MCV/DEVELOP News, events, research and jobs from the games industry
The Nintendo Switch is ready to take retail by storm, with the help of a wealth of accessories and tie-in items.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild alone has enough merchandise to fill the shelves of every UK retailers, but with third-party publishers on board as well, it means that older titles are going to be under the spotlight again, giving retailers more opportunities to sell related merchandise.
Nintendo is also launching a fair amount of accessories for its new console, which should please retailers and players alike – although prices are on the high side. It’s also signed partnerships with third party accessories firms such as Snakebyte, Venom and PDP.
And with triple-A Nintendo games landing on Switch later this year, such as Super Mario Odyssey, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 2 and new IP Arms, there will be plenty of opportunities to sell Nintendo merchandise throughout 2017 – and that’s good news because Nintendo merchandise always sells well.
Joy-Con charging grip
The Joy-Con grip bundled with the Switch doesn’t actually charge the controllers, so players might want to invest in this charging grip, which will release on March 3rd.
SRP: £24.99
Manufacturer: Nintendo
Distributor: Open
Contact: 01753 483700
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Link Statue
This amazingly detailed Link statue (in his Breath of the Wild outfit) stands 25 cm tall and comes with a matching base. It will launch in May and is available for pre-order.
SRP: £59.99
Manufacturer: Together Plus
Distributor: Gaming Merchandise UK
Contact: hello@gamingmerchandiseuk.com
Nintendo Switch Accessory Set
This pack includes a carry case for the Switch, a screen protector and an ‘organising pad’ that can store up to five games cards and two Joy-Con straps.
SRP: £16.99
Manufacturer: Nintendo
Distributor: Open
Contact: 01753 483700
Set of 3 pair stud earrings: Star, Boo & Mushroom
Super Mario Odyssey isn’t out until Christmas on Switch, but we might as well pass the time by buying pretty, shiny Mario-related things, such as these earrings.
SRP: £15
Manufacturer: BioWorld Europe
Distributor: BioWorld Europe
Contact: info@bioworldeurope.com
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
For Switch owners who want a more traditional controller to play games with, Nintendo is launching this Pro unit alongside the console. It’s wireless, features all the traditional buttons, a ‘capture button’ to take screenshots, and a NFC reader for Amiibos.
SRP: £59.99
Manufacturer: Nintendo
Distributor: Open
Contact: 01753 483700
Shovel Knight Poster
With both Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove and Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment landing on the Switch, it’s time to update the posters on your wall with this high-quality print.
SRP: $30 (£24)
Manufacturer: Drew Wise/Fangamer
Distributor: Fangamer
Contact: orders@fangamer.com
Splatoon Inkling Hat
Here’s a gift for the little ones (or not, we’re not judging) while they wait for the release of Splatoon 2 on the Switch this summer.
SRP: £9.99
Manufacturer: Nintendo
Distributor: Open
Contact: 01753 483700
The legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Limited Edition
The highly awaited The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will, of course, have its limited edition at retail. It includes the game, the soundtrack and a Master Sword statue.
SRP: £89.99
Manufacturer: Nintendo
Distributor: Open
Contact: 01753 483700
Joy-Con Wheel Pair
To celebrate the release of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on April 28th, Nintendo’s launching these racing wheels to improve the experience. They come exclusively in pairs, but the Joy-Con are not included.
SRP: £12.99
Manufacturer: Nintendo
Distributor: Open
Contact: 01753 483700
The Legend of Zelda: Art & Artifacts
Dark Horse released this 424-page bible on The Legend of Zelda’s art and artifacts a few days ago, just in time for retailers to stock it before the Switch hits shelves. It features pieces from Breath of the Wild, amongst other popular titles in the franchise, and interviews with the artists behind the series.
SRP: £29.99
Manufacturer: Dark Horse
Distributor: Diamond Comic Distributors UK
Contact: 01928 531 760
Skyrim Collector Print – Daedric Armor
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim should launch on the Switch at some point during Fall 2017, which is a good enough reason to buy new Skyrim merch, such as this 30 x 40 cm collector print.
SRP: £16.99
Manufacturer: GB Eye
Distributor: Gaming Merchandise UK
Contact: hello@gamingmerchandiseuk.com
