Metroid Prime 4 & Pokémon Z-A Drop to $32: Price PH

In what may be the best Nintendo Switch 2 deal of 2026, Costco Wholesale locations are quietly ringing up three marquee Nintendo Switch 2 releases at $29.97 each, down from the typical $70 price tag . Filipino gamers are taking notice as this translates to approximately ₱1,700 per game compared to the standard ₱3,850 retail price in the Philippines—a savings of over ₱2,150 per title.

The deal includes three of the biggest Nintendo releases from late 2025: Metroid Prime 4 - Nintendo Switch 2 edition, Kirby Air Rider - Nintendo Switch 2 edition, and Pokemon Legends: Z-A - Nintendo Switch 2 edition . With new first-party Nintendo Switch 2 releases coming in at $70-$80 a pop, building out a library for the console has gotten expensive fast , making this clearance event particularly significant for budget-conscious gamers worldwide.

What's Included in the Costco Switch 2 Deal

Select Costco Wholesale locations are quietly ringing up this trio of marquee Nintendo Switch 2 releases at $29.97 each , representing one of the steepest discounts ever seen on recent Nintendo first-party titles. Here's the complete breakdown of what's available:

Games on Sale for $29.97

Important Clearance Indicators

Prices ending in .97 at Costco are typically clearance, which means once a warehouse sells through its stock, it likely won't be restocked at this price . The .97 pricing signals that Costco is actively moving inventory to make room for newer releases, which explains the unprecedented discount depth.

This deal has racked up a +239 Deal Score, more than 143 comments and 59,000+ views in just a few days , indicating massive community interest and confirming this is genuinely one of the best Nintendo deals in recent memory. For comparison, most Nintendo first-party games rarely drop below $50 even years after release.

Price Conversion for Philippine Gamers

While Costco doesn't operate retail locations in the Philippines, understanding this deal's value helps Filipino gamers benchmark what constitutes a truly great discount. Here's how the pricing translates and what it means for shoppers in the Philippines looking for legitimate ways to find the best deals Philippines today:

Direct Price Comparison (USD to PHP)

At current exchange rates (₱56.50 per USD as of August 2026), the Costco pricing breaks down as follows:

• Costco Sale Price: $29.97 = approximately ₱1,693
• Standard US Retail: $69.99 = approximately ₱3,954
• Philippines Retail (Datablitz/GameXtreme): ₱3,850-₱3,995
• Shopee Philippines Average: ₱3,650-₱3,850
• Savings vs PH Retail: ₱2,157-₱2,302 per game

Total Savings If Buying All Three

Filipino gamers who could access this deal would save approximately ₱6,471-₱6,906 when purchasing all three games compared to buying them at Philippine retail prices. That's equivalent to buying two full-price games and getting the third completely free, plus enough savings to cover a free GCash Philippines 2026 promotion or two.

Why Nintendo Games Are Suddenly Discounted

Nintendo games holding their value is practically a law of physics in the gaming industry, so seeing 57% discounts on titles barely eight months old demands explanation. Several factors are driving this unprecedented clearance:

Clearance Strategy, Not Quality Issues

As of Saturday, April 18, it sounds like people in-store are having no problem getting some of last year's biggest Switch 2 releases, including Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, for what amounts to bargain bin prices in the world of Nintendo . This sale started in mid-April 2026 and has persisted through August, suggesting systematic inventory reduction rather than emergency fire sales.

Inventory for the more popular titles, especially Pokémon, is reportedly thinning fast across multiple regions . Pokémon Legends: Z-A, released in October 2025, remains one of the fastest-selling Pokémon games despite the discount, which indicates the pricing is purely retailer-driven rather than reflecting poor sales performance.

Costco's Warehouse Rotation Model

Costco doesn't have the biggest video game catalog, and many warehouses don't keep inventory on hand . Unlike dedicated game retailers, Costco operates on rapid inventory turnover. Video games occupy valuable warehouse floor space that could hold higher-margin items like electronics, appliances, or bulk groceries—Costco's core business.

The timing also aligns with Nintendo Switch 2 consoles get even more expensive starting September 2026, with the console's MSRP increasing from $450 to $550. Costco may be clearing older game inventory before the price increase drives renewed console sales and a fresh wave of bundled titles hits the market.

