Top 5 gifts for the gamer that has it all

November 23, 11:44 PMNY Multiplayer Gaming ExaminerAustin Walker

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Namco's ghost-gobbling mascot
dons Santa's red cap and beard!

Number 5: The Nintendo DSi

The newest addition to Nintendo's DS line brings a few great changes and isn't available stateside yet. Often referred to as Nintendo's "lite" take on Apple's immensely popular iPhone, the DSi includes both interior and exterior facing cameras, a 17% larger screen, reduced weight, and most potentially important, an SD card slot. While this currently only has use as a place to store those pictures you've taken, common sense suggests that you'll be able to store game demos, applications, and maybe even full games similar to the Wii's Virtual Console and WiiWare releases. Be sure that the gamer you're buying for plays mostly DS games though, as unlike the previous DS and DS Lite hand-helds, the Gameboy Advance cartridge slot has been removed, leaving those of us still playing some classics in its dust.

Also Consider: Tracking down the rare and extra-expensive BAPE DSes, or if you're a New Yorker like me head down to the Nintendo World store and pick up one of their exclusively colored DS Lites.

Number 4: Custom Rock Band Merch

If that gamer in your life is anything like me, they love themselves some Rock Band (and love RB2 even more.) Through the game's great customization options, players really have the ability to create characters they become attached to. Just ask my fellow games writer Sean Ewing about our steam-punk-meets-futrism inspired band "Wild Zero" and he'll tell you how attached we got to our fictionalized rockers. Harmonix could just sell t-shirts with the familiar Drummer/Bassist/Guitarist/Vocalist silhouettes, but they went a step further than that., allowing you to create custom made t-shirts, posters and buttons featuring your characters in a bunch of different poses and locales. Wait, did I say they went the extra step? Make that two steps: they also offer the ability to immortalize your band forever in 6" figure form. Perfect toys to display on your desk at work to remind everyone how metal you are.

Also Consider: If you love rhythm games but hate wearing video game propaganda, then check out Mad Catz' custom Rock Band instruments. Yes, that's right. I just name dropped Mad Catz. I never thought I'd trust their accessory quality this much, but after checking out their bass and guitar in a local shop, I'm a believer. On the other hand, if you love the idea of custom representations of your characters, but aren't keen on music, think about getting your WoW primary turned into a plastic statue by FigurePrints!

Number 3: Yamaha RH10MS Headphones

Talk about a segue: previously mentioned New Jersey based fellow gamer Sean Ewing wrote up his review  on the Yamaha RH10MS headphones earlier this year and I'll be honest, I thought he was being hyperbolic. Turns out, that wasn't the case. I checked out these headphones for myself, and it became clear to me that not only was Sean not overselling these ear-blasters, he was under selling them. Not only could they make good sounding games sound great, but they even turned Etrian Odyssey II's tinny soundtrack into an epic score. I''m a generous guy, I love giving gifts, but these headphones make me want to be a scrooge this holiday season, and claim them for my own!

Also Consider: Maybe you and yours are less into listening to sounds and more into making them, if that's the case then be sure to pick up the recently released Korg DS-10 Synthesizer application for your Nintendo DS. Torrey Walker over at 1up.com showed off the non-game a few months ago, and for every music creator I linked the video to it was portable-love-at-sight.

Number 2: The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters

Unlike the other items on this list, this one isn't incredibly expensive or even unique: You can go to your local big box electronics retailer and pick it up for $20 bucks or less. It's even available on Netflix.com as a watch-instantly streaming movie which works great on the New Xbox Experience. That said, this makes a great gift for the gamer who didn't even know it existed. All gamers can relate to something in this comedic documentary, whether its pseudo-protagonist Steve Weibe's inability to be anything but mediocre, Billy Mitchell's overwhelming confidence, or the conflicted loyalties of the people caught in between this classic gaming confrontation. Even better than buying this for your gamer? Watching it with them! To all of you who let that guy or gal in your life have their gaming fun, but stay away from it yourselves, check this one out with them. It's accessible, heartwarming, and might just show a bit of insight into their competitive nature

Also Consider: Maybe you want to dress sharper than the only really fashionista of gaming, Billy Mitchell? If so pick up one of these ThinkGeek 8-bit ties and a pair of NES Cartridge cufflinks!  Or perhaps your holiday is more about playing games then watching them? Well then, pick up Wii Points, Xbox Live Points, and Playstation Network cards. All three services have a ton of classic games available for relatively good prices. Wii's Virtual Console is a treasure trove of classics, and maybe most exciting on the more graphics intensive consoles is the soon-to-release Super Street Fighter II HD Remix. Then again, if you really want to play classic games, then you should buy... well, this thing needs an entry of its own.

Number 1: X-Arcade Machine

From the makers of some of  he best arcade style joysticks, X-Arcade, comes this behemoth gift-to-end-all-gifts the X-Acade Machine! Packed with 205 classic games ranging through the eras from Ms. Pacman to Spy Hunter to NARC to Street Fighter 2 to Metal Slug, there is something here for everyone. And there better be, because the $2,199 price tag is super steep! Besides these games, you can also play any PS2 or PS1 game, and even attach your computer if you're happen to have a few arcade style games kicking around on your hard drive. If you're one of those "Woah, 2,000 is too much, don't you have something around a grand?" people, then check out the MAME Ready X-Arcade Cabinet. You have to supply your own games, but the cabinet wood-working, monitor, and joystick are all a hassle you no longer have to deal with. This the ultimate gift for the ultimate gamer, accept no imitations.

Also Consider: Well, accept no imitations, but if you're like me then even that $1000 dollar price tag is well out of reach. Don't fret, there are dozens of classic gaming collections out there, too many to even list here. Go to your local retailer and check out their PS2 and PSP sections: dozens of collections exist on these platforms. Better yet, if you're a a PC gamer, places like GameTap and Good Old Games offer you access to great hits from the past at reasonable prices or at subscription rates too.

Happy shopping everybody, if you have some gift suggestions that didn't make this or our other Examiner.com Holiday Guides, let us know with a comment or a quick e-mail!