Polygon’s merch store relaunches to celebrate our first 10 years
New shirts and more, everything you need to show the Polygon love
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New shirts and more, everything you need to show the Polygon love
I slammed back into the team chat after an appointment this morning, and Katharine asked me to take a look at the new It Takes Two merch – specifically the plushy elephant. And I was like, “Sure!” and toddled off to have a look. I was delighted! But I think Katharine was anticipating it would arouse a different emotional response in me to what it actually did, because she used the word “horrifying”.
There is no shortage of great gifts to buy the Nintendo fan in your life this holiday. From games and accessories to clothing and collectibles, you have plenty to choose from. To help you make your purchasing decisions for loved ones and friends this holiday, we’ve put together a Nintendo Switch gift guide. We’re confident that you’ll find something here that will be of interest, and we’ve mostly stuck with recommendations that won’t break the bank either.
Whether you’re looking to put a smile on someone’s face with a brand-new Nintendo Switch exclusive, a great new controller, a T-shirt, Lego sets, or even home decor, these Nintendo gift ideas will put you on the right track.
The latest Pokemon game is always a safe bet for the Pocket Monster fan in your household, and with this new entry in the franchise having tons of new critters to collect, it’s pure gotta catch ’em all fun that’s bound to please. A new open-world region, a fascinating new collection of legendary creatures, and colorful characters headline Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, and it’s easily the biggest Nintendo game releasing this holiday season.
Releases November 18
Stylish and loaded to the brim with action, Bayonetta is locked and loaded for an adventure that introduces a multiverse of witches to the mix. Bayonetta has a few new tricks up her sleeves, but she’s joined this time by a feisty new witch-in-training who hits the battlefield with attitude and a demonic cat that can steamroll through any demon in your way.
Anyone up for some soccer? With Mario Strikers: Battle League, you’ll be able to lace up your shoes without having to worry about getting muddy, as this game has some intense and absurd action to revel in between scoring goals. Form a team in the Mushroom Kingdom, hit the pitch, and use over-the-top special moves to score goals and move up the rankings in this silly sports spectacle.
A big departure from the usual Pokemon formula, Pokemon Legends: Arceus is a more mystical trip back in time to an age where the Pocket Monster frontier was still being explored. It has plenty of fascinating twists on the catch ’em all setup of normal Pokemon games, hundreds of critters to collect, and many colorful characters to interact with as you build the world’s first Pokedex.
Its an unlikely partnership between Nintendo’s all-star cast of Mushroom kingdom citizens and Ubisoft’s zany Rabbids, but this is a tag-team of unbelievable fun and whimsical design. An XCOM-like that makes smart deviations from the established genre formula, Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope is a tactical blast of joy that’s fantastically inviting to newcomers and can be tuned to present a serious challenge to strategy veterans. It’s effortlessly charming, fun for all ages, and wastes no time in putting a smile on your face.
Easily Kirby’s best outing in a long time, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is an inventive shift to 3D that showcases the pink puff at his best. Another charming Switch exclusive, there’s no shortage of excellent levels to guide Kirby through, new abilities to collect, and bizarre shapes to morph into thanks to the little fella’s ability to digest just about anything.
Ink, squids, and competitive gameplay are the hallmarks of Nintendo’s Splatoon series, and Splatoon 3 expertly bundles all of those elements together to create engaging fun. A team-based shooter where players have to duel each other and take control of zones with buckets of paint being thrown around, this family-friendly multiplayer game will keep you entertained for hours on end.
It’s time to get physical, and with a collection of minigames that makes the most of the Switch hardware to get you moving, you’ll be sweating in no time with Switch Sports. A cute and energizing update for the current generation, Switch Sports has a handful of sports to play alongside friends and family with Joy-Con motion controls.
A new spin-off game from the iconic JPRG series, Dragon Quest Treasures follows siblings Erik and Mia as they hunt for the powerful Dragonstones across the fantasy land of Draconia. It’s not long before the duo form a team as well-mannered monsters join them, and with plenty of loot to be uncovered in across the strange land, you’ll have to make use of monster skills throughout this enchanting adventure.
Releases December 9
It’s a new era for Sonic as he races into what could be his biggest game yet. Sega’s latest game starring the Blue Blur has blockbuster aspirations, and with an adventure set on a chain of islands that you’ll zip across while dealing with deadly guardian robots, Sonic Frontiers is an ambitious attempt to bring Sonic to the modern age.
Releases November 8
Thanks to its portable nature, the Switch is one of the best platforms around for enjoying a good old-fashioned RPG on the go. Triangle Strategy fits that bill while also adding a few extra touches to its design, creating a lavish story of intrigue, rich tactical gameplay, and impactful choices. It also has gorgeous HD-2D graphics.
