As April gives way to May, South Korea’s retail landscape is erupting with a flurry of discounts, campaigns, and regulatory debates—especially among the nation’s biggest supermarkets and gaming outlets. With Children’s Day and other spring holidays on the horizon, shoppers are finding themselves at the intersection of record-breaking deals and evolving consumer policies.
This week, Nintendo fans and bargain hunters alike are being treated to some of the steepest discounts ever seen on the Nintendo Switch 2 and its games. According to bntnews, NBA 2K26 has plummeted to $18 from its usual $30 price tag, while WWE 2K26 is now available for $55, down from $70. But perhaps the most eye-catching deal is for Star Wars Outlaws: Gold Edition, which is being offered at $28—a staggering drop from $60—and includes the coveted season pass with additional story and character packs. Given that a new Mandalorian and Grogu movie is set to hit theaters next month, the timing couldn’t be better for Star Wars enthusiasts.
Original Nintendo Switch titles aren’t being left out either. Pokemon Scarlet, Pokemon Violet, Pokemon Sword, Pokemon Legends: Z-A, and Pokemon Let's Go, Eevee are all retailing between $45 and $47, each a notable markdown from the standard $60. Many of these games come with free Switch 2 patches or paid upgrade options, making now an especially attractive time for players looking to future-proof their libraries. Other notable markdowns include Splatoon 3 at $47, Super Mario RPG at $34.75, Sea of Stars at $29, Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake at $40.55, and Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles at $32. Several titles, such as The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom and Link's Awakening, are also offering free Switch 2 patches, allowing buyers to maximize value by purchasing now and upgrading later.
Deals extend beyond software. Accessories are seeing dramatic price cuts, with the Donkey Kong-themed Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless Controller now at $31.68 (down from $60), the PDP Afterglow Wave Wireless Controller at $40 (from $60), and the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller at $60 (from $70), complete with a charging dock and future Switch 2 compatibility via firmware update. PowerA's Advantage Wireless Controller, featuring a Pokemon Mega Evolution design, is now $51, offering advanced features like programmable back buttons and C buttons—ideal for Switch 2 owners. On the audio front, the Razer BlackShark V2 X is available for $35, offering 7.1 surround sound and 50mm drivers, while the Anker Soundcore P20i wireless earphones are just $20. For those seeking unique accessories, the Hori Piranha Plant Camera for Switch 2 is at an all-time low of $30, and the Tomtoc Switch 2 Slim Carrying Case is $25.89.
Discounts aren’t limited to games and gear. Amazon is selling $10 Nintendo eShop Gift Cards for $8.98—a straightforward 10% savings for digital shoppers. Best Buy has Street Fighter 6 Luke and Jamie amiibos at $8 each, a dramatic drop from $40, though stocks are expected to move quickly. Nintendo itself is offering $20 off Switch 2 purchases bundled with Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 collections through May 9, 2026, covering both physical and digital versions. For those considering hardware upgrades, Best Buy is offering refurbished Switch OLED consoles for $270 (down from $400), and GameStop has the Switch Lite (Gray) at $180 (from $230).
Meanwhile, South Korea’s large-scale supermarkets—Emart, Homeplus, Lotte Mart, Costco, and others—are navigating both regulatory shifts and a competitive spring sales season. As reported by bntnews, mandatory closing days for these marts fall on the second and fourth Sundays each month, which for April 2026 are the 12th and 26th. Costco, as a foreign-operated mart, also observes closures on New Year’s Day, Lunar New Year, and Chuseok. Typical operating hours for these retail giants are from 10:00 to 22:00, though some local governments have shifted mandatory closures to weekdays in select districts, such as Seoul’s Seocho, Dongdaemun, Jung, and Gwanak, as well as cities like Daegu, Cheongju, Busan, Uijeongbu, and Goyang.
Policy debates are heating up as the government considers reintroducing mandatory holiday closures for large marts, potentially reversing last year’s deregulation that allowed some closures to move to weekdays. According to bntnews, there is also contentious discussion around allowing these marts to operate online and offer early morning delivery. Small business groups are voicing strong opposition, fearing that such moves could undermine traditional markets and local commerce. The National Association of Merchants recently staged a protest outside the National Assembly in Seoul, determined to block government efforts to permit online and early morning delivery by large marts, arguing that it threatens the survival of small shopkeepers.
Despite the regulatory uncertainty, retailers are pressing ahead with major sales events. Emart is hosting a ‘Barbecue Party’ from April 23 to 29, offering 30% discounts on select beef and pork cuts, including premium Hanwoo and American beef ribs. Collaborations with renowned restaurants, like the Namyeongdon pork range, are also featured, with discounts of up to 20%. Seafood and vegetables suitable for grilling are part of the mix, and a used toy donation campaign is running through May 6. Donors can receive a pack of discount coupons, and the donated toys will be cleaned, repaired, and distributed to underprivileged children.
Emart’s ‘Children’s Day Festa,’ running until May 5, is a treasure trove for families, with up to 80% off on popular toys. The event spotlights over 200 Pokemon 30th anniversary products, such as the ‘Who Are You Pokemon Pikachu’ at half price and new Lego Pokemon sets launching May 1. Digital toys like drones and coding robots are discounted up to 30%. Shoppers spending over 60,000 KRW with event cards by April 29 receive 10,000 KRW Shinsegae gift certificates. From May 1 to 5, time-limited deals offer up to 80% off select items each morning, and special promotions include 70% off ‘Mimi Hello Kitty Apple House’ and 65% off ‘Secret Juju Role Play’ toys. “We’ve prepared abundant discounts focused on high-demand character toys like Pokemon, TiniPing, Sanrio, and Lego,” said Choi Yeon-jung, Emart’s toy buyer, expressing hope that families can make the most of these offers for Children’s Day.
Lotte Mart’s Toysrus is running a toy discount event until May 6, with up to 40% off on around 2,000 toys, including Lego and Nintendo games. Popular Nintendo titles like The Legend of Zelda, Kirby, and Pokemon are included. Lego’s autumn maple bonsai, dragon, and police station sets are heavily discounted, and new releases like ‘Lego Eevee’ and ‘Lego Pikachu and Monster Ball’ are launching soon. Lotte Mart is also conducting a ‘PB Festa,’ expanding high-value private brand products to help shoppers manage costs amid inflation.
Homeplus is not to be outdone, offering up to 50% off picnic foods and up to 70% off Children’s Day toys from April 23 to 29. Membership perks abound, with special deals on bakery goods, snacks, and even camping equipment. The Homeplus Culture Center is recruiting members for its summer term, offering discounts to both new and returning students. In a significant business move, Homeplus has selected Harim Group as the preferred bidder for its Express division—an acquisition that could reshape the retail and logistics landscape, pending creditor approval and final negotiations.
Pork lovers have something to celebrate as well. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is running a pork discount campaign through the end of May, offering 30-50% off key cuts like samgyeopsal and moksal at eight major marts and online platforms. The move aims to cushion consumers from rising prices caused by instability in the Middle East. Similar discount events are planned for beef and poultry in the coming months, ensuring shoppers have affordable options for their dinner tables.
With so many deals and events colliding with regulatory changes and political debates, South Korea’s retail sector is buzzing with both opportunity and uncertainty. For consumers, though, this week is a rare chance to snap up everything from the latest Nintendo titles to barbecue essentials and children’s toys at prices that may not be seen again anytime soon.