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Christmas Gifts for Gamers
If the big day is approaching and you find yourself clueless on what to get for the game-lover in your life, look no further: ShopWiki's got you covered with all you need to know to light up Christmas for everyone, from the casual to the most hardcore gamer.
For more ideas, check out our general guide to buying gifts for gamers.
Who's the Lucky Gamer?
As with most gifts, you want to know your audience, but this is especially crucial with game systems, as your gamer likely already owns a system or has their eye on one. If the former, you need to make sure that any games or accessories you get them are for their system, and if the latter, you need to covertly get them the system of their dreams before they do. Don't worry if you're not quite sure what they want yet: if they're really passionate about it, listen closely for a new game they've been talking about or possibly a brand new system that they've been dying to get their hands on, like the feature-enhanced Nintendo DSi
Also consider your budget. Some of the more expensive new games can cost as much as $60, but if there's a game that's been on the market a while that they don't have, but still want, the price may have dropped; whenever a game becomes a bestseller, the game publishers drop the price on it as a thank-you to fans. Additionally, games for different systems cost different amounts, and if you need something very inexpensive, there are accessories and prepaid cards, some of which can be had on the cheap and will still be much appreciated gifts. Lastly, if you're buying an online game, verify that there are no monthly subscription fees like in Champions Online
For information on each of the major systems, check the links below.
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Games
You might have been able to guess, but video gaming is mostly about the games themselves, making them great gifts. Depending on the system you're buying the game for, there may be differences in how the games play, and there may also be differences in price. For example, the Nintendo DS version of a game might only cost $20 or $30 and will play on the handheld using touchscreen functionality, while a game for the Wii will play with motion controls and run closer to $50, and a game for the Xbox 360 will play with traditional analog-stick and button controls and cost $60 new. Importantly, you need to buy a game for the system that they own: if you buy a PS3 game, it will only play on a PS3, and if you buy a Wii game, it will only play on a Wii, so make sure you know what system they have ahead of time. You can get some quick game recommendations in our guides to games for each major system below, or you can head over to the list of upcoming games to find the newest titles for this holiday season.
Stocking Stuffers
These options are inexpensive and are small enough to slide into a stocking.
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Prepaid Online Cards The Wii and PlayStation 3 offer free access to their online gameplay services, while the Xbox 360 charges a monthly fee. You can get an Xbox Live Gold subscription card |
Any serious PC or console gamer knows that half the fun is taking the game online. Once you're playing with others, you can use a headset to coordinate strategy and lead your team to victory and trash talk your opponent into submission. The G330 is small, portable, and fits comfortably on the head, and it sounds good so your gamer will have a great time blasting the competition. |
An add-on that plugs into the port on the bottom of the Wii Remote, Wii MotionPlus is used in newer titles and will factor prevalently into future game development. It enhances the Wii's motion controls for perfectly accurate 1:1 translation of movement in three dimensions, so even the most subtle movements are captured and represented in your games. |
The follow-up to the award-winning DualShock 2, the newest version of Sony's popular controller line has the same design that fans love but features the simple accelerometer-based motion controls of Sony's first PS3 controller, the SIXAXIS, and the PS3 Home button in the center. It connects wirelessly through Bluetooth and includes force feedback, or "rumble," unlike its predecessor. |
Bigger Boxes
You could always get them one of the game systems themselves: for some deals on those, check the individual game system guides listed in the section above. Otherwise, these are great midrange options.
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Available in versions for both Wii and PS3, these elegant devices simply require you to place a controller (when outfitted with the included rechargable battery cover, of course) on the platform and it will charge completely: no need to worry about wires or fitting your controllers into charging cradles. |
First off, it looks pretty cool with its black and silver obelisk design. That said, it's also tremendously functional, as it can charge both PS3 and Xbox 360 controllers simultaneously. For a gamer who owns both systems, it has two charging ports for each type of controller, and its a cool display stand as well. |
Razer Megalodon Gaming Headset Believe it or not, this pair of comfortable headphones provides 7.1-channel surround sound. Hard to imagine, but a full-fledged subwoofer and seven additional independent speakers are packed in and angled to provide three dimensional surround sound that will make your gamer believe he's on the battlefield. |
One of the most hotly anticipated titles in years is the upcoming spinoff of the popular Guitar Hero franchise. The new game is based around a turntable and allows you to mix and fade tracks together. Your gaming friend or loved one probably can't wait to try out the innovative new gameplay. |
Grandest Gifts
If you're going all-out this holiday season, then these are some prime picks for gifts that are sure to get a big reception.
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This snazzy gaming seat comes in the pictured red as well as green and blue to suit the tastes of your gamer. But it's far more than just a chair: it connects to a gaming system to use built-in rumble so they'll feel all the action of the game, and the speakers provide an even more immersive experience. |
One of the best-sounding surround speaker systems on the market is also one of the most affordable. $200 without the subwoofer and $400 with, anyone would love to have this as part of a gaming setup. With these speakers they'll really hear the screaming fans in the stadium as they step up to the plate. |
Also available in red and brown, this ultra-plush recliner is designed with the gamer in mind. The input panel on the side allows you to hook up multiple game systems or computers for outstanding surround sound using the BoneRattler subwoofer and two rear speakers built into the chair. |
Acer designed this stylish orange monitor to be the best at one thing: gaming. With 24 inches of widescreen viewing, PC games will look tremendous thanks to its large contrast ratio, deep colors, and fast response times, which means that their alien-blasting will be smooth and uninterrupted. |
If you want to get the biggest 'wow' you've ever heard, try one of these beauties. There's no better screen on the market than Sony's super-expensive 55-inch Bravia, and it will provide unmatched quality for all their viewing needs. Downside? You might need a bigger tree for it to fit underneath. |
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