The internet has largely killed the print strategy guide business, but there's something about holding a physical strategy guide that is still alluring in 2019. A number of major franchises such as Pokemon continue to get weighty strategy guides with each release. And with Pokemon Sword and Shield arriving November 15 on Nintendo Switch, a new strategy guide is also up for pre-order, with the Collector's Edition currently discounted to $24.68 (was $40) at Amazon.
Pokemon Sword & Shield: The Official Galar Region Strategy Guide: Collector's Edition -- $24.68 ($40)
The Collector's Edition has a slick black cover featuring outlines of Sword and Shield legendaries Zacian and Zamazenta. The 400-page hardcover includes exclusive concept art and a Joy-Con controller skin decal pack.
If you're at all interested in a strategy guide for Sword and Shield, the Collector's Edition is the right choice. The 348-page standard edition paperback is only about $2 less at Amazon, and it doesn't come with the concept art or controller decals. With Amazon's pre-order price guarantee, if the Collector's Edition dips even further in price between now and release, you'll only pay the lowest price.
There's one downside here: The strategy guide releases November 22, a week after Sword and Shield launch. But if you're the collecting type or buying it as a holiday gift, the delay probably won't matter too much. You may also want to look into The Official Galar Region Pokedex, which is on sale for $19.73 at Amazon (was $25) ahead of its December 20 release.
