Gifts for Gamers
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There's probably at least one guy or girl in your life who absolutely loves video gaming. If this is the case, they might have already done their research and gotten the console of their choice. If they've been waiting to upgrade to the most recent generation of systems because they were previously out of their price range, this is the perfect time to buy. With Sony's recent release of the new PlayStation 3 redesign and reduced price, the 120GB PS3 Slim
You also have the option of buying them one of the handheld gaming consoles, which are inexpensive and are great portable fun. If they love the latest gadgets, the Nintendo DS has recently been given a new model, the Nintendo DSi
Finally, PC gamers could always use the latest and greatest gaming computer, so 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.
Prepaid Online Cards
Gamers 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 number codes that, when entered on a 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.
- For Nintendo Points (which can be used for Wii or DSi purchases), 100 points is equivalent to $1.00. DSi software includes downloadable games and applications, and Wii software includes Wii system applications, downloadable expansion content for disc-based games, original WiiWare games, and Virtual Console titles, games from nine different past systems. The Virtual Console Arcade also allows the download of classic arcade games.
- PlayStation Network cards use a simple dollar amount rather than a points system. PlayStation Network purchases apply to the PS3 and both types of PSP. Full PS1 and PS2 games can be downloaded and played off the PS3's hard drive, along with PS3 applications, expansion content for disc-based games, movies, original downloadable PS3 games, and lots of other online goodies. PSP content is also available in the form of media, applications, short miniature PSP titles, comics and graphic novels, and full-length PSP games (the same ones released on UMD discs). These are largely intended for the new PSPgo, which does not have a disc drive and therefore needs to play PSP games off of its own internal memory once they are downloaded from the PSN Store.
- Microsoft Points, usable for all Microsoft marketplaces, including the Xbox Live Marketplace, Games for Windows Live Marketplace, and the Zune Marketplace, come at an exchange rate of 80 points per $1.00. These can be used on downloadable games, expansion content for disc games,and music and videos. Because Microsoft, unlike Nintendo and Sony, charges a monthly fee for its online gaming service, Xbox Live Gold, you can also get Xbox Live Gold prepaid cards that will give the recipient months of prepaid access to online play.
Below are the different denominations of prepaid cards for each console manufacturer and the suggested retail price.
| Nintendo | Sony | Microsoft (Points) | Microsoft (Xbox Live Gold) |
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| 1000 Points | $10.00 | 1600 Points | 1-month |
| 2000 Points | $20.00 | 4000 Points | 3-month |
| $50.00 | 12-month |
Games
What good are systems and accessories without games? Sure you can download some games, but the biggest and best titles are disc-based. You can find all the hot upcoming games for this season in our guide, and if you're shopping for a specific platform, the best games for each system are listed in our guides to:
Below you'll find a few quick choices for some of the best new games on all of the systems.
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Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days |
Section 8 |
Batman: Arkham Asylum |
NBA Live 10 |
The Beatles: Rock Band |
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Demon's Souls |
Deca Sports 2 |
Champions Online |
Scribblenauts |
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs |
Another great way to save on gifts is to get game bundles. Great games that have been around for a little while are still great games, 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 the upcoming sequel, Wii Fit Plus |
You can get a huge steal on a pair of titles for your Xbox 360. |
Speakers
You can really give a gamer that extra pop in their games with a set of surround sound speakers. The new games are designed to be immersive, so why not fill their room with the sound of all the action? They'll hear gunfire behind them and planes soaring overhead in war games, or hear the noise of the crowd coming from all sides in sports titles. These are the best speakers for a gaming system.
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Don't be fooled by how affordable this system is relative to others--despite its low price tag, it soundly (pun intended) beats out some of the competition that costs four or five times as much. |
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 their games and movies sound fantastic. The satellite speakers are also very small, so it son'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. |
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. |
Gaming Headsets
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, style, and with higher sound quality than cheap 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. |
These headphones are wireless using a USB adapter, 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 design for long game 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 using eight speakers positioned and angled to give the sensation of 3D sound. |
Game Controllers
They're not too expensive, and they can 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 gamers: it has onboard memory to store your macros, can be used wired or wirelessly, and offers unparalleled smoothness and control. |
Pelican TSZ Controller This third-party wired controller is a less expensive option than Microsoft's first-party controllers |
Nyko Zero Controller A much cheaper option than Sony's DualShock 3 |
Controller Chargers
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 off your controllers 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 remote. |
Energizer Power & Play Charging Station Though there are only two docks for controllers, the system can also charge other controllers and USB devices through extra USB ports. |
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 rechargable battery packs for your 360 controllers. |
Gaming Chairs
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. Shaped like the acquatic creature, 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, this chair folds away for storage, but when set up it pumps up your game with ergonomic design, vibration for rumble in games, and booming speakers. |
This highly adjustable seating option wirelessly connects with all consoles and handhelds, and 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 and is a darn comfy ride, too. |
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