You may have heard. Gaming is one of today’s most expensive hobbies. Games for major platforms like the Xbox 360 or Playstation 3 cost $60 each, while Wii and PC games are generally $50 a pop. Mobile games are cheaper, but for big, cinematic experiences, players need to be sitting at their couch or at their computer, facing down hordes of demons, zombies or whatever else comes their way.

So what games can you get for your significant other, for your kids or parents, or for friends? We’ve got a great list of titles you should pick up, but just make sure they don’t already have it!

Xbox 360 Exclusive Games

Gears of War 3

It promised to be one of the biggest action titles of the year, and developer Epic Games pulled through on that promise. Gears of War 3 is an amicable conclusion to the Xbox 360 sci-fi saga, one that includes a fun, sordid campaign and several excellent multiplayer modes that continue to excite even months later. You don’t want to pass on this.

Forza Motorsport 4

Forza Motorsport 3 was huge, with over 400 cars and a disc just to install a ton of content. Forza 4 does all of that and more, with better photorealistic graphics, more cars and tracks, Kinect functionality, and the same great racing. If there’s a racing game to get this holiday, it’s Forza 4.

Dance Central 2

The original Dance Central was revolutionary; it took the dancing games we all wanted to enjoy on the Wii and made dancing in front of a TV fun. Whether it’s to work out, to learn some dance moves, or to make a fool of yourself at a party, Dance Central 2 ups the ante with two-players dancing side-by-side and a slew of new songs to get jiggy with. I wouldn’t call it kid-friendly; most of the tracks are fairly explicit (no bad words, but there is plenty of questionable content), though you’re likely to hear them on the radio nonetheless. Games like Dance Central are the reason to own a Kinect.

Halo: Anniversary

The game that brought the Xbox into the limelight returns, completely revamped with new HD graphics, online coop, and new game modes available in last year’s Halo: Reach. It may not look quite right to play the old classic with such updated graphics (I myself just love the old-school blocky textures), and the game isn’t an exact duplicate. Grizzled ancients will have new secrets to hunt and unlock while younger gamers who missed the original can give the game that started it all a serious go. For $40 it’s a great buy, even if you own the original Halo: Combat Evolved like I do because of the improved resolution and the chance to play it over Xbox Live.

Playstation 3 Exclusive Games

Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception

If there’s one definitive franchise for the Playstation 3, it’s Uncharted. The first title, Drake’s Fortune, was great, but had a lot of room to grow. The second, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, quickly became a fan favorite, and the third, Drake’s Deception, is a stunning cinematic experience. A stunning single-player campaign, a fabulously fun cooperative play mode and a different yet still bombastic multiplayer make Drake’s Deception a must-buy, for the few who don’t have it already. Because if you don’t, you are surely missing out. It’s one of the few games where you can actually enjoy watching someone else play, and never picking up a controller yourself.

Infamous 2

There are few games that inspire the feeling of “I wish I could do that in real life” more than Infamous 2, at least for me every time I see a power line. While the original was a strong game, Infamous 2 picks action up a notch and gives players not only several different massive cities to explore, but the ability to take on player-created missions, and even make their own. That, along with some very fun DLC, makes Infamous 2 a must-have.

The Ico & Shadow of the Colossus Collection

Both Ico and Shadow of the Colossus are incredible games, both ahead of their time and timeless. I sadly missed both when they released back for the PS2, but caught up and am so glad I did. Both of these games are just incredible, the kind that make you gape in wonder, that make you constantly feel astounded. Your kids may hate you because both games feel slow, with limited action going on at any given point of time, but few games ever manage to reach the level of sophistication and artistry these two do. Bundling them together with improved graphics is just a side bonus.

Great Multi-Console Games

Batman: Arkham City

The return of the Dark Knight this decade has just been astounding. First two (and soon a third) film, then an amazing game, and now a kickass sequel. Batman: Arkham City is not just a romp around a fine prison; it’s a full-scale town to silently stalk through. Arkham City is a definite best-buy for any player, not only because the game is just so fun, but because many gamers missed it in the flood of holiday games. Don’t let this one pass you by.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

It’s big. Everyone wants it. It’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. In fact, if you don’t already have it, the only question is why not? We loved it, all your friends are playing it, and unless you’re stuck in Skyrim (see below), there’s no reason Modern Warfare 3 shouldn’t be in your game collection.

