Top 9 Christmas gifts for your favorite Nintendo fan

‘Tis the season to spend all of your money on gifts for family and friends. The wintery holidays are finally here, and we’ve begun asking for Christmas lists from loved ones. And if you’re searching for a Nintendo fan, there’s plenty to choose from.

Of course, there’s always a few gamers who don’t make a list and give their friends and family the “get me something you think I’d like” line. That’s a tall order from folks who aren’t interested in the house of Mario. So, with that, here’s nine fun gifts for your favorite Nintendo fan this holiday season.

9. Plushies Galore

The classic Nintendo-themed plushies are a sure hit among fans of all ages. Whether they’re into multiple franchises or just one, there’s a plushie they’ll love to have by their side when playing games. 

For Mario fans, a few popular plushies include the Mario Bros themselves, any of the princesses, Goombas, Koopa Troopas, and Piranha Plants. Personally, I’d go for the universally beloved Yoshi, the adorable dino is impossible to hate. There are The Legend of Zelda or Pokemon stuffed toys, too. These range from around $12.99 to almost $50 from retailers like Amazon, GameStop, or the official Nintendo site.

8. Amiibo

Perhaps you aren’t waiting in lines anymore, but Amiibo are still a big deal. They can be used as collectibles, action figures, and, of course, for their original use as toy-to-life objects in the Nintendo universe.

A few that recently hit shelves include Zelda and Ganondorf from Tears of the Kingdom, along with other holiday releases like Splatoon 3’s Deep Cut, Shiver, Frye, and Big Man. Amiibo typically go for around $15 to $20, while bundles cost more but save a few bucks over buying individuals.

7. LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System Set

Now, this is a fun crossover gift between a nostalgic console and a timeless toy. Lego’s are popular among younger generations as well as older fans who appreciate them for their artistic values. They’re fun for the collector or creative — perfect for the folks you don’t know how to buy for.

They get the best of both worlds with the adorably modular Nintendo Entertainment System set. The NES Lego kit comes with enough pieces to build the console, a TV, and even Mario. This one is a bit expensive though, starting at $270.

6. Pokemon Monopoly: Kanto Edition

Pokemon and Monopoly — two franchises spawning family feuds since the beginning of time. This version of Monopoly plays similarly to the original, but with a twist. Throughout the game, you’ll battle all eight gym leaders in a sea of Pokemon-themed spaces and pieces inspired by the Kanto region. It’s a little more budget-friendly, too, at $40.

5. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

If your favorite Nintendo fan owns a Switch and they haven’t gotten their hands on Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, it’s a good place to start. This platform and beat ‘em up game is perfect to play alone and with friends. Generally, Nintendo doesn’t like to put their games on sale, so if you’ve got the extra $60 to spare, this one may be worth it. No wonder some of the Nintendo fans in our lives still haven’t played.

4. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

On that same note, make sure your Nintendo loved ones experienced Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. It’s another perfect solo adventure or permanent party staple in the family get-together rotation. For those splurging, there are a few switch bundles that include Mario Kart 8 Deluxe that you could consider purchasing for Christmas. It’s the rare, cheaper Nintendo game at $50, but that doesn’t include the Booster Course Pass.

3. Switch Controllers

Look, under no circumstance is a new controller for any console considered a bad gift. Your biggest concerns are the make and style — do you have an Animal Crossing fan to buy for, or do they want all things Yoshi? But Switch controllers have faced woes like Joy-Con drift, and sometimes you want a Player Two, Three, or Four, but you just don’t have the extra gear.

Pro Controllers start at around $70, while Joy-Cons go up to $80. If you’re open to third party accessories, then Hori is a great place to start for something a little cheaper but still quality.

2. Super Mario Wonder

Arguably one of the best side scrollers out right now, Super Mario Wonder is perfect for the strict Nintendo fan or generalist gamer in your life. As the Destructoid review even notes, it’s an excellent throwback to old classics while changing the formula up just enough to keep it fresh.

It’s another you won’t find on sale right now, starting at $60.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch OLED Bundle

Now for one of the top gifts you can get your favorite Nintendo nerd, a new console is always at the top of the list. Right now, the switch in all of its forms is all the buzz. Whether it’s the original Switch, the OLED, or the lite, consoles get a little harder to find around the holidays, so you may wanna get on it.

Recently, Nintendo launched its Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom-themed Switch OLED. This model has the game bundle with it and, if you can find it, saves you just a few bucks over buying them separately. If your loved one isn’t picky, special edition consoles like the Animal Crossing bundle may be easier to find. Either way, this bundle runs $360 at most retailers.