The Nintendo Switch has been unique since the day it was announced. Since its launch on March 3rd, 2017 the console had a number of special editions along with new models released such as the OLED and the Nintendo Switch Lite which is handheld only. In this post I’ve decided to share what I think are the best Switch consoles we’ve seen in the last five years.
It’s also worthy to note I asked some of the other folks at Rectify Gaming their input as well. So lets get started.
#5 – Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu & Eevee Special Edition
Release Date – November 16, 2018
The Nintendo Switch is the most unique console we’ve seen in the last fifteen years and its special editions are always eye grabbing. First up we have the Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee Nintendo Switch and how could we not. It was one of the first special editions for the console along with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, but this one takes the cake because of the colors and design it brings.
When it comes to the Nintendo Switch custom consoles the joy-cons are always a focus because you see it right away. But what this one does it takes advantage of the dock showcasing Pikachu and Eevee, but it really shines on the back of the console itself as pictured above. The joy-cons representing both the Pokémon really grabs your attention with the colors it has.
#4 – Monster Hunter Rise Special Edition
Release Date – March 26, 2021
If you told me five years ago that I’d be ranking a Monster Hunter themed Nintendo Switch as one of the best special edition the console has seen I would probably laugh. Monster Hunter Rise was launched by Capcom in 2021 so they teamed up with Nintendo to release this limited console.
Looking at this one there is a lot of gray which can be boring for some, but it’s all about the details within this one instead of the coloring like the Let’s Go Pikachu console. The gold design of the dragon spitting out flames from what it looks like on the console really stands out along with the small pattern it has going on the dock. The joy-cons are also neat, but maybe not as appealing as other Switch’s we’ve seen before.
On the console itself is where this succeeds with the design on the back along with the joy-cons. We love to see them utilizing all the limited space available with this console.
I will also note that if we were to rate the boxes of these consoles this one would be right up there.
#3 –Pokémon Scarlet & Violet OLED Nintendo Switch
Release Date – November 4, 2022
Yes, we have more Pokémon. It’s not our fault that some of the best special edition Nintendo Switch consoles are with this franchise. The Nintendo Switch OLED itself is glorious to look at and to see it getting special editions like the Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Switch is great to see.
The joy-cons on this one doesn’t wow you at all, but that’s clearly not the focus. Nintendo seemed to put all their focus on the dock and console itself which is what matters even more. On the front of the dock we have legends, Koraidon and Miraidon in a really sweet design with the clean OLED white color still being used.
Let’s take the Switch out of the dock. This is where, in my opinion this special edition shines. You have the three starters (Sprigatito, Fuecoc, and Quaxly) being featured on the back along with other Pokémon related designs going on. Lastly, Nintendo gets an A+ for the use of the Violet and Scarlet colors on this one.
#2 – Animal Crossing: New Horizons Special Edition
Release Date: March 20, 2020
This one is will probably go down as the most iconic Nintendo Switch console of all time due to the time it launched with COVID-19 just hitting us in the world. This console is probably one of the more simple looking special editions, but it’s the most unique looking of the base Switch models.
First off let’s start off with the pastel green and blue joy-cons because you can’t find this sold separately officially sold by Nintendo. There isn’t a single design mark on these either unlike all of the other consoles we’ve listed already where they have something even if it’s a small print on the corner of the joy-con.
Let’s talk about the dock on this one because it looks so simple. This features Tom Nook and his two sons Timmy & Tommy on an island and there’s a stream of water underneath. The dock itself is what makes this special edition even better because it has that texture of sand on a beach which obviously matches the description of Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Unlike other limited edition consoles you can still find this one in stores.
#1 – Splatoon 3 OLED Nintendo Switch
Release Date – August 26, 2022
It was a no brainer to put the most recent special edition Nintendo Switch released in the first spot. This Splatoon 3 OLED Switch is amazing to look at all around. The joy-cons alone with the colors fading into each other on both sides along with the game related design really grabs your attention. Then we have the dock where it’s even more clean with a splash of lime green paint along with stickers and such from in the game.
I love the fact that Nintendo has been using the white on the dock with these OLED limited editions and that’s what really makes it stand out among the original Nintendo Switch model.
Lastly, looking on the back of the Nintendo Switch it’s just amazing art yet again. It’s hard to not like this console and what they did with it.