Nintendo is known for releasing plenty of Special Editions for all their consoles and handhelds, naturally, the Switch is no different with a wide collection of different versions of the system having been released since it first launched in 2017. There are currently 14 different Special Editions of the Switch, with each being linked to a specific game release.
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Special Edition systems range from first-party exclusives like Animal Crossing: New Horizons to third-party games such as Trials of Mana. Some are even competition exclusive, being given out as prizes for the lucky winners. Here is every current special edition Nintendo Switch model.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Release Date: 03/20/2020
- Special Features: Switch, Dock, Joy-Cons, Straps
The Animal Crossing: New Horizons Switch launched alongside the game itself in March 2020. The game itself became one of the best-selling on the system within months, having 32 million units in 2020.
It features a dock depicting Tom Nook and his nephews, as well as a pair of pastel-colored Joycon. The Switch itself has a unique pattern on the backplate depicting various symbols from the game.
Monster Hunter Rise
- Release Date: 03/26/2021
- Special Features: Switch, Dock, Joy-Con
Released alongside the latest mainline Monster Hunter game, the Monster Hunter Rise Switch features a black dock embossed with one of the Monsters from the game in gold.
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The backplate is also unique, with a grey design featuring symbols also seen on the dock. The Joy-Con are the standard grey, although they've been given a special design on the bottom of the controller, as well as the control sticks. The back of the Joy-con also has a row of symbols.
Mario Red + Blue
- Release Date: 02/12/2021
- Special Features: Switch, Dock, Joy-Con, Straps, Case, Joy-Con Grip
This Mario-themed Switch was revealed alongside Super Mario 3D World's new mode, Bowser's Fury. It includes a Mario-themed carry case, as well as the plumbers iconic blue and red color scheme.
The Switch, Joy-Con, and dock are all Mario red, with the Joy-Con grip being blue. The Joy-Con straps are red and white, with the adjuster being yellow, representing the pins on Mario's overalls.
Super Mario Odyssey
- Release Date: 10/27/2017
- Special Features: Joy-Con
One of the earliest Special Editions celebrated the release of Super Mario Odyssey, the latest 3D Mario to be released. Compared to most Special Editions, this one is rather lackluster, featuring a pair of Mario Red Joy-Con and nothing else.
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Some versions of the system came with a digital copy of the game, whereas the Japanese edition came bundled with a physical copy. The North American and Japanese versions included a Mario-themed carry case too.
Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu / Eevee
- Release Date: 11/16/2018
- Special Features: System, Dock, Joy-Con, Straps
This cute Pokemon-themed Switch was released alongside Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu / Eevee, and depicts the two title Pokemon on the system's dock. The Switch backplate features silhouettes of the two as well, with a few Pokeballs scattered amongst them.
The Joy-Con are colored to match the two Pokemon, and the Joy-Con straps are beige and dark brown to complete the Eevee and Pikachu-themed color schemes. A copy of the game is included too.
Super Smash Bros Ultimate
- Release Date: 11/16/2018
- Special Features: Dock, Joy-Con
To mark the release of the biggest ever Super Smash Bros, Nintendo produced this Special Edition Switch complete with a pair of Joy-Con that feature the iconic Smash Bros symbol. The Switch dock has some of Nintendo's most famous characters on it, including Mario, Samus, Link, and Kirby.
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All regions included a downloadable version of the game. A special edition Pro Controller was also released on the same date.
Diablo 3 Eternal Collection
- Release Date: 11/02/2018
- Special Features: Switch, Dock
One of the few third-party special edition Switch's available, the Diablo III Switch features a unique dock and backplate design. The dock is grey with two characters, one on either side of the Switch logo, and the backplate features one symbol but is otherwise plain grey.
This bundle also included a Diablo III Switch holder, as well as a digital copy of the game. It is the only M-rated game to have a special edition Switch.
Dragon Quest XI
- Release Date: 9/27/2019
- Special Features: Dock, System, Joy-Con
A Japan-exclusive, the release of Dragon Quest XI S came alongside a gorgeous Switch system colored in a deep, vibrant blue. The dock is grey and decorated with a shield and sword from the game, and the blue Joy-Con feature a pair of slimes seen across the series.
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The Switch backplate features the silhouettes of a variety of different enemy creatures found throughout the adventure. It also includes a physical copy of the game and an artbook.
Splatoon 2
- Release Date: 09/08/2017 (North America)
- Special Features: Joy-Con
Another plain Special Edition was the Splatoon 2 Switch, despite being for a game full of color the system itself was left grey with only the Joy-Con receiving special treatment. A pair of Neon Joy-Con came with this edition, the left being green and the right being pink. A Splatoon 2 carrying case was also included alongside a copy of the game.
Disney Tsum Tsum
- Release Date: 10/10/2019
- Special Features: Switch, Dock, Joy-Con
Another Japan-exclusive Switch model, this Disney Tsum Tsum Switch features some rather subtle design, with the home button of the Joy-Con being given a pair of Mickey Mouse ears. The Joy-Con are purple and pink, and both feature a pattern made up of the four playing card suits.
The dock is grey, with the same pattern as well as the game's title and four character logos. The backplate features a similar pattern and includes the games logo too. A physical copy of the game was also included.
Fortnite
- Release Date: 11/30/2020
- Special Features: Switch, Dock, Joy-Con
Fortnite was previously bundled with a Neon Switch console, but this was the first time it received a unique console. It features a dock engraved with a collection of characters from the game included Fishsticks, Skull Trooper, and Tomato Man.
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The right Joy-Con is decorated with a bottle bus that incorporates the home button as the hot air balloon above the ship. The backplate is engraved with the same characters seen on the dock itself. This bundle also includes the Wildcat character pack.
Monster Hunter XX
- Release Date: 08/25/2017
- Special Features: Dock, System
Monster Hunter XX, and the special edition Switch launched alongside it, were both exclusive to Japan. It was the first makeover the Switch received after launch and features a unique dock and backplate.
The dock is decorated with runes from the game, as well as the title of the game. The backplate of the Switch features a dragon symbol and a border at the top.
Nintendo Labo
- Release Date: Competition
- Special Features: Switch, Joy-Con, Dock
This incredibly rare Switch was only available to winners of a Nintendo Labe contest that Nintendo ran in 2018. It isn't clear how many units exist, but it is believed to be under 15, indicating just how rare this system is.
The whole Switch, dock, and Joy-Con all have a cardboard appearance to them, with the dock and Switch backplate having the Nintendo Labo logo in place of the normal Switch logo. It is most likely the least produced Switch system, making it a worthy prize for the winners.
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