Perfect Power-ups For Grown-Up Gamers


Getting the gamer in your life something was a heck of a lot easier when he was seven. A few Gameboy cartridges, a Nintendo Power Shirt and — boom! — problem solved. But now he’s 24 and has more gaming gear than you’ve got power tools. So here’s what to get for your grown up gamer.

Still haven’t found the right present? Don’t worry, we’re here all month with a new gift guide every day — right up until the last minute. To see ‘em all, head on over to the special Gizmodo Australia Gift Guides section.

1. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Collector’s Edition

You don’t just show up on the scene and win Game of the Year. Elder Scrolls V from perpetual powerhouse Bethesda Software earned that title through massive, immersive, and highly-addictive game play. US$150 [Gamestop]

2. MSI GT683DXR-423US

Sure it’s heavier than a desktop tower — and more powerful to boot — but can it play Crisis 2? Oh you betcha. It can also play Skyrim on Ultra Quality (that’s a good thing). US$1650 [MSI Mobile]

3. Turtle Beach Ear Force PX5

Your gamer isn’t going to march to the top of the MW3 leader boards just by yelling at his TV. The PX5 enhances offers crystal-clear Dolby 7.1 Surround sound and programmable Bluetooth mic for barking out orders to his squad. US$250 [Turtle Beach]

4. Gunnar Optiks Call Of Duty MW3: Gaming Eyewear

Youngsters can power through 14-hour gaming sessions without batting an eye. But in adulthood, those marathons can really take a toll on their sight. The Gunnar Optiks allow for longer sessions with less eye fatigue and better on-screen clarity. US$100 [Gunnars]

5. Nyko Charge Base 3

Don’t insult your gamer with a pack of AA’s “for his controller” this holiday — so archaic! — get him the Nyko Charge Base 3. It runs through the PS3’s USB port, juicing his spare controller while he plays. US$25 [Nyko]

6. KEF T205 Surround Sound Speaker System

Sure the PX5’s are sweet but you don’t want your gamer getting swamp ear from keeping them on during a marathon session. Especially not when he can bask in the auditory awesomeness of the KEF T205. US$2,000 [KEF Direct]

7. Skullcandy FIX Earbuds

Look, once the Vita drops in February, you likely won’t see it out of your gamers hands until next Christmas but that doesn’t mean you’ll need to hear it until then. The Skullcandy Fix in-ear buds offer superior sound and are designed to stay put no matter how much he shakes his head. US$70 [Amazon]

8. Sharp 70-Inch Aquos LED Flatscreen

Just getting any old HD3D TV won’t cut it this season. Blow your gamers socks off with the Sharp 70-inch Aquos. It’s six-million-to-one contrast ratio and additional, yellow pixel allow it to produce trillions of possible colours. US$2300 [Sharp]

9. Kinect Sensor with Kinect Adventures

If your gamer is still toeing the waters around the Kinect, give him a helpful push. With over 60 titles under its belt, this XBox accessory is really hitting its stride. US$150

[Amazon]

10. Year-Long Xbox 360 Live Subscription Gold Card

Because it’s either that or a “Sorry You Had Your Playstation Account Hacked — Again” sympathy card. US$60 [Amazon]

Still haven’t found the right present? Don’t worry, we’re here all month with a new gift guide every day — right up until the last minute. To see ‘em all, head on over to the special Gizmodo Australia Gift Guides section.


The Cheapest NBN 50 Plans

It’s the most popular NBN speed in Australia for a reason. Here are the cheapest plans available.

At Gizmodo, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. We have affiliate and advertising partnerships, which means we may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. BTW – prices are accurate and items in stock at the time of posting.