Rage

As good and bad as some games are, few are as jam-packed with excellent content and top-of-the-line features as Rage. It’s got a lot of holes to plug, and a lot of minor gripes that will annoy. But I guarantee that it‘s not only an excellent first person shooter, but that it really pushes the bounds of what it means to be a shooter. Rage may not be the greatest game to come out this year, but it will certainly open your eyes to the possibilities of future games, and be exciting the whole while. Just don’t forget to save often.

Portal 2

The best puzzle game this year, period. It’s bigger, smarter, and has a deeper story than the original, plus room for two players with double the portal action. Coop alone makes Portal 2 a great buy. Free future updates only guarantee that you’ll want to keep it.

Battlefield 3

Modern Warfare 3 may own the multiplayer Rambo-style of gaming, but Battlefield 3 is for the team-players, the ones who will grab their friends for an hour-long bout against an equally intelligent group for serious, vehicle-filled combat. Battlefield is for console strategists. Feel free to run and gun, but unless that’s your specialty, your team can definitely use another great member of the crew. Be it.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution

As a sleeper hit, Human Revolution isn’t quite the game that the original Deus Ex was, but that doesn’t take away from the game any. It pits players in the same neo-techno future, with body augmentations, incredible combat maneuvers, and multiple ways to play the game, including stealth, engineering, and soldier. It’s one game that’s easy to miss, but don’t. There is so much to do in the big city, it’s like a miniature RPG.

Rayman: Origins

Rayman: Origins is one of those really great games that everyone in the family can enjoy. The simple platforming is complex enough to remain entertaining for hours on end, yet with instant cooperative play with up to four players on a home console, it’s always a fun time with everyone racing and slapping each other all the way to the finish. If there’s one way to spend the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, Christmas, or any family time together when you’re snowed/rained in, Rayman: Origins is it.

Dark Souls

Beware: this is for masochists only! Dark Souls, the sequel to Demons Souls, is an RPG with a difficulty curve that will either make you break your controller in frustration or feel right at home with the sheer insanity of this unforgiving game. If that sounds like the perfect gift for someone, either because they’d love it or end up breaking their game console in frustration, then this is a must-buy.

Saint’s Row: The Third

Saint’s Row: The Third is not what you’d expect from a massive sandbox game in the vein of Grand Theft Auto. It’s goofy, over the top in every way, and rombunctiously fun. So much so that I had to make up a word to describe it, because this game is insane in just about every way. That’s not to say you won’t love it…just keep it out of reach from the kids.

Assassin’s Creed: Revelations

Assassin’s Creed is one of the few game franchises where every game may feel oh-so-similar to the last, but even then the games are still so damn fun it’s impossible to put down. All of the Assassin’s Creed titles have just been incredible, even though Shawn and I may disagree on just how good. But there’s one thing we both agree on: these games are a blast to play. Assassin’s Creed: Revelations doesn’t quite take the franchise to the next level, still following Ezio Auditore from Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood, but it further unfolds the tale, both past and present, of the everlong struggle between the Assassin’s and Knights Templar. A blockbuster hit you won’t want to miss.

Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Skyrim is the one game you’ve probably seen not only a handful of ads in larger cities, but new internet meme’s popping up daily about. In fact, you don’t have to go far to learn what Skyrim is, which is one of the biggest, most incredible RPGs to come out this year. Our own Shawn Kline loved it. A definite must have, but be warned: you probably won’t be seeing much of whomever you give it to. That may make it a great, or terrible, gift idea.

Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection

There are few games that stand the test of time. Metal Gear Solid isn’t just one game, but an entire series that does exactly that. That’s why the game’s creator Hideo Kojima keeps making new ones even after consistently saying he’s done. That’s why years later people talk about the incredible experience they had in Snake Eater, or how they once ate Alligator meat in the game. Sure, it’s zany and over the top, but putting the Metal Gear Solid 2, 3, and Peace Walker in one bundle, in  HD, is just another reason to play it, or to buy it for the new generation that didn’t grow up with METAL GEEEEEEAR!

