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NWR's Nintendo Holiday Gift Guide

Justin's Picks

by Justin Berube - November 23, 2021, 2:50 pm EST

Nintendo merchandise and other cool collectibles.

Nintendo Shirts / Hoodies By Sportiqe

Price: $24.99 - $54.99 (Nintendo Stores Only)

If you like Nintendo clothes you’re going to want to get some by the brand known as Sportiqe. The problem is, this brand only seems to sell their products on Nintendo’s Online Store, at Nintendo NY, and probably at Nintendo’s company store known as Nintendo Redmond. Luckily, Nintendo’s Online Store (http://store.nintendo.com) seems to have several items in stock, and there are designs available from several different Nintendo franchises.

But why, you may ask, do I recommend this brand’s stuff? Because they are some of the most comfortable shirts and hoodies I’ve ever worn! I’m not the only one who loves what Sportiqe puts out. Several NWR staffers who have had the good fortune of getting some of these items at Nintendo’s New York City store have also claimed they are some of the most comfortable clothing items in their rotation.

Be warned though, some of the clothing items on Nintendo’s Online Store are not by Sportiqe. To be sure, you need to click the item’s page and then click “Additional Details.” Next to “Manufacturer'' it should read Sportiqe. Most of their stuff also seems to have a red Nintendo logo tag stitched across the bottom too, making it more recognizable. As an added bonus, less of these items are made than the things you’ll find at typical retail stores, so you’re more likely to be looking unique!


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LEGO Super Mario 64 Question Mark Block

Price: $169.99 (LEGO Store Exclusive)

Super Mario 64 is a timeless classic that left its mark on the industry and helped define a genre. Now, for the game’s 25th anniversary, LEGO has teamed with Nintendo to make this awesome set to celebrate.

Four different stages from Super Mario 64 fold and pop out of the top of the Question Mark Block and are sure to fuel that nostalgia. While the stages are small, they are jam packed with details from The Castle Grounds, Bob-omb Battlefield, and Lethal Lava Land. There is even a secret I won’t reveal here! And wait, is that Yoshi on the roof? Someone collected all 120 Stars!

Nevermind that there aren’t any Question Mark Blocks in Super Mario 64, this LEGO set is definitely for those fans looking to display a cool set piece, and maybe as a project to do by themselves or with the family. It could serve as a great project to do with the kids after letting them play the classic title on the Nintendo 64 - Nintendo Switch Online application that is available to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pass members. And if this set doesn’t do it for you, there is also last year’s LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System set, too!


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First 4 Figures Nintendo PVC Statues

Price: $89.99 - $109.99 (Approximate)

First 4 Figures has been making expensive and detailed Nintendo Statues since about 2008, but it has more recently been getting into the less expensive PVC line of figures. But don’t let that cheaper price tag fool you; these are still cool quality display pieces that any Nintendo fan would be happy to display on a shelf.

In the PVC line, First 4 Figures has made Luigi from Luigi’s Mansion 3, Majora’s Mask, Breath of the Wild Link, and Breath of the Wild Zelda. They are also soon releasing a Kirby and a Revali in the PVC line with plans to do the other Breath of the Wild Champions in the near future, too. And if you like other non-Nintendo franchises, they may also have you covered.

The only problem with these is it can get a bit confusing on which one to buy. There are usually a few different versions of each figure. Some with lights, some without; some with a special collector’s box, some in normal packaging. However, with a litter research you can figure out what’s right for you, though availability may be an issue especially with the collector’s box pieces. As well, some pieces may not be currently available, and it can take the company a while to make and manufacture specific statues if you order directly from their website. So if time is an issue I’d recommend ordering from a known retailer’s website that has an item in stock if it’s not currently in stock from First 4 Figures directly on their site. Just know, however, some of the better variants are only available directly from First 4 Figures.

Maybe I confused you a little, but I still think First 4 Figures is making some of the coolest Nintendo items around, especially for veteran collectors looking for awesome pieces to display. It’s worth the time you put into getting these, but be warned. Many people find the PVC line a gateway into the more expensive and often larger resin statues made by the company.


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Super Mario Bowser's Deluxe Airship Playset

Price: $39.99

This awesome playset is part of the Jakks 2.5” Mario line and is really a dream come true. It’s Bowser’s Airship, also known in some circles as The Doom Ship. While this item is totally aimed at kids, I’m sure many older Nintendo collectors would love to display this piece of Mario battle history alongside other items.

The ship comes with a Mario figure (No Bowser?), and its propellers move as you push it along a surface. It also plays some sound effects and some iconic music with the push of a button. And if you want, you can store some of your other figures inside.

