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- Best overall: Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch
- Best budget: Nintendo Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch
- Best premium: Nintendo Switch 2 – Console
- Best for handheld play: Nintendo Switch OLED Model – White Joy-Con
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is the stronger pick for open-world exploration, building and long-form adventure.
- Super Mario Odyssey is the better fit for colorful platforming, focused levels and cooperative play for 2 players.
- Both games are Nintendo Switch exclusives and are playable on Nintendo Switch 2.
- Choose a Nintendo Switch OLED Model for a 7-inch OLED screen or Nintendo Switch 2 for newer hardware and a 7.9-inch display.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario Odyssey are two standout Nintendo Switch adventures, but they deliver very different kinds of fun. For Black Friday 2026, choose Tears of the Kingdom for a huge open world, creative building and a story-led quest. Choose Super Mario Odyssey for nimble 3D platforming, clever transformations and a lively trip across distinct kingdoms. I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to build a guide around the games, useful alternatives and compatible consoles.
Here's the bottom line: Tears of the Kingdom is the pick for players who want a deep adventure to explore at their own pace. Super Mario Odyssey is the sharper choice for quick, joyful platforming sessions. Both games suit solo players, and each offers a distinct reason to revisit the Nintendo Switch library. Below, you’ll find clear picks, concise specs and practical shopping advice for choosing a game or console during the Black Friday 2026 season.
How We Picked
- Compared each game’s genre, player count, play style and appeal for different ages and experience levels.
- Reviewed official Nintendo product specifications and compatibility information for console and game picks.
- Considered owner feedback and recurring strengths, including exploration, replay value, controls and co-op options.
- Selected alternatives that give shoppers useful choices beyond the two main games, including platformers and adventure titles.
- Prioritized clear Black Friday shopping decisions without relying on temporary pricing or retailer-specific claims.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Players | Play style | Standout detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch | Open-world exploration | 1 | Action-adventure | 3 world layers |
| Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey – Nintendo Switch | 3D platforming | 1-2 | 3D platformer | 17 kingdoms |
| Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch | Open-world Zelda | 1 | Action-adventure | 4 core regions |
| Nintendo Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch | Family multiplayer | 1-4 | 2D platformer | 12 playable characters |
| Nintendo Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury – Nintendo Switch | Co-op platforming | 1-4 | Platformer | 2 included games |
| Nintendo Switch OLED Model – White Joy-Con | Handheld gaming | 1-2 | Console | 7-inch OLED |
| Nintendo Switch 2 – Console | Newer hardware | 1-2 | Console | 7.9-inch display |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch is the best open-world adventure for players who want freedom and creative problem-solving, with 3 major map layers to explore.
Best for: Open-world exploration and creative play
- Players
- 1
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Play style
- Open-world action-adventure
- World layers
- 3
- Combines surface, sky and underground exploration.
- Building mechanics encourage inventive solutions.
- A deep solo adventure with plenty to discover.
- The Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch's broad world and systems can feel demanding for players who want a short, direct platformer.
Is the Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch is a strong pick for players who enjoy exploration, puzzles and flexible combat. Three connected world layers give the adventure a huge sense of scale.
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#2
Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey – Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey – Nintendo Switch is the best 3D platformer for players who want playful level design and easy-to-learn controls, with 2-player cooperative play.
Best for: Colorful platforming and co-op
- Players
- 1-2
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Genre
- 3D platformer
- Main worlds
- 17 kingdoms
- Cappy’s capture ability adds variety to movement and puzzles.
- Distinct kingdoms keep the journey fresh.
- Two players can join in cooperative mode.
- The co-op role is more limited than the main player’s role.
Is the Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey – Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey – Nintendo Switch is a great choice for accessible 3D platforming, memorable worlds and optional 2-player co-op. The kingdom-by-kingdom structure also suits players who prefer clear objectives over a vast open world.
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#3
Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch is the best pick for players who want a foundational open-world Zelda adventure, with 1 player exploring a vast version of Hyrule.