One of the best third-party controller brands out there, the 8BitDo Ultimate combines a traditional layout with a rich selection of customization. This model also comes with a charging dock, so you’ll be able to keep this controller charged up between gaming sessions. You can use it on PC as well, and the controller supports both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connections.
If you’d prefer to stick to a first-party offering, Nintendo’s official Switch Pro controller is still a fantastic buy. It has a great transparent case design, the buttons are big and satisfying to hammer away on, and it has a remarkable battery life.
The original Switch controller, the regular Joy-Con are available in a wide number of colors and styles. They’re supremely portable, have terrific rumble features, and this neon design is an eye-catching addition to any Switch setup.
While a Nintendo Switch Pro is probably a couple of years away, you can upgrade your current system with a quick plug-and-play solution. The Marseille mClassic uses a little bit of software magic to upscale your Switch graphics to 1440p and 4K resolutions, and to use it, all you have to do is plug it into the HDMI port on your system. Connect your HDMI cable, and you’re good to go. It’s also a great buy for those who play retro games, as it makes the graphics look significantly better on modern TVs.
The Switch is a supremely portable device, and with this digital multiport adapter, you can reduce its footprint even further when you’re traveling. This essentially eliminates the need for a Switch dock, as you can pair your gaming system with a nearby TV and charge a controller through it at the same time. It has other handy uses as well, but for Switch owners wanting to have docked and mobile gaming options when they travel, it’s a great pick.
A good backpack is never underappreciated, and this offering from Vori will allow you to carry your Switch around in style. It has a durable design, plenty of internal pockets, and it’s designed with comfort in mind for those long trips.
Another fun Nintendo backpack, this bag is electrifying with its Pikachu-influenced design. It’s a compact shoulder bag that’s designed specifically for the Switch, and it has a few other sections for you to place some extra items into its hold.
A secure and cozy storage case to stash your Switch in when you’re not using it, the iVoler has multiple compartments and it can fit any of the current Switch models into its durable domain.
The regular Joy-Con on a Nintendo Switch aren’t the most ergonomic controllers out there, but this Switch grip will make holding the system more comfortable. This particular add-on is designed for the latest Switch, the OLED model, and comes with anti-scratch silicone tabs to keep your console in pristine condition.
As an alternative to Joy-Con, the Split Pad Compact features better ergonomics than the Joy-Con. It also comes with larger triggers, buttons, joysticks, mappable back buttons, and a real D-pad, which is helpful for classic games, side-scrollers, and fighting games. The Split Pad Compact is our favorite option for playing games portably on Switch. White/yellow and red colorways are available now, but you Pokemon-themed models will hit shelves in time for the holidays.
A good T-Shirt is never a bad gift, and with these two garments blending quality cotton with retro-themed graphics, they’re stylish and thoughtful gifts for the Nintendo fan at home.
Another lovely T-Shirt gift, this T-Shirt boasts retro graphics and some great colors as it nods back to the Nintendo Entertainment System era.
Exactly the same design as the T-shirt above, you get the cool graphic on a hoodie just in time for winter.
Another great hoodie, this simple but stylish design will take you back in time to the N64 generation with the iconic 3D logo.
A classy link to the past, you can keep your hands warm while rocking a Legend of Zelda hoodie that has a very elegant print.
What’s better than a hot mug of tea from a porcelain container that is made to look like a Game Boy? A Nintendo-endorsed mug that changes its image to look like a working Gameboy when a hot beverage is poured into it, that’s what.
It’s dangerous to go alone! Take this stainless steel thermos with you, and recover some HP while gazing at timeless pixel art.
This Game & Watch retro handheld comes preloaded with multiple Zelda games: The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening. It’s the perfect gift for the nostalgic Zelda fan in your life.
Alternatively, you can grab a Game & Watch with the same design but loaded with Mario games. You get the original Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels, and a Mario version of the classic Game & Watch juggling game Ball.
He might be pricy, but this Lego recreation of the infamous Mario nemesis will tower above any other gift when he’s fully assembled. You can never go wrong with Lego, and with a build that allows you to put Bowser in multiple poses, he’ll be an unforgettable gift. It’s a truly incredible build that features a whopping 2,807 pieces. Not only does Mighty Bowser look super cool, but he has interactive elements, including posable arms and legs, head and jaw movements, and even the ability to shoot fireballs at Lego Mario.
A more subtle but still visually impressive Lego gift, this Lego set pays tribute to the classic Super Mario 64 video game. It’s still a large-scale built at 2,064 pieces. Nostalgic gamers will love to build and admire the miniature dioramas featuring Princess Peach’s Castle and levels from Super Mario 64.
