You just helped me to decide what game to buy! however I still need to save money to buy a Nintendo Switch OLED. I was saving my money to buy NSW ver2 then the OLED already came out but still I haven't come so far to buying one. I'm happy that I was just watching your videos just to satisfy myself looking on your NSW consoles. hope getting my 1st NSW next year.
As an active gamer who learned nothing from this video, this was one of the most pleasant and wholesome experiences and I gladly watched it from start to finish.
I love that he’s really trying this for parents. Like "remember that’s Pokémon SCARLET and VIOLET don’t get it confused with Pokémon SWORD and SHIELD". It’s so wholesome! 😂Happy holidays
Yeah...he cares so much...give me a break. It's content...easy content. Easy video..99% of utubers don't give a damn about ppl ..unless u make them money.
This may sound silly, but for a couple of years now, this video has probably been THE thing that gets me into the holiday spirit the most. I'm sure this video format takes a ton of work and I just want to say how much I appreciate it!! Thank you for the Christmas feels, year after year!!🥰🎄❄️☃️
Really appreciate the guide every year! In actual fact this year it’s more useful than ever because I find myself playing more switch than anything else and embracing the indies more and more. There’s certainly some stuff here I need to check out, especially all the Zelda stuff as I’ve never played one
As a zelda obsessed fan, definitely play Breath of the Wild or Links awakening. Personally links awakening is my favourite zelda game, but if you’ve never played zelda and only have a switch, I’d recommend botw over it and skyward sword.
@@yuulfuji Link's Awakening is arguably the best 2D/"top-down" Zelda. It's basically the perfection of that formula. And BotW is quite different from other Zeldas, but in a good way.
I'm looking to pick up some more switch games and your list helps a lot! one note for the Fire Emblem warrior game you mentioned: you showed the cover and gameplay for the first fe warriors game which mixes a bunch of characters from older fe titles but your comments about it suggest you meant the second fe warriors game called three hopes which indeed ties into the three houses plot
I has a question, is it a prequel? Because if so I'll play that and if I get into the story enough I'll give Three houses a shot haven played since Fates 😅
You always do an excellent job with your videos, but this one is a step above in terms of organization, clarity, and the distilling it down to the info you need to know. Great job!
As a lifelong gamer, I watch because I get asked this question by a lot of people this time of the year. Most are parents with multiple Switch consoles in the house. So I just point them in your direction and go back to my little world of gaming. You help with small quality of life improvements for me around the holidays for which I am forever grateful. That is for certain. Thank you.
A really great game within the $20-30 price tag if it wasn’t already mentioned is Portal Knights. A mix between a casual rpg and Minecraft with single player or multiplayer capability.
I am a father to a five-year-old. I've never owned a switch before. I own both of the other consoles though so I don't really know many games for the switch. so it helps me by knowing which ones I should get which ones I shouldn't. So I definitely appreciate the video
It’s weird that I look forward to these videos even though no one ever buys me games and I have to get anything I want for myself 😬 Merry Christmas, Wood!🎄
Hey Wood, there's one (kinda big) thing that I noticed in the video: When you talked about Fire Emblem Warriors you mentioned how it's a new game and a spin-off of Fire Emblem: Three Houses. But the game you show on screen is the old Fire Emblem Warriors. I think you meant to put footage of Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes in there! Always love your christmas buying guides, Wood. I don't get any real "use" or new information out of them as I'm not the target audience of parents that aren't very familiar with videogames but, like you mentioned, those videos always put me in a very festive mood. Christmas season starts when this guide goes up! ;)
I picked up Bravely Default 2 for £20 over Black Friday and am loving it! Characters, gameplay, story and soundtrack are all brilliant. I'm surprised you said to avoid! If you are a big JRPG fan, you will enjoy it!
im not currently looking to buy any games, as I'm saving up to fix my switch, but I still love to see these videos every year! love to see what dropped in price, what is coming out etc! have a great holiday month wood and kim!!!
I love watching these so I know what you recommend playing and then I know what I might want to get. The video is very well organized. You talk about a game and give your reasons for buying it or avoiding it and then you move on to the next game. I like that it's quick because there might be a review you already made and I just need a quick reminder of the game. I like how you talk about different types of games. Like even though I can read a good story in a video game, it doesn't mean I always want to play those types. I do wish the video was released before Black Friday because I saw some games on sale I thought could've been fun, but I wasn't too sure about. It would also be helpful if you could make a Google Doc and share a link to it so I can remember your tips when I'm at the stores or when I'm making my own list. Thank you. I love your content. It's fun and good information. 🎄
Thanks so much for this buying guide. I got a switch this year for the family and I'm slowly starting to collect some games. I'd love to see this video next year before black Friday. Some off the physical deals were so good that I think I've finished my game buying for this year. I bought Warioworld a couple of weeks ago and haven't opened it yet, but after watching your video, I decided to try the demo last night. I'm going to return it...
thank you for this! Im planning on giving my nephew my switch lite since I got a switch for my birthday last year and it's just been sitting there for a bit. I didn't want to give it to him with no games so this is really helpful!
Always good to say that, when in doubt, you can always buy them an eShop gift card. It doesn't carry the same weight of a hand picked game, but it allows them to buy the exact game they want, and maybe something extra with the leftover credit.
I love these christmas videos you put out every year. I have no reason why but it feels amazing just seeing you (kind of) rank all the games on the switch up until now and help us make a choice on what to buy
I have to disagree about Digimon, I mean even on the trailer they advertise it as a VISUAL NOVEL with RPG elements and to be honest you got a ton of digimon RPG games, so it's good to see they're trying to do something new with the whole you got to survive this thing instead of the chill regular version. Definitely something to buy if you love Digimon and want something different and more mature.
