Aunt Sally, how many times have you found the cutest puzzle for little Joey, only to find that he wanted the new Halo? And Grandpa Albert, what about the time when you bought that expensive pink dress for Daisy, when really all she needed was a new wireless Guitar Hero controller? Chances are that Aunt Sally and Grandpa Albert aren't the only ones with no clue what to get for their gamer this Christmas.
RETRON 5 BY HYPERKIN
Nineties kids, the wait is over. The RetroN 5 is the new face of retro gaming, allowing gamers to play on 10 retro systems, including NES, SNES, Genesis, Famicom and Game Boy Advance. It has everything a retro gamer could ever ask for: two original controller ports for NES, SNES and Genesis (6 total), one wireless controller for use with any system on the RetroN 5, and most impressive of all, HDMI capability. How can Hyperkin do this legally? The patents for the hardware in these retro systems have expired, leaving the programming and technology up for grabs. $160 • Game World • 5725 E. Sprague
THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: HYRULE HISTORIA
Since the arrival of the legendary Link in 1986, Zelda fans worldwide have debated various chronology and details in the kingdom of Hyrule. Featuring an introduction from Shigeru Miyamoto, co-creator of the Zelda franchise, Hyrule Historia is filled with concept art, history and previously unreleased Hyrule chronology. $35 • Auntie's Bookstore • 402 W. Main
RETRO DONKEY KONG & MARIO POSTER
For those who didn't know, Mario's humble beginnings date back to 1981, when he first appeared as "Jumpman" in the original Donkey Kong arcade game. Before Princess Peach's time, that damsel in distress is actually Mario's former boo, Pauline. A classic image, this affordable gift is a great throwback option for any adult gamer. $6 • Comic Book Shop • 4750 N. Division
TURTLE BEACH EAR FORCE XL1 HEADPHONES
Designed with the casual yet experienced gamer in mind, the XL1s provide the quality and comfort of Turtle Beach headphones for a reasonable price. Exclusively for use with Xbox 360, the XL1 headphones connect with a cord and include a headset microphone as well. $35 • Game World • 5725 E. Sprague
SUPER MARIO 2 & 3
Two of the most iconic video games in the history of video games, these classics are becoming difficult to find in good condition. This package would make an excellent complement to the RetroN 5; quite frankly, if your special gamer wants a RetroN 5, they probably want Super Mario 2 and 3 for NES, too. That's just how it works. $40 • Trade-A-Game • 5428 E. Sprague
STEAM CREDITS
Perhaps you've browsed through these suggestions and still don't understand anything that you read. That's OK. Piggybacking on the development of online streaming services like Netflix, Valve Corporation's Steam platform allows non-console gamers (i.e., people who don't use a PS4, Xbox, Wii, etc.) to buy games from a massive library and download them to play on their system of choice (PC, Mac or Linux), making this a foolproof gift for any gamer. store.steampowered.com ♦
