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

  4. My recommendation is:

    Kirby and the Forgotten Land (Switch)
    Model Number: HCCPARZGA

    Easy learn and tough to master game.

  7. My recommendation would be the Nintendo Switch Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Bundle with 3-Month Online Membership & Neon Red/Blue Joy-Con. It has it all! Model Number: HCDSKABLJ Web Code: 16563578

  8. A fun and family friendly option for the holidays is Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Switch)
    Model Number: 045496662479

  9. I think a great family game to play with multiplayer options is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Cowabunga collection Model Number: 27105. It’s a great game and I think it provides the ability for families to get together Friday night just like in the good old days. Technology has taken over so much that many families forget the importance of Friday night get togethers, but this can help rekindle that experience.

  13. I recommend Mario Strikers: Battle League – such a unique game and so much fun to play with friends/family together!

    Model No: HCCPAWN6A

  14. My gift recommendation: Mario Party Superstars, Model Number: HCCPAZ82A

    No matter what kind of party, it’s always fun!

  16. My gift recommendation for this holiday season is Pokémon Violet – Model Number: HCCPALZYA
    Web Code: 16250673

    amazing game that can be enjoyed with friend or on your own!

  17. I would recommend Rabbids: Party of Legends as a great gift for holiday fun! I haven’t played this installment but I loved game nights at friends with other Rabbids games and I bet the Switch game would be super hilarious to play. If it holds true to the series, it’s a very interactive, group oriented game that also works for solo play and is fun for all ages.

    Model Number: UBP10902418
    Web Code: 16206892

  18. My gift recommendation for Canadians looking for a Nintendo Switch game sold at Best Buy Canada, especially a fun game to play with family and friends, adults and children alike, would be:

    LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga (Switch) – model number: 883929681631

  19. I recommend Super Smash Bros Ultimate!! An incredible series since its origins on the N64!
    Model Number: HCCPAAABA

  20. My gift recommendation for anyone, young or old is Mario Party Superstars Model Number: HCCPAZ82A
    Mario is a classic, and the Mario party games are so much fun. My 65 year old mother even plays this game with the kids.

  23. I’d recommend Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Switch) Model Number: HCCPACBAA, since its a fun game that is not competitive or too stressful. A game to relax and wind down during the winter/holiday rest.

  25. My choice as well as my 7-year-old son’s would be Super Mario Odyssey (Switch)
    Model Number: HACPAAACA

  26. 12601650 I have always thought it would be amazing to have a game system to play at home with my family if I could I would really love to try to play animal crossings I’ve heard amazing things about it and that is the code that I have posted

  27. My gift game recommendation this year is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Switch)
    Model Number: HCCPAAAAA

    It’s so much fun no matter how many times I play it, I never get bored!

  30. I would recommend Mario Party Superstars Model Number: HCCPAZ82A

    Its a great collection of games for everyone in the family!

  31. I recommend Monster Hunter Rise, especially to games that love the action genre game and love to coop with others!
    Monster Hunter Rise (Switch) – Physical Download
    Model Number: 045496669775

  32. Ring Fit Adventure (Switch)
    Model Number: HACRAL3PA

    I am on day 55, and have never had more fun getting my exercise in! The fact that you can only do so much of a workout in a day, makes it so you can really savor the experience.

  33. I think my grandson, who is 8, would like this Nintendo Switch game, “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Switch)
    Brand: Nintendo
    Model Number: HCCPAAAAA
    Web Code: 10440780”

  37. ZELDA games have always been a family favorite!
    The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Switch)
    Brand: Nintendo
    Model Number: HCCPAAAAA
    Web Code: 10440780

  39. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection Limited Edition (Switch)
    Model Number: 27106

    That is a trip down memory lane to all of the past arcade and Nintendo games!

  45. Anyone with a Switch should get Mario Kart Deluxe! Everyone should experience playing Mario Kart. It was my favorite game on Nintendo 64 and I love it on the switch as well! I go over to a friends’ house to play all the time! I’m nowhere near as good at Mario Kart as I was when I played on N64 though! I’d love to finally have my own Switch so I can practice and go surprise my friends with my skills! 😉

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