Nintendo Holiday Showcase BannerThis Fall, my 8-year-old and I were invited to a special Nintendo Switch Fall + Holiday Showcase. There, we got to try out some of the year’s most popular titles. It was a great way to experience the newest and biggest games out for the Switch, and we had a blast playing Splatoon 3, Nintendo Switch Sports, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Mario Strikers: Battle League and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. We were able to play some of Nintendo’s biggest blockbusters and came away from the event with plenty of suggestions for the video game enthusiast on your holiday shopping list. Here are some of the highlights from the event, along with all the titles we experienced:

Splatoon 3 4v4Splatoon 3

The most popular game at the event was Splatoon 3, which, at that time, had just come out. We played in teams of four vs. four with a local tournament setup. The matches were only three minutes long, but they were very intense. I was amazed at how much my 8-year-old was able to keep up with the older kids.

Splat DecorWe may not have won every match, but we had plenty of fun! Splatoon 3 is a great game for kids and adults alike. Get ready for ink-based turf wars with new weapons and modes, you can read more about the game in Best Buy’s detailed review below:

Splatoon 3 Review
Purchase Splatoon 3 Today!

Nintendo Switch SportsNintendo Switch Sports

Nintendo Switch Sports is a collection of six sports games for the Switch including Soccer, Volleyball, Bowling, Tennis, Badminton, and Chambara (Swordplay). We spent most of our time with soccer, and my son could barely pull himself away he was having so much fun. The controls are simple and easy to pick up, and it’s a great way to get active with friends and family. With the intuitive Leg Strap accessory and Joy-Con controls, players mimic real-world actions to play, so the learning curve is extremely short, making it a great party game for players of all skill levels. In Switch Sports, you can curve a bowling ball, hit a tennis shot or even bend a soccer kick into an opponent’s net.

Nintendo Switch Sports Review
Purchase Nintendo Switch Sports

Battle LeagueMario Strikers: Battle League

This was another one of our favourites, and it’s a perfect game for those who love sports games. In Battle League, you’ll play as one of 12 different Nintendo characters, each with their own unique abilities on the field. Just like soccer, the main objective is to score goals by hitting the ball into your opponent’s net, but there are no rules.

We loved how easy it was to pick up and play, and we had a lot of fun trying out all the different characters’ abilities. Much like Mario Kart, there are power-ups that can be unleashed that help you or hinder your opponents. This is a great game for kids and adults who are looking for a fun and competitive multiplayer experience. It’s chaotic and hilarious, and we had a blast playing it. The matches are short and fast-paced, making Battle League great for kids with shorter attention spans.

Mario Strikers: Battle League Review
Purchase Mario Strikers: Battle League

Kirby PalsKirby and the Forgotten Land

Kirby is one of my all-time favourite Nintendo characters, and I was excited to see him return in this new entry. In Kirby and the Forgotten Land, you explore a huge world as Kirby, solving puzzles, defeating enemies and morphing into different forms to progress.

KirbyThe game is cute and charming, with a great art style, and Kirby’s abilities are as fun to use as ever. My son had a blast playing through the game, and he took to the gameplay mechanics right away. If you’re looking for a fun and family-friendly platformer, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a great choice.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land Review
Purchase Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Mario Kart 8Nintendo Racing: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

If you are looking for the ultimate family racing game Mario Kart 8: Deluxe is at the top of the podium. The easy-to-learn controls make this game playable for anyone, regardless of skill level. You can even use Joy-Con controllers, which can be detached into mini-controllers to play with even more people. This is the definitive version of Mario Kart 8, and it’s packed with features and tracks. The game also supports online play, so you can race against friends or other opponents from around the world.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Review
Purchase Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Buy the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass

Pokémon Scarlet and VioletPre-Order Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

The latest entry in the Pokémon series, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, was also at the event but wasn’t playable. The game is just around the corner releasing on November 18th, 2022 and it looks like another great entry in the series. We can’t wait to get our hands on it and see what new Pokémon and features are in store, the ultra-popular franchise is sure to top many holiday wishlists, be sure to secure your copy ahead of time below:

Pre-order Pokémon Scarlet
Pre-purchase Pokémon Violet
Reserve Pokémon Scarlet / Pokémon Violet Double Pack

Family PlayNintendo has something fun for everyone this holiday season

From Kirby and the Forgotten Land to Splatoon 3, there’s something for everyone on the Nintendo Switch this holiday season. And with Mario Strikers: Battle League, Nintendo Switch Sports, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, there are plenty of ways to compete and stay active too. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will also be sure to keep Pokéfans busy for hours on end. So whatever your gaming tastes, the Switch has you covered this holiday season and well into the new year. Let us know in the comments below what your favourite Nintendo Switch title was this year, happy gaming!

