by Sharon Yeates

Created on: March 24, 2010

Video games make wonderful gifts, but just as you need to know what type of music and music player a friend has before you buy music for them, you need to know what type of game and game system a friend uses before buying a video game for them.  It is also helpful to become famliiar with some basic gamer's lingo.

Basic Equipment – Gamers often own several types of gaming systems, but only use one or two favorites.  Find out what system your recipient actually uses. If they mention a brand name be careful to get the model they use.  Is it an Xbox or an Xbox 360? If it is a PlayStation, is it a

PS2 or a PS3?  If it is a computer, is it a PC or Mac?

If your gamer is looking for video games for their computer you will need to know a little more information, such as how fast their processor is, and what graphic card their system runs, but don’t panic. You do not have to be a computer technician to get the answer to that.  If you know what games they currently play on their computer you can compare system requirements at the store, and look for games that have the same requirements.     

Many people have taken to gaming with cell phone and IPod applications.  If your gamer is one of these people, you may want to consider buying them gift cards that will allow them to buy games for their hand-held devices.

Accessories – Accessories are usually optional, such as wheels for racing games, but some games will require accessories, such as the Guitar Hero series which requires a guitar shaped controller to play the game. Most games that require accessories are sold as bundles with the accessories or separately with just the software for those who may already have the accessory.  If your gamer asks for a new release of an old game, see if they need accessories or just a game disc.

Subscriptions – The most popular video games today can be played against other players around the world, but to play against others a subscription or additional fee is often required.   When you shop for a game look for the phrase subscription required, or the gaming acronym MMOPRPG.  Some subscriptions are game specific, such as with World of Warcraft PC/Video games, others are system specific, such as MMOPRG games played on the Xbox 360 which require a subscription to Xbox Live.   If your friend does not have access to the internet, they will not be able to use subscription

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