Best for: A first open-world Zelda game
- Players
- 1
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Genre
- Open-world action-adventure
- Core regions
- 4
- Offers freedom to approach challenges in different ways.
- Exploration and environmental puzzles reward curiosity.
- A natural companion to Tears of the Kingdom.
- Players who own Tears of the Kingdom already know many of its world and design foundations.
Is the Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch a good Black Friday 2026 alternative?
Yes. The Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch is an excellent alternative for players who want to start with the earlier open-world adventure. The Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch's 1-player format and exploration-first design make it a strong solo choice.
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#4
Nintendo Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch is the best 2D platformer for families and groups, with local play for up to 4 players.
Best for: Family-friendly multiplayer
- Players
- 1-4
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Genre
- 2D platformer
- Playable characters
- 12
- Local multiplayer supports a full group of 4.
- Wonder effects transform familiar stages in surprising ways.
- A welcoming option for mixed skill levels.
- Side-scrolling levels offer less open-ended exploration than the Zelda games.
Is the Nintendo Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Nintendo Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch is a strong group pick because up to 4 players can join the fun. The Nintendo Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch's 2D stages and changing Wonder effects make it a more social, pick-up-and-play option than either featured adventure.
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#5
Nintendo Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury – Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury – Nintendo Switch is the best two-in-one platforming pick for players who want both co-op stages and an open-area adventure, with up to 4 players in Super Mario 3D World.
Best for: Co-op platforming and variety
- Players
- 1-4
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Included games
- 2
- Super Mario 3D World players
- Up to 4
- Pairs structured courses with a more open Bowser's Fury adventure.
- Local co-op gives friends and family a reason to play together.
- Offers two different platforming formats in one package.
- Bowser's Fury supports fewer simultaneous players than the main game.
Is the Nintendo Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury – Nintendo Switch a good Black Friday 2026 buy?
Yes. The Nintendo Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury – Nintendo Switch brings 2 distinct platforming experiences together. Pick it for local multiplayer, varied courses and a separate open-area adventure rather than a single long story.
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#6
Nintendo Switch OLED Model – White Joy-Con
The Nintendo Switch OLED Model – White Joy-Con is the best screen upgrade for players who prefer handheld or tabletop gaming, with a 7-inch OLED display.
Best for: Handheld play and a vivid screen
- Screen
- 7-inch OLED
- Internal storage
- 64 GB
- Battery life
- Approximately 4.5-9 hours
- Play modes
- 3
- OLED screen gives handheld games vivid color and contrast.
- Includes handheld, tabletop and TV play modes.
- A comfortable fit for both featured games.
- The OLED screen benefit is most noticeable in handheld and tabletop play.
Is the Nintendo Switch OLED Model – White Joy-Con worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Nintendo Switch OLED Model – White Joy-Con is a good fit for players who spend substantial time away from the TV. The Nintendo Switch OLED Model – White Joy-Con's 7-inch OLED screen, 64 GB of internal storage and three play modes make it a versatile system for Switch games.
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#7
Nintendo Switch 2 – Console
The Nintendo Switch 2 – Console is the best premium hardware pick for players seeking a newer Nintendo system, with a 7.9-inch built-in display.
Best for: Newer hardware and a larger screen
- Screen
- 7.9-inch LCD
- Internal storage
- 256 GB
- Display resolution
- 1080p handheld
- Play modes
- 3
- Plays compatible Nintendo Switch games, including both featured picks.
- Larger screen and higher handheld resolution than the OLED model.
- Supports handheld, tabletop and TV play.
- A premium system is more than players need if their only goal is to play these two Switch games.
Is the Nintendo Switch 2 – Console worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Nintendo Switch 2 – Console is a strong long-term choice for players who want newer hardware and a 7.9-inch display. The console plays compatible Nintendo Switch titles, including The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario Odyssey.
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Which is better, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom or Super Mario Odyssey?
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch excels at open-world exploration, flexible combat and creative building. Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey – Nintendo Switch focuses on lively platforming, compact challenges and Cappy’s ability to control enemies and objects.