If you are looking for more gift ideas or Nintendo games and accessories check out Best Buy Canada’s online video game selection.

Matthew Rondina
Matthew Rondina
Matthew has been involved in all things tech related since the start of the digital era. He shares his passion for technology in his day job as a teacher and via multiple media platforms. As a long-time veteran of the video game and tech industry, he's covered interactive entertainment and esports on the web, in video series, podcasts, and on international television. You can follow Matthew's tech-venture filled lifestyle on twitter, instagram @dapper_tux.
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580 COMMENTS

  1. My 12 year old recommends the CUPHEAD games for Switch – available as a Digital Download from Best Buy.

  5. My recommendation for a Game this Holiday season is Game Builder Garage (model #HCCPAWUXA)I can’t wait to see what my kids will create

  6. My Nintendo Switch reccommendation for this holiday season would be Harvestella (Model Number: 662248926551) on the Nintendo Switch.

    Square Enix always makes great games and this new release from their studio certainly seems to be following suit with their release history.

  7. My recommendation is Pokémon Violet – HCCPALZYA

    This would be amazing for my son!! He is a teenager with exceptionalities and it’s been a rough go for us!

    I recommend this game because of how far the game has evolved from when I played Pokémon red and blue on my gameboy!!!

  8. My recommendation is Pokémon Violet (Switch)
    Brand: Nintendo
    Model Number: HCCPALZYA
    Web Code: 16250673

  9. Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville Complete Edition (Switch)
    Model Number: 014633377187
    Web Code: 15316167

  11. My gift recommendation for Canadians this Christmas? You can’t go wrong with Mario . . .
    Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch) – Digital Download
    Brand: Nintendo
    Model Number: 045496591021
    Web Code: 11792878

  12. My recommendation is
    Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch) – Digital Download
    Brand: Nintendo
    Model Number: 045496591021
    Web Code: 11792878

  13. Recommend Bayonetta 3, Model Number: HCCPAXB7A simply because Nintendo consoles need more original titles for mature gamers. It needs to sell more to show there’s an audience for these games so more will get made. For the gamer who wants something challenging and fun.

  14. My recommendationi s the Pokémon Violet (Switch)
    Brand: Nintendo
    Model Number: HCCPALZYA
    Web Code: 16250673

  18. My gift recommendation for Canadians this season is
    Pokémon Scarlet (Switch)
    Brand: Nintendo
    Model Number: HCCPALZXA
    Thank you

  23. i reccomend animal crossing for switch. fun game for the whole family. you can get really creative with your towns and decorating your house. model HCCPACBAA

  29. My holiday gift recommendation would be Animal Crossing: New Horizons for the Switch! (Model Number: HCCPACBAA
    )

  31. My Switch recommendation would be Mario Party Superstars Model # HCCPAZ82A because all family members, regardless of age, can have fun playing the game.

  32. My gift recommendation is definitely Mario Party Superstars (Model Number: HCCPAZ82A) for the Switch console! The game is basically an enhanced and refreshing version of the Super Mario Party on the Switch console! I gladly recommend for both newcomers and veterans!

  36. “It Takes Two” is an awesome co-operative game to play on Switch; I highly recommend it, however you will need two dedicated people to play it the whole way through, since it does take 2 people to play it, LOL! You can buy it at Best Buy Model # 014633747829

  37. Mario Party Superstars (Switch)
    Model Number: HCCPAZ82A
    Perfect for gaming with the whole family with a variety of party games so everyone can join in the fun!

  42. I think I’d recommend Switch Sports (Model Number: HACRAS8SA) because I think it would evoke a sense of nostalgia for the Wii. I think playing video games that incorporate physical movement is a lot of fun and help to immerse me into the game

  43. My gift rec is Animal Crossing New Horizons Model Number: HCCPACBAA for the Nintendo Switch. I’ve heard it’s a lot of fun!

  44. My recommendation would have to be Mario Party Superstars (Switch) Model Number: HCCPAZ82A because the Mario party series is always a ton of fun for the family.

  46. I highly recommend Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain. Model Number: HCCPAZLSA
    It’s amazing and educational for kids.

  48. Our family loves to play:
    Mario Party Superstars (Switch)
    Brand: Nintendo
    Model Number: HCCPAZ82A
    Web Code: 15554489

  50. My kids are really hoping for Kirby and the Forgotten Land ( HCCPARZGA ) so they recommend it for anyone with kids age 5 – 10

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