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- Best overall: Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey for Nintendo Switch
- Best budget: Nintendo Switch Lite – Turquoise
- Best premium: Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB Console – Galaxy Black
- Best for group racing: Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch
- Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey for Nintendo Switch is the better fit for colorful solo platforming and family-friendly play.
- Microsoft Halo Infinite Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One suits players who want a sci-fi campaign and competitive multiplayer.
- Nintendo Switch OLED Model with White Joy-Con adds a 7-inch screen for handheld gaming.
- Microsoft Xbox Series S 1TB Console – Carbon Black is a compact, disc-free way into Xbox gaming.
- Choose the game and console that match your preferred genre, play style and existing game library.
Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey for Nintendo Switch and Microsoft Halo Infinite Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One deliver very different kinds of adventure. Odyssey is a playful 3D platformer built around exploration, while Halo Infinite brings a sci-fi shooter campaign and online multiplayer. I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to help you choose the right Black Friday 2026 gaming pick.
Here's the bottom line: choose Odyssey for cheerful exploration and a story that works well for solo play, or choose Halo Infinite for first-person combat and competitive matches. The console matters too. Nintendo Switch offers portable play, while Xbox Series X|S is designed for a TV setup. Below, I compare the two games and list strong alternatives for different players.
How We Picked
- Compared each game’s core genre, campaign structure, multiplayer options and player count.
- Checked console specifications that affect everyday play, including screen size, storage, resolution and disc support.
- Reviewed owner feedback themes around accessibility, replay value, controls and suitability for different ages.
- Selected alternatives that stay close to the Mario and Halo gaming audiences, including platformers, party racing and Xbox hardware.
- Prioritized clearly stated specifications and product versions so shoppers can match each pick to their setup.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Core experience | Players | Best setup |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey for Nintendo Switch | Exploration platforming | 3D platformer | 1–2 | Handheld or TV |
| Microsoft Halo Infinite Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One | Sci-fi shooting | First-person shooter | Campaign: 1; Big Team Battle: up to 24 | Xbox console |
| Nintendo Switch OLED Model with White Joy-Con | Handheld Nintendo gaming | Console | 1–2, game dependent | Handheld, tabletop or TV |
| Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB Console – Galaxy Black | Premium 4K Xbox gaming | Console | 1–4, game dependent | 4K TV |
| Microsoft Xbox Series S 1TB Console – Carbon Black | Digital Xbox gaming | Console | 1–4, game dependent | TV or monitor |
| Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch | Group racing | Kart racing | Up to 12 online | Handheld or TV |
| Nintendo Super Mario Bros. Wonder for Nintendo Switch | Co-op platforming | 2D platformer | 1–4 | Handheld or TV |
| Nintendo Switch Lite – Turquoise | Portable solo gaming | Console | 1, game dependent | Handheld |
Mario Odyssey vs Halo Infinite Black Friday Deals 2026
#1 · Top pick
Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey for Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey for Nintendo Switch is the best exploration platformer for solo players, with 17 kingdoms and a two-player assist mode.
Best for: Exploration, creative platforming and family play
- Players
- 1–2
- Kingdoms
- 17
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Genre
- 3D platformer
- Large, varied areas reward curiosity.
- Cappy adds distinct movement and capture abilities.
- Assist mode makes early play more approachable.
- Two-player play is an assist mode, not a full co-op campaign.
Is Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey for Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey for Nintendo Switch is a strong pick for players who want an inventive 3D platformer, a colorful world and substantial exploration. The two-player assist mode also gives a second player a way to join in.
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#2
Microsoft Halo Infinite Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One
The Microsoft Halo Infinite Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One is the best sci-fi shooter pick for campaign and multiplayer fans, with Big Team Battle matches supporting 24 players.
Best for: Sci-fi action and online shooter matches
- Big Team Battle players
- Up to 24
- Campaign players
- 1
- Platforms
- Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One
- Genre
- First-person shooter
- Campaign combines open environments with familiar Halo combat.
- Multiplayer offers several competitive modes.
- Supports multiple Xbox console generations.
- The campaign is built around solo play.
Is Microsoft Halo Infinite Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Microsoft Halo Infinite Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One suits players who want a first-person sci-fi campaign alongside online combat. Big Team Battle supports up to 24 players, while the campaign focuses on a solo adventure.
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#3
Nintendo Switch OLED Model with White Joy-Con
The Nintendo Switch OLED Model with White Joy-Con is the best screen upgrade for handheld and tabletop players, with a 7-inch OLED display.
