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.
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