Last updated: December 2023
Technology has gotten more and more portable in recent years – from huge advancements in computing that have allowed us to fit powerful computers inside our smartphones, to the development of the fastest and most powerful laptops, tablets, and mini PCs ever – so now more than ever we can bring the tech that we rely on anywhere we go. That holds true for more than just workstations and professional devices.
Even for leisure and entertainment, technology has come such a long way in terms of portability. Today, you can bring a full-fledged console gaming experience with you wherever you go, thanks to the Nintendo Switch.
Since its global launch way back in 2017, the Nintendo Switch has become an icon of portable gaming around the world. Its power and convenience, and the plethora of connectivity features it has to offer, makes this handheld gaming device an essential for all kinds of gamers – casual and hardcore alike.
Now, especially, a Nintendo Switch can offer so much value since we’re all stuck in quarantine with little to no access to the things we used to love to do. If you’re looking for a new hobby, or a better way to enjoy games with you no matter where you go, getting yourself a Nintendo Switch is a great way to unwind and de-stress, and lose yourself in a game or two either solo or with some friends and forget about the COVID-19 pandemic for a while.
PC Gaming can get really expensive, with modern rigs costing upwards of $1000 or even much more, especially with the GPU shortage we’re currently experiencing. Likewise, console gaming on the Xbox or the PlayStation can be a little hit or miss, since they both have a handful of pros and cons that might make you lean one way or the other. With the Nintendo Switch, however, you’re getting a unique gaming experience with an unparalleled mix of cost-effectiveness, portability, and that price-to-performance sweet spot that you can take with you anywhere you go.
Read also: The Best Wireless Earbuds to Buy in Malaysia Today
If you’re in the market for a Nintendo Switch in Malaysia, then here’s everything you need to know before you buy:
How Much Does Nintendo Switch Cost in Malaysia?
Depending on where you are in the world, a Nintendo Switch can net around $299 USD, give or take some for taxes and freight. Here in Malaysia, the tariffs aren’t all that high, so you can expect to pay close to the global retail price for your Nintendo Switch. There are three Nintendo Switch variants you can buy right now:
Nintendo Switch Original with Prices
The original Nintendo Switch that came out in 2017, this model comes with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of around $299, but it has since been discontinued. Unless you’re a collector, we recommend getting either the V2 or the Nintendo Switch Lite instead, with the former being a revamped replacement version of the original featuring better battery life and a handful of performance tweaks, and the latter being a cheaper, more lightweight version with some features stripped out to improve portability at the cost of versatility.
Nintendo Switch V2
The ultimate Nintendo Switch experience, the V2 came out back in 2019 after a series of complaints from users calling for better battery life.
Nintendo responded with the launch of the V2 – nearly identical to the original Nintendo Switch except with a higher-quality battery and a handful of small but meaningful performance improvements across the board.
With the launch of the Nintendo Switch V2, the original Nintendo Switch was then discontinued, so now the V2 is the baseline Nintendo Switch experience and our top recommendation if you’re looking for the best portable console gaming experience money can buy. Here are a handful of great choices readily available here in Malaysia:
Nintendo Switch V2 Neon/Gray
Nintendo Switch V2 Neon/Gray - Nintendo Switch Malaysia
Our top recommendation for those looking for the basic Nintendo Switch V2 experience, and the cheapest deal you can find anywhere is here.
In the box you get a Nintendo Switch and your choice of either the gray or the neon Joy-Con Controllers, plus a Switch Dock, a Joy-Con Grip, and Joy-Con Wrist Straps. It’s officially distributed by Maxsoft, so you’re also getting a reliable 1-Year Warranty on your Nintendo Switch when you buy.
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Nintendo Switch V2 Ring Fit Bundle
Nintendo Switch V2 Ring Fit - Nintendo Switch Malaysia
If you’re looking to use your new Nintendo Switch as a fitness gaming platform like the Nintendo Wii that came before it, then we highly recommend the Nintendo Switch V2 Ring Fit Bundle readily available online.
With this bundle, you’re getting a brand-new Nintendo Switch V2 a pair of Joy-Con controllers, some Joy-Con wrist straps, a Joy-Con Grip, a Switch Dock, an EVA Pouch, a Tempered Glass Screen Protector for your Switch, and a physical copy of Ring Fit Adventure bundled in. Plus, since it’s from a local Malaysian seller, you’ll also be getting a 1 Year Warranty courtesy of Maxsoft.
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Nintendo Switch V2 Limited Edition Animal Crossing Bundle
If you’re looking to save a little money while getting one of the most popular games on the Nintendo Switch, we recommend purchasing any of the Nintendo Switch bundles available, like the Nintendo Switch V2 Limited Edition Animal Crossing Bundle available online.
