We’ve even added a poll at the bottom so you can zoom in on your favorite designs after you’ve seen them all (yes, we are). Take a look, then vote for your personal favorite to see which comes out on top.
Happy scrolling!
Every special edition of the Switch console
The list below is broken down by model in the Switch family of systems so you can check out each release for Classic, OLED, and Lite respectively. While some of the systems below were extremely rare at the time of release, we’ve limited the collection to those that could be purchased by removing limited edition consoles that could only be obtained by winning a contest or participating in a charity event, such as the AVICII Invector : Encore Edition and Jack Zhanna Lite consoles and Trials of Mana and LABO special issue of switches.
Everything else is fair game, so let’s start with the classic Switch models…
Switch:
Monster Hunter XX
A lot of the designs on this list have a “less is more” mentality, but Monster Hunter XX a special edition model (unique to Japan) just a little… ehhh. Especially considering what this franchise is known for.
The dock has a nice design, but if you want to play in handheld mode, you could buy the standard gray model. Not the biggest “I love Monster Hunter XX” flag you could put up – where are the monsters?!
Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu / Eevee!
This was the first special edition Switch to be available worldwide, and Nintendo really got off to a good start. There are plenty of Pokemon-themed consoles out there (including the Switch models), but we’d argue that Come on! edition is one of the best.
Walking between them too subtle to notice and so OTT is hard to watch it’s a tough balance, but this one manages it well. The unique Pikachu color and Eevee-colored Joy-Cos are enough to stand out from the stock design, and the details on the back of the console don’t look too crowded compared to some of the later editions.
If we had one complaint, it would be the giant full-color titular “mon in the dock,” but in our opinion, you can’t have it all.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
It’s probably one of the slimmer designs around (at least from a Joy-Con perspective), but there’s a certain elegance to it. Smash Bros. Ultimate console, which we did not expect from such a bright and exciting franchise.
The Joy-Con clearly displays the Smash logo when it’s assembled (not that you can tell if you’re only looking at the right one), but the dock is the real star here, displaying images of fighters going head-to-head. cool monochrome. How very cute!
Diablo III Eternal Edition
Continuing the “maybe we should add” trend. something the color of this design Diablo III Eternal Edition Switch is one of the most reduced models.
There are two character designs on the dock itself and a small amount of detail on the back of the console, but if you’re looking for flashy designs, there are certainly better places to look.
Dragon Quest XI
This is what the special edition Zelda design of our dreams looks like (if it wasn’t a Japan-only release). On the Joy-Con, detail is reduced to just the franchise’s mascot slime and bubble slime, and Akira Toriyama’s monster artwork on the back of the console is kept black so as not to stand out too much.
We’re also big fans of the dock on this one. Just imagine the Master Sword and the Hylian Shield sitting in those positions…
Disney Tsum Tsum Festival
If Disney Tsum Tsum Festival received a special edition design that was not attractive, then riots broke out in the streets. Fortunately, Nintendo held on to this Japanese exclusive.
The polka dot and diamond pattern is a nice change from the stock model, and we also like how it’s carried over to the Joy-Con. We can only imagine that the design team had an early lunch after thinking of turning the home button into Mickey Mouse. Inspired!
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
As useful a game as Animal Crossing: New Horizons deserves an equally useful console to go with it, and Nintendo has succeeded with a suitably cute and comfortable machine.
The back of the console is covered in little island-themed details, and the pastel Joy-Con just screams summer vacation. All of this is topped off with a colorful dock featuring the Nook clan as they welcome you to your new location. It’s a prime example of the principle of “less is more” and probably the most usable design on Instagram.
Fortnite
Since this is one of the most popular games, it makes sense Fortnite will get its own special Switch version. Say what you will about the game itself, but this design is undeniable nice.
The character models on the back of the console and dock were always going to be a big hit with Fortnight fans, but we also appreciate how understated the Joy-Con design is here. Let the colors speak for themselves and only add small details (the Battle Bus around the Home button is nice) and you’re onto a winner in our book.
Mario red + blue
There are only a few brands that can only be represented by their colors. Yellow and red is instantly McDonalds, purple and gold is Lakers, royal purple is Cadbury chocolate. But red and blue? This is Mario.
This design released together Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, knows that simplicity speaks for itself. It doesn’t interfere with adding any intricate details at all. It may not be covered in the deepest links, but get your hands on a color console besides gray is something that deserves to be celebrated anyway.
Monster Hunter Rise
Exist many happening with this. Instead of choosing a single motif for the design, only everything that applies is taken here Monster Hunter Rise and plasters it all over the console, Joy-Con and dock. What’s more, the details are presented in three different colors, so you can’t go wrong with its volume.
It’s a lot better than the XX in our opinion, but does it really benefit from having everything and the kitchen sink thrown at it? We’d say no, but it bodes well for OLED design…
OLED:
Why be subtle when you can go completely overboard? That’s the question we think Nintendo was asking when they developed a special version of the consoles for the Switch OLED. We’re not saying it was a bad idea, but its success seems to be mixed.
Splatoon 3
It makes sense Splatoon 3 will have a special edition with a design that goes all out for the latest design outside of Plattsville. From the gradient color of the Joy-Con to the details that are there stuffed all over the body, it’s a look that screams Splatoon, and it definitely works as a result.
We’re particularly fond of the unique yellow ink mark on the dock. It would be easy to walk over the top with the splash marks, so it’s nice to see that something restrictions were applied.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
Yes, the full design works for something like Splatoon. You know why it doesn’t work so well? pokemon
Looking at the design of this special edition from the front, we were very impressed. After all, it’s nice colors on the Joy-Con and detail is kept to a minimum, while the Academies with Scarlet and violet. Good job Nintendo, we’re so glad you didn’t overcrowd the back of the Swi- oh no, what?!
The paint job takes what could have been a subtle design and turns it into the outer shell of a 13-year-old’s first laptop. Remember when we said “less is more”? That’s why.
Eased:
Yes, the Switch Lite may forever be remembered as “the Switch that doesn’t do that,” but that doesn’t take away from some nice special edition designs.
Pokemon Sword and Shield
Design for Pokemon Sword and Shield a console is an all-around stripped-down affair, and you know what? it works because of this.
The silver and white body is a stylish touch and manages to make the Zacian and Zamazenta lines on the back less imposing. The jury’s still out on the purple and blue control buttons, but we’re guessing Nintendo had to squeeze in references to the different versions somehow.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
Wow, now that’s a sleek design. Is there anything more refined than black, gold and silver? Probably not. It’s the console you play after you finish drinking espresso in your penthouse.
True relation to Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl limited to the Dialga and Palkia lines on the back, but we don’t always need the game to be so in-your-face. It is dialed back and it works.
You’ve got all the major Switch special editions, but what’s your favorite? Take the poll below, then head to the comments to let us know which one is the most special — and let us know if we missed anything!