What do you buy for a gamer? For those of you not into Video Games, it may seem as a mysterious form of entertainment. You might view gaming as a waste of time or even harmful. I’m here to ease those concerns. Like many things in life, moderation is the key and knowledge helps to alleviate fear. I’m also here to help. Since today is Black Friday, one of the busiest shopping days of the year, I figured that some of you could use some gift ideas for the gamer in your family.
I think the trick is to avoid the obvious items. The hot games this year are Halo 3 for XBOX and Super Mario Galaxy for the Wii. Unless you’re sure your gamer gift will avoid duplication, you might want to try something a little more unique. You have to understand the gamer lifestyle. Sure, Super Mario Galaxy is a great game. Yet, America’s favorite plumber needs something extra to run on the Wii…
Gift Idea #1 – Power! 
The Wiimote eats batteries. Picture Christmas day. A starry-eyed child tears away the wrapping paper, to reveal a coveted copy of Super Mario Galaxy. With a mad dash, the child slides the shiny disk into the Wii. With excitement, tiny fingers push on the Wiimote power button – BUT NOTHING HAPPENS! Christmas is ruined because you forgot about dead batteries.
“You’re the worst parent ever!” 
Not so, this year you did your research. You realized that the Wiimote requires batteries. Yet, batteries are not a grand gift. You’ll want to present something a little more flashy. Look into Wiimote recharging accessory. If you know a Wii gamer without one, it’s an excellent gift idea. There are many on the market. It’s important to know that Nintendo recommends against lithium ion, nickel cadmium (nicad), or carbon zinc batteries. That’s why it’s important to look for something Wii specific. There are many to choose from. Nyko’s Wii Charge Station is fairly common, but I’ve read some disturbing things about it online. That’s why I’ve chosen the lesser known Wii Power Station by Joytech, available through the GameShark store. Which is best? That choice is up to you.
Gift Idea #2 – Video Game Switch
There are three major players in the this round of the console wars – Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony. They’re all fighting to be hooked up to your TV. The problem is that hardcore gamers don’t like to choose. Often, they’ll buy more than one or all of the systems. If you know someone like that, and is often found fumbling with wires behind the entertainment unit, a Video Game Switch is a pleasant idea for that gamer. Instead of unplugging cables when you want to play Wii Sports, instead of Geometry Wars, simply turn the dial or press a button. It makes life easier. Just pop into your local gaming store to pick one up. Explain to the sales help which systems you have and they should be able to help you out.
Gift Idea #3 – Game Card
There’s also the lazy way out. If your gamer doesn’t have a credit card, or if you simply don’t know what to buy, it’s hard to go wrong with a Game Card. It’s somewhat less personal, but it’s usually useful and appreciated. Nintendo has Wii Points for their online store and Microsoft has Marketplace points for their online store. It’s great for retro gaming, like The Legend of Zelda for the Wii or Pacman for the XBOX 360. Targeting a Game Card for a specific system is a bit more festive than just a regular Gift Card. It says, “I know you and you’ll like this!”
Gift Idea #4 – Memory
Storing saved game files takes up space. Understanding the formats for each system helps you to choose which gift to give. It might be a bigger hard drive for the XBOX 360 or a Memory Card for the Wii. The trick with this gift is to see if your gamer needs it. For some features of the XBOX 360 to truly function, a hard drive is required. Understanding this need could make you popular around Christmas time.
Knowing which games to buy is always great, but each person has different tastes. That’s the theme behind these four gift ideas – ACCESSORIES! Regardless if your gamer is into shooters or sports games, there are common things that all gamers need. That’s what I like to do around Christmas time. I look for gifts that are fun, but also useful.
Happy holidays from Photics.com!
You forgot to mention things for the PC Gamer, such as a new mouse and keyboard, such as the G5 or G7 gamer Mouse and G15 Gamer Keybord by Logitec. Though things for PC tend to get very pricy.
You’re right, a gaming mouse or keyboard is a great gift for a PC gamer. I didn’t list it because that was last year’s gift.