Absolutely, I dont know why he says its marketed as a Tactical RPG when it’s primarily marketed as a Visual novel. I guess he bought it without reading 😅
He's been hating on it since it's release because he didn't research the game and got upset that it didn't match his expectations. But he's just misleading people about it being a bad game at this point. If someone enjoys visual novels it's really good.
@@josephp2229 Yeah, that's pretty much it! He didn't pay attention to the marketing of the game. It's been marketed as primarily a VN since the BEGINNING! He should have said that just because it wasn't for him, that doesn't mean it's not for everyone! I love Wood, but that just seems really...not cool (I didn't like his initial video on the game because of that, too)! lol.
I like this as a reminder of games that came out that I either got distracted by other games or just got life busy and now that its the holiday season and there's sales I can go back and get
JRPG Style Games I'd totally recommend, though these have been released for a while now: -- Ys 8: Lacrimosa of Dana -- God Eater 3 -- Shining Resonance Refrain -- Ys 9: Monstrum of Nox Combat Style: Free, Fast, contains great anime cutscenes and music OSTs. If you're the type like me that hates traditional Monster Hunter games having slow combat mechanic, and having a controlled combat system Xenoblade Chronicles has, then I highly recommend checking these out!
Thanks for making this video! I do play a lot of video games, but I didn't want to go through the laborious task of remembering every single game that I might want for Christmas this year! Thanks for helping to organize everything neatly!
I'm 26 and have played games my whole life but this year I'm getting my 4 year old a switch and considering how little older games decrease in price, a guide like this is very clutch for a young parent who loves games but has never owned a Nintendo console before
I want to add that let's go pikachu/evee are great starter pokemon games, or great for the original red/blue nostalgia. Some pokemon are only available in one or the other version, trading is possible. And if someone wants to play docked or stand mode, there is an optional pokeball to use, joystick o move, clicks in for action button, and throwable with wrist strap, for throw motion.
I usually watch these videos to buy for myself since I'm always on the hunt for new games to play. Thank you for the recommendations this year I'll definitely buy a few of these 🥰
This was super helpful. I thought about getting digimon survive since it was announced but didn’t because of poor reviews but never knew why. Knowing what it is now it seems up my alley. Didn’t know cult of the lamb had a physical release either so I might pick that up as well.
I, personally, LOVED Digimon Survive (but I'm also a HUGE reader on top of a Digimon fan, lol)! If that's your thing, too, highly recommended! (I wish he wouldn't have put it in the Avoid category. I love Wood, but it seems unfair when he's the one who didn't pay attention. lol.)
@@7Write4This9Heart7 Yeah, I get it though. I more or less saw this as a "If the person you're buying for is anything like me, this is what I'd buy them" Most of his reasoning for these text heavy games though is that it wouldn't make a good gift for kids which I understand(I was like that too lol) It's nice to get some feedback on it though from a digimon fan :)
9:31 (Fire EMblem Warriors) Nope, it's not a prequel. You probably got it confused with the new one, which has the subtitle "Three Hopes". But the one you showed, the original, does stand on it's own. People who played the earlier games will of course enjoy it much more, cuz they get all the references and know all the characters, but other than that, it's certainly it's own thing
These videos give me ideas of what to put on my wish list because I never know what to ask for. I'm a very casual gamer and not up to scratch with all the new stuff
This made me very proud of myself cause the 3 games I got were pokemon scarlet, animal crossing new horizon, and Rabbids + mario kingdom battle. And my sister is planning on getting the new splatoon game.
Mario + Rabbids, either game, is so fantastic that its easy to get lost in the story. Its not so hard that you're not going to have fun and it does allow for mistakes
Personally recommend Triangle Strategy, Tactics Ogre: Reborn, and Fire Emblem Three Houses for any rpg fan. Some of my favorite Switch games I've played. Tons of fun and replayability to have with these. Triangle Strategy I would put at the top of this list.
Potion permit is pretty fun, I have it on PC and love it. It's a bit on the short side, but scratches the harvest moon/stardew itch. No farming, but plenty of harvesting stuff so you can complete requests and make stuff.
I only subscribed earlier this year so I’ve never seen an up-to-date Christmas buying video and I am very happy to have caught this one on time. Happy Holidays!
I really enjoyed this video. I don't have family to celebrate with (dysfunctional family), but it was nice to see what games you recommend. I play mostly on Xbox Series X, so sometimes RPGs on the Switch slide under my radar. I found some titles I missed. I know some are on other systems (Persona 5 is my addiction on Game Pass), but if they are not on XBX, I might look at the Switch for them.
Absolutely crazy to call Bravely Default 2 an avoid!! I think Wood is just not a traditional JRPG fan. If you like golden age turn based RPGs, especially FFIII and FFV, then you will most likely dig Bravely Default 2.
Hey dude just want to say I found your channel about a year ago, now every morning at work I always listen to some videos when I’m starting the day. Best UA-camr around. 😊 also Yo from the UK 🇬🇧
Honestly i dont usually watch these for buying tips. Mainly cuz its Wood and i love to support him on every video! Also love to see what makes your naughty and nice list 🤣
Thanks Wood! Mum of a 7yo gamer here. He loves Breath of the Wild and Minecraft, and your recommendations that caught my eye were Subnautica and Monster Hunter Stories 2 (and maybe Cuphead for myself...)👍 (I would also always recommend Yooka Laylee and the Impossible Lair as a Donkey Kong alternative for age 5-ish plus, although in the UK at the moment it looks like you can only buy the physical version second-hand.)
I already got myself all the games I wanted, haha, but this guide still excites me every year and might remind me of a game I forgot about! I love these vids so much!