One of the most impressive Lego sets of recent memory, you can construct a life-size NES and a small TV out of this massive set. You’ll be able to build the console, a retro TV, an NES controller, and more, while also marveling at the attention to detail. It’s an astounding build that makes for a brilliant display piece.
The Lego Super Mario courses are a great collection of buildable courses that you can construct and interact with in a large variety of ways thanks to the growing collection of kits. These are particularly great for kids, as they are more meant for play rather than display purposes. You’ll want to start with one of the Starter Courses featuring Mario, Luigi, or Peach. If you’re loved one already has a Starter Course, there are plenty of expansions to choose from to increase the fun and interactivity.
After five console generations and thousands of games, PlayStation has established itself as one of the biggest and most enduring brands in the industry. Thanks to that reach, the company has branched out into merchandising, which means that finding a gift for the gamer in your house is easier than ever. Just about anything with a PlayStation logo on it will put a smile on the face of the receiver, and we’ve gone through the options to find some of the best gifts that you can purchase quickly and easily right now.
Below, you’ll find range of gift ideas that you can browse through. These range from reliable clothing options to handy gadgets, and we’ve also included a number of hot games and highly anticipated titles that are sure to win you big points during the holiday season.
There’s a reason why Call of Duty is always one of the best-selling games of the year, and that’s because it packs plenty of content into a design that combines cinematic storytelling with best-in-class action. This year is no different, as the latest entry in the Modern Warfare series is a visual rollercoaster of action, suspense, and feature-rich design.
The grand conclusion to the Nordic saga that began in 2018’s God of War, God of War: Ragnarok is an action-packed adventure across the realms. With deities to slay and an army of minions standing in his way, the latest God of War game combines refined combat with superb graphics to tell an epic tale on PS5 and PS4.
Releases November 9
Ahead of the upcoming HBO Max series, developer Naughty Dog released a remake of its iconic The Last of Us, bringing the original game up to spec with its critically-acclaimed sequel. It’s a brutal tale of survival in an unforgiving world, but it’s a story told with mature charm and breathtaking visual presentation.
One of the big early releases of the year, Horizon Forbidden West is a breathtaking dive into a future world where robots rule the land. Continuing the story of Horizon Zero Dawn, Forbidden West is a PS5 showcase with it design, has plenty to do within its sandbox, and feels great to play thanks to the DualSense controller.
A remake of a classic turn-based strategy game, Tactics Ogre Reborn is perfect for anyone who enjoys strategy and a leisurely trek across a fantasy kingdom. It has a great story, a quirky cast, and some thrilling battles. This version looks to stay true to the roots of the original while adding some quality-of-life upgrades to the mix.
Releases November 11
The next Sonic the Hedgehog game looks to be the most ambitious one yet for the Blue Blur, as he finds himself stranded on the Starfall Islands and surrounded by gigantic Guardians determined to keep him there. A celebration of speed, Sega’s latest adventure starring its iconic mascot looks like a sandbox without limits as players are given free rein to explore the islands and escape their tropical prison.
Releases November 8
Crisis Core has been long overdue for a rebirth in the modern age, and it looks like this remaster will do justice to the PSP classic. A prequel that helps set up the events of Final Fantasy VII, Crisis Core tells the story of underrated hero Zack Fair in his quest to become a legend, a path that is fraught with danger. Updated for the current generation of gaming, expect classic gameplay and upgraded visuals in this reborn spin-off.
Releases December 13
If you’ve been holding out for a hero, then Marvel’s Midnight Suns has a whole bunch ready to spring into action. From XCOM studio Firaxis, Midnight Suns is a tactical-RPG starring an all-star roster of Marvel heroes as they tackle a supernatural threat. As the newest spell-slinger on the block, you’ll need to balance your own skills with the unique powers of your team as you take on the forces of Lilith in this strategic slobber-knocker.
Releases December 2
The holiday season might be focused on wholesome content, but if you’re looking to escape the festivities, then this journey into the dark heart of horror should do the trick. With development spearheaded by the mastermind behind Dead Space, The Callisto Protocol looks like a terrifying adventure that promises edge of your seat suspense and a grisly demise if you don’t pay attention to the threats that lurk around you.
Releases December 2
One of the purest and most detailed racing games around, Gran Turismo 7 is a treat for the eyes and a riveting experience. It’s all about building your personal legend as the best driver to ever hit the tracks, and with each car featuring accurate handling, it’s an authentic dive into the world of motorsports.
Uncharted is one of the best franchises on PlayStation, and the Legacy of Thieves collection celebrates the iconic action-adventure series by combining A Thief’s End and The Lost Legacy together for one swashbuckling adventure. Both games have been remastered for PS5, and you’ll be able to play as Nathan Drake and Chloe Frazer as you set out to forge a legacy as the world’s greatest treasure hunters.
