With the recent launch of its newest version, Nintendo Switch 2, gamers across the country may be looking for an upgrade. But at $449.99 — or $300 to $350 for the original Switch — you might be wondering what your financing options are.
Today, we’ll explore in-store financing, buy now, pay later (BNPL) apps and cash advance providers so you can decide which method makes the most sense for your budget.
Nintendo store financing
According to its website, all payments have to be paid in full via credit cards that have security codes. Payment methods other than credit cards, like PayPal, aren’t accepted.
Store payment plan
The most convenient way to finance a Nintendo Switch is through the retailer where you buy it. Most stores offer repayment plans anywhere from three to 24 months, and you may even be able to qualify for interest-free financing. Many retailers also offer the option of using a BNPL app, where you’ll typically repay it in four installments over six weeks.
Average cost: $300 to $450
Terms: 3 to 24 months
Pros
- Convenient financing option
- 0% financing possible
- Flexible repayment plans
Cons
- Need to meet qualification requirements
- May charge high rates for poor credit
- Not all retailers offer financing plans
Compare these financing options from select retailers that carry the Nintendo Switch gaming system.
| Amazon |
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| Best Buy |
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| GameStop |
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| Target |
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| Walmart |
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BNPL apps
There are plenty of BNPL apps on the market that you can use to purchase a Nintendo Switch. In general, there are no interest charges if you “pay in 4,” although there may be fees. And most don’t require a hard credit check, so they’re easier to qualify for than credit cards or personal loans.
Still, qualification isn’t guaranteed, and you’ll need to meet minimum requirements, which vary by provider. Many apps also offer longer repayment plans, but you have to pay interest on those loans, and rates can reach as high as 36% — worse than most credit cards.
Pros
- Accepted by many retailers
Easier to qualify for than loans
Typically no interest on short loan terms
Cons
- Some BNPL apps charge fees
Rates for longer-term plans can be steep
Not accepted at all stores
Here’s a quick look at some of the most popular BNPL apps on the market today.
| Affirm | Up to $20,000 | Pay in 4 or up to 60 months | 0% to 36% |
| Afterpay | Limits start around $600 | Pay in 4, or 6 to 12 months | 0% to 35.99% |
| Klarna | No set limits | Pay in 4, within 30 days or 6 to 24-month terms | 0% to 33.99% |
| PayPal | Up to $10,000 | Pay in 4, or 3 to 24 months | 0% to 35.99% |
| Perpay | Up to $1,000 initial spending limit | Up to 6 months | 0% |
| Sezzle | Up to $15,000 | Pay in 2 or 4, or up to 48 months | 0% to 34.99%; service fee up to $5.99 |
| Zip | Varies | Pay in 4 or 8 installments | Up to 31.66% interest, plus installment fees of up to $78 |
Cash advance apps
Another option to consider is a cash advance app, where you get access to cash rather than credit. A cash advance app might be a good choice if you already have some money saved but need a little extra to afford your new Switch console. They’re typically easy to qualify for and don’t charge interest or late fees.
But they often require a monthly subscription fee — although some are practically free. And advance amounts usually start small if you’re a first-time user. Plus, if you want the money right away, there’s generally a fee for instant transfers. However, if you can wait a couple of days, most apps offer free transfers.
Pros
- Easy to qualify for
- Fast funding possible
- No interest or late fees
Cons
- May require a monthly subscription
- Fees for instant transfers
- Shorter loan terms than other options
Compare these cash advance providers, which are available to almost anyone with a bank account and a steady income.
| Varo | Up to $500 | 15 to 30 days | No membership fee, instant transfer fee up to $40 | Instant, once qualified |
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| Albert | Up to $500 | Within 6 days of overdraft, with possible 7-day extension | $11.99 monthly subscription to access overdraft protection | Instant |
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| Brigit | $50 to $250 | Until your next payday, but can extend | Brigit Plus: $8.99/month; Brigit Premium: $14.99/month | 1 to 3 business days or instant with a Premium subscription or for a fee. |
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| Chime MyPay | Up to $500 | Until next deposit | No subscription fees | Within 24 hours or $2 for instant transfers |
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| Cleo | Up to $250 | Next deposit | $5.99 monthly membership fee to access cash advances | 3 to 4 days or instant for a fee. |
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| Current | $50 to $750 | Next deposit | Free | Up to 3 days or within an hour for a fee |
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| EarnIn | Up to $150/day, with a max of $750 between paydays | 1 to 4 weeks | Free to use or within minutes with a fee as low as $2.99 per transfer | 1 to 2 business days or within 30 minutes for a fee |
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| Dave | Up to $500 | Varies | Undisclosed | Free instant transfers to Dave Checking, up to 3 business days for free, or within an hour for a fee |
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| MoneyLion | Up to $500 or $1,000 with RoarMoney account | Due by your next pay date | Free | Up to 5 days or instant for a fee of $0.49 to $8.99 |
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| Vola | Up to $500 | Until next payday, but can extend | $2.99 to $28.99 membership fee | Within 5 hours or instant to Vola card |
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Alternative ways to afford a Nintendo Switch without financing
If you don’t qualify for financing, don’t want to take on another debt or are willing to wait for the right deal, consider these other options.
- Buy it second-hand. You could save a bundle by buying a used or refurbished model — some even offer limited warranties.
- Purchase bundles. If you know you want Mario Kart World, for example, plus the game console, you can purchase them together for less than you’d pay if you bought them separately. This can also be a good way to save on accessories.
- Watch for sales. Prefer not to pay full price and don’t mind a little delayed gratification? Wait for a sale like Black Friday, and you could save big.
Pros and cons of financing a Nintendo Switch
While there are some low-cost options available, consider the benefits and drawbacks of financing a Nintendo Switch before deciding if it’s the right move for you.
Pros
- Split purchase price into affordable installments
Numerous financing options to choose from
Interest-free financing is possible
Cons
- May not qualify for low-cost financing
Rates could be as high as 36%
May charge fees
Is financing a Nintendo Switch worth it?
Paying over time can be a good way to get your Switch without stretching your budget too far if you can afford the repayments and qualify for interest-free financing.
But if you’d rather not have another bill to worry about or you don’t qualify for financing, you may want to consider saving up, buying refurbished or waiting for it to go on sale.
Frequently asked questions
Can I Klarna a Switch?
Yes. Klarna works with a number of stores that sell the Nintendo Switch, and it offers multiple repayment plans. Depending on your budget, you can choose to pay in four interest-free installments or opt for a longer repayment plan from six to 24 months.
Can you do monthly payments on a Nintendo Switch?
Yes. In-store financing options typically offer monthly repayment plans from three to 24 months. Plus, most BNPL apps also have monthly plans available for qualified customers.