Ever play Mario Kart and say to yourself “damn, I wish I could drive that in real life.” Well, if you’re a Gamestop PowerUp Rewards member, you may get the chance to make that into a reality. Nintendo and West Coast Customs (the guys who fix up cars from the MTV show Pimp My Ride) worked together to build the actual Mario karts, two of them, that really work. Or, if not, then you may be lucky enough to at least touch or sit in one at the LA Auto Show this and next week. Check out the pictures taken at the LA Auto Show inside.

The guys at West Coast Customs built two karts, the Mario Standard Kart and Luigi Bumble V. I’m more of a motorcycle Mario Kart player, but these are still damn awesome.

Reggie Fils-Aime was on-hand to reveal both Mario Kart 7 and the real karts in a press conference, which unfortunately we missed. However, Reggie was spotted later on shooting a video for the Nintendo Fanclub Facebook page (I subsequently stopped filming when I learned that, but we did catch the big man in the relatively-small kart. Let’s just say these aren’t made for tall people). As Nintendo spokespeople told me outside of the show floor, the karts are actually the first vehicles presented at the show floor that can actually fly in the air and drive underwater*.

The karts themselves weren’t being driven at the show, but you will be able to watch them in full use on TV on an episode of  Inside West Coast Customs in early 2012. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the crew in the body shop loves Mario and Mario Kart, and that at least some of them are living the dream building the first real driveable karts.

It was really surprising to see Reggie fit in the car. Christen barely fit in himself, and he’s just over 6′. Reggie didn’t exactly slide out though, as you may imagine.

Mario Kart 7 releases for the Nintendo 3DS on December 4th.

*”Note that while the gliders and propellers on the in-game go-karts let players soar through the air or drive underwater, these real-life karts do not. Trust us on this one.” – Nintendo Press Release

While CTA’s Digital’s Deluxe Power Grip won’t resolve those nagging eye strain problems, it most certainly might be the solution you’ve been searching for when it comes to the 3DS’ short battery life, and anything but ergonomic shape.

This controller come battery latches on the the 3Ds and doubles the portable consoles battery life. A USB port lets you ditch Nintendo’s AC power pak and a set of LED lights indicate when the device is fully charged.

If you haven’t noticed the ergonomic shape mimics that of an Xbox 360 controller, so if you own both video game consoles transitioning between the two should be seamless, at least in terms of feel.  It’s made of a silicone material so you can probably expect it to be more comfortable than a traditional plastic finish and also make sure your sweaty palms don’t cause you to lose your grip at the pique of gaming.

The CTA Digital Deluxe Power Grip sells for $30 and includes a kickstand that doubles as a storage slot for an additional 3DS game.

This week has left us with savings on many different fronts. From TVs to digital cameras and even smartphones and speaker equipment there is something there for everyone. Here’s some of the ones that are still alive and stood out in the pack:

10. Altec Lansing M812 WIreless Speaker Dock for iPod – $97

The price on this very handy device has been dropping since we’ve first seen it, and has hit rock bottom at this level. That makes this the perfect time to grab this very handy iPod Dock and Wireless Speaker set from Altec Lansing and get the most out of your iPod. It’s a very handy dock which allows you to not only make your music heard but to allow you to play it anywhere in your home without fumbling with wires and connections.

9. Nintendo Wii Mario Kart Console Bundle – $135

Amazon certainly rolled in the savings for this game system which is still popular and going strong. Whether you were just starting, upgrading or even purchasing as a gift you definitely can’t go wrong for this price. With the console you get a copy of Mario Kart Wii along with the Steering wheel controller add-on and you can even choose if you want the white or black version as they are both the same price.

8. IOmega 34650 ScreenPlay Director 1TB Media Players – $90

Still going strong in the discount zone, don’t forget to grab this feature packed media player from iOmega so you can enjoy all sorts of content from your network, storage devices or even from the Internet all on your home theater system. It of course has full support for HD and plenty of in/outputs for connectivity to any of your equipment without issue. A good media player can definitely make a difference in a home theater setup!

