Video Game Gift Ideas

Whether you're gifting for a male, female, child, or adult, there are now a vast array of video games that cover every segment of the market. But before you go searching for a video game gift or video game system, you have to do a little snooping to determine what type of platform is appropriate for them.

Most gamers play video games either on a computer, or on a dedicated gaming console. If your giftee has a computer, you may need to do a bit of detective work to determine whether or not their system meets the minimum requirements required by the video game (as outlined on the video game's box). Newer systems (from 1 to 2 years of age) usually meet these minimum requirements. If the computer is older than 2 years, newer computer games (that generate extensive, realistic graphics) may not run on their system.

Video Game Gift Ideas- Gaming Consoles

If they own a console, you will have to determine the type of console that they own. Often, video games are only released on specific consoles. For example, Mario Brothers was only available exclusively on the Nintendo platform. If you want to purchase an entire gaming console system as a video game gift, you have to determine which system is appropriate for them. Here is a list of the most common gaming consoles:

Microsoft Video Game Consoles (targets primarily male teenagers and young adult males)

Microsoft XBox
Microsoft XBox 360

Sony Video Game Consoles (targets primarily male teenagers and young adult males)

Sony Playstation
Sony Playstation 2
Sony Playstation 3

Nintendo Video Game Consoles (targets primarily families, younger children, females, and sports enthusiasts)

Nintendo GameCube
Nintendo Wii

Video Game Gift Ideas- Video Games

Video games are marketed as movies these days. Once you know what gaming console they have, the next step is to determine the genre of video game that they are most interested in.

1. Video Game Gift Ideas- Shoot 'Em Up Games

Do you have that teenage son who loves action and loves to blow up things? Then a shoot 'em up game is what you want to get him. Him and his friends can spend mindless hours over the Internet blowing each other up! Here are some recent popular shoot 'em up titles that can be given as video game gifts:

id Software Doom
ACTIVISION Call of Duty
EA Medal of Honor
Epic Games Unreal Tournament
Valve Software Half-Life
Rockstar Games Grand Theft Auto series

2. Video Game Gift Ideas- Sports Games

Or how about the sports fanatic? The great thing about sports video games is that they can be played online with friends! Sports games are usually released each year with updated player rosters. Ensure that you purchase the release with the most recent year! Here are some recent popular sports titles that can be given as video game gifts:

EA Sports NHLPA (Hockey)
EA Sports FIFA (Soccer)
EA Sports NBA Jam (Basketball)
EA Sports Triple Play Baseball
EA Sports Tiger Woods Golf

3. Video Game Gift Ideas- Role Playing Games

These are the types of games that can be enjoyed by both males and females, both young and old. The point of a role-playing game is to provide you with a virtual character to control in a virtual-reality world! Popular titles include:

The SIMS
EverQuest
World of Warcraft
Final Fantasy

4. Video Game Gift Ideas- Strategy Games

These are the types of games that are preferred by strategists (i.e. those who like to play the role of a general of a war, or the mayor of a city). Gamers can play virtual battlegrounds or scenarios, or play head-to-head online, against other opponents. Popular titles include:

SIM City
Warcraft
Starcraft
Age of Empires
Civilization

5. Video Game Gift Ideas- Puzzle Games

These are the games that appeal most to gamers that just want to take a load off a tough day. These games tend to be great for procrastinators! The target market for these games include both females and seniors. Many puzzle games feed the player a random assortment of blocks or pieces that they must organize in the correct manner. Examples of these include: