Nintendo is known for releasing plenty of special editions for all its consoles and handhelds. Naturally, the Switch is no different, with a wide collection of versions of the system having been released since it first launched in 2017. There are currently 19 different special editions of the Switch, with each being linked to a specific game launch.
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 Nintendo Switch special edition model.
Updated on April 3rd, 2026 by Hilton Webster: There are quite a few Special Editions Switch consoles out there. Plenty, in fact, that you’ve probably never even seen. We’ve added a couple more Switch Special Editions that are especially rare,as well as given the article a general tidy-up.
Special Mention – Trials Of Mana (2020)
- Availability: Competition
- Special Features: Switch, Joy-Con, Joy-Con Grip, Dock
Alongside the remake of Trials of Mana for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4, Square Enix announced special edition consoles for both the Nintendo Switch and PS4. To get your hands on one, you had to enter a competition in 2020; however, there has been little information released about it since then, making it a very elusive special edition to obtain.
The console itself has a yellow backplate with the face of a Rabite (one of the series’ mascots) in the center. The dock is a similar story, with the same color scheme and a full body image of a Rabite. The Joy-Con are an orange-yellow shade to complement the overall Rabite yellow theme. Unlike other special editions, this one has a customized Joy-Con grip, depicting a Rabite soaring in the air above the game’s title.
9 Ways To Make Your Old Switch Games Feel Like A New Experience On The Switch 2
They may be old, but these titles are gold on the Switch 2!
Labo Edition
Released 2021
- Availability: Competition
- Special Features: Is not actually cardboard
Labo stands as one of the most unique initiatives Nintendo did with the Switch. And while it may not have lasted very long or really given that much support, it did produce one of the most unique Switch consoles there is.
Styled to look like cardboard itself, the console was a reward for winning in the Creators Contest, held in various regions across the world. As such, the number that exist is fairly limited, likely with less than 20 units ever created.
Pokemon Snap Edition
Released 2021
- Availability: Competition, Japan only
- Special Features: Includes a signature by Machito Gomi
Despite many other Pokemon games getting special Switch consoles, Pokemon Snap did not. Such a large release as the return of a beloved entry in the series, you’d think it would have gotten a bit more fanfare.
Well, it did. But only in Japan, and in a very limited fashion. In a competition run by CoroCoro magazine, sending in pictures you took in Pokemon SNap gave you the chance to get this Switch with a custom dock, even signed by artist Machito Gomi.
Splatoon 2 Fresh Four Championship Edition
Released 2021
- Availability: Competition
- Special Features: Came with a paired Pro Controller
There’s already a fairly simple Splatoon 2 console, as well as the more ambitious Splatoon 3 console. But between the two of them, Nintendo created a Splatoon 2 console that is equal parts beautiful and rare.
Given as a reward to the top performing players in the Splatoon 2 Fresh Four Championships in 2021, it has unique Joy-cons and Dock, and even came with a unique Pro Controller, 2.
Hyrule Edition Lite
Released September 26, 2024
- Availability: General release
The Nintendo Switch Lite got the Legend of Zelda treatment with this console, which continues the golden color scheme of many Zelda-themed consoles, such as the 3DS and Game Boy Advance. On the front, the theming is subtle, with just a small Triforce beneath the right stick.
The back is decorated with the Hylian Crest – also in gold – that shines when it hits the light. It’s a tried-and-true design, if a little simple, but you can’t go wrong with the Triforce and a splash of gold.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aloha Editions Lite
Released October 20th, 2023
- Special Features: Comes in two different colours.
In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, you move to a deserted island where you meet Isabelle, who works at Resident Services, and Timmy and Tommy, who run Nook’s Cranny. Isabelle and Timmy and Tommy are the stars of these Nintendo Switch Lite consoles, with the leaf pattern of their shirts printed on the back of each design.
The Nintendo Switch Lites are a pleasing salmon pink and teal blue – the perfect tropical color scheme. To top it all off, they have the Nook Inc. logo beneath the right sticks in Tom Nook’s colors.
The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom OLED
Released April 28th, 2023
- Availability: General release
- Special Features: Switch, Dock, Joy-Cons, Straps
To mark Tears of the Kingdom’s launch, Nintendo came out with this OLED special edition that showcases Hyrule’s Crest as well as various symbols from the game. Similar to other The Legend of Zelda special edition consoles, such as the Majora’s Mask 3DS XL, this special edition has a primarily gold colour scheme, in addition to touches of white and green.
The Joy-Con are gold on the front with a white back, and each one has a unique design. The left Joy-Con has a similar green accent to Link’s ancient tunic, and the right one has white swirls, which are also seen on the Switch’s backplate, but embossed in grey. The dock is the star of the show, though, with the golden Triforce in the centre surrounded by a dragon ouroboros.
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet OLED
Released November 4th, 2022
- Availability: General release
- Special Features: Switch, Dock, Joy-Con, Straps
To celebrate the launch of Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, Nintendo created a special edition Switch OLED that encapsulates the two versions of the game. This Switch has a decorated backplate, with graffiti-esque depictions of the three starter Pokemon, Fuecoco, Quaxly, and Sprigatito, as well as other motifs from the game.
The Joy-Con are orange and purple, representing the Naranja and Uva Academies, and have the respective school’s crest emblazoned at the bottom. Koraidon and Miraidon, the legendary mascots, are featured on the dock, with a subtle pattern lining the edge. The back of the dock also has a small PokeBall design in the bottom left corner.
Splatoon 3 OLED
Released August 26th, 2022
- Availability: General release
- Special Features: Switch, Dock, Joy-Con, Straps
The Splatoon 3 Switch OLED is an improvement on the Splatoon 2 Switch’s subtle design. As soon as you see this Switch, you know which game it’s based on, as it perfectly captures Splatoon 3’s essence.
Every Game Boy Advance Game On Nintendo Switch Online, Ranked
We’re counting down the best GBA games on Nintendo Switch Online.
The entire Switch, Joy-Con, and dock are covered in a pattern showing various Splatoon symbols, and a yellow ink splotch gives the white dock a touch of colour. Rather than being a solid color like most other Joy-Con, the pair included with this Switch have blue-to-purple and yellow-to-green gradient effects. The backs are white, but have a sick pattern referencing the Inklings and Octolings.
Dialga & Palkia Lite
Released November 5th, 2021
- Availability: General release
- Special Features: N/A
With the launch of Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, remakes of the original DS games, it was only right that the special edition Diamond & Pearl DS was represented through this Switch Lite.
The entire console is a replica of the initial design, with a shiny dark grey base embossed with outlines of the Generation 4 legendary Pokemon, Dialga and Palkia. The two are printed in silver and gold respectively. It’s a subtle but effective design that looks back on Pokemon’s past and celebrates these iconic games.
Zacian & Zamazenta Lite
Released November 8th, 2019
- Availability:General Release
- Special Features: N/A
The Nintendo Switch Lite Zacian and Zamazenta edition has an understated design that highlights Pokemon Sword & Shield’s legendary wolves. The console itself is a light grey colour, which complements the blue and reddish pink buttons and control sticks – colours that represent each version of the game.
The main feature is on the back, where Zacian and Zamazenta are printed in a dark grey foil. If you’re a fan of this legendary pair, this design will be right up your street. Although the majority of its special design is on the back, it’s a clean look nonetheless.
