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 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.

580 COMMENTS

  1. My gift recommendation for a Nintendo Switch game this holiday season is Pokemon Shield!
    Model Number: HCCPALZBA
    Web Code: 13483741

  2. Bets party game for this season is Rabbids: Party of Legends (Switch)
    for up to 4 player mayhem
    Model Number: UBP10902418 for up to 4 player mayhem

  3. My recommendation for switch this year is going to be It Takes Two. It’s a two person co-op game with a lot of really neat and varied mechanics that’ll have to two of you working together to solve interesting problems.

    Model Number: 014633747829
    Web Code: 16496743

  4. Pokémon Violet is most certainly the game sold at Best Buy that I would recommend for Canadians young and old this year. I think it looks amazing. I and our Great Nephew are Pokémon fans and we can’t wait to play it.

    Model Number: HCCPALZYA

  5. My Nintendo Switch game sold at Best Buy gift recommendation for Canadians this season is: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch)
    Model Number: HACPAABPA
    Web Code: 10440782

  6. Nothing like a good family game night with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch)
    Model Number: HACPAABPA
    Web Code: 10440782

  7. The best Canadian family game would be Mario Kart 8 deluxe. Model # HACPAABPA

    That game brings a friendly competitiveness within the family.

  8. Pokémon Violet is definitely the game sold at Best Buy that I would recommend for Canadians this season. It looks really cool, and as a Pokémon fan I’m looking forward to getting my hands on a copy myself.

    Model Number: HCCPALZYA

  9. gotta love racing with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch)
    Brand: Nintendo
    Model Number: HACPAABPA
    Web Code: 10440782
    4.9(29 Reviews)
    Write your review

  10. I recommend…⬇️ the graphics are stunning!

    The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Switch)
    Brand: Nintendo
    Model Number: HCCPAAAAA
    Web Code: 10440780

  11. Mario Party Superstars (Switch)
    Brand: Nintendo
    Model Number: HCCPAZ82A
    This is what I would recommend for anyone this Christmas

  12. Mario Party Superstars (Switch)
    Brand: Nintendo
    Model Number: HCCPAZ82A

    Ain’t no party, like a Mario Party!

  13. Obviously I’ll recommend Pokemon Scarlet and Violet double pack (117512) as the best gift for this season.

  14. I strongly recommend checking out Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection
    Model Number: 27105
    Web Code: 16014742
    It will be a great gift for anyone

  15. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening Model Number: HCCPAR3NA is what I’m hearing is the must have from the kids this season

  16. My recommendation is: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch)
    Brand: Nintendo
    Model Number: HACPAABPA
    Web Code: 10440782

  17. My gift recommendation for this season is Splatoon 3 (Model Number: HCCPAV5JA)- lots of squidilicious fun for the whole fam!

  18. I strongly recommend that anyone getting started on a Nintendo system pick up The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Model Number: HCCPAAAAA). Its one of the funnest games EVER!

  19. My gift recommendation for Canadians this season is Nintendo Switch Sports (Switch)
    Model Number: HACRAS8SA. It looks like so much fun!

  20. I recommend Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope Cosmic Edition (Switch)
    Model Number: UBP10902497 because my son has been waiting for it since the first one came out. Top of his Christmas list.

  21. My recommendation is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch) Model Number: HACPAABPA Web Code: 10440782 because it is such an awesome game to play with your family or friends.

  22. For a gift recommendation, I would choose Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (HACPAABPA), this game is so fun and the new tracks are awesome!

  23. I would recommend Super Mario Maker 2 (Switch) Brand: Nintendo Model Number: HCCPBAAQA Web Code: 13456394. This would have been such an awesome game to play as a child, the possibilities are endless for levels in this game

  24. My recommendation is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch)
    Model Number: HACPAABPA
    Web Code: 10440782
    because it is fun for families and brings back so many memories!

  25. My recommendations are:
    1. Disney Dreamlight Valley Deluxe Edition (Switch) – Digital Download: Model Number: 045496685508: Web Code: 16551349
    2. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope Cosmic Edition (Switch): Model Number: UBP10902497

  26. I would recommend Super Mario Maker 2 (Switch) Brand: Nintendo Model Number: HCCPBAAQA Web Code: 13456394. This would have been such an awesome game to play as a child, the possibilities are endless for levels in this game

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

Comments are closed.