Christmas is right around the corner, and hopefully you've already started your holiday shopping!  Maybe you're a wife or a girlfriend of a guy who plays a lot of video games.  Maybe you're a parent who's clueless toward the games your child or teenager is taking over your TV playing.  Whatever your case may be, if you have a video gamer in your life that you love, I can help point you in the right direction for you to make sure he or she has an awesome holiday season!

VIRTUAL REALITY:

 

playstaion.com
playstaion.com
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From a technological standpoint, 2016 was THE year of Virtual Reality.  Yes, those are the goofy-looking headsets designed for the player to block out the world around them.  Pros of the emerging technology include a cutting edge, top-of-the-line gaming experience and immersion in media like we have NEVER experienced before.  Cons include a very high cost of entry as well as a necessary "reality check" with your gamer to make sure you're getting the right device.  Personally, I'm going with the PlayStation Virtual Reality (PSVR) since I already have the necessary PlayStation 4, PlayStation Camera, and Move Controllers.  Other Virtual Reality options include the Oculus Rift (which requires a top-of-the-line computer to operate), and the HTC Vive (also requiring an expensive PC and a lot of empty space to play).  The MINIMUM you'll be spending on a VR setup will be $400, but it's small price to pay to prove your love!

 

NES CLASSIC EDITION:

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nintendo.com
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Selling out MOMENTS after it went on sale November 11th, this miniature version of Nintendo's CLASSIC 1985 NES that could be found in nearly EVERY living room 30 years ago is already being touted as the hot gift of 2016.  It comes with 30 classic Nintendo games from your gamer's childhood that I'd be salivating over if I didn't already have the original cartridges for my original NES.  Regardless, if you can somehow get your hands on one, ANY fan of video games would be eternally grateful!  MSRP is $59.99, but some are being auctioned off for more than $2,000!

 

VIDEO GAME CONSOLES:

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playstation.com
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Chances are your video game already has at least one of the modern consoles (PlayStation 4, X-Box One, Nintendo Wii U), but if he doesn't have ALL of them, consider picking up one he doesn't own to expand his video game horizons!  After recent price drops, any of the above consoles should run you about $250.  Black Friday specials at assorted retailers can score you some free games and gift cards when you pick one up as well!

 

PORTABLE GAMING SYSTEM:

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nintendo.com
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When Nintendo announced their upcoming gaming console, the Switch, for a March 2017 release, the focus of the video game industry is immigrated less from the living room and more towards on-the-go!  Sony's PlayStation Vita has been all but discontinued, and trust me, the portable gaming system to go with is easily Nintendo's 3DS.  Price drops this holiday season may allow you to seize one for just $99.99, or you can grab a 2DS for $79.99.

 

RETRO GAME CONSOLES:

In 2016, as seen with the huge success of Nintendo's NES Classic Edition, what's old is new again!  Evansville has a large number of places (think Secret Headquarters, Super Mega Replay, Book Broker, Book & Music Exchange, etc...) to score some used gaming systems like the Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, or the Nintendo 64!  In fact, we've even got a contest with our friends at Secret Headquarters where you can WIN a classic NES and a bunch of games!  Click HERE for more details!

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