How to Buy Video Games for Somebody Else

It can be difficult to buy video games for someone else. There are so many different types of video games, so many video game consoles to choose from, how do you even know where to start? Here is a handy guide for buying video games and video game consoles for everyone on your list.

Step One: Video Game Consoles

Does the person you are buying for already have a video game console or are you looking to buy one? What kind does he or she have? If you are buying a console, are you looking for a portable video game system or a game system for the home? Start by deciding which system you want. There are three main video game manufacturers: Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft.

• Nintendo: Nintendo is the oldest of the video game companies. Options for Nintendo consoles include the Nintendo DS Lite and the Nintendo Wii.
  • Nintendo DS Lite: The DS Lite is a small, handheld game system with dual screens, a standard directional pad and controls, and a stylus. The Nintendo DS Lite system is Wi-Fi capable, enabling the user to play with other DS Lite gamers nearby. The Nintendo DS Lite console comes in a variety of colors.
  • Nintendo Wii: The Wii is a home console that is distinguished by the Wii Remote, a wireless controller that can detect movement. It is backwards compatible with all Nintendo GameCube games, wireless enabled, and contains an SD slot for memory expansion. Of the Playstation 3, the Nintendo Wii, and the XBOX 360, the Wii is the least expensive.
• Sony: Sony is the producer of the PSP, the Playstation 2, and the Playstation 3.
  
  • Sony Playstation Portable: The Playstation Portable, or Sony PSP, is Sony's portable handheld game console. It has a large viewing screen, an optical disc format, and wireless capabilities. The Sony PSP's computing power is superior to the Nintendo DS Lite, but the console is also more expensive. For the PSP, Sony has released both games and movies.
  • Sony Playstation 2: The Sony Playstation 2 is a home video game console that can read Playstation and Playstation 2 games, CDs, and DVDs. With the purchase of a network adaptor, the Playstation 2 can support online multiplayer games as well.
  • Sony Playstation 3: Playstation 3 is the successor to the Playstation 2. One distinguishing feature is the Playstation Network, the game console's unified online gaming service. It is wireless enabled and can be connected to the PSP. PS3 games use high-definition Blu-ray discs, but the video game system also supports DVDs, CDs, Playstation games, and Playstation 2 games. Sony Playstation 3 also has a detachable hard drive.
• Microsoft: Microsoft is the creator of the home game console the XBOX 360. They do not produce any handheld gaming systems.
  • Microsoft XBOX 360: XBOX 360 is similar in speed and power to the Playstation 3. The XBOX 360 supports CDs and DVDs and is backwards compatible with some older XBOX games. For an additional cost, you can purchase an headset that allows you to interact online with other players through XBOX Live. The "Dashboard" of the XBOX 360 is an interface that is very easy to use.

In addition, there are several gaming systems that are no longer being sold, but still have games on the market. These include Nintendo GameBoy Advance, Nintendo Game Cube, and the original XBOX.

Step Two: Finding the Right Games

Now that you have the video game system, what games are do you need? It is important to consider what types of games the receipient will enjoy, as well as who the person is. How old is he or she? An adult will enjoy very different games than a young child would. What will he or she use the video game system for? Casual play or serious gaming? Will he or she be playing by themselves or with others? Once you have answered these questions, then you can look to see which games fit the requirements in each genre. Here is a run-down of what you can expect to find:

• Action & Adventure: Action and adventure games involve exploration and problem-solving. Some, but not all, can be a bit violent though, so if you are shopping for someone younger, check with the child's parents to see if the particular game is appropriate.
• First Person Shooter (FPS): FPS games are, by nature, violent. As with action and adventure, you should probably check with parents to see if the game is appropriate for a younger child. You can also check to see what the game is rated. First-Person Shooter games involve finding and using weapons and defeating enemies and are generally more popular with a male audience. FPS video games are more prevalent on Playstation and XBOX consoles, though they do exist for the Wii as well.
• Racing: In racing games, the gamer is put behind the wheel of a car, boat, or other vehicle. He or she can pick from an assortment of tracks and the games can be played socially or against the computer. There are also racing games for sports such as snowboarding or skateboarding, which are generally categorized under sports.
• Simulation: Simulation games bring some form of real life to the video game world. Popular types of simulation games include musical or flight simulation. Rock Band, dance, or artist-centered simulation games are usually played in groups and are well accepted by all ages. These games are good to play with families.
• Sports: Sports games also tend to be popular with male gamers, but sports games on the Wii are popular with females as well. Sports games involve taking on the role of the athlete and participating in athletic competition. Athletic games are generally played socially. Nintendo Wii sports games are a bit different in that they allow the player to make the motions one would make in reality, instead of controlling the athletes using only buttons.
• Strategy and Puzzles: Strategy and puzzle games require problem solving, logic, and reasoning. These are the games that make you think. They include board games, arcade games, city planning, and trivia. Games vary in difficulty, but are generally well accepted by casual gamers. Many are great family video games.
• TV/Movie: TV and Movie games are adapted from popular shows or films. Movie and TV games are usually action or adventure, but can be strategy, simulation, or racing too.
• Classic Arcade: The well known, household favorite games that you grew up with. This genre could include Mario games as well as games such as Tetris, PacMan, or Sonic the Hedgehog. There is a lot of overlap between classic arcade games and strategy and puzzles.
• Role Playing Games (RPG): Role playing games are strategy and adventure games that tend to be very imaginative. RPGs usually involve taking on a persona and going on a quest through mythical lands, interacting with creatures and defeating enemies. Often, they involve hierarchies and the ability to move up in rank. RPG video games are generally played by serious gamers.

Step Three: Will You Need Accessories?

How many controllers will you need? Does the game require any special accessories like a mat, a guitar, or a gun? What about portability -- are you going to need a case? What about a charger or an extra battery pack? Check the compatibility of your television; do you have all the necessary cords to hook the system up? Should you get a headset for online gaming? Accessories are extra, but they can really enhance the gaming experience. Take a look through and see what you think could be useful!

Step Four: Go Shopping!

Now that you know what you need to take into consideration, you are all set to begin the fun part -- picking out your gift! Go here to pick out and browse popular video games.