The Hardcore Gamer’s Xmas Shit to Get
Posted by HCG KP1gL37 | Filed under Collectibles, The Shit to Get
With the holidays right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about that special hardcore gamer on your list. Hardcore gamers can be notoriously challenging to buy for. They likely own (or have in queue) every game on their wish list, and already know where to find the best geeky gadgets and toys. Your best bet is to buy a game-related gift that is thoughtful and personal. Think about their favorite game or genre of games that they play often, and start from there. At a loss as to where to take it next? Never fear, whether you are shopping for your gamer guy or gal, we have compiled a list of the coolest s**t to get for the hardcore gamer in your life this holiday season.
1. Gamer Apparel: Yes, just about every store has the typical gamer t-shirts, but your gamer deserves better than what the local Hot Topic offers. Try speciality retailer websites like Jinx, 80’s Ts or Think Geek who feature HUGE arrays of really cool T’s, hoodies and more to suit the gamer in your life. Remember, the more obscure the game reference, the more street cred your gamer will have. You can do better than the Konami code shirts or the Super Mario logo that you see everywhere.
2. Game-Related Collectables: Action figures and replicas make great gifts, because they are personal and offer gamers a way to show off their adoration for a game. Bonus: they create a huge impact with the recipient because they have a high perceived value (even though some can be rather inexpensive.) Chances are, there is an action figure or replica collectable that corresponds with everyone’s favorite game title, you just need to know where to look. Check out your local comic or game store, or check out the selection online. Amazon is offering a pretty amazing and exclusive Gears of War 2 Locust action figure and there are more gamer products than I can write about over at Big Bad Toy Store. If your gamer is into Japanese imports, check out Play Asia’s selection of figures. They are a little more pricy, but definitely worth the look on their face on Christmas morning (especially when you brag that you imported it from Japan for them).
3. Game-Related Subscriptions: Buy them every game or movie they’ve ever wanted. If your gamer is not already a member, Game Fly truly offers the best deal and customer service in the queue-based game rental business. Yes, a Game Fly subscription or gift card is a little bit of a ho-hum gift, but trust me, they will love it and will use it often. Subscriptions start around $16 bucks a month, but they also offer great promotional deals off your first month, and money saving offers the longer you are a member. Have a gamer who is also into flicks? Netflix service was recently added into the new Xbox Live Experience. For less than $10 bucks a month, you can give your gamer a subscription that will allow them to download movie and TV titles directly from Netflix to their Xbox 360. The current selection is a little limited for online downloads, but it’s still a great deal, and something they will use again and again.
4. Gaming Accessories: Gamers love to personalize their gear to suit their tastes, and you can find controllers, skins and desk-side accessories in every style and color under the sun. I’m a personal fan of the red Xbox 360 controller and pink PS3 controller skin, as well as chat pads for both the Xbox 360 and the PS3, but the list does not end at controllers or console add-ons. You can find Guitar Hero and Rock Band guitar skins, light up sticks for Rock Band, charge stations, travel cases and much much more. Check out Amazon.com or a big box electronics store like Frys or Best Buy for huge selections of gaming accessories.
5. Game-Related Flicks: Now, I will be the first to admit that most films about video games are just lame, (trust me, stay away from anything made by Uwe Boll,) but there are a few jems that any gamer would love to find under the tree. You cannot go wrong with any of these film and TV titles about life as a gamer: The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters, Red vs Blue: The Gulch Chronicles, Cloak and Dagger, Dead Space: Downfall, The Wizard, The Guild or Spaced.
6. Must Have Games: Now if you want to go the traditional route and buy a game for your gamer, these must-have titles are guaranteed to please:
For the gamer who cannot get enough of their guild:
WoW Wrath of the Lich King Expansion Pack for PC
For the gamer who likes to choose their morality as well as their fate:
Fable 2 Limited Collector’s Edition for Xbox 360
For the gamer who has a thirst for online multiplayer and a movie-esque single player:
Gears of War 2 Limited Edition for Xbox 360
For the gamer with 200 hours to spare:
Fallout 3 Amazon Exclusive Survival Edition for Xbox 360, Playstation 3 or PC
For the gamer who wants to exercise, but won’t get their butt too far from the couch:
Wii Fit for Nintendo Wii
For the gamer who loves a realistic war saga:
Call of Duty: World at War for Xbox 360, PC, Playstation 3, Wii, Playstation 2 and Nintendo DS
For the gamer who likes to scream like a little girl when they are scared:
Left 4 Dead for Xbox 360 or PC
For the gamer who likes to rock out with their c**k out:
Rock Band 2 Special Edition for Xbox 360, or Playstation 3
For the gamer who is a big kid at heart:
Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts for Xbox 360
For the gamer who has too much road rage:
Mario Kart Wii with Driving Wheel for Nintendo Wii
7. Gift Cards: I would hope that you would be more creative than a gift card, but if you must, here are some no-fail gift card ideas for a gamer: Game Fly, Xbox Live, Best Buy, Amazon.com, Game Stop, Hollywood Video’s Game Crazy, iTunes.
8. Stocking Stuffers: These little, fun and inexpensive treats make great stocking stuffers: novelty candy like Wii remote candies, Mario mushroom candies, or Nintendo gummies, energy drinks like Red Bull or Bawls, anything caffeinated like this caffeine soap or caffeine candy pack, and game-related beverages like Mana or Final Fantasy 10th anniversary potion.
9. Strategy Guides: Strategy guides are often things that gamers will not buy for themselves, because they don’t want to admit that they need a $30 book to tell them how to get through a game. That being said, there are some pretty expansive games on the market right now, and a strategy guide can be a time-saving miracle tool. If your gamer is playing (or planning to play) any of the following titles, surprise them with the perfect life line in the form of a strat guide: Fallout 3, Fable 2, or World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King.
10. A Little Light Reading: There are a ton of amazing books out there for the hardcore gamer. You can find beautiful coffee table art books like “The Art of the Video Game“, books about working in the video game industry like “Paid to Play. An Insider’s Guide to Video Game Careers“, or books that outline the history of gaming like “The Ultimate History of Video Games.” All of these books celebrate the gaming industry, and provide an in-depth look at the work behind the games.
Whatever gifts you get for your gamer this season, remember that it really is the thought that counts. Just the fact that you are showing this person that you support their love of gaming is a gift in itself. While your at it, why not pick up a controller and engage into a little co-op play with them, too? That would be another gift a lot of gamers would love to get this Christmas.
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Tags: Accessories, Christmas, Collectibles, DS, Fable 2, Fallout 3, gamer chick, gamer galHoliday Gift Guide, Hardcore Gamer, Holiday shopping, PC, PS2, PS3, Stocking Stuffers, The Shit to Get, Wii, Xbox 360, Xmas
2 Responses to “The Hardcore Gamer’s Xmas Shit to Get”
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Unforgettable Hardcore Gamer Christmas Moments | The Hardcore Gamer Says:
December 9th, 2008 at 7:48 pm[...] joy. We want you to feel all giddy inside for the entire day. Be sure to send your loved ones our Xmas s**t to Get holiday gift guide so you can be sure you are getting the perfect gift, and then watch these unfogettable hardcore [...]
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beethascapage Says:
December 22nd, 2008 at 2:32 pmHello people
This is my first post and i want to wish u all marry christmas and happy new year!
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after christmas sales