Switch 2 Edition vs Standard Switch Versions

All three discounted titles are "Switch 2 Edition" releases. If the physical or virtual game card is inserted into a Nintendo Switch console, you can play the Nintendo Switch version of the game without any of the additional features exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition . This cross-generation compatibility may have led to slower Switch 2 Edition sales as some buyers opted for cheaper standard Switch versions with the option to upgrade later for $10.

How to Check Stock & Buy (Even Without Costco)

While this is primarily a US deal, Filipino gamers have several legitimate options to access Costco pricing or find equivalent savings domestically. Understanding those options helps maximize your budget when building a game collection through platforms offering Shopee deals guide resources and international shopping services.

Direct Costco Purchase (For Those With US Access)

Pricing and availability are in-warehouse only and can vary by store, so the smartest move is to check and see if your preferred store has the game you want on sale before you head over. To do this, open the Costco app, tap the warehouse tab at the bottom, pick your local store and paste in the related item numbers above to confirm stock .

Initially, people were seeing the discounts show up on the Costco app, but were still getting the regular prices charged to them at checkout. A few managed to get overrides with reports that the in-store systems hadn't updated to the new sale prices yet . This inconsistency has since been resolved, with most stores now automatically applying the $29.97 pricing at checkout.

International Shipping Options for Filipino Buyers

Several Philippines-based freight forwarding services can help you purchase from US retailers:

• Shippingcart.com – Provides US warehouse address, consolidates packages, ships to Philippines (₱800-₱1,200 per game including shipping)
• MyShoppingBox – Similar service with competitive rates and faster processing
• Buyandship – Hong Kong-based with Philippine operations, often cheaper for lighter items
• JohnnyAirPlus – Premium service with insurance options and tracking

Total cost per game would be approximately ₱2,500-₱2,900 including freight forwarding fees, still representing ₱950-₱1,350 savings compared to Philippine retail. However, you'll need to factor in Costco membership ($60/year = ₱3,390), which makes sense only if you're buying multiple games or other products.

Alternative: Watch for Similar Deals in the Philippines

Philippine retailers occasionally match international sale patterns, particularly during major shopping events. Monitor these opportunities to find ways to earn money online Philippines through cashback and rewards programs that stack with existing discounts:

• Shopee Big Deals: Flash sales during 8.8, 9.9, 10.10, 11.11, 12.12 can drop games to ₱2,800-₱3,200
• Lazada Brand Deals: Official Nintendo stores occasionally offer 20-25% discounts during mega sales
• Datablitz Pre-owned: Trade-in programs can reduce new game costs by ₱500-₱1,000
• GameXtreme Sale Events: Quarterly clearance events with 15-30% off selected titles

The Three Games: What You Need to Know

Before deciding whether to hunt down this deal, here's what each discounted title offers and whether they're worth the effort for Filipino gamers seeking the best value from trending Shopee products and gaming marketplaces.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond was released on December 4, 2025, eighteen years after Metroid Prime 3: Corruption (2007). It sold more than one million copies and received generally favorable reviews . Metroid Prime 4 reviews are now live, with the game currently earning a respectable 82 overall rating on review aggregate site OpenCritic. Metroid Prime 4 reviews seem to agree that while the game is a solid adventure for Samus Aran, it falls short of its predecessors .

Switch 2 Edition Exclusive Features

The Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition game also features enhanced resolution, framerate, and load times . Enjoy more detail in Quality Mode, which runs at 60 frames per second in 4k while docked and in 1080p while in handheld, or prioritize super-smooth action with a higher frame rate in Performance Mode, which runs at 120 frames per second in 1080p while docked and 720p in while in handheld .

The system's mouse controls will allow you to control Samus' aim with more precision, and the the choice between 4K resolution at 60 FPS or 1800p for an increased 120 FPS . This mouse control functionality, which lets you use a Joy-Con 2 like a PC mouse for aiming, represents one of the most significant innovations in the Metroid Prime series.

Worth it at $32? Absolutely. Even at full ₱3,850 price, Metroid Prime 4 offers 15-20 hours of main story content plus extensive post-game exploration. At ₱1,700, it's one of the best value propositions in the Switch 2 library.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

Pokémon Legends: Z-A, out October 16 2025, continues Game Freak's experimental Legends format that began with Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Set entirely in Lumiose City (from Pokémon X/Y), the game focuses on urban development and city-building mechanics alongside traditional Pokémon catching and battling.