Best for: Portable play with a vivid built-in screen
- Screen
- 7-inch OLED
- Internal storage
- 64 GB
- Handheld resolution
- 720p
- Play modes
- 3
- OLED display gives games rich color and contrast.
- Supports TV, tabletop and handheld modes.
- White Joy-Con controllers give the system a clean look.
- Nintendo Switch game performance is not upgraded over the standard model.
Is Nintendo Switch OLED Model with White Joy-Con worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Nintendo Switch OLED Model with White Joy-Con is a worthwhile choice for players who use handheld or tabletop mode often. The 7-inch OLED screen makes portable play its main advantage, and the console also supports TV mode.
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#4
Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB Console – Galaxy Black
The Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB Console – Galaxy Black is the best premium Xbox console for 4K gaming, with a 1TB drive and an optical disc drive.
Best for: A powerful Xbox setup for a 4K television
- Storage
- 1 TB
- Target resolution
- Up to 4K
- Frame rate support
- Up to 120 fps
- Disc drive
- Included
- Supports 4K gaming and high frame rates.
- Disc drive supports compatible physical games and movies.
- Broad Xbox game compatibility.
- Requires a TV or monitor setup rather than portable play.
Is Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB Console – Galaxy Black worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB Console – Galaxy Black is a solid choice for players seeking a premium Xbox setup, 4K support and physical disc playback. The 1TB storage capacity gives a substantial starting point for an installed game library.
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#5
Microsoft Xbox Series S 1TB Console – Carbon Black
The Microsoft Xbox Series S 1TB Console – Carbon Black is the best compact, disc-free Xbox pick for digital players, with 1TB of storage.
Best for: Digital Xbox gaming in a compact setup
- Storage
- 1 TB
- Target resolution
- Up to 1440p
- Frame rate support
- Up to 120 fps
- Disc drive
- None
- Compact size suits smaller entertainment spaces.
- 1TB storage accommodates a useful digital library.
- Supports high frame rates in compatible games.
- Digital-only design does not play physical discs.
Is Microsoft Xbox Series S 1TB Console – Carbon Black worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Microsoft Xbox Series S 1TB Console – Carbon Black is a good fit for players who buy games digitally and want a smaller Xbox console. The 1TB drive and up to 120 fps support make it a capable living-room gaming option.
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#6
Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch is the best party-racing pick for groups, with 96 courses and online play for up to 12 players.
Best for: Local multiplayer, parties and family races
- Courses
- 96
- Online players
- Up to 12
- Local players
- Up to 4
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Large course selection supports repeat play.
- Local multiplayer is easy to start.
- Accessible controls welcome casual players.
- Racing is the focus, not story-driven adventure.
Is Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch is an easy recommendation for groups who enjoy quick competitive races. The 96-course selection, support for up to 4 local players and online races for up to 12 players give it broad replay appeal.
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#7
Nintendo Super Mario Bros. Wonder for Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Super Mario Bros. Wonder for Nintendo Switch is the best side-scrolling Mario pick for co-op groups, with support for up to 4 players.
Best for: Local co-op and classic-style Mario platforming
- Players
- 1–4
- Worlds
- 7
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Genre
- 2D platformer
- Local co-op supports a full group of four.
- Wonder effects add surprises to familiar platforming.
- A good alternative for players who prefer 2D levels.
- Less focused on open-world exploration than Odyssey.
Is Nintendo Super Mario Bros. Wonder for Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Nintendo Super Mario Bros. Wonder for Nintendo Switch is a strong option for players who want lively 2D platforming and local co-op. Up to 4 players can join, making it a natural group pick compared with the solo focus of Odyssey.
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#8
Nintendo Switch Lite – Turquoise
The Nintendo Switch Lite – Turquoise is the best compact Nintendo handheld for solo play, with a 5.5-inch screen and 32 GB of storage.
Best for: Portable Nintendo gaming on the go
- Screen
- 5.5 inches
- Internal storage
- 32 GB
- Handheld resolution
- 720p
- Play modes
- 1
- Small, lightweight design is easy to carry.
- Built-in controls keep the system self-contained.
- Plays compatible Nintendo Switch games in handheld mode.
- Does not connect to a television.
Is Nintendo Switch Lite – Turquoise worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Nintendo Switch Lite – Turquoise is a good choice for players who want a dedicated handheld console. The 5.5-inch screen and built-in controls suit portable play, but the system does not offer TV mode or detachable Joy-Con controllers.
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Which is better, Mario Odyssey or Halo Infinite?
Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey for Nintendo Switch suits exploration and platforming. Microsoft Halo Infinite Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One suits sci-fi shooting.
