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. Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Model Number: HCCPACBAA)

    Is a great chill game where you can go at your own pace

  2. Mario Party Superstars (Switch)
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    Great fun for the whole family. Wonderful party game.

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  4. Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Switch)
    Brand: Nintendo
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    My favorite game of all time. So many activities. Plus you can play with your friends wherever they are

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

  19. I recommend Pokemon Legends: Arceus to those that want to experience a new direction in the pokemon franchise, where you can now have battles going on but run around it shouting commands, catch pokemon in a new way, and actually be chaded down by crazed pokemon.

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  24. My gift recommendation would be Mario Party Superstars (Switch)
    Brand: Nintendo
    Model Number: HCCPAZ82A
    Web Code: 15554489

  25. My gift recommendation for Canadians this season is Mario Party Superstars (Switch)
    Brand: Nintendo
    Model Number: HCCPAZ82A
    Web Code: 15554489

  26. Highly recommend Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Model Number: HCCPACBAA) as there’s so much to do and any player whether casual or serious can pick it up and enjoy. Plus there’s even more playability with the addition of its DLC.

  27. My Recommendation is Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Model Number: HCCPACBAA)
    There is so much to do in the game, and it’s a great game for the entire family!

  30. My gift recommendation is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (model number HCCPAAAAA) as it is simply one of the very best games ever made.

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    It’s a fresh new take on the franchise and introduces some really cool new mechanics.

  44. Mario Party Superstars Nintendo Switch is a must play. Played at a friend’s and omg it is so much fun! It has the old maps we played with as kids.
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    Web Code: 15554489

  45. Mario Party Superstars (Switch)
    Brand: Nintendo
    Model Number: HCCPAZ82A
    Web Code: 15554489 Looks like a game every family member can enjoy!

  47. Sonic Frontiers model number 010086770278, is my recommendation for nintendo games to play this year. It’s a new release and sonic hasn’t come out with a new game in a while so it should be great.

  50. My recommendation is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch) – Digital Download (Model Number: 045496591021) A good game for some friendly competition over the holiday season.

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