PNM readers have already seen our Buyer’s Guide in Issue #43. For non-subscribers, here’s a look at even more of the year’s highlights. Video game deals are very common for after New Year’s sales. If you have holiday cash, gift cards, or are just looking to get a quick start on 2019, check out some of these…
Switch games
There was no Breath of the Wild or Super Mario Odyssey in 2018, but these are some of our top Switch games of the last 12 months. If you are looking for something nostalgic to play with your kids or just want to have fun with friends or delve into an immersive world, these Switch games should be at the top of your list.
Our third party choices offer physical packages with extras beyond the norm.
First Party
Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! & Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!
Third Party
Cabela’s Championship Edition Games – The Hunt – Championship Edition & Bass Pro Shops: The Strike – Championship Edition
3DS Games (retail)
These are some of our top 3DS Games in 2018. Detective Pikachu is a fun puzzle game with unique gameplay mechanics and story. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a cute puzzle platforming game with fun things to find and collect. WarioWare Gold is a quirky game filled with tons of mini-games to keep you busy and laughing. If you are looking for a new 3DS game, be sure to be on the lookout for these.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
3DS games (eShop)
Nintendo Switch Starter Packs
These Starter Packs are a great way to jump into these three epic Switch games. Super Mario Odyssey includes the game and a Traveler’s Guide Book. Splatoon 2’s pack also contains the game, and detailed strategy guide which will give you good tips on being fresh. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild game includes the game and an Explorer’s Guide with lore and tips, so you can be the best hero Hyrule has ever seen. These Starter Packs are perfect for first-time buyers.
Nintendo Switch Hardware Bundles 
Get the gaming system that gives you more bang for your buck. Each of these Switch bundles comes with a fantastic game, special Joy-Cons and more.
The Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Bundle comes with a custom decal Switch dock and Joy-Cons. The Splatoon 2 Bundle comes with a Splatoon 2-themed case and Joy-Cons. And Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu/ Let’s Go Eevee Bundles comes with Pikachu and Eevee themed Joy-cons, Switch dock as well as the Poké-Ball Plus controller.
If you haven’t picked up a Nintendo Switch yet, these bundles are a great way to dive in.
Nintendo 3DS/2DS Hardware Bundles
If you haven’t jumped on the Nintendo 3DS or 2DS handled system or if you are looking to update yours, look no further than these system bundles.
The Super Mario Maker Bundle comes with a Super Mario Maker themed 2DS, and has the game pre-installed. The Zelda Bundle comes with a Zelda-themed 2DS and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D pre-installed.
If you are looking for something portable but not too expensive, then these bundles are your best bet.
Latest amiibo
There wasn’t too many new amiibo in 2018 but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t good ones.
We got Detective Pikachu with his distinctive hat, Pearl and Marina in all their glory, The Octolings and Octopus form amiibo with the release of the Octo Expansion for Splatoon 2, and a few in a long line of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate characters.
All are beautifully made and would look great in anyone’s collection
Other
Mega Cat Studios – NES & SNES games
This independent video game studio has released many retro cartridges for early Nintendo hardware. They recently had a successful Kickstarter for Log Jammers. A free NES demo is available, and a Switch port is in the works.
Nintendo Labo 
Nintendo Labo allows you to build Switch peripherals with cardboard and play.
Kits include everything you need—even games.
Just add your Nintendo Switch console and let your imagination run wild.
If you haven’t tried it yet, look for the Variety Kit, the Vehicle Kit, or The Robot Kit to get yourself started.
Orb Gaming’s Accesories
Orb Gaming has several products Nintendo fans might be interested in for Nintendo Switch. They also have Retro Gaming Products, like their new Handheld Console.
PDF Faceoff Wired Pro Controllers 
Get your game on with the PDP Faceoff Wired Pro Controllers.
This controller is compatible with any Faceoff Pro Controller Faceplates, so you can customize your Faceoff Deluxe Wired Pro Controller with iconic artwork from your favorite games.
And try their Wired GameCube Controllers, that come in many colors as well as character-themed ones so you can battle with your favorite Smash character
The Legend of Zelda Encyclopedia
This Encyclopedia has an exhaustive guide to the Legend of Zelda game series.
It has a comprehensive collection of enemies and items, an expansion of the lore, concept art, screencaps, maps, main characters and how they relate, languages, and much, much more, including an exclusive interview with Series Producer, Eiji Aonuma.
It is the perfect gift for any Zelda fan.
Waterfield Leather Game Card Wallet
We featured Waterfield products in last years Buyer’s Guide, and they are back again. One of their most recent products, the Leather Game Card Wallet, is ideal for those who take their Switch when they travel. Each Wallet holds 20 games, and you can pick from four colors.