7. AOC Razor E2043FK 20-Inch LED Monitor – Now $80

Yep that’s right, Tiger went and lowered the price once again on this AOC LED monitor. Now you can either begin with or expand your computer display capabilities with a 1600 by 900 HD resolution for plenty of multi-tasking glory. Other features include a 50,000,000:1 intense dynamic contrast ratio and 250 nit brightness level. It is also a very energy efficient model which takes away any future price issues away from your energy bill.

6. Star Wars: The Complete Sage on Blu-Ray – $80

Yes Amazon had to do it, now you can grab the entire Star Wars saga in glorious 1080p! Still relatively new and popular as ever but Amazon holds with their very low price and that works for us. It includes all 6 movies of course along with plenty of bonus features, commentary tracks and deleted scenes to keep any fan veteran or otherwise happy. We imagine the price will raise soon so grab it while it’s still crazy!

5. Asus Eee PC 12.1-Inch Netbook – $308

TigerDirect certainly knows how to throw a bargain. This deal is still alive and kicking and that means you can grab this stylish and sleek netbook PC at the lowest price we’ve seen. It includes a 12.1-Inch display along with AMD Fusion E-350 Processing and 2GBs of DDR3 Memory. It also boasts a very impressive battery life which peaks out at about 8 hours for very easy use no matter where you go, and at a price like this you definitely can’t go wrong!

4. Motorola Droid Bionic With $50 Gift Card – $150

Amazon has stunned us literally with the savings they have on offer for new smartphones, but what really sticks out is their take on the Droid Bionic for Verizon Wireless. This phone is still brand new and offers up very intense features including 4G LTE connectivity, Dual-Core 1Ghz processor, Android 2.3 Gingerbread and more. Other notable details include it’s front-facing VGA camera and high resolution rear camera, 10.8 hours of talk time and plenty of connectivity to laptops and other devices.

3. Logitech G930 Wireless Gaming Headset – $95

We’re very surprised to see that this awesome deal is still around! From ebay you can grab this feature packed Logitech headset at a huge discount. It doesn’t look like many are left as they’ve been selling very fast so assure you get yours as soon as possible. This headset includes many interesting features beyond the super sound quality and that includes the G keys on the side which can be assigned to macros and the microphone which automatically shuts off when pivoted up.

2. Samsung PN51D450 51-Inch Plasma TV with $100 Gift Card – $629

Now here’s a bargain we all should pay attention to. Not only are you able to get this 51-Inch plasma TV from Samsung at the lowest price we’ve seen but you also get a free $100 gift card useable with any other purchase at Dell. To make it even sweeter this TV features a super fast 0.001 ms response time and 600Hz sub-field drive which overall provides crystal clear imagery with no motion blur. Definitely a deal not to miss!

1. Blackberry Playbook 7-Inch Tablet – $364

Here’s the deal that just keeps on giving! Every time we’ve spotted this 7-Inch Blackberry tablet we have seen the price steadily drop, and considering this is a no holds barred tablet providing every feature you need for an ideal portable computing experience that is definitely a bargain. The Playbook is fully capable of playing flash 10.1 content along with HTML 5 and that means a full Internet browsing experience which is charged by the dual-core processor and 1GB of RAM included. Keep your eyes on this one!

Amazon is offering a special offer for this Nintendo Wii Mario Kart Console Bundle with Steering Wheel!

Killer Deal Alert! Still looking to get your hands on a Wii? Then check out this exciting offer and get some extra swag to go along with it. This bundle includes the Wii console itself along with the Wii-Remote controller, Nunchuk and Wii Steering wheel along with a copy of Mario Kart Wii. As you all know the Wii offers up premiere motion control gameplay tied along with the plethora of first party titles and popular games everyone will love. Did we mention that this is the black edition Wii which comes with the Motion Plus remote for even more precision to your gameplay? To make this deal even sweeter for a limited time Amazon is offering $20 of bonus credit with your order, which is plenty to either get some more games or accessories for your Wii.

This price of this video game system continues to drop off.  It’s now $134.96 with free S&H included.

Buy.Com via eBay if offering the lowest price on the net for this Wii Fit Plus (With Balance Board)!

