Video Game Console Buyer’s Guide - Christmas 2024
Thinking about picking up a new gaming console for yourself or someone else this holiday season? Look no further. Here’s a list of the systems everyone is asking for this holiday season.
Nintendo DS Lite
Price:
$129.99
Who would like this: The dual-screened Nintendo DS offers the gamer on-the-go to a wide array of pickup-and-play style games. The console also has a built in microphone, a touch screen, and even has a slot to play GameBoy Advance games. Available in a variety of colors: Polar White, Onyx Black, Coral Pink, Cobalt/Black, Metallic Rose, Metallic Silver, Crimson/Black, and a Limited Edition Pink Ribbon version.
Nintendo Wii
Price:
$249.99 (Includes Wii Sports game)
Who would like this: Just about anyone, especially active and athletic gamers. The Nintendo Wii brings the family together, being accessible to gamers of all ages. The innovative Wii Mote and Nunchuk control scheme allows players to have a more interactive gaming experience, actually having to swing while playing golf or tennis (and other actions for other games). They’re a bit tough to find due to the system’s popularity, but are a great gift, nonetheless. Try titles like Super Mario Galaxy, Wii Fit, and The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.
PlayStation 2
Price:
$129.99
$149.99 (Ceramic White SingStar Bundle)
Who would like this: The PlayStation 2 has been around for a long time. And for good reason-it has over 1,700 games, doubles as a DVD player, and is reasonably priced. Definitely a solid investment if you’re not quite ready to dish out the extra money for a current-generation gaming console. Don’t forget to buy a Memory Card.
PlayStation 3
Price:
$399.99 (80gb)
$499.99 (160gb w/Drake’s Fortune game)
Who would like this: The PlayStation 3 is the pinnacle of technology when it comes to gaming consoles. With a built in BluRay player and 1080p Hi-Def capabilities, the PS3 is the multimedia buff’s game console. Free access to the PlayStation Network for online gameplay and a growing list of must-have games are just the icing on the cake. Popular titles include Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and LittleBigPlanet
PSP
Price:
$169.99 (2000 model - Piano Black Core System)
$169.99 (3000 model - Piano Black Core System - Release TBA)
$199.99 (3000 model - Limited Edition Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters Bundle)
Who would like this: A handheld game console that doubles as a pocket media center, the PSP offers MP3 playing capabilities, UMD movie capabilities, and functionality with the PS3. Just recently Sony released the 3000 model with a brighter screen, a more rounded design, and a built-in microphone. The differences stop there however, meaning the odds are you can score a 2024 model on the cheap if you keep your eye out for deals. Uses a Sony Memory Stickto save data.
Xbox 360
Price:
$199.99 (Arcade Holiday Bundle w/Sega Superstars Tennis and 5 XBLA games)
$299.99 (60gb Pro Holiday Bundle w/LEGO Indiana Jones and Kung Fu Panda)
$399.99 (120gb Elite Holiday Bundle w/LEGO Indiana Jones and Kung Fu Panda)
Who would like this: The Xbox 360 is a gaming console for gamers. While it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of the PlayStation 3 or the fresh and innovative play mechanics of the Nintendo Wii, it does have an extensive library of exclusive, critically acclaimed titles such as Gears of War 2, Fable II, Mass Effect, and Ninja Gaiden II. A Xbox Live Silver membership is included in-box, but most people opt for the Gold Membership, paying just $49.99 a year for the opportunity to play against gamers worldwide. Along with this, there are dozens of excellent titles available for download on the Xbox Live Arcade. With the Arcade Holiday Bundle ringing up for a mere $199.99, you won’t break the bank with this purchase.
Leave your response!