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There's probably at least one guy or girl in your life who absolutely loves video games and is totally caught up in the culture. So when the holidays, their birthdays, or some other special occasion rolls around, it's not like you don't have a vague idea of his or her interests. Still, shopping for a gamer can be tough. It's one thing to buy your little niece or nephew a Sonic the Hedgehog
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Don't fuss. Whether it's hardware, software, or around-the-housewear
In most cases, your gamer friend has probably already done research and gotten the console of his or her choice. After multiple seasons of camping out for new console releases, bidding wars on eBay and upgraded releases for each console, the market has settled a little, with most people going for upgrades or choosing to pick up a competing console or a handheld in addition to their chosen system.
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The 360's latest release, the XBox 360 S |
The PS3 is now offering 160 GB |
Nintendo hasn't made many changes to the Wii |
All three consoles have wifi and connect to a video game marketplace. You can use the devices to connect to services like Netflix as well.
You also have the option of buying a handheld system, which is fun when you're on the move (and less expensive, too). Most handhelds can connect to the Internet, a bonus for any gamer who isn't into smart phones. The Nintendo DS has recently been given a new model, the DS XL,.
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Finally, PC users could always use the latest and greatest gaming computer. If you want to make a big splash or have cash to burn, that's definitely an option.
There are lots of other great ideas for game-lovers, ranging from big to small and cheap to expensive.
Players can add points directly to their accounts using a credit card, but you can give the gift of entertainment with a prepaid card. These have numbered codes that, when entered into the console's online system, will add a certain number of points to the user's account. These can be used for online purchases of games and other content, depending on the console.
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Nintendo Points: Can be used for DS and Wii game downloads. 100 points is equivalent to $1.00.
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PlayStation Network Cards: These use a simple dollar amount rather than a points system. PlayStation Network purchases apply to the PS3 and both types of PSP.
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Microsoft Points: Usable for all Microsoft marketplaces, including the ones for Xbox Live, Games for Windows Live, and the Zune. These come at an exchange rate of 80 points per $1.00.
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What good are systems and accessories without games? Sure you can download some, but the biggest and best titles are disc-based. You can find all the hot upcoming releases for this season in our guide, and if you're shopping for a specific platform, the best opions for each system are noted in our guides below
Below you'll find a few choices for some of the best-sellers for all of the systems.
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Pokemon SoulSilver |
World of WarCraft: Cataclysm |
Final Fantasy XIV |
Rock Band 3 |
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Medal of Honor Limited Edition |
Lego Universe |
Super Scribblenauts |
FIFA Soccer 2011 |
Another great way to save is to get game bundles. Great games that have been around for a little while are still worthy gifts, and you can nab a few of 'em for one low price if you buy in bulk.
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What's not to like about two DS games for the price of one? |
You can get games for the trusty old PS2 at a major bargain. |
Also make sure to check out Wii Sports Resort. |
You can get a huge steal on a pair of titles for your Xbox 360. |
New video game releases are designed to be immersive, to be heard from all parts of the room, and maybe even beyond! With a new set of surround sound speakers, the entire game lair will be fillied with the sounds of gunshots firing, planes soaring overhead, or the noise of the crowd roaring.
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Don't be fooled by how affordable this system is--despite its low price tag, it soundly (pun intended) beats out some of the competition costing four or five times as much. |
With one large central bar that does a great job of simulating surround sound, the Denon looks cool and is a great surround sound gaming option for someone who doesn't have space for a ton of speakers. |
If you've got the cash, this mid-range system provides booming bass that will make games and movies sound fantastic. The satellite speakers are also very small, so it won't take up too much room. |
These slick-looking speakers are great at creating the perception of depth and space, making them a stellar choice for gaming, especially if you're looking to create ambience in a larger room. |
Boasting premium sound and a premium price, these are top-notch speakers for games, movies, and even music. If money is no object or you want to get something really special, look no further. |
Maybe you don't have the cash for a pair of surround sound speakers, or maybe you're tired of hearing the sounds of alien-blasting and want to give a gift that will let them contain the noise to themselves. A gaming headset will provide crisp audio to just one person--the one wearing the headset. Additionally, for games that support voice chat when playing online, headsets will let them communicate in comfort and style, and with higher sound quality than that of cheaper microphones.
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The Logitech G330 is inexpensive, adjustable, and comfy. It may be a fairly basic headset, but it does everything you'd want, and the noise-isolating microphone works flawlessly. |
They're extremely plush and comfortable, adjustable to fit anyone's head, and they sound terrific. They're also lightweight and the extra-long cable means you'll never run out of cord. |
Thanks to a USB adapater, these can be set up on a wireless network, so they'll be compatible with anyone's gaming system. They sound good and the microphone is terrific, so your voice will come in crystal clear. |
These high-end headphones are designed with gamers in mind, and in addition to a comfortable fit that's ideal for long sessions, they provide exceptional 7.1-channel surround sound. |
Among many cool features, the most impressive is that a headset can provide true surround sound 5.1 audio. By positioning and angling eight speakers, you can give the sensation of 3D sound. |
Sports fans wear jerseys, Star Trek fans wear costumes, and gamers? Gamers wear t-shirts.,,,,.
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They're not too expensive. Enhance the game for one player or add in more players for more fun.
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MotionPlus This add-on to the original Wii Remote |
Nyko Kama Wireless Nunchuk An improvement to the basic nunchuk |
Razer Mamba This top-of-the-line gaming mouse is designed for the most intense players: it has onboard memory to store your macros, can be used wired or wirelessly, and offers unparalleled smoothness and control. |
Pelican Controllers This third-party wired controller is a less expensive option than Microsoft's first-party design |
Nyko Zero Controller A much cheaper option than Sony's DualShock 3 |
With this generation's proliferation of wireless controllers, the need for devices that charge them has grown tremendously. Charging stations usually include the rechargeable batteries and always have the new battery covers that allow your controllers to work with the charge kit. They can also be a pretty snazzy way of showing everything off as well.
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Available for both Wii and PS3 controllers, this ultra-slick charging platform simply requires you to place a controller on the surface and it will charge, completely wire-free. |
Pelican 4X Quad Charge Station It comes with four battery pack covers that replace the backs of the normal Wii remotes and features progress indicators for each. |
Energizer Power & Play Charging Station Though there are only two docks, the system has USB ports that can charge other controllers and devices. |
Konnet Power Pyramid For owners of both a PS3 and 360, this cool-looking stand will charge and display two controllers for each system. |
Nyko Charge Base The Nyko Charge Base stores and charges two controllers, and it also comes with a pair of rechargeable battery packs. |
When you want to kick back and get to gaming, there's nothing better than a gaming chair. Not only are they plush and luxurious-feeling, but many of them include extra speakers or rumble features to really get you into the game.
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Looking at this cute little guy you can see where it got its name. It's shaped like the aquatic creature and there are speakers on the sides of the seat to enhance your gaming experience. |
Show your team pride during a marathon Madden |
Available in blue, green, and red, it folds away for storage, but when set up pumps up your game with an ergonomic design, rumble vibration, and booming speakers. |
This highly adjustable seating option wirelessly connects with all consoles and handhelds (even an iPod), and delivers awesome sound with bass controls and a built-in subwoofer. |
Containing a woofer known as the "BoneRattler" this high-class chair, available in red, brown, and gray, also has dual high-quality inputs on its control panel. It's a darn comfy ride, too. |
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