Choose Zelda for a sprawling solo adventure with room to set your own goals. Choose Mario for distinct kingdoms, quick challenges and optional 2-player play.
Is The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom or Super Mario Odyssey better for a first-time player?
Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey – Nintendo Switch is a friendly starting point, with clear objectives, approachable controls and short challenges. The second player can take a simple supporting role.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch suits players who enjoy setting their own course. Its open world offers more freedom, but Mario is the easier choice for a straightforward first game.
Which game has better replay value for Black Friday 2026?
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch offers a vast world, multiple routes and open-ended challenges. Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey – Nintendo Switch rewards return visits with collectible hunts, hidden areas and distinct kingdoms. Choose Zelda for exploration or Mario for repeatable platforming in shorter sessions.
Which Nintendo Switch console should I buy for these games?
Nintendo Switch OLED Model – White Joy-Con has a 7-inch OLED display and 64 GB of storage, making it a strong fit for handheld play. Nintendo Switch 2 – Console offers a 7.9-inch LCD display, 256 GB of storage and upgraded hardware. Check each game’s compatibility and the console bundle details before ordering.
Are The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario Odyssey good gifts?
Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey – Nintendo Switch suits fans of cheerful platformers and supports 2-player play. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch is a strong pick for fans of long adventures and creative problem-solving. For a new player, confirm whether the gift includes a console. Nintendo Super Mario Bros. Wonder supports up to 4 players and is another family-friendly option.
Buying Guide
Choose by the kind of adventure you want
Choose The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch for exploration and creative solutions. Choose Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey – Nintendo Switch for platforming and clear stages.
Check player count before choosing a gift
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom supports 1 player. Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey supports 1–2 players, while Nintendo Super Mario Bros. Wonder supports up to 4.
Match your console to your play style
Choose Nintendo Switch OLED Model – White Joy-Con for its 7-inch OLED screen. Choose Nintendo Switch 2 – Console for its 7.9-inch screen, 256 GB storage and newer hardware.
Review compatibility and package details
Confirm the game format, console compatibility and whether the listing includes a physical game card or digital code. Check bundle contents, language details and return terms.
Use Black Friday to compare the full purchase
Compare the game, console, storage and accessories together. Game-only purchases suit existing Nintendo Switch owners; new players need compatible hardware too.
FAQ
Zelda Tears of the Kingdom vs Mario Odyssey: which is better?
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is better for open-world exploration and creative problem-solving. Super Mario Odyssey is better for 3D platforming, distinct stages and optional 2-player co-op. Choose based on whether a large adventure or brisk platforming sounds more fun.
Can I play Tears of the Kingdom and Mario Odyssey on Nintendo Switch 2?
Yes. Nintendo Switch 2 plays compatible Nintendo Switch games, including The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario Odyssey. Check the official compatibility information for any game-specific details, and confirm the format of the game listing before you buy.
Is Super Mario Odyssey multiplayer?
Yes. Super Mario Odyssey supports 1-2 players in cooperative mode. One player controls Mario while the other controls Cappy. The second role is more limited, so the game is best treated as a solo platformer with a simple co-op option.
Is Tears of the Kingdom a 1-player game?
Yes. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a 1-player action-adventure game. The experience centers on exploring Hyrule, solving puzzles, building tools and progressing through a solo story. Choose another title from this guide if local multiplayer is essential.
Should I buy Nintendo Switch OLED or Nintendo Switch 2 for these games?
Choose Nintendo Switch OLED Model – White Joy-Con for its 7-inch OLED screen and handheld-focused value. Choose Nintendo Switch 2 – Console for newer hardware, 256 GB internal storage and a 7.9-inch display. Both offer multiple play modes and support compatible games.
Which Mario game is best for a family on Nintendo Switch?
Nintendo Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch is a strong family choice because up to 4 players can play together. Nintendo Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury – Nintendo Switch is another good option, with co-op stages and a separate adventure.