Get ready to workout like a pro on your own home game console! With the Wii Fit Plus package you can move through a large body of exercises and customized workout routines to really get fit, as the title implies. The plus package includes a set of 15 new balance games along with 6 strength training exercises and yoga activities for a large variety to play around with. You can customize your own workout schedules by time of day, or choose 20-40 minute workouts based on how much time you have available. Don’t forget that this is on a game console, and real results have occurred from it so it’s definitely worth a shot! This package includes the Wii Fit Plus as well as the balance board but thanks to this combo you’re getting it for a fraction of the normal price!

This is a superb deal for this gaming setup.  Amazon sells it for almost $90, but for a limited time you can scoop it from Buy.com, via Ebay for $59.99.  S&H is included

The GameBoy is synonymous with portable gaming.  So how it made the jump to clothing is a bit of a stretch.  But on second thought, we’re posting on it, which should say something in upon itself.  It’s geeky sheik, though it’s got nothing on the pixelated bathing suit.

The Gameboy bathing suit, from BlackMilk, includes the standard game boy buttons (direction pad, select/star and a/b) on both the front and rear.  We couldn’t help but notice that the ‘select’ and ‘start’ buttons are somewhat strategically positioned.  However, that’s probably a result of our mind taking up residence in the gutter.

No word on the price, but since there other suits sell for $90, it’s probably safe to assume they’ll charge the same for this gem.

MacMall via eBay has a very exclusive and exciting offer for this Nintendo 3DS Handheld Game Console!

Thinking you would have to wait a while to indulge yourself in Nintendo’s latest handheld entry? Definitely not, with this new discount now you can experience the first ever 3D-without-glasses device and also enjoy a host of new games that will continue to be released. The 3DS also has many Internet Connectivity and marketplace features like the Wii does and of course you all noticed the Analog stick that finally exists there. You can choose from either Black or Aqua Blue color and they are selling very fast so make sure you grab one quickly!

They slash $45 off the retail price of this handheld gaming machine, making it just $214.99, which include S&H

Amazon has a very special offer available on this Wii Console Bundle with Mario Kart!

Whether you are looking to get your hands on a Wii or even grabbing Christmas presents early this price is definitely not something to overlook! For less than the Wii formally way you can not only get the Wii console itself with its accessories but also a copy of Mario Cart Wii and the steering wheel accessory (Matching the color choice of the Wii) Of course the Wii is the current generation console by Nintendo and offers an exciting motion control experience that will turn heads. We’re sure this deal won’t last long so grab one while their still in stock!

Save even more than the price drop! This Wii is discounted to only $141.88! Add about $4 for shipping.

We’ve seen the NES, better known as the original Nintendo Entertainment System, repurposed before, but never as a sandwich toting device.  In other words it’s a lunch box.  We’re a bit skeptical on w hofar the mod has gone, because chances are someone just slapped a briefcase handle on the thing and called it a day. Nonetheless, there is a latch which probably means that the top half opens up making access a tad bit easier than jamming your PB and J through the cartridge door.  Speaking of which, it sure would be badass if the cartridge slot was repurposed as a cold storage slot for an ice pack.

Who made it and if it can be bought is unknown.

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The Veer 4G is launching on May 15th.  That same day Nintendo will officially slash the price of their Wii Bundle from $200 to $150 according to retail sources.  They say they’ll replace Wii Sports Resort and Wii Sports, which is currently included with the console, with Mario Kart Wii and include a plastic steering wheel.  Both colors will continue to be offered.

It’s worth noting a few things.  One, the Wii 2 will be announced at this year’s E3, which takes place in the beginning of June.  So from a business standpoint it’s only logical that Nintendo would slash the price of their current gen console to help move units.  Second, we’ve seen the Wii sold at this price at Amazon a few times before, so if you stick it out, you should be able to find the Wii, after the price cut, for even cheaper.  Lastly, we heard in March that the Xbox 360 would receive a price cut and Sony and Nintendo would follow.  It seems that we had the timing wrong, but the question remains, when will Microsoft and Sony cut the price of their consoles?  Will the Wii’s price cut be a call to action for the two other major players?

Nintendo will also kick out a handful of budget games called “Nintendo Selects”.  It includes less expensive versions of Mario Super Sluggers, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, and Super Smash Bros. Brawl.  We’re not sure what will be lacking, if anything in these games, but they’ll only cost $19.99.

