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Nintendo’s 2026 holiday promotion gives eligible My Nintendo members a way to enter a sweepstakes for a New York City trip, while expanding hundreds of former Nintendo-store exclusives to shoppers nationwide. Entries are open from October 15 through November 2, 2026, and no purchase is required.
How to enter the Nintendo NEW YORK Holiday Magic Sweepstakes
The promotion runs from 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time on October 15, 2026, until 11:00 p.m. Pacific Time on November 2, 2026. It is open to adults age 18 or older who reside in the contiguous United States or the District of Columbia. Residents of Alaska and Hawaii are excluded.
- Create or use a Nintendo Account.
- Open the My Nintendo rewards page while signed in.
- Redeem 10 Platinum Points for one sweepstakes entry.
- Repeat the redemption only as needed, up to 10 total entries per person.
No purchase is necessary. Because the entry window closes at a specific Pacific Time deadline, submit any final entry before 11:00 p.m. PT on November 2 rather than relying on a local-time conversion at the last minute. Nintendo has not published odds of winning in the announcement.
What the winner receives
One winner and up to three guests will receive a three-day, two-night trip to New York City scheduled between December 3 and December 7, 2026. Nintendo lists an approximate retail value of $3,271; the value can vary.
#1 Best Overall
- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
| Prize element | What Nintendo specifies |
|---|---|
| Air travel | JetBlue certificates covering the base fare of roundtrip Main flights |
| Accommodation | Two hotel nights |
| Local travel | Ground transportation |
| Nintendo NEW YORK access | A VIP tour or experience at the store |
| Seasonal programming | Access to holiday activities |
The announcement does not name the hotel, provide a guaranteed day-by-day event schedule, or state additional trip terms. Those details should be confirmed in the official sweepstakes rules if you enter or are selected.
When Nintendo New York’s holiday events happen
Store decorations
Nintendo says its stores will begin receiving festive displays and décor in mid-November 2026. This timing applies to the company’s store locations, including Nintendo NEW YORK, but it does not establish a complete public event calendar.
Rank #2
- 6.2” LCD screen
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
- Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends
December activities and character appearances
Nintendo NEW YORK holiday events are scheduled to begin in early December. The announcement specifically mentions appearances by Mario and Luigi in costume. Exact dates, times, capacity limits and reservation requirements were not provided.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Mario balloon is scheduled to return for the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, November 26, 2026. NBC, Peacock and Telemundo coverage is listed as beginning at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones. Seeing the balloon is separate from the sweepstakes trip and does not require entry.
Rank #3
- Play your way with the Nintendo Switch gaming system. Whether you’re at home or on the go, solo or with friends, the Nintendo Switch system is designed to fit your life. Dock your Nintendo Switch to enjoy HD gaming on your TV. Heading out? Just undock your console and keep playing in handheld mode
- This model includes battery life of approximately 4.5 - 9 hours.
- The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (games sold separately)
- Model number HAC 001( 01)
“The Mario balloon also returns for the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, bringing his larger-than-life energy to one of the season’s biggest traditions.”
— Nintendo of America, October 15, 2026
Where to buy Nintendo holiday merchandise online
Nintendo says hundreds of products that were previously exclusive to its New York and San Francisco stores are now available nationwide through Nintendo.com and the Nintendo Store app. The expanded catalog includes merchandise tied to Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Animal Crossing, Pikmin and Splatoon.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- 6.2” LCD screen.
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
Online availability is useful if you cannot travel to New York or San Francisco, but it is not the same as attending an in-store holiday activity or a VIP experience. Check the current product page for stock, sizes, shipping dates and regional restrictions because the announcement does not guarantee inventory for any individual item.
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What to look for
- Super Mario winter collection apparel and accessories
- Character-themed gifts from The Legend of Zelda, Animal Crossing, Pikmin and Splatoon
- Store merchandise newly offered through Nintendo’s nationwide online channels
Online entry versus visiting Nintendo New York
| Option | Access requirement | What it provides | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| My Nintendo entry | Eligible adult, Nintendo Account and 10 Platinum Points per entry | Chance to win the trip; no purchase required | October 15–November 2, 2026 |
| Online shopping | Internet access and an available item | Nationwide access to hundreds of formerly store-exclusive products | Available through Nintendo.com and the Nintendo Store app |
| Nintendo NEW YORK visit | Travel to New York City; event-specific access may vary | In-person store atmosphere, holiday activities and possible Mario and Luigi appearances | Holiday programming begins in early December |
Important limitations before you enter or travel
- The sweepstakes is limited to the contiguous United States and the District of Columbia; Alaska and Hawaii are excluded.
- Each entry costs 10 Platinum Points, and the maximum is 10 entries per person.
- The prize covers the listed JetBlue base fares, two hotel nights, ground transportation and Nintendo experiences; the announcement does not specify every incidental expense.
- The approximate $3,271 value is not a guaranteed cash amount and may vary.
- Nintendo has not published winning odds, an exact hotel, or a complete holiday-event schedule in the announcement.
- Merchandise stock, event capacity and dates can change, so verify current details before making travel plans.
Why this matters for Nintendo fans
The promotion combines three separate holiday opportunities: a points-based online sweepstakes, nationwide access to merchandise that once required a store visit, and seasonal programming at Nintendo NEW YORK. Nintendo’s company description says it has sold 6.1 billion video games and 870 million hardware units since its founding in 1889, giving the holiday campaign a broad audience beyond visitors who can reach New York City.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand
- Two players can each take one
- Multiple Joy-Con can be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options (additional Joy-Con sold separately)
- Slip a set of Joy-Con into a Joy-Con grip accessory, mirroring a more traditional controller. Or, select an optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
