With so many people enjoying video games for recreation now, it’s only natural that most of us will have at least one avid gamer on our shopping list. But what to get them? There are so many different genres of games, plus a full complement of consoles to suit any taste. With so many choices to make, it’s hard to know if you’re making the right one. My advice to avoid games if you can (exception made for “niche” games) and go for accessories- those little (or not so little) extras that no one thinks of until they see it and go, “Ooh, I wish I had that.’ So without further ado, onto the oohs!
-A video rocker. I know these have been out for some time, but they do make a great gift for anyone who spends more than two hours playing at a time. ( Face it, no one’s tush does well on the floor after a while..) New ones on the market have speakers built in, and I personally have seen one with an iPod dock. They come in many colors and fabrics, and all are well cushioned and sturdy. Lowest prices I’ve seen for these are around $60. Not exactly cheap, but worthwhile in the long run if you have a serious gamer on your shopping list.
-Controllers and accessories. Every console comes with a controller (or two), but basic black (or white) is so blah. Jazz up your gamer’s playing experience with a see-through controller, or make it wacky with a controller skin. See-through controllers are exactly that, I guess it could come in handy if you ever need to take it apart. Controller skins are somewhat less “useful”, but come in a wide variety of colors, and are basically a piece of flexible rubber that fits over the controller snugly. Controllers vary from less than $20 (PS2 and Wii) to about $60 (PS3). Skins range from $5 to around $30, depending on the controller. GameStop carries a range of both new and used but useable controllers, and skins. Oh, and don’t forget about all the hot new guitar styles for Guitar Hero games.
-Imported games. This only really applies if you are shopping for a gamer that prefers Final Fantasy or other Japanese-made games, mostly role players. If you do, imported Japanese versions of these games are available from sites like Best Buy and Circuit City (for as long as the latter is still in business anyway). They do cost more than the regular games, but most come with bonus material you won’t find anywhere else, and usually shipping is free. This is a great idea for the niche gamer. Costs vary by game and store.
-Extra memory cards. There is next to nothing more frustrating (ask any gamer) than beating an impossible level only to discover you can’t save your progress because your memory card has no free space. These will be a welcome gift to ANY gamer. Prices vary; PS2 memory cards are $25 for a two-pack. Author’s note: I’ve been told from some of my more knowledgeable friends that PS3’s have up to 160 GB of memory space ( my whole PC only has half that!) so for that instance, you have NO WORRIES about running out of space. The only thing you have to worry about is affording the console, which is currently selling for $500 for the 160 GB model (in S.C., anyway), and games, which run about $60 a pop.
-A subscription to a gaming magazine. Game Informer and Game Pro are the most common, They are reasonably priced and usually include a demo disc in each issue, so your gamer will always get to try out the latest games and know when his/her favorites are scheduled for release. For parents, the magazine also gives ratings for every game mentioned inside, so you will know whether the new shooter or fighting game is too intense for younger gamers. Price is about $20 for a one year subscription.
-Storage systems. These safely store games, controllers, and other accessories to keep them free of dust and away from pets and small children. They can be large or small, and some systems are a mix of TV stand, storage bins and shelving to accomodate the largest game collection. Prices vary, but the upper range is about $120 for a TV stand/storage system.
Beyond these, there are many more great ideas for your loved ones or friends whose hobby is video gaming. Making this factoid I asked my husband’s friend for ideas, and these are what they came up with, so these gift ideas are coming from gamers that probably represent a fairly full cross-section of gaming types. Enjoy, and happy playing!