I think it is a bit unfair to tell people to avoid Digimon Survive, with your soul reason being it is a visual novel so "it's not good" You don't personally like visual novels, but that doesn't mean the game won't be enjoyed by people who DO like visual novels Also saying it is 95% visual novel is a bit dishonest. Once you get through the prologue the split is closer to 60%
True. Even if it was a niche of a genre, it still had good content for digimon fans to enjoy. I know a lot of people were mislead by the marketing but if they make another iteration of a digimon game, hopefully they go back to turn base like cyber sleuth and hackers memory.
@@borntokillzz they definitely will. Digimon games basically have 2 long standing series that have finally solidified into set gameplay styles over the last decade. Digimon Story is the name of the turn based style that they started with "Digimon Story" on the DS, which was confusingly called "Digimon World DS" in the west despite not being part of the world series. This is the series that the cyber sleuth games are part of, and we already have rumors of a new one in development. Digimon World was the first series, and it used to change gameplay style completely with each game, but starting with "Digimon World Re:Digitize" on the PSP, they settled on a consistent style similar to the first world game, which is a semi open world RPG with real time combat where you chear on and give commands to your Digimon partner, with a lot of systems designed around the series V-Pet origins such as needing to train your partner, keep them feed, and taking them to a toilet when they need to poop The latest World game is World: Next Order, which was originally on the Vita and PS4, and is getting a port for Switch and PC in February
@@borntokillzz anyway, what I am meaning to say is that Survive was always just an experiment into a new genera, and it was never going to replace the two established pillar series of Story and World
I dont watch wood all too often anymore ever since I lost interest in my switch, but I always make it a priority to watch the holiday buying guide every year even though I won't buy anything
I love seeing this video every year! I will say when you we talking about the maybes in the $50-60 you said Fire emblem Warriors. Did you mean to mention Fire Emblem Warriors 3 Hopes? Your script sounded like it but I was watching the old Fire Emblem Warriors play on my screen.
I know it’s old, and it’s download only, but unmetal is hilarious. It’s 100% aimed at metal gear fans, so non mgs fans may miss some of the jokes, but it’s brilliant!!! Deffo worth a look!!
I find this very friendly for those who know little about Nintendo Switch so as I watch trough it I decided this is Perfect for my Aunt who’s is Buying my little cousin a Nintendo Switch for Xmas. Thanks Wood 😁✌️
I have majority of the must buy games and I am pretty confident when it comes to my instinctual selection when it comes to games. I just like watching these for all the sleeper hits and the fact that this is reminiscent of the "top 10" video format which I find generally enteratining. I didn't know it takes two came out for the switch and my girlfriend didn't have a PC so perfect gift right there! Just hope she doesn't take it the wrong way based on the premise of the game haha.
Love ur lists as always! Just an FYI - story of seasons is the original harvest moon c: U can google but essentially the game company in japan that creates them split, and they publish it in English themselves now, but the company that did “harvest moon” in English had the rights to the name, so now they have to release it as “story of seasons” now. Any harvest moon series on the switch r just lacklustre cash grabs bc they have the name. Theres a good yt vid on it c:
Hey wood just to let you know, Fire emblem three hopes is the one you need to play after fire emblem three houses for it to make sense, where as fire emblem warriors has no connection to three houses :) (hope it made sense my gammer is a nightmare right now I’m too tired to fix it 😅) Edit: forgot to say fire emblem warriors three hopes (such a mouth full I don’t say it when talking about it sorry about that)
I watch these videos every year even though I’m a gamer and for the most part know which games are coming out. I don’t have anyone to gift games. These videos are just super wholesome.
The one thing with Mario strikers is if you treat it like a local player only version of smash bro’s it is super fun if your friends and/or family take it serious. The game is super fun.
Was looking for gift ideas for my partner, this helped a lot since we already have a lot of the mainstream popular games (Zeldas, Pokemons, etc). I actually got a few ideas, so thanks!
I absolutelly love Mario Strikers to play with friends, we play that more often that Smash or Mario Party when they come to my house and Digimon Survive is one of my favourite game releases from this year, I absolutely loved it but I also knew it was a visual novel when I got it so there is that.
Thank you for making these. I personally watch these for myself so I can know what games to get and also so people I know know which games to get me lol. I hope you continue to do these even when the switch’s time is over and there is a new console.
Since I’ve been watching every video on this channel for a long time this list had no big surprises or things I wouldn’t think about and that’s ok. It means Wood does a really good job. Personally I wouldn’t put Eastward in the mustbuy of that price range. While it has a top notch presentation the gameplay is a bit all over. Difficulty can spike at times while other parts are fairly easy. The story didn’t grab me much. Which means I’m not very invested in finishing this game. Up until this point I want to really like it because of it’s style but it’s not there yet. Maybe it’ll surprise me when I get myself to continue. But it does look and sound really good. Overall this list looks really helpful for the intended audience. Happy holidays!
The only game I think you missed on the list is Atari 50th. While it's just a compilation. It has 100 atari games and it's laid out fantastic. A must have for retro gamers.
Hey Wood! Thanks so much for the guide! I've been trying to figure out what game to get for my cousin and this really helped me to narrow some down! Any thoughts on the physical for Taiko No Tatsujin without purchasing the drum?
Lemme just say, first time coming across your videos and I greatly appreciate this. I’m 21 and have gotten to that point where I’m shopping for others and I’m super knowledgeable when it comes to games but this video even for someone like me is just the cherry on top. I remember when I was younger and wanted Call of duty Black ops 2 for Xbox 360 and my mom came home with “Brink” I don’t know where she got the name from and I’ve always resented that game for it 🤣🤣🤣. Not her tho bless her heart, I only wish at the time you where there with one of these videos screaming “BLACK OPS 2!!!!”😅💀🤣
For me, just until performance issues are fixed, it’s Arceus > SV. And I love Violet. I think it’s amazing and one of the best installments in the series and I actually really like how the story is handled and the MC is a student. It makes more sense than being a randomly lucky child that lives in the same small town as the professor who just so happens to want to send you on an adventure across the country capturing animals. Fight me.
i personally find that the game got boring after completion and i’m a shiny hunter but then again s/v has been out for a month so i can’t really say anything
@@cyancomrade dude how much is there after completing a game like let’s say emerald, or diamond or platinum? I was young playing those. Like we are adults. You think it might be that bro? 😅😂. You beat the gyms and league, catch ‘em all, maybe get shinies, and find some secret pathways.
