The Ultimate Gift Guide For Gamers (2012 Edition)

We know for a fact it’s not the end of the world, because there’s no stopping the holidays and the gift sharing. Here are some ideas for the gamer in your family, courtesy of the Walyou team.

NES Controller Backpack

nintendo_controller_backpack

As everyone is awaiting the next generation of consoles, the best way to play it safe is to go the nostalgic way. And hardly anything is as nostalgic as the classic NES from the mid-late 80’s that a lot of us grew up with. You may see more pics of the bag and buy it at ThinkGeek’s website.

A Song Of Ice And Fire Box Set

A song of Ice and Fire Box Set

Give the gift of reading! This decade is going to be remembered for the Game of Thrones TV series, and the books it was based on, George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice And Fire”. This box set collects the first four books of the story (out of the seven that are planned), and is the perfect way to get introduced to the series, or just acquire the most bang for your buck if you’re looking for well written material, as good as the TV show is. You may get this from Amazon.

Google Galaxy Nexus by Samsung

Google Galaxy Nexus

It’s time to replace that old phone, and the way to go is the Android way. We know, there are many Android devices, and they all have their advantages and it’s a headache, but you just can’t go wrong with Samsung! It even has Google as part of its name, so you know it’s gonna be good. Check with your carrier for pricing and availability.

Sci-Fi T-shirts by Threadless

Yes, this might be more of a hoodie or jacket  season than tees, but it’s just that Threadless’ t-shirt designs are so damn good that it’s impossible not to recommend them. If you still would prefer hoodies, though, they do have them! Just browse their store and you’re meant to find something for you.

Also, a laser shooting kitty? How awesome is that?

Map of Middle Earth

Map of Middle Earth

With The Hobbit now becoming its own franchise, we’re pretty much guaranteed one kickass blockbuster a season for the next few years. Celebrate the happening and Tolkien’s work with a beautiful map of the Middle Earth made in the style seen in the books and movies. Buy it here.

Nintendo’s Wii U

Wii U

Yes, Nintendo has a new home console! The Wii U is the classic Wii we all came to love, but on steroids. Twice the power, now able to compete on processor and graphical terms with the Xbox 360 and PS3 in glorious HD, but also with the family edge and charm we came to expect from Nintendo. The system uses a modified controller (sort of like a tablet) which frees the TV screen if someone wants to watch something else. Also, there’s going to eventually be a Zelda title on this baby. Oh god. Buy it here.

Hottest Games This Season

This is the part we like writing about the most. Let’s face it, your significant other/son/daughter/friend is a gamer, so there’s no better gift than games. Here are our picks this time around.

The Walking Dead

Walking Dead

This was our favorite game this year. TellTale’s excellent adventure based off of The Walking Dead’s comic book puts the player in the shoes of Lee, who along with a little Girl called Clementine, will come across several characters from the comics/TV show in a heart-breaking adventure that explores human emotion in point-n-click form. It’s available for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360, and you can buy it here.

Assassin’s Creed III

Ubisoft Assassin's Creed 3

Assassin’s Creed is one of the few franchises that gets periodical releases which are all of great quality and actually fun to play. It’s sort of like the James Bond or Doctor Who of video games. This time around, Desmond’s genetic memory will make him relive events that take place around the time of the American Revolutionary War. It’s available on PC, PS3 and Xbox 360, and you can buy it here.

New Super Mario Bros. U

New Super Mario Bros. U

Nintendo’s latest console, the Wii U might have just come out, but that doesn’t mean it’s not already getting some top-notch games and material, and out of those, you just can’t go wrong with Super Mario Bros, the most beloved platforming franchise of all time. The new entry, simply called New Super Mario Bros. U is just the classic formula refined and perfected for this time and age, in crisp and beautiful HD. This game is available exclusively for the Wii U and can be bought here.

The Humble Indie Bundle 7

We recommended a previous version of the Indie Bundle last year, and we will do the same this time around. This incredible initiative groups several indie games for PC/Mac and sells them all bundled for a pay-what-you-want price. The pack this season includes gems such as The Binding Of Isaac, Indie Game: The Movie, and Dungeon Defenders. You can buy it here. And again, part of the money goes to charity, so not only are you getting excellent games, but also doing good things for the world.

If you still need some inspiration, check last year’s guide: The Ultimate Gift Guide For Gamers (2011 Edition).