Give the gamer on your list the hottest hardware of the 2010 holiday season with the top 10 accessories, peripherals, and even newly redesigned consoles.
The current generation of consoles are entering their fourth and fifth years, but unlike previous systems, there are no replacements immediately on the horizon. There really isn’t any reason to look for the next generation yet, as the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii are all just hitting their stride, but that just means more items are on the way to enhance the current systems.
So while the PlayStation 4 might still be years off, Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft are all banking on the introduction of new peripheral items and redesigns of existing hardware to excite their fan bases (and loosen their purse strings). But with all the things on the market, what are the best items to check out for yourself and the people you are shopping for? Here is our list of ten items you can grab to put a fresh twist on – or even replace – that dusty old console this holiday season.
Looking for games? Check our picks for the top 10 PlayStation 3 games, top 10 Xbox games and top cross-platform games of this holiday season, and check back later for our favorites from the Wii and PC!
Eagle Eye Mouse and Keyboard Converter(PS3, $59.99)
For the hardcore gamer who grew up playing PC games but made the switch over to the PS3, this item will have their jaws drop in awe. There has long been a contention that when playing online games, especially first-person shooters, the PC gamer has the advantage over console gamers because of the precision of a mouse and keyboard. There haven’t really been any games to test consoles versus PCs, so the argument has remained academic. Until now.
With the Eagle Eye Mouse and Keyboard Converter, gamers can have the best of both worlds and put their money where their mouths are. Beyond just gaming, this device is a good addition for anyone that uses a PS3 as a media center.
Kinect(Xbox 360 $149.99)
Microsoft’s new hands-free controller is fast becoming the must-have item of the holiday season, and early reports are predicting that as many as 5 million units may sell this holiday season. If you have managed to avoid the advertising blitz, the Kinect is a device exclusively for the Xbox 360 which allows you to play certain specific games with your body movements. In essence, you become the controller. you can check out our full review for more details.
The Kinect is the perfect gift for people with young gamers, or people looking for something to liven up parties. People of all ages can enjoy it, and in fact, the only people who may not be totally sold on it are longtime gamers. The selection of games is still growing, and judging by the success of the Kinect so far, more and more developers should begin to try and tap the full potential of the device. If you are considering buying a Kinect, do so now before they sell out.
Nintendo DSi XL Red Bundle($179.99)
While the PS3 and the Xbox 360 seem to be getting all the press, the Nintendo DS has gone on to become the best-selling hand-held video game console of all time, and the second best-selling system behind the PlayStation 2. A new 3D version is due out next year, but that means that you can likely score some great deals on this system.
The package seen here includes Mario Kart DS, but there are several bundles with multiple color options for the DS, and some feature a different game as well. regardless of which option you choose, this system should make a welcome addition under the tree.
PlayStation 3 Slim 160 GB($299.99)
The price drop on the PS3 this year has given a new lease on life to the console, and sales have exploded as a result. this bundle offers the PS3 which is also a Blu-ray player, a Netflix-ready device, as well as a gaming system that has the most exclusive titles. you can read our full review of the redesigned PS3 here.
This particular bundle includes the redesigned console, which is lighter and slimmer, as well as a 160 GB hard drive. That might seem small compared to the 360’s 250 GB drive included in a bundle for the same price, but again, you also get a Blu-ray player. There are also other bundles, including one with the PlayStation Move controllers, so check to see which fits you best.
PlayStation Move Controller Bundle(PS3 $79.98)
The Move is Sony’s attempt to reinvent its system without changing anything fundamental. The Move is a new controller that offers a different way to play games. Similar to the controllers found on the Wii, Sony has taken that idea and created a controller that is technologically far superior.
When both Move controllers are used in tandem (there is also a package that comes with just a single Move controller), the options of gameplay become vast. you can use the controllers to mimic anything from a golf club to a laser rifle, and expect more inventive titles to feature the Move in the future. Several games that have been on the market are also offering free downloads to further enhance the experience, which means that even old PS3 games can feel like new again.
<a href="http://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/top-10-gifts-for-gamers-hottest-hardware-accessories-and-peripherals/?news=123tag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/top-10-gifts-for-gamers-hottest-hardware-accessories-and-peripherals/?news=123Mon, 06 Dec 2010 10:02:44 GMT 00:00″>Top 10 gifts for gamers: Hottest hardware, accessories and peripherals
