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| Pokémon Legends: Z-A Switch 2 retail box is shown |
If you’ve been holding out for a decent sale on some of the Nintendo Switch 2’s biggest launch titles, your patience is finally paying off – but only if you have a Costco membership. While most retailers like Amazon and Best Buy continue to list first-party gems like Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond at full $59.99 MSRP, Costco warehouse locations across the country are quietly offering these games for just $29.97.
That’s not a typo. Half off. On games that haven’t even seen a 10% discount anywhere else.
The deals were first flagged by reliable deal hunter Wario64 on X (formerly Twitter), and they appear to be an in‑warehouse phenomenon rather than an online promotion. That means you’ll need to physically visit a Costco (or use the retailer’s app to check local stock via the “warehouse” tab) to snag these prices. But for savvy shoppers willing to make the trip, the savings are massive.
Below, we break down each title on sale, what critics are saying, and whether these discounts signal a broader shift in Nintendo’s famously stubborn pricing strategy.
The Deal That’s Breaking Nintendo’s Pricing Mold
Nintendo is notorious for keeping its first‑party games within spitting distance of their launch price – sometimes for years. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild still hovers around $40–$50 nearly a decade after its original release. So seeing two major Switch 2 exclusives slashed by 50% just months after launch is practically unheard of.
According to Wario64’s post, the offers are member‑only and vary by location. But early reports from multiple Costco warehouses confirm that Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and even the surprise hit Kirby Air Riders are ringing up at $29.97 at the register.
Check your local Costco inventory through the warehouse tab in the Costco app before heading out – stock appears to be limited.
For comparison, Amazon still lists all three games at $59.99 , and no other major competitor has matched Costco’s price. That makes this one of the most aggressive Nintendo game discounts we’ve seen from a big‑box retailer in years.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Real‑Time Battles in an Urban Playground
The latest entry in Game Freak’s Pokémon Legends sub‑series takes the franchise in a bold new direction. Instead of sprawling wild areas, Pokémon Legends: Z‑A confines the action entirely to Lumiose City – a sprawling, vertically layered metropolis where real‑time battles replace turn‑based combat.
Critics have mostly applauded the change. The game holds a 78 Metacritic score, with praise for its stable frame rate and ambitious mix of monster collecting and action RPG mechanics. Digital Foundry noted that the Switch 2’s extra horsepower keeps the city running smoothly even during chaotic multi‑Pokémon skirmishes.
However, not everyone is thrilled. Some players have complained that Lumiose City, despite its size, feels “emptier than expected” – with too few NPCs and side activities to make the urban environment truly alive. Still, for $30 instead of $60, it’s a no‑brainer for anyone who’s ever wanted to dodge a Hyper Beam in real time.
Also included in the same sale: Pokémon Pokopia (a smaller companion title). Both are $29.97 at participating Costcos.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Worth the Agonizing Wait?
After nearly seven years of development hell, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond finally landed on Switch 2 to strong reviews – matching Pokémon Legends: Z‑A’s 78 score on Metacritic. Retro Studios delivered a visually stunning sci‑fi adventure that pushes Nintendo’s hardware to its limits, complete with new traversal options like a motorcycle‑like hoverbike for exploring the alien world of Viewros.
Digital Foundry’s technical analysis praised the game’s optimizations, calling it “one of the best‑looking titles on Switch 2” with consistent performance in both handheld and docked modes.
So why the discount? The most common criticism mirrors Pokémon’s: the open world can feel barren. Samus’s solo journey is atmospheric and methodical, but some players found long stretches of empty terrain with little to do. If you loved the isolation of Metroid Prime on GameCube, you’ll feel right at home. If you expected a bustling Breath of the Wild‑style world, you might be disappointed.
At $29.97, though, even skeptics should consider taking the plunge. That’s the price of a couple of movie tickets for a 20‑hour campaign that’s dripping with atmosphere.
Kirby Air Riders – Simple Controls, Devilish Depth
The surprise of the bunch is Kirby Air Riders, director Mashiro Sakurai’s passion project and a spiritual successor to the GameCube cult classic Kirby Air Ride. On the surface, it looks like a casual kart racer – cute visuals, simple steering, and a pink puffball protagonist. But don’t let that fool you.
While Mario Kart World leans into chaotic item‑spam and rubber‑banding AI, Kirby Air Riders is faster, more technical, and places equal emphasis on combat and racing. You’ll need to master drifting, air dodges, and ability‑based attacks to finish first. The learning curve is steep, but the payoff is one of the most rewarding multiplayer experiences on Switch 2.
At $29.97, this is the lowest price ever for Sakurai’s pet project. It’s a fantastic pickup for local co‑op sessions or solo time trials.
Should You Buy Now, or Wait for Deeper Discounts?
That’s the million‑dollar question. Nintendo has publicly committed to keeping physical game prices stable, and so far they haven’t raised the MSRP of the Switch 2 or its software despite ongoing component shortages and inflation. However, discounts like Costco’s are almost certainly limited‑time inventory clearances rather than a permanent price drop.
Industry analysts note that retailers occasionally use first‑party Nintendo games as loss leaders to drive warehouse foot traffic. Once these copies sell out, they’re unlikely to be restocked at the same price. And with memory shortages still affecting production of Switch 2 game cards, some buyers fear future price increases – though Nintendo has not signaled any such move.
The bottom line: If you have a Costco membership and one of these games is on your wishlist, don’t wait. At $29.97, you’re paying half of what Amazon, Best Buy, and Target are asking. And you can always check Amazon’s current pricing right here to confirm the savings.
For the latest warehouse inventory, follow Wario64’s update on X – they’re often first to post when stock refreshes.
Final Take: A Rare Win for Bargain‑Hunting Nintendo Fans
Costco’s silent sale on Pokémon Legends: Z‑A, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and Kirby Air Riders is the kind of deal Nintendo fans usually only dream about. Half off first‑party titles within months of launch? That never happens. But here we are.
Whether you’re a longtime Pokémon breeder, a bounty hunter itching to explore Viewros, or a racer looking for something faster than Mario Kart, $29.97 is an absolute steal. Just remember: these prices are only guaranteed at your local Costco warehouse – and only while supplies last.
Have you spotted other Nintendo Switch 2 games on clearance at Costco? Share your finds in the comments below.
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| Switch 2 games on sale at Costco |