Odyssey features 17 kingdoms, collectibles and Cappy’s capture mechanic. Halo Infinite offers a solo campaign and online modes, including Big Team Battle for up to 24 players. Choose by genre, and confirm you own a compatible console.
Does Mario Odyssey or Halo Infinite have better multiplayer?
Microsoft Halo Infinite Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One offers online competition, including Big Team Battle for up to 24 players. Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey for Nintendo Switch has a two-player assist mode: Player 2 controls Cappy while Player 1 controls Mario.
For local group play, Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch supports up to 4 players. Nintendo Super Mario Bros. Wonder for Nintendo Switch also supports up to 4 players, with co-op platforming.
Which console should you buy for these games?
Nintendo Switch OLED Model with White Joy-Con suits Mario games. Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB Console – Galaxy Black is a premium choice for Halo Infinite.
Nintendo Switch OLED Model has a 7-inch OLED screen and supports handheld, tabletop and TV play. Nintendo Switch Lite – Turquoise has a 5.5-inch screen and is handheld-only.
Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB Console supports 4K and has an optical disc drive. Microsoft Xbox Series S 1TB Console – Carbon Black is digital-only and has 1TB of storage. Both consoles play Halo Infinite.
Is Nintendo Switch or Xbox better for family gaming?
Nintendo Switch offers family-friendly platforming and party games. Xbox Series X|S suits households focused on shooters and digital Xbox games.
Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Super Mario Bros. Wonder for Nintendo Switch cover exploration, racing and co-op platforming. Microsoft Halo Infinite Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One focuses on sci-fi action.
Check game ratings and multiplayer settings for younger players. Local-player support varies by title.
What should you look for in a Black Friday 2026 gaming pick?
Match the game or console to your preferred genre, platform and play style. Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey for Nintendo Switch offers exploration, Microsoft Halo Infinite Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One offers sci-fi shooting, Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch offers racing, and Nintendo Super Mario Bros. Wonder for Nintendo Switch offers co-op platforming.
For hardware, compare the Nintendo Switch OLED Model’s 7-inch screen and TV mode with the Nintendo Switch Lite’s 5.5-inch handheld display. For Xbox, weigh the Xbox Series X’s disc drive and 4K support against the Xbox Series S’s digital-only design.
Buying Guide
Start with your preferred game genre
Choose Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey for Nintendo Switch for exploration, or Microsoft Halo Infinite Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One for sci-fi shooting.
Match the game to your console
Nintendo games in this guide require a Nintendo Switch system. Halo Infinite supports Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. Check compatibility before buying.
Choose local or online multiplayer
Microsoft Halo Infinite Standard Edition supports Big Team Battle for up to 24 players. Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Super Mario Bros. Wonder for Nintendo Switch support up to 4 players.
Decide between portable and TV play
Nintendo Switch OLED Model supports handheld, tabletop and TV play. Nintendo Switch Lite is handheld-only. Xbox Series X|S consoles suit a TV or monitor setup.
Check storage and physical media
Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB Console has an optical disc drive; Microsoft Xbox Series S 1TB Console is digital-only. Nintendo Switch OLED Model has 64 GB of storage, while Nintendo Switch Lite has 32 GB.
FAQ
Is Mario Odyssey better than Halo Infinite?
Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey for Nintendo Switch is better for players who want colorful exploration and platforming. Microsoft Halo Infinite Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One is better for sci-fi shooting and online team matches. Choose by genre, not by assuming one game replaces the other.
Can you play Halo Infinite on Nintendo Switch?
No. Microsoft Halo Infinite Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One is an Xbox game, not a Nintendo Switch title. Nintendo Switch players looking for a platform adventure can choose Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey for Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Super Mario Bros. Wonder for Nintendo Switch.
Is Super Mario Odyssey multiplayer?
Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey for Nintendo Switch has a two-player assist mode. One player controls Mario, while the second player controls Cappy. The mode lets another person join the adventure, but it is not a full two-player co-op campaign.
Which Xbox console is best for Halo Infinite?
Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB Console – Galaxy Black is the premium option for Halo Infinite, with 4K support and an optical disc drive. Microsoft Xbox Series S 1TB Console – Carbon Black is a compact digital-only alternative with 1TB of storage.
Which Nintendo Switch is best for Mario games?
Nintendo Switch OLED Model with White Joy-Con is the most flexible choice for Mario games because it supports handheld, tabletop and TV play. Nintendo Switch Lite – Turquoise is a compact handheld-only alternative for players who do not need television connectivity.
Is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe good for groups?
Yes. Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch is a strong group game, with local racing for up to 4 players and online races for up to 12. Its accessible racing controls make it a natural fit for family sessions and casual competition.