@@b__w_4565 Every year there’s a new release and for me personally, i have no life so i play pokemon all the time. Therefore i constantly am searching for something to do to fill in aforementioned year gap whether it be shiny hunting or some random stuff. I completely understand though- there really isn’t much to do after beating a game, it’s just for me personally, i search for things to do all the time. I can understand that there’s a difference between an adult and a 13 year old in terms of lifestyle, and for me, the 13 year old in this situation i just happen to want to have more fun before i grow up and have to focus on more important things such as relationships, starting a family, etc TLDR: pokemon will be at the bottom of priorities eventually and therefore i strive for something to do at all times
@@b__w_4565 past games had stuff like the battle tower, one version unlocked challenge mode once you completed it once, et cetera. It's only relatively new that GF has been giving us just storyline and then basically nothing else, albeit if you're prepared to spend even more than this game is worth than yeah they'll add more in DLC but we shouldn't be blindly accepting of that fact. It's a triple A game from the biggest multi billion dollar franchise in the world. There shouldn't even really be DLC (I get that's a losing battle) but there should be end game content without having to throw more money at it (also a losing battle tbh).
Minor correction: fire emblem warriors is not tied to the story in fire emblem three houses, that would be fire emblem warriors: three hopes. Fire emblem warriors has no ties to three houses and can be played without knowing anything about three houses. Fire emblem warriors three hopes is played best with knowledge of three houses
For this guide i kind of missed dragon quest XI as i think it is one of the best (turn based) jrpgs currently on the switch. Did buy eastward during last black friday (after hearing you talk about it before and absolutly loving it. although it is quite hard at times. Also bought lost at random for a little under 6 euro's after hearing many good things about it so curious what that game will be like
I would highlight the fact that Bayonetta 3 is rated M for Mature and explain what that means so that absolute newcomers to buying games as gifts are aware that they should think twice before buying it for their little Timmy
@@MetaGamingDojo I powered through it and love it. I want to get it physically. Would not recommend it for children because of nudity is a part of the franchise.
🎄WHAT ARE YOU BUYING THIS HOLIDAY?! 🎄
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Mario trailer reaction?
Sinterklaas 🎁
Tomorrow I am buying Siralim Ultimate can't wait.
You just helped me to decide what game to buy! however I still need to save money to buy a Nintendo Switch OLED. I was saving my money to buy NSW ver2 then the OLED already came out but still I haven't come so far to buying one. I'm happy that I was just watching your videos just to satisfy myself looking on your NSW consoles. hope getting my 1st NSW next year.
Love these videos and you’ve finally convinced me to buy botw
As an active gamer who learned nothing from this video, this was one of the most pleasant and wholesome experiences and I gladly watched it from start to finish.
Always
You are a respectable person
yessir
Same here, at this point watching Wood go through his Switch buying guide is as much of a Christmas tradition as watching Home Alone!
Same
I love that he’s really trying this for parents. Like "remember that’s Pokémon SCARLET and VIOLET don’t get it confused with Pokémon SWORD and SHIELD". It’s so wholesome! 😂Happy holidays
I agree :) happy holidays ☺️
And the "not talking to weirdos" for splatoon 3
Tbh i want sword more thab scarlet
@@EDP-W based
Though it was kind of odd he recommended Bayonetta 3 to little Timmy and Jimmy.
I love the way you organize these guides. So well done!
I watch these each year because I enjoy seeing Wood organise his opinions into a concise list. And it also reminds me of games I may have forgotten.
This is literally the reason I watch these
I loved how he spoke about not confusing the both zelda warriors games, but confused the two fire emblem warrior games
yeah i found that intersting despite one clearly having to do with 3 houses and the other not
I'm not buying anything, but buying guides in this format are just fun to watch. Looking forward to more!
@SOLZandSAGE1 uhh wrong Channel?
These Christmas what to avoid and buy videos are my favourite part of Christmas
yes haha
Same
Yall 8 or something? How do u not know all these games by now?
Feels like the holidays now!
@@packers12to80 I do know them its just fun to see his opinions about them
I think this series has become a holiday tradition for many. It certainly has for me. Thanks for making these! And Happy Holidays!
One of your most beloved and helpful series. Very kind of you to take your time every year helping others on what to buy and avoid.
It's literally his job. It is a great series though.
@@Knivess0 He could still decide to stop this series.
Yeah...he cares so much...give me a break. It's content...easy content. Easy video..99% of utubers don't give a damn about ppl ..unless u make them money.
This may sound silly, but for a couple of years now, this video has probably been THE thing that gets me into the holiday spirit the most. I'm sure this video format takes a ton of work and I just want to say how much I appreciate it!! Thank you for the Christmas feels, year after year!!🥰🎄❄️☃️
I second that 🎅🏻🎄🎁
Marry Christmas 😄
Your holiday buying guides are always helpful. Love your content Woods.
Defedently i even still watch the super old buying guides
Really appreciate the guide every year! In actual fact this year it’s more useful than ever because I find myself playing more switch than anything else and embracing the indies more and more.
There’s certainly some stuff here I need to check out, especially all the Zelda stuff as I’ve never played one
trust me breath of the wild is really good and has many hours in it
human rights violation to not play breath of the wild
As a zelda obsessed fan, definitely play Breath of the Wild or Links awakening. Personally links awakening is my favourite zelda game, but if you’ve never played zelda and only have a switch, I’d recommend botw over it and skyward sword.