There’s not much else to be said; I just think this item is very cool and long overdue. And if you’d rather build one, LEGO also released a Bowser’s Airship set this year, too. Where were these when I was a kid?


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Hot Wheels - Mario Kart Rainbow Road Raceway

Price: $139.99

Hot Wheels has been making some cool Mario Kart figures and tracks for a few years now, but no piece has grabbed my attention like their Rainbow Road Raceway Set. I mean, it’s Rainbow freak’n Road! The ultimate in Mario Kart racetracks!

This set features eight feet of track, sounds from the Mario Kart games, a digital display to tell you which lane number won, and two track configurations. There is also an item box that can randomly stop cars in other lanes, or its own, to help mix up the races in Mario Kart fashion. Included are two racers, Mario and King Boo both in Standard Karts.

This may be too big when set up to be a real display piece, but there is no denying how cool Rainbow Road is in Hot Wheels form. If you have kids, and buy a few extra Mario Kart Hot Wheels, this thing could be a major hit. I know I’d love to have it even today.


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Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda

Price: $49.99

Game & Watch, the series of devices that really put Nintendo handheld gaming on the map, is back with an edition that celebrates the 35th Anniversary of The Legend of Zelda series. This device is packed with three Zelda titles: The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening. Additionally, there is an interactive clock users can enjoy jam packed with Zelda elements and a Zelda reskin of one of my favorite Game & Watch games, Vermin!

This item may not be the best way to enjoy these games, but it’s still cool and a nice piece that celebrates past Nintendo and Zelda history in multiple ways. It’s also perfect for those collectors who picked up the Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. version which was released last year. In either case it will be a hot item Zelda fans will want in their collection.


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Animal Crossing: New Horizons Logo Light

Price: $29.99 (Approximate)

Paladone is known for having tons of Nintendo licensed stuff, including lights. However, the item that’s grabbed my attention this year is their Animal Crossing: New Horizons Logo Light! The item would look great on a shelf next to other Nintendo items, especially those that light up which there are surprisingly a fair amount of these days.

The light can be left on or slowly pulse. It also allows for both USB power or batteries and can be wall mounted. My biggest complaint is that it sports the New Horizons portion of the logo when early prototypes kept it as the more generic Animal Crossing logo. I’d prefer the original sample, and I think there’s a small chance some of these made it out into the wild, but I could be wrong. In either case I’d be happy with the final release, and it would probably make any Animal Crossing fan happy.


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Super Mario Advent Calendar Limited Christmas Edition!

Price: $49.99 (Amazon Exclusive)

If you’re looking to add a bunch of Jakks 2.5” Mario figures to your collection, and in a fun way, the Super Mario Advent Calendar Limited Christmas Edition is for you! It features 24 different figures and accessories hidden behind number doors for each day of the month leading up to Christmas day.

The exciting thing here for collectors is that it contains three exclusive figures. Santa Mario, Snowman Mario, and Snowman Luigi! The Christmas Edition is the only way to get these, so it’s a must have for Mario fanatics! And for the kids it even includes a pop-out holiday themed diorama that will be great to use as a holiday display while each piece is revealed.


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The Game of Life: Super Mario Edition

Price: $29.99 (Approximate)

I’m not going to pretend I know anything about The Game of Life, but I am a sucker for Nintendo themed board games. In this edition of the game, players are tasked with trying to defeat Bowser. Imagine that. The game is for 2-4 players and includes tokens for Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Yoshi.


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Monopoly Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Price: $19.99 (Approximate)

I told you I was a sucker for these board games, and here’s one that’s Monopoly with an Animal Crossing twist. Players will collect resources, bells, furniture and more. Whoever winds up with the most Nook Miles by the end wins. Supports 2-4 players. Nothing is better around the holidays than sitting down with the family for a nice, calm, friendly game of Monopoly.


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Nintendo eShop Credit

Price: Varies

Perfect for the Nintendo fan in your life when you’re just not sure what to get them. Maybe they just buy too many games and you can’t keep track of their collection and don’t want to ruin the day with a repeat. Or perhaps you just want to help them stockpile funds for what’s to come throughout the next year. Or, if you’re greedy, you may want to get a stash for yourself.

The most important thing to watch out for this holiday are Nintendo eShop credit sales! That’s right, these cards often are sold at a discount at some retailers this time of year, so it’s always a good idea to buy a bunch when you can snag them for a discount. Maybe you’ll choose to spread the wealth to friends and family, or not. In any case it’s something you should keep an eye on.

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Talkback

BeautifulShyNovember 23, 2021

These are neat. Really good guide.

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