The DualSense controller has become one of the best gaming devices of this generation, and is an easy gift that will be greatly appreciated by any gamer in your household. Available in a range of vibrant colors, these advanced peripherals deliver incredible feedback from games and they’re compatible with PS5, PS4, and PC.
It might be expensive, but this controller for PS5 has some premium features that make it a good buy. With an emphasis on modularity, the Victrix Pro is highly customizable, looks great, and is packed with plenty of extras to make it a great alternative to next year’s DualSense Edge.
There’s a lot of work that goes into making a video game, and for a project as epic as God of War: Ragnarok, mountains of concept art were generated to nail the look of that sequel. If you’d like to peek behind the development curtain, you can grab an art book chronicling the production of the game. You can grab either the standard hardcover book, or for the God of War fan at home, a deluxe edition that throws in a few extras.
T-shirts are always a safe bet when it comes to gaming gifts, and you can outfit the gaming fan in your life with this contemporary piece of clothing. It’s a simple design that bears the Nordic symbols of God of War: Ragnarok, but it’s also an eye-catching garment.
To complete the look, you can add a God of War snapback cap to your online basket. Adorned with a leather patch featuring the God of War: Ragnarok logo, the underside of the bill has a serene blue color scheme.
For the gaming audiophile in your life, you can celebrate the stunning soundtrack of Horizon Forbidden West as intended with this complete CD set. Not just a six-disc set with dozens of impactful and beautiful music, there’s also gorgeous art in this collection that you can admire while listening to the score.
Light up your office and room with this collection of iconic PlayStation shapes! This box illuminates the dark with a soft colorful glow, has three different light modes, and can be powered by either USB or with batteries.
For a more contemporary arrangement of PlayStation shapes, check out this modern set of lights. They’re bright, they’re nostalgic, and they’re also music-reactive for that extra touch.
Add a touch of class to your working space with this desk mat, which features a subtle and artistic arrangement of PlayStation shapes. It’s quite large as well, so you’ll be able to easily fit a keyboard, mouse, and your smartphone on this surface.
An easy stocking-stuffer, you’ll get a PlayStation controller light, PlayStation icons steel water bottle, and gadget Decals in this themed set. There’s also a handy PS4 controller alarm that you can add to this purchase, which makes for some quirky bedside decor.
PlayStation has some of the most recognizable branding around, and this warm top is certain to give its lucky recipient some nostalgia right out of 1995 with its design.
Sure, it might look like it hasn’t been washed since 1997, but that design is all the rage these days. For just 20 bucks, you can get your hands on a new T-shirt that looks convincingly vintage.
The DualSense controller packs plenty of power into its compact frame, but you’ll need to keep it regularly recharged between gaming sessions. Having a charging dock makes that easy to do, and there are both first and third-party options available. Sony’s official charging dock is slightly pricier, but it can take two controllers and top them up quickly. The PowerA option also takes two controllers and has its own stylish design to place the peripherals inside of.
For an all-in-one approach, this PS5 console stand does plenty. It can keep a PS5 more stable when its in its vertical orientation; it can store two controllers for charging; and it has a rack that you can store your game cases in. Handy, convenient, and a great way to organize your gaming setup.
For that added edge in competitive play, these KontrolFreek thumbsticks are great small gifts. Each set features a unique thumbstick design that your thumbs can easily get a grip on, and they also increase the overall comfort of the DualShock 4 or DualSense controller. Simply click them into place and enjoy an upgraded gaming experience.
To get a better grip on your DualSense controller, check out these KontrolFreek wraps. This accessory wraps your DualSense controller in a combination of materials that add better grip, support, and comfort.
There’s no better way to play a racing game than with a dedicated steering setup, and this piece of hardware from Hori hits a sweet spot for great technology at an affordable price. It comes with pedals, can work on both PS5 and PS4, and has a sturdy mounting option.
It might not be a new game, but Sucker Punch has shown off some pretty nice looking merch for Sly Cooper’s 20th anniversary.
Sorry to say that the words ‘Sly Cooper’ and ‘announcement’ aren’t being paired together to reveal a surprise new title, but with the game’s 20th anniversary having taken place on September 23, Sucker Punch did have some merch to show off, including a print, a t-shirt, and a plush of everyone’s favourite sneaky raccoon.
The print is admittedly incredibly gorgeous, showing a cross section of a building with a tonne of wonderful details and references to the series. At the time of writing both versions of the framed print are currently out of stock on the producer’s website (Cook & Becker), as there were a limited number that were signed by artist Dev Madan, but it might be worth keeping an eye on anyway. But it is still available to pick up on the PlayStation Gear store.