts for keywords like "Nintendo Switch deals" or "Nintendo eShop sales." This will send you email notifications whenever these keywords are mentioned online, ensuring that you never miss out on a potential deal. The more informed you are, the better equipped you'll be to find the best prices on the games you want.

7. Utilize My Nintendo Rewards

My Nintendo is Nintendo's loyalty program, and it offers a variety of rewards that can help you save money on games. By completing missions, such as linking your Nintendo Account to social media or playing certain games, you can earn My Nintendo points. These points can then be redeemed for discounts on digital games, exclusive merchandise, and other goodies.

One of the best ways to earn My Nintendo points is to link your Nintendo Account to the Nintendo eShop. Every time you purchase a digital game, you'll earn points that can be used to reduce the cost of future purchases. You can also earn points by participating in Nintendo events and promotions. Be sure to check the My Nintendo website regularly for new missions and rewards.

Important note: My Nintendo points expire after a certain period of time, so be sure to use them before they disappear. Also, be aware that some rewards are only available for a limited time, so don't hesitate to redeem them if you see something you want. Every little bit helps, and My Nintendo is a great way to save a little extra money on your Nintendo gaming habit.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – a comprehensive guide on how to buy Nintendo games cheaper! By exploring Nintendo Switch Online benefits, hunting for deals on the eShop, embracing used games, keeping an eye on retailer sales, considering game rental services, following social media, and utilizing My Nintendo rewards, you can enjoy all the latest and greatest Nintendo games without breaking the bank. Happy gaming, and may your coin purse always be full!