@@yuulfuji Link's Awakening is arguably the best 2D/"top-down" Zelda. It's basically the perfection of that formula. And BotW is quite different from other Zeldas, but in a good way.
@@turntsnaco824 Agreed
I don’t know why I look forward to these videos so much every year. They’re just so wholesome and organized and fun.
I'm looking to pick up some more switch games and your list helps a lot! one note for the Fire Emblem warrior game you mentioned: you showed the cover and gameplay for the first fe warriors game which mixes a bunch of characters from older fe titles but your comments about it suggest you meant the second fe warriors game called three hopes which indeed ties into the three houses plot
Yeah, glad someone else noticed
Was about to comment this same thing as well
@@ilitsa Same
I has a question, is it a prequel? Because if so I'll play that and if I get into the story enough I'll give Three houses a shot haven played since Fates 😅
@@fevondisher2903 it's more of an alternate universe
You always do an excellent job with your videos, but this one is a step above in terms of organization, clarity, and the distilling it down to the info you need to know.
Great job!
I love these buying guides, they're just a nice recap of all the games that came out this year
As a lifelong gamer, I watch because I get asked this question by a lot of people this time of the year. Most are parents with multiple Switch consoles in the house. So I just point them in your direction and go back to my little world of gaming. You help with small quality of life improvements for me around the holidays for which I am forever grateful. That is for certain. Thank you.
A really great game within the $20-30 price tag if it wasn’t already mentioned is Portal Knights. A mix between a casual rpg and Minecraft with single player or multiplayer capability.
I am a father to a five-year-old. I've never owned a switch before. I own both of the other consoles though so I don't really know many games for the switch. so it helps me by knowing which ones I should get which ones I shouldn't. So I definitely appreciate the video
HOW has it already been a year since the last one? I feel like I watched your last Christmas buying guide just a few months ago! Time really does fly.
Just wait for a bit and suddenly the 2023 holiday guide will feel like it came out in mere minutes!
It’s weird that I look forward to these videos even though no one ever buys me games and I have to get anything I want for myself 😬 Merry Christmas, Wood!🎄
Same with me.. Merry Christmas! 🎅🏻🎁😄
@@CapnRetro you too! 🎄🎅🏻
Same.
Nobody buys me games.
u always find a way to build my switch library that much bigger whether physically or digitally and I love it
Hey Wood, there's one (kinda big) thing that I noticed in the video: When you talked about Fire Emblem Warriors you mentioned how it's a new game and a spin-off of Fire Emblem: Three Houses. But the game you show on screen is the old Fire Emblem Warriors. I think you meant to put footage of Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes in there!
Always love your christmas buying guides, Wood. I don't get any real "use" or new information out of them as I'm not the target audience of parents that aren't very familiar with videogames but, like you mentioned, those videos always put me in a very festive mood. Christmas season starts when this guide goes up! ;)
I picked up Bravely Default 2 for £20 over Black Friday and am loving it! Characters, gameplay, story and soundtrack are all brilliant. I'm surprised you said to avoid! If you are a big JRPG fan, you will enjoy it!
@SOLZandSAGE1 yoo merry month to you too Mr scammer
im not currently looking to buy any games, as I'm saving up to fix my switch, but I still love to see these videos every year! love to see what dropped in price, what is coming out etc! have a great holiday month wood and kim!!!
I'm glad you included both TMNT games that came out this year. Both great games!
I love watching these so I know what you recommend playing and then I know what I might want to get. The video is very well organized. You talk about a game and give your reasons for buying it or avoiding it and then you move on to the next game. I like that it's quick because there might be a review you already made and I just need a quick reminder of the game. I like how you talk about different types of games. Like even though I can read a good story in a video game, it doesn't mean I always want to play those types. I do wish the video was released before Black Friday because I saw some games on sale I thought could've been fun, but I wasn't too sure about. It would also be helpful if you could make a Google Doc and share a link to it so I can remember your tips when I'm at the stores or when I'm making my own list. Thank you. I love your content. It's fun and good information. 🎄
Thanks so much for this buying guide. I got a switch this year for the family and I'm slowly starting to collect some games. I'd love to see this video next year before black Friday. Some off the physical deals were so good that I think I've finished my game buying for this year. I bought Warioworld a couple of weeks ago and haven't opened it yet, but after watching your video, I decided to try the demo last night. I'm going to return it...
thank you for this! Im planning on giving my nephew my switch lite since I got a switch for my birthday last year and it's just been sitting there for a bit. I didn't want to give it to him with no games so this is really helpful!
Eastward was such a pleasant surprise. I hope that the duo behind that game are working on a sequel or a very similar new game.
Always good to say that, when in doubt, you can always buy them an eShop gift card. It doesn't carry the same weight of a hand picked game, but it allows them to buy the exact game they want, and maybe something extra with the leftover credit.
I'm so glad you're doing it this year I finally get to know what games to buy for my switch and what games not to buy thank you Wood
I love these christmas videos you put out every year. I have no reason why but it feels amazing just seeing you (kind of) rank all the games on the switch up until now and help us make a choice on what to buy
I have to disagree about Digimon, I mean even on the trailer they advertise it as a VISUAL NOVEL with RPG elements and to be honest you got a ton of digimon RPG games, so it's good to see they're trying to do something new with the whole you got to survive this thing instead of the chill regular version. Definitely something to buy if you love Digimon and want something different and more mature.
Agree 100%! I LOVE Digimon Survive (but I also love reading, lol)!
Absolutely, I dont know why he says its marketed as a Tactical RPG when it’s primarily marketed as a Visual novel. I guess he bought it without reading 😅
He's been hating on it since it's release because he didn't research the game and got upset that it didn't match his expectations. But he's just misleading people about it being a bad game at this point. If someone enjoys visual novels it's really good.