In the box, you’re getting a special edition Nintendo Switch, a Switch Dock, and a pair of Joy-Con Controllers, all with a unique Animal Crossing: New Horizons design and color scheme. You’ll also get the digital Animal Crossing: New Horizons game pre-downloaded onto your device, alongside other goodies like the typical wrist straps, grips, and other standard accessories like the HDMI cable and the AC adapter. This specific product is covered by Maxsoft Warranty, but if you want to avail of the non-Maxsoft Warranty, you can still get a 1-Year Supplier Warranty as long as you make sure you keep the box.
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Nintendo Switch Lite with Prices
Launched as a more portable and lightweight version of the Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch Lite comes with less features overall but a more rugged, compact design for better on-the-go performance. For one thing, not every game on the Nintendo Switch is available on the Nintendo Switch Lite, and you can say goodbye to docking features that let you connect your console to a big screen. The pros, however, are that it’s lighter, more compact, easier to carry around, and it’s also quite a bit cheaper.
Here are the best deals we’ve found if you’re in the market for a Nintendo Switch Lite:
Nintendo Switch Lite
Readily available from local sellers online, the Nintendo Switch Lite comes in four different colors: Grey, Yellow, Turquoise, and Carol. You can get the Nintendo Switch Lite for as low as RM 829, or you can shell out a little extra (RM 948) to get a ton of freebies like the 13-in-1 Accessories Kit and the 9H Tempered Glass Screen Protector.
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Nintendo Switch Lite Pokémon Sword & Shield Edition – Listed at RM 949
Launching alongside the newest Pokémon title, Pokémon Sword & Shield, the new Nintendo Switch Lite Zacian Edition comes with an interesting duo-tone color scheme as well as Pokémon etchings on the rear panel. The Nintendo Switch Lite Pokémon Sword & Shield Edition is available online.
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Where Can I Buy Nintendo Switch Malaysia?
There are plenty of stores in Malaysia that sell the Nintendo Switch – from retailers to official distributors – but in these trying times in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we highly recommend keeping yourself safe and sound by buying online.
Besides, online stores are where the best deals can be found, anyway, since online retailers typically don’t have to pay as much operating costs compared to brick-and-mortar establishments that pay rent and utilities.
In Malaysia, two of the best places to buy a Nintendo Switch are Shopee and Lazada, so make sure you check out those two platforms to see if you can find the best deal on your Nintendo Switch.
Is Nintendo Switch popular in Malaysia?
The Switch has a wide range of games available, including popular titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The console's portability and ability to switch between TV mode and handheld mode also make it a popular choice for gamers in Malaysia.
In addition, Nintendo has been actively promoting the Switch in Malaysia, with events and promotions aimed at increasing awareness and interest in the console. This has helped to further boost the popularity of the Switch among both casual and hardcore gamers in the country.
Overall, the Nintendo Switch is a popular gaming console in Malaysia, with a growing community of fans and a wide range of games available.
What region should I choose for Nintendo Switch in Malaysia?
By choosing the Americas region, you will have access to the Nintendo eShop, where you can purchase and download games and other content for your Switch. You will also be able to access online features and services, such as online multiplayer and cloud saves.
When setting up your Switch, you will be prompted to choose your region and language. Make sure to select Southeast Asia as your region, and choose your preferred language from the available options.
It's important to note that some games and content may not be available in all regions, and pricing may vary depending on the region. However, by choosing the Southeast Asia region, you should have access to a wide range of games and content that are popular in Malaysia and the surrounding countries.
Why is Nintendo Switch for kids?
Nintendo has a history of creating games that appeal to a wide range of ages, with many of their titles featuring colorful graphics, simple gameplay mechanics, and characters that are popular with both kids and adults. Many of the games available on the Switch, such as Super Mario Odyssey and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, are designed to be accessible and enjoyable for players of all ages.
In addition, the Switch's portability and versatility make it a popular choice for families, as it can be played both at home and on the go. The console's Joy-Con controllers are also designed to be easy to use for players of all ages, with simple button layouts and motion controls.
Overall, while the Nintendo Switch is not exclusively for kids, its family-friendly games, ease of use, and portability make it a popular choice for children and families. However, the console also has a wide range of games and features that appeal to gamers of all ages and skill levels.
Real-Time Data
Should I Buy A Switch in 2023?
The answer is definitely! The Nintendo Switch has only gotten more and more popular since it launched back in 2017, and its library of games is getting bigger and bigger all the time with new games added on a regular basis.
While there are some rumors that a new Nintendo Switch might come out soon, there is no denying the fact that the current rendition of the Nintendo Switch is still one of the best and most powerful portable gaming devices ever made, and even next-gen titles should run smoothly on the platform.
Will the Nintendo Switch Price Drop?
Although the Nintendo Switch will eventually see a price drop – especially if Nintendo ever plans to announce a new version or update to the handheld gaming console – the fact of the matter is that it’s probably not going to go down anytime soon.
The Nintendo Switch is enjoying a great moment in terms of sales and community demand, and modern updates and game library additions make it still one of the most relevant gaming consoles well into 2023.
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