The Buying Game (Issue 1)

TL;DR: The buying game is a weekly commerce post that highlights three products from different price categories. Each pick is given a point score, and, based on nothing at all, I pick a winner.

How I’d spend $500: Nintendo Switch 2

This one is easy. After eight years there’s finally a new Nintendo console. It’s faster and more refined, but wholly familiar. I’m not a gamer, and don’t see many launch titles I care about, but the new Mario Kart World game makes it worth picking up sooner than later.

Price: $450 (console-only); $500 (bundles with Mario Kart World)

Score: 6/10

The $450 price is higher than anyone was expecting or hoping for. That’s too bad. On the bright side, my original Switch lasted the entire eight years and so if this new one holds up as well as that one did then its price will be justified.

How I’d spend $150: Nomad 100W Slim AC Adapter

I’m a sucker for power adapters. Charging a device as quickly as possible is a super power and this one from Nomad hits all the criteria to be a good one. It features two ports and 100W of power in a thin, compact frame. It’s a great travel accessory that can power a laptop and phone without breaking a sweat.

Price: $69 (link)

Score: 5/10

You can find much cheaper adapters, but this one is still in line with what a charger from Apple would cost, plus it’s much smaller than one of those.

How I’d spend $50: Goldfinger soundtrack on vinyl

La-La Land Records, in partnership with MGM and ION, is producing a re-mastered version of the James Bond movie soundtrack, Goldfinger. It features the music of composer John Barry. There are 700 copies of this “Fort Knox Bullion” vinyl variant. It’s a pre-order now and should ship in July 2025.

The official 007 store already has sold out of its different colored edition so this is the only other option for now.

Price: $34.98 (link)

Score: 8/10

For the small group of James Bond enthusiasts who listen to vinyl, this is a great deal. It will sell out.

A really expensive pick: Matic robot vacuum

The Matic robot vacuum and mop is a new take on traditional robot vacuums. It looks different. It maps and cleans different. And it handles your data locally, with more privacy.

I reviewed it for How-To Geek.

Price: $1,095 (link)

A really cheap (or free) pick: Poolsuite.fm

Poolsuite.fm is a free streaming music app made for summer. The service is a collection of curated songs meant to highlight the feeling or relaxing on the beach or being poolside. It’s available on iOS, Android, macOS, and the web.

Price: Free

The winner: Nintendo Switch 2

For those keeping track, the scores aren’t relative, only self contained. Also, a lower score doesn’t indicate a bad product. It’s just less of a value.

The Switch 2 is new, shiny, and won’t go on sale for, likely, years. If you can find one, and love Mario Kart, then now is the best time to buy one.