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goHastings via Amazon is offering a very special price on this Nintendo Wii Black Console w/ Sports Resort Bundle which is only $199.99 – $50.01 Instant Discount + $3.99 Shipping = $153.97!

If you’re looking to get your hands on Nintendo’s latest console in Black for the lowest price ever then now’s the time! The Nintendo Wii is renowned for it’s slim size and innovative built-in Motion controls provided by the Wii-Mote and this version is better than ever. The brand new Wii is packed with a Motion Plus remote which gives you finer control then ever before without the bulk of an addon attached, and all of it comes in a smooth black finish which looks better than ever. It comes with the super popular Wii Sports game as well, and as a bonus also Wii Sports Resort to give this whole deal more bang for the buck. Prices like this don’t last long, so don’t wait much longer!

Three days ago a new rumor emerged that Nintendo was feverishly working behind closed doors on the next gen Wii video game console.  At the time of the posting we had no official info to back up the claim.  But now Nintendo has made an official statement that they are in fact working on the Wii 2 and that they’ll show off a playable model at the E3 Expo, which launches June 7th in Los Angeles.

Nintendo also went on to say that the original Wii has sold 86.1 million units since its launch in 2006.  Bananas.

To whom it may concern:

Re: Wii’s Successor System

Nintendo Co., Ltd. has decided to launch in 2012 a system to succeed Wii, which the company has sold 86.01 million units on a consolidated shipment basis between its launch in 2006 and the end of March 2011.

We will show a playable model of the new system and announce more specifications at the E3 Expo, which will be held June 7-9, 2011, in Los Angeles.

Sales of this new system have not been included in the financial forecasts announced today for the fiscal term ending March 2012.

It’s been a few weeks, probably more than a month, since we’ve heard anything about the next generation Wii, the Wii 2.  It’s supposedly code named Project Café and includes a new fangled controller that sports a 6.2-inch touchscreen, two analog sticks, camera and 8 buttons.  However, this might not be the primary controller and may serve as some sort of secondary operator.  The rumor also states that the current gen Wii controllers may continue to work with the system, but no one really knows.

So yes, much of it is conjecture and rumor at this point.  The screened controller sounds reminiscent of the Dreamcast, a failed Sega console.  The memory cards featured a small screen and buttons embedded into them and gamers could call plays for football as well as play smaller, low rez monochrome games.

While there is no official word on the Nintendo Wii 2, it seems inevitable that Nintendo will announce it at this year’s E3, provided of course it actually exists.

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Checkout this retro iPhone cover.  It resembles the back of a NES cartridge.  Each case costs about 4,800 Yen ($55 US), which is probably equitable to a NES game in today’s dollars.  Is it worth the nostalgia?  That all depends how frustrated you got with blowing and breathing into your Nintendo games.

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The Nintendo Entertainment System is now 28 years old.  Can you believe it?  We can’t.

Today, the hardware needed to produce the same gameplay and graphics has been shrunk to an uncanny size.  In fact it’s so small, it all fits inside of a NES cartridge, replete with AV and controller inputs as shown in this video by modder OkiPanoki.

For complete instruction on how to build your own, head to Instructables.  Also, checkout the video after the ‘leap’ demonstrating this nifty build.

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Until the Nintendo Wii showed up, video games were largely a sedentary experience known for packing on the pounds for anyone that sat with controller in hand for days at a time.  However, Blaze doesn’t think Nintendo’s Wii has done a good enough job when it comes to shedding the pounds.

The Wii “U-Move” controller works just like any other Wii Nunchuck, but in order for the thumb stick to actually work, the player has to be constantly waving their hand in any direction or by jogging in place.  Talk about annoying motivation.  And to insure that you receive the proper positive reinforcement, Blaze has outfitted the controller with a pedometer to count the amount of steps and calories burned during gaming.

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Amazon is offering a deal on this Nintendo 3DS w/ $25 Game Credit when you Pre-Order now!

