Like the music and film industries, the video game industry waits until the last minute before Christmas to put out its coolest titles – perhaps because they just like to watch gamers and parents of gamers rush from one store to another, frantic, searching for the gotta-have-it game or system.
It’s like a video game brought to life: Dodge traffic, memorize complicated passwords (“Sony PSP;” “Xbox 360;” “SC3 for the PS2”) and, in some cases, put up your dukes for the last Nintendo Game Boy Micro.
So here it is, our annual list of gaming necessities.
—
SYSTEMS
-Xbox 360 ($299 for basic system, $399 with bonus accessories)
What it is: Microsoft’s much-touted new powerhouse, next-generation video-game system. In addition to a whole new line of video games, most of which gamers can also play online via the system’s Xbox Live capability, the X360 plays some (but not all) Xbox games, DVDs and MP3s, and displays photos. Only thing it doesn’t do, it seems, is cook breakfast.
Good for: All-ages gamers, sports fans (because those are just about the only games available at launch), online gamers and those with the patience to wait till next year for all the good games to come out.
-Sony PSP ($250, higher with accessory/game bundle)
What it is: Sony’s portable video game system and keeper of all things related to digital music/movie/photo/Internet stuff. Whole library of movies now available for the PSP and with its 4-inch screen, you can watch em – on a plane, during a meeting, in class – without disrupting everyone. Only drag is that you can’t play PlayStation or PlayStation 2 games; you gotta start all over. In terms of graphics and gameplay, those games are equal to any PlayStation 2 title, though. Accessories, sold separately or in a bundle, include earplugs, a remote control and hand grips.
Good for: Little kids are begging for this thing, but we’re not sure we’d let em run wild with it. The PSP is quite complicated and a little fragile. It’s perfect for older gamers and movie-watchers, starting around 13 to 14 years old.
-Nintendo Game Boy Micro ($99)
What it is: Yet another entry into Nintendo’s back-pocket gaming empire. Four inches wide, 2 inches high, the Game Boy Micro is the smallest game system of its kind out there. It’s able to hold its own against Nintendo’s core audience: young gamers who like to drop/throw things. Weighs about 3 ounces so can fit easily in pockets, backpacks. Comes in two colors, silver and black. Compatible with Game Boy Advance games but not regular ol’ Game Boy games. Can hook up with other GBA and GBM units with special cables.
Good for: Young gamers on the go; those who do not lose small items; Game Boy collectors.
Comments are no longer available on this story