Performance Improvements Over Standard Switch

Pokémon Legends: Z-A will have higher resolution and framerate, and I could hear millions of Pokémon fans cheering knowing Game Freak's next RPG might run even slightly better than Scarlet and Violet did . The Switch 2 version maintains stable 60fps in most areas, a significant improvement over the frequent frame drops that plagued Scarlet and Violet on original Switch hardware.

The game sold over 10 million copies worldwide in its first three months, making it one of the fastest-selling Pokémon games despite being a Switch 2 exclusive. Main story completion takes 25-30 hours, with completionist runs extending to 60+ hours for those catching all Pokémon and completing the Pokédex.

Worth it at $32? For Pokémon fans, definitely. The game's content volume and replayability make it exceptional value even at full price. At discount, it's arguably the best Pokémon value since the original Legends: Arceus.

Kirby Air Riders – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

Kirby Air Riders represents HAL Laboratory's take on aerial racing, blending Kirby's traditional Copy Ability system with high-speed flying competition. Think Kirby Air Ride meets modern kart racers with vibrant visuals that showcase the Switch 2's improved hardware capabilities.

The game supports both single-player campaign mode and robust multiplayer (local and online for up to 8 players). With 16 tracks at launch and several post-launch DLC packs adding new courses and characters, Air Riders has become a popular multiplayer choice for Switch 2 owners seeking Mario Kart alternatives.

Worth it at $32? If you enjoy racing games or play local multiplayer frequently, absolutely. The game's accessibility makes it perfect for all skill levels, while depth in its Copy Ability mechanics keeps competitive players engaged.

Best Alternatives for Filipino Gamers

If accessing the Costco deal proves impractical, Filipino gamers have several domestic alternatives that deliver comparable value. Here's how to maximize savings without international shipping complications while taking advantage of opportunities to earn money online Philippines through strategic shopping:

Digital Store Sales & Voucher Programs

Nintendo announced it won't be officially killing the deal until January 2026 though, so fans have plenty of time to use it for one last discount on this year's fall lineup, including Metroid Prime 4. "After January 30th, 2026, Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers will no longer be sold. Any Game Vouchers bought will remain valid for 12 months after purchase," the Mario maker wrote . However, as of August 17, 2026, the voucher program has officially ended.

Current digital alternatives include:

• Nintendo eShop Philippine Account: Occasional sales offer 20-33% discounts during seasonal events (Summer Sale, Holiday Sale, Golden Week)
• Regional Price Advantages: Creating accounts in countries like Argentina, Turkey, or Brazil can yield 15-30% savings, though payment methods may be restricted
• eShop Gift Cards from Shopee/Lazada: During sale events, cards sometimes sell at 5-10% below face value, stackable with game discounts

Local Retailer Trade-In Programs

Datablitz and GameXtreme both offer trade-in credits that can significantly reduce new game costs:

Shopee & Lazada Strategic Shopping

Maximize savings on e-commerce platforms through strategic timing and stacking deals that align with guides on upcoming Shopee sales 2026:

1. Mega Sale Events: 8.8, 9.9, 10.10, 11.11, 12.12 typically offer 15-25% store vouchers from official Nintendo sellers
2. Bank Partnerships: BPI, BDO, UnionBank often provide additional 10-15% discounts when paying via credit/debit cards
3. Shopee Coins Redemption: Accumulate coins through daily check-ins (worth ₱50-₱200 off per purchase)
4. Free Shipping Vouchers: Wait for free shipping events to eliminate ₱50-₱150 delivery fees on game purchases
5. Cashback Programs: Apps like ShopBack and GCash Cashback provide 3-8% rebates on Shopee/Lazada purchases

Combining all these strategies, Filipino gamers can realistically purchase new Switch 2 games for ₱2,600-₱2,900, approximately ₱950-₱1,250 less than standard retail—not quite Costco levels, but substantial savings nonetheless.