@@josephp2229 Yeah, that's pretty much it! He didn't pay attention to the marketing of the game. It's been marketed as primarily a VN since the BEGINNING! He should have said that just because it wasn't for him, that doesn't mean it's not for everyone! I love Wood, but that just seems really...not cool (I didn't like his initial video on the game because of that, too)! lol.
I like this as a reminder of games that came out that I either got distracted by other games or just got life busy and now that its the holiday season and there's sales I can go back and get
I love that you basically called me a great father as I bought just about all those games for my kids.
It helps me by distracting myself from my depression. Lol. I don't have a switch anymore so entertainment is the next best thing for this channel
Thanks for doing this again! I always look forward to your holiday buying guides each year.
JRPG Style Games I'd totally recommend, though these have been released for a while now:
-- Ys 8: Lacrimosa of Dana
-- God Eater 3
-- Shining Resonance Refrain
-- Ys 9: Monstrum of Nox
Combat Style: Free, Fast, contains great anime cutscenes and music OSTs. If you're the type like me that hates traditional Monster Hunter games having slow combat mechanic, and having a controlled combat system Xenoblade Chronicles has, then I highly recommend checking these out!
Thanks for making this video! I do play a lot of video games, but I didn't want to go through the laborious task of remembering every single game that I might want for Christmas this year! Thanks for helping to organize everything neatly!
I'm 26 and have played games my whole life but this year I'm getting my 4 year old a switch and considering how little older games decrease in price, a guide like this is very clutch for a young parent who loves games but has never owned a Nintendo console before
I want to add that let's go pikachu/evee are great starter pokemon games, or great for the original red/blue nostalgia. Some pokemon are only available in one or the other version, trading is possible. And if someone wants to play docked or stand mode, there is an optional pokeball to use, joystick o move, clicks in for action button, and throwable with wrist strap, for throw motion.
Great Content ever since i got my switch around 2018 i been watching your vids for updates ! 😊
I usually watch these videos to buy for myself since I'm always on the hunt for new games to play. Thank you for the recommendations this year I'll definitely buy a few of these 🥰
You have to put the Survivalist in the next holiday video! Its a really good game!! Its about 20-30 dollars and its a must buy game!
Nice Video!
This was super helpful. I thought about getting digimon survive since it was announced but didn’t because of poor reviews but never knew why. Knowing what it is now it seems up my alley. Didn’t know cult of the lamb had a physical release either so I might pick that up as well.
I, personally, LOVED Digimon Survive (but I'm also a HUGE reader on top of a Digimon fan, lol)! If that's your thing, too, highly recommended! (I wish he wouldn't have put it in the Avoid category. I love Wood, but it seems unfair when he's the one who didn't pay attention. lol.)
@@7Write4This9Heart7 Yeah, I get it though. I more or less saw this as a "If the person you're buying for is anything like me, this is what I'd buy them" Most of his reasoning for these text heavy games though is that it wouldn't make a good gift for kids which I understand(I was like that too lol) It's nice to get some feedback on it though from a digimon fan :)
9:31 (Fire EMblem Warriors) Nope, it's not a prequel. You probably got it confused with the new one, which has the subtitle "Three Hopes". But the one you showed, the original, does stand on it's own. People who played the earlier games will of course enjoy it much more, cuz they get all the references and know all the characters, but other than that, it's certainly it's own thing
These videos give me ideas of what to put on my wish list because I never know what to ask for. I'm a very casual gamer and not up to scratch with all the new stuff
This made me very proud of myself cause the 3 games I got were pokemon scarlet, animal crossing new horizon, and Rabbids + mario kingdom battle.
And my sister is planning on getting the new splatoon game.
Mario + Rabbids, either game, is so fantastic that its easy to get lost in the story. Its not so hard that you're not going to have fun and it does allow for mistakes
You did an awesome job breaking down the current Switch scene so that non-gamers can make informed decisions. Great job as always!
0:14 the way she looks at him 🙂🙂
I love this kind of videos! It organize really well on what to really buy and I completely forgot about Crisis Core, thanks for the reminder!!
Personally recommend Triangle Strategy, Tactics Ogre: Reborn, and Fire Emblem Three Houses for any rpg fan. Some of my favorite Switch games I've played. Tons of fun and replayability to have with these. Triangle Strategy I would put at the top of this list.
I've had a lot of fun with Harvestella, as well. It was a pleasant surprise.
Hi! Would you recommend Octopath Traveler? Thanks
Potion permit is pretty fun, I have it on PC and love it. It's a bit on the short side, but scratches the harvest moon/stardew itch. No farming, but plenty of harvesting stuff so you can complete requests and make stuff.
Glad to hear this! I tried starting it recently and couldn't get into it. I'll have to try again!
YESS I WAS WAITING FOR THIS VIDEO THANK YOU BEATUMUPS FOR MAKING HOLIDAYS BETTER
I only subscribed earlier this year so I’ve never seen an up-to-date Christmas buying video and I am very happy to have caught this one on time. Happy Holidays!
I really enjoyed this video. I don't have family to celebrate with (dysfunctional family), but it was nice to see what games you recommend.
I play mostly on Xbox Series X, so sometimes RPGs on the Switch slide under my radar. I found some titles I missed. I know some are on other systems (Persona 5 is my addiction on Game Pass), but if they are not on XBX, I might look at the Switch for them.
Waiting for these videos every year! Happy holidays!
Absolutely crazy to call Bravely Default 2 an avoid!! I think Wood is just not a traditional JRPG fan. If you like golden age turn based RPGs, especially FFIII and FFV, then you will most likely dig Bravely Default 2.