The newest platform by Nintendo is almost here and now’s your chance to get some game credit for free before it even comes out! The Nintendo 3DS is a revolutionary new handheld console that brings all of the bells and whistles of the original DS and multiplies the power! It offers you an entirely new way to experience gaming, full 3D without the need for any special glasses or equipment. It even offers you a 3D depth slider to adjust the amount of 3D you see to fit your personal preference. It’s also the first Nintendo handheld to ever feature an analog stick so you can take your games further than ever. Also contains a gyroscope, 3D camera, full wifi connectivity, backwards compatibility and includes a 2GB SD card. Charges via a cradle for added convenience.

The deal comes to $249.99 + Free Shipping = $249.99!

Will be released on March 27′th 2011!

Madden NFL Football will be the first sports title for the Nintendo 3DS and is already shipped to stores to coincide with the launch of the portable 3D gaming system.

While it’s hard to ascertain just how the 3D tech will enhance gameplay, EA says that every play, cut-scene, and replay camera has been “specially tuned to give stronger, more dramatic 3D views”.   Using the 3DS’ touchscreen, players will be able to draw their own plays, on-the-fly and directly on the screen.

In terms of gameplay, you can expect authentic 11-on-11 football, fast-paced 5-on-5 action and Season Mode.  There will be three types of play calling, which includes GameFlow, Classic, and Arcade.  ”GameFlow automatically selects the best play for the situation based on real NFL team gameplans; streamlining play calling and shortening overall game length for a more accessible experience. Classic play call allows users to experience the full depth of selecting formations and individual plays, while Arcade play call simplifies options through a more concentrated playbook.”

EA’S MADDEN NFL FOOTBALL HITS RETAILERS FOR NINTENDO 3DS LAUNCH

All-New 3D Optimized Version of EA SPORTS Celebrated Football Franchise Ships to Stores

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – March 23, 2011 – Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced today that Madden NFL Football, the first EA SPORTS title available for the highly anticipated Nintendo 3DS™, has shipped to retail stores throughout North America and will be available on Sunday, March 27th to coincide with the launch of the Nintendo 3DS. Madden NFL Football delivers captivating gameplay in 3D, providing a robust and authentic NFL experience consistent with the renowned football video game franchise.

Madden NFL Football offers a comprehensive handheld experience with exciting modes, such as authentic 11-on-11 football, fast-paced 5-on-5 action and Season Mode. Additional features jump off the screen with 3D graphics, such as “Spotlight Moments” and “Call Your Shots”. Utilizing the remarkable power of the Nintendo 3DS Touch Screen, “Call Your Shots” allows users to draw their own plays, on-the-fly, directly on the screen.

With three types of play calling—GameFlow, Classic, and Arcade—Madden NFL Football provides an enjoyable experience for gamers of all skill levels. GameFlow automatically selects the best play for the situation based on real NFL team gameplans; streamlining play calling and shortening overall game length for a more accessible experience. Classic play call allows users to experience the full depth of selecting formations and individual plays, while Arcade play call simplifies options through a more concentrated playbook.

Madden NFL Football brings each of the 32 NFL teams and stadiums to life like never before with a presentation optimized for viewing in 3D. Making the most of the unique stereoscopic 3D presentation format, every gameplay, cut-scene, and replay camera has been specially tuned to give stronger, more dramatic 3D views. Harnessing the power of the Nintendo 3DS hardware, Madden NFL Football delivers a console-like experience to the Nintendo handheld, making it the perfect on-the-go game for every football fan.

Madden NFL Football has been rated “E” for Everyone by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB).

Madden NFL Football for Nintendo 3DS is developed in Raleigh, North Carolina by the EA North Carolina studio.

Oh how we miss the 80s.  The clothing, the music and more importantly the video games.  When the NES first sold it included a copy of the original Mario and Duck Hunt.  Duck Hunt by far and away was the most magical of experiences since the included gun, the Zapper, could be used to shoot the winged foes out of the sky.  For those of you with a penchant to investigate, you soon discovered that the second controller could be used to influence the direction of flight making the seemingly single player game a two player affair…sort of.  

However, those days are behind us and we’re lucky if we can get our Nintendo to turn on.  But an ode to the once popular game is just $120 away thanks to an Etsy artist.  They’ve taken an old classic and applied a stationary “Duck Hunt” duck made from 1/4-inch salvaged book covers.  The bad news is that it’s been “sold”.  Yup, appears to be a one off, but the good news is they’ve got others, though they’re not quite as cool.

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