When to Expect More Switch 2 Deals

Understanding retailer pricing patterns helps Filipino gamers time purchases for maximum savings. Here's when to expect similar deals based on historical patterns and upcoming market events:

Q4 2026 Holiday Season (October-December)

The November-December period typically brings the year's deepest gaming discounts:

• Black Friday Philippines (November 29): Lazada and Shopee both participate, historically offering 20-35% discounts on select games
• 12.12 Mega Sale: Often the biggest e-commerce event of the year in Southeast Asia, expect flash sales on Nintendo titles
• Boxing Day/Year-End Clearance (Dec 26-31): Physical retailers like Datablitz clear inventory, sometimes matching online prices

Q1 2027 Post-Holiday Lull (January-March)

Retailers traditionally discount older inventory to make room for spring releases:

• New Year Sales (January 1-15): Continuation of holiday pricing on games that didn't sell out
• Lunar New Year Promotions (Late January): Asian market-focused sales, particularly strong on Shopee/Lazada
• March Clearance: Fiscal year-end for many retailers means aggressive discounting to meet quarterly targets

Mid-2027 Summer Sales

Nintendo just went live with a new 2026 Summer Sale, which brings various discounts for Switch 2 and Switch. Titles are included here from both a first-party and third-party perspective . Nintendo typically runs summer eShop sales in June-July featuring 25-40% discounts on first-party titles 12+ months old.

Should You Buy? Final Verdict

The Costco Switch 2 game sale represents genuinely exceptional value—the kind that comes around perhaps once or twice per console generation for Nintendo first-party titles. Here's who should seriously consider pursuing this deal and who can safely wait:

Definitely Worth Pursuing If...

• You already own a Nintendo Switch 2 console and want any of these three games
• You have US access (live there, traveling soon, have friends/family who can ship)
• You're buying multiple games (savings multiply, justifying freight forwarding costs)
• You're a Metroid or Pokémon fan—both franchises rarely see discounts this deep
• You plan to buy these games eventually anyway—waiting won't produce better pricing for years

Can Safely Skip If...

• You don't own a Switch 2 yet (focus budget on console first; games will have future sales)
• International shipping costs eliminate savings (Philippines freight forwarding adds ₱800-₱1,200)
• You prefer digital-only purchases (eShop sales may eventually match, though not guaranteed)
• None of these three specific titles interest you (don't buy just because it's cheap)
• Your backlog is already substantial (play what you own before adding more)

For Filipino Gamers Specifically

The mathematics change significantly when factoring international shipping. A single game purchase makes marginal sense (₱1,700 game + ₱1,000 shipping = ₱2,700, only ₱1,150 savings). However, buying all three games becomes attractive (₱5,100 + ₱1,500 shipping = ₱6,600 total, saving ₱4,950 compared to ₱11,550 Philippine retail).

If you can't access Costco directly, wait for domestic equivalents during 9.9 or 11.11 sales. While you won't match the 57% discount, combining sale vouchers, bank discounts, and cashback can still yield 30-35% savings (₱2,500-₱2,700 per game), which remains excellent value for recent Nintendo releases.

For those seeking immediate savings without international complications, explore opportunities through platforms offering free gaming credits Philippines that can offset purchase costs, or check online contests Philippines 2026 for legitimate giveaways of Switch 2 games and accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: Rare Value in Nintendo's Premium Ecosystem

Nintendo's pricing strategy typically treats games as premium products that hold value for years. Seeing flagship titles like Metroid Prime 4 and Pokémon Legends: Z-A discounted by 57% barely eight months after release is genuinely unprecedented. While the deal's US-exclusivity limits accessibility for Filipino gamers, it sets an important benchmark for what constitutes exceptional value in the Switch 2 ecosystem.

For those who can access it, this represents one of 2026's best gaming deals period. For Philippine-based gamers, use this pricing as a reference point: any domestic sale bringing these titles below ₱2,800 constitutes strong value worth considering. As the Switch 2 library expands and older titles make room for new releases, expect periodic opportunities for similar savings—though perhaps not quite at Costco's current clearance levels.

Smart shopping means knowing when to buy and when to wait. For these three specific titles at these specific prices, the answer is clear: if you can reasonably access this deal, do it. If not, patience and strategic timing during upcoming Philippine mega sales will still yield meaningful savings without the complications of international purchasing.

Ready to find more incredible gaming deals? Check out our complete guide to the free gift cards Philippines programs that can help fund your next game purchase, or browse today's viral Shopee finds for the latest gaming accessories and peripherals at unbeatable prices.