Hey dude just want to say I found your channel about a year ago, now every morning at work I always listen to some videos when I’m starting the day. Best UA-camr around. 😊 also Yo from the UK 🇬🇧
Thank you for making this video I’ve been needing ideas for gifts and this is perfect. Again thank you I really appreciate it
Honestly i dont usually watch these for buying tips. Mainly cuz its Wood and i love to support him on every video! Also love to see what makes your naughty and nice list 🤣
Thanks Wood! Mum of a 7yo gamer here. He loves Breath of the Wild and Minecraft, and your recommendations that caught my eye were Subnautica and Monster Hunter Stories 2 (and maybe Cuphead for myself...)👍
(I would also always recommend Yooka Laylee and the Impossible Lair as a Donkey Kong alternative for age 5-ish plus, although in the UK at the moment it looks like you can only buy the physical version second-hand.)
Oh and another oldie but goodie for young gamers - Lego Jurassic World (currently £25 new in the UK which is approx $30).
I already got myself all the games I wanted, haha, but this guide still excites me every year and might remind me of a game I forgot about! I love these vids so much!
I think it is a bit unfair to tell people to avoid Digimon Survive, with your soul reason being it is a visual novel so "it's not good"
You don't personally like visual novels, but that doesn't mean the game won't be enjoyed by people who DO like visual novels
Also saying it is 95% visual novel is a bit dishonest. Once you get through the prologue the split is closer to 60%
True. Even if it was a niche of a genre, it still had good content for digimon fans to enjoy. I know a lot of people were mislead by the marketing but if they make another iteration of a digimon game, hopefully they go back to turn base like cyber sleuth and hackers memory.
@@borntokillzz they definitely will. Digimon games basically have 2 long standing series that have finally solidified into set gameplay styles over the last decade. Digimon Story is the name of the turn based style that they started with "Digimon Story" on the DS, which was confusingly called "Digimon World DS" in the west despite not being part of the world series. This is the series that the cyber sleuth games are part of, and we already have rumors of a new one in development.
Digimon World was the first series, and it used to change gameplay style completely with each game, but starting with "Digimon World Re:Digitize" on the PSP, they settled on a consistent style similar to the first world game, which is a semi open world RPG with real time combat where you chear on and give commands to your Digimon partner, with a lot of systems designed around the series V-Pet origins such as needing to train your partner, keep them feed, and taking them to a toilet when they need to poop
The latest World game is World: Next Order, which was originally on the Vita and PS4, and is getting a port for Switch and PC in February
@@borntokillzz anyway, what I am meaning to say is that Survive was always just an experiment into a new genera, and it was never going to replace the two established pillar series of Story and World
Agreed! I, personally, LOVED Digimon Survive! Think it's AWESOME, one of my fave games I've played this year!
I love these videos way to much I always look forward to this one Every year
I dont watch wood all too often anymore ever since I lost interest in my switch, but I always make it a priority to watch the holiday buying guide every year even though I won't buy anything
even though i knew about every single game in this video, i still was really excited to watch it. i love this tradition of yours
I love seeing this video every year! I will say when you we talking about the maybes in the $50-60 you said Fire emblem Warriors. Did you mean to mention Fire Emblem Warriors 3 Hopes? Your script sounded like it but I was watching the old Fire Emblem Warriors play on my screen.
I just use these as a quick multi game review so I have a good idea of what to tell people I want and it's perfect. Thank you.
You know when it’s Christmas when beatemups puts out a buying guide
Bro your videos are the most clearest and brightest I have ever seen on UA-cam whatever you're doing keep it up. Merry Christmas
I know it’s old, and it’s download only, but unmetal is hilarious. It’s 100% aimed at metal gear fans, so non mgs fans may miss some of the jokes, but it’s brilliant!!! Deffo worth a look!!
I find this very friendly for those who know little about Nintendo Switch so as I watch trough it I decided this is Perfect for my Aunt who’s is Buying my little cousin a Nintendo Switch for Xmas. Thanks Wood 😁✌️
Dragon Quest Treasures is the game of December I’m looking most forward to. It’s releasing on the 8th.
I have majority of the must buy games and I am pretty confident when it comes to my instinctual selection when it comes to games. I just like watching these for all the sleeper hits and the fact that this is reminiscent of the "top 10" video format which I find generally enteratining. I didn't know it takes two came out for the switch and my girlfriend didn't have a PC so perfect gift right there! Just hope she doesn't take it the wrong way based on the premise of the game haha.
I didn't even realize the Crisis Core game was coming up this December! Thanks for letting me know so I can add it to my wishlist. 😄
I like how wood says not to mix up certain game to avoid bad ones and yet does it himself for fire emblem warriors
This is why most people avoid Visual Novels like the plague. It is good, you just don't like reading.
Love ur lists as always! Just an FYI - story of seasons is the original harvest moon c: U can google but essentially the game company in japan that creates them split, and they publish it in English themselves now, but the company that did “harvest moon” in English had the rights to the name, so now they have to release it as “story of seasons” now. Any harvest moon series on the switch r just lacklustre cash grabs bc they have the name. Theres a good yt vid on it c:
Hey wood just to let you know, Fire emblem three hopes is the one you need to play after fire emblem three houses for it to make sense, where as fire emblem warriors has no connection to three houses :) (hope it made sense my gammer is a nightmare right now I’m too tired to fix it 😅)
Edit: forgot to say fire emblem warriors three hopes (such a mouth full I don’t say it when talking about it sorry about that)
The old one ties to the new one releasing in january though.. as you get to know all the emblems already
I watch these videos every year even though I’m a gamer and for the most part know which games are coming out. I don’t have anyone to gift games. These videos are just super wholesome.
Hello, you're among my shortlisted winners. Contact above.👆
The one thing with Mario strikers is if you treat it like a local player only version of smash bro’s it is super fun if your friends and/or family take it serious. The game is super fun.
