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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. We have 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.
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As with most gifts, you want to know your audience, but this is especially crucial with game systems; most gamers likely already own a system or have their eye on one. If the former, you need to make sure that any games or accessories you get are for the right system, and if the latter, you need to covertly get the system of their dreams before they does. Don't worry if you're not quite sure what they want yet: listen closely for a new game they've been talking about or possibly a brand new system that they're dying to get their hands on, like the feature-enhanced Nintendo DSi |
Here are some tips to help you out as you're budgeting:
For information on each of the major systems, check the links below.
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You might have been able to guess, but video gaming is mostly about the games themselves, so they're really great gifts. Depending on the system you're buying for, there will be differences in price and how they're played. For example, something for Nintendo DS might only cost $20 or $30; it will play on the handheld using touchscreen functionality, likely with some abridged story and gameplay options. A game for the Wii will play with motion controls and run closer to $50, whereas a game for the Xbox 360 will play with traditional analog-stick and button controls and will typically cost around $60. |
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Remember, you need to buy for the system that they own--if you get a PS3 game, it will only play on a PS3, and if you buy for Wii, it will only play on a Wii--so make sure you know what they have ahead of time. You can get some quick recommendations in our guides listed below, or you can head over to the list of upcoming games to find the newest titles for this holiday season.
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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 things 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 and portable, and it fits comfortably on the head. It sounds good too, 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, the Wii MotionPlus is used in newer titles and will factor prevalently into future 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. However, it also 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. |
If the aficionados in your life seem to have everything and you find gift cards to be too cheap, you still have one option for holiday gift giving: clothes!.,.
Not sure what sort of game
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Everyone loves Mario. The world's most famous plumber has tons of shirts |
Kingdom Hearts merch has the best of Disney and Final Fantasy, with great designs |
Easily one of the most popular games of recent memory. Odds are they're playing it, and would be proud |
Pac-Man, Marvel vs. Capcom |
A not-yet classic game with brain melting visuals that will likely cement its place in the video game canon. |
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 rechargeable 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 or she is really on the battlefield. |
One of the most hotly anticipated titles in year, this new addition to the Rock Band franchise has a new guitar interface, expanded vocal harmonies, and a new keyboard. This promises to be more than just a new expensive set list for band veterans. Best of all it can handle up to seven players; that's more than enough fun to go around. |
If you're going all-out this holiday season, then these are some prime picksthat are sure to get a big reception.
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This snazzy gaming seat comes in red, blue, and green to suit the tastes of your gamer. But it's far more than just a chair: it connects to a system that uses built-in rumble so players feel all the action of the game. The speakers provide an even more immersive experience. |
One of the best-sounding surround speaker systems on the market is also highly 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. |
Available in black, 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 systems or computers. The BoneRattler subwoofer and two rear speakers built into the chair provide intense surround sound. |
Acer designed this stylish orange monitor for one thing: gaming. PC games will look tremendous on the 24-inch screen, and its large contrast ratio, deep colors, and fast response times mean 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 52-inch Bravia. Downside? You might need a bigger tree for it to fit underneath. |
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