Gamasutra is doing a list a day, all focusing on games in 2008. Today, they tackle what they see as the top 5 gameplay mechanics. No Nintendo-related games make the list, but there are some mentions in lesser catagories.

Top Gameplay Mechanic Honorable Mentions

- Bangai-O Spirits (Treasure; Nintendo DS): auditory level sharing
- World of Goo (2D Boy; PC, Wii): physics-based lattice building

Amusing Gameplay Mechanic Special Mentions

- No More Heroes (Grasshopper Manufacture; Wii): suggestive waggle-based sword recharging

Link