I agree the game I fun even playing alone but even better with another person 🤝
Was looking for gift ideas for my partner, this helped a lot since we already have a lot of the mainstream popular games (Zeldas, Pokemons, etc). I actually got a few ideas, so thanks!
I absolutelly love Mario Strikers to play with friends, we play that more often that Smash or Mario Party when they come to my house and Digimon Survive is one of my favourite game releases from this year, I absolutely loved it but I also knew it was a visual novel when I got it so there is that.
Agreed on Digimon Survive! One of my fave games this year! lol. But like you, I also knew it was a visual novel going in, AND I love to read, so! lol.
Thank you for making these. I personally watch these for myself so I can know what games to get and also so people I know know which games to get me lol. I hope you continue to do these even when the switch’s time is over and there is a new console.
Hello, you're among my shortlisted winners. Contact above..👆
i love this video. every year i link it to family. I always add thought that pokemon scarley/violet are essentially the same game so to only get one
Since I’ve been watching every video on this channel for a long time this list had no big surprises or things I wouldn’t think about and that’s ok. It means Wood does a really good job. Personally I wouldn’t put Eastward in the mustbuy of that price range. While it has a top notch presentation the gameplay is a bit all over. Difficulty can spike at times while other parts are fairly easy. The story didn’t grab me much. Which means I’m not very invested in finishing this game. Up until this point I want to really like it because of it’s style but it’s not there yet. Maybe it’ll surprise me when I get myself to continue. But it does look and sound really good.
Overall this list looks really helpful for the intended audience. Happy holidays!
The only game I think you missed on the list is Atari 50th. While it's just a compilation. It has 100 atari games and it's laid out fantastic. A must have for retro gamers.
Hey Wood! Thanks so much for the guide! I've been trying to figure out what game to get for my cousin and this really helped me to narrow some down! Any thoughts on the physical for Taiko No Tatsujin without purchasing the drum?
Lemme just say, first time coming across your videos and I greatly appreciate this. I’m 21 and have gotten to that point where I’m shopping for others and I’m super knowledgeable when it comes to games but this video even for someone like me is just the cherry on top. I remember when I was younger and wanted Call of duty Black ops 2 for Xbox 360 and my mom came home with “Brink” I don’t know where she got the name from and I’ve always resented that game for it 🤣🤣🤣. Not her tho bless her heart, I only wish at the time you where there with one of these videos screaming “BLACK OPS 2!!!!”😅💀🤣
For me, just until performance issues are fixed, it’s Arceus > SV. And I love Violet. I think it’s amazing and one of the best installments in the series and I actually really like how the story is handled and the MC is a student. It makes more sense than being a randomly lucky child that lives in the same small town as the professor who just so happens to want to send you on an adventure across the country capturing animals. Fight me.
i personally find that the game got boring after completion and i’m a shiny hunter
but then again s/v has been out for a month so i can’t really say anything
@@cyancomrade they're definitely gonna add super expensive DLC that also claims to fix all the problems with performance
@@cyancomrade dude how much is there after completing a game like let’s say emerald, or diamond or platinum? I was young playing those. Like we are adults. You think it might be that bro? 😅😂. You beat the gyms and league, catch ‘em all, maybe get shinies, and find some secret pathways.
@@b__w_4565 Every year there’s a new release and for me personally, i have no life so i play pokemon all the time. Therefore i constantly am searching for something to do to fill in aforementioned year gap whether it be shiny hunting or some random stuff. I completely understand though- there really isn’t much to do after beating a game, it’s just for me personally, i search for things to do all the time. I can understand that there’s a difference between an adult and a 13 year old in terms of lifestyle, and for me, the 13 year old in this situation i just happen to want to have more fun before i grow up and have to focus on more important things such as relationships, starting a family, etc
TLDR: pokemon will be at the bottom of priorities eventually and therefore i strive for something to do at all times
@@b__w_4565 past games had stuff like the battle tower, one version unlocked challenge mode once you completed it once, et cetera.
It's only relatively new that GF has been giving us just storyline and then basically nothing else, albeit if you're prepared to spend even more than this game is worth than yeah they'll add more in DLC but we shouldn't be blindly accepting of that fact. It's a triple A game from the biggest multi billion dollar franchise in the world. There shouldn't even really be DLC (I get that's a losing battle) but there should be end game content without having to throw more money at it (also a losing battle tbh).
Minor correction: fire emblem warriors is not tied to the story in fire emblem three houses, that would be fire emblem warriors: three hopes. Fire emblem warriors has no ties to three houses and can be played without knowing anything about three houses. Fire emblem warriors three hopes is played best with knowledge of three houses
I would have put BioShock collection in the 10-20$ maybe section but other than that this video was very informative thanks :)
I love it that you do this series every year i kinda relay on these videos to buy games
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For this guide i kind of missed dragon quest XI as i think it is one of the best (turn based) jrpgs currently on the switch. Did buy eastward during last black friday (after hearing you talk about it before and absolutly loving it. although it is quite hard at times. Also bought lost at random for a little under 6 euro's after hearing many good things about it so curious what that game will be like
Right? I’m surprised he didn’t mention Dragon Quest XI S or the first Ni no Kuni. Both excellent games.
I just watch your vids in general… if you post it, I’ll watch it! Stay safe everyone
I would highlight the fact that Bayonetta 3 is rated M for Mature and explain what that means so that absolute newcomers to buying games as gifts are aware that they should think twice before buying it for their little Timmy
Ironically some of them parents get GTA for their little kids
@@moomanchu608 tru 🤣
The only ‘anime’ games I would deem appropriate for a kid are stuff like dragon ball with few exceptions but those tend to be rpgs
@@thefastesthedgehog6795 kill la kill too!😏
@@MetaGamingDojo I powered through it and love it. I want to get it physically. Would not recommend it for children because of nudity is a part of the franchise.