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Bandai Namco's Pac-Man Metroidvania Launches Tomorrow With Free Switch 2 Upgrade

Pac-Man has starred in many different types of games since becoming an arcade legend, but Bandai Namco's latest game might be the hero's strangest outing yet. In Shadow Labyrinth, Pac-Man teams up with a swordsman in an action-platformer rated T for Teen by the ESRB. Shadow Labyrinth is a side-scroller within the metroidvania genre that's earning pretty decent reviews ahead of its July 18 release (74 on Metacritic). Metroidvania and Pac-Man fans who haven't preordered a copy yet still have time to secure a neat preorder bonus as well as a discount for PC or budget-friendly collector's edition on consoles.

Shadow Labyrinth Physical Editions at Amazon:

All preorders for Shadow Labyrinth include the "Original Arcade Sound FX" bonus. As the name suggests, this DLC unlocks Pac-Man's sound effects from his arcade glory days.

• Nintendo Switch with free Switch 2 Upgrade Pack
  • Standard -- $30
  • Secret Edition -- $60
• PS5
  • Standard -- $30
  • Secret Edition -- $60

Shadow Labyrinth isn't a full-priced game, as the standard edition only costs $30 in physical format for Nintendo Switch or PS5. A $60 collector's box called the Secret Edition comes with a bunch of physical goodies, included a double-sided map poster, pin set, and blacklight keychain. Physical and digital versions of Shadow Labyrinth for Switch include a free upgrade for the Switch 2 Edition. Shadow Labyrinth is digital-only on Xbox Series X|S.

PC players can save on Steam keys for the standard and Deluxe Edition at GameSpot sister site Fanatical.

• Shadow Labyrinth for PC -- $25.19 ($30)
• Shadow Labyrinth Deluxe Edition for PC -- $33.59 ($40)

Shadow Labyrinth also has a $100 Collector's Edition that's exclusive to the Bandai Namco Store. This version includes a Shadow Box, Collector's Box, and Art Journal and is available for Nintendo Switch, PS5, and PC (Steam key).

The new 2D action-platformer takes place on a planet ravaged by war. Like all metroidvanias, there's a focus on uncovering hidden secrets and unlocking new powers. You play as Swordsman No. 8 and square off against a variety of alien monsters with the help of your very hungry companion Puck (Pac-Man).

Pac-Man Special Edition Wireless Controllers

Shadow Labyrinth is part of Bandai Namco's 45th anniversary celebrations for the legendary arcade hero. It's far from the only new product released to commemorate the occasion. Bandai partnered with PowerA to create a pair of stylish wireless controllers for Nintendo Switch and Xbox/PC.

The PowerA Enhanced Pac-Man Controller for Switch (and Switch 2) is available for $54.55 (was $65) at Amazon. This controller has already sold out a couple of times since its April launch. It has PowerA's "Lumectra" lighting technology, which allows it to display different moments in a round of the classic arcade game. It's pretty cool.

PowerA's Pac-Man-themed Xbox controller is on sale for $84 (was $100). It's pricier because it has more bells and whistles, including four remappable back buttons--the Switch controller has two--Hall Effect sticks and triggers, trigger locks, and three custom profiles. It also has interesting lighting effects, as it glows in the dark and has a fluorescent look when placed under UV light. It's a pretty solid pro-style wireless controller for the price, but it's worth noting there's a Fortnite-themed model of the same controller for $51 (was $100) at Amazon.

Pac-Man 45th Anniversary Banpresto Plushies

Bandai Namco also released a collection of plushies through its Banpresto subsidiary. Some of the Ghosts are sold out, but you can still get a few of them and Pac-Man.

• Pac-Man 45th Anniversary Big Plush -- $30
• Clyde Ghost Big Plush -- $28.62
• Silver Ghost Big Plush -- $27
• Blue Ghost Big Plush -- $21.60 ($27)
• Ghost 45th Anniversary Big Plush (Ver. B) -- $30

If you are as hungry as Puck, you can get the recently released official Pac-Man Cookbook in hardcover format for $28.79 at Amazon. A Kindle ebook edition is also available for $13.