The DS holiday buyer's guide part 2: the casual player
After our first part in an attempt to help you introduce someone else into the wonderful world of handheld gaming, part two is aimed more at the casual type. Someone who already owns the system, maybe a game or two, and finds themself spending a few spare hours each week hitting the stylus. This part in our three part guide is aimed at helping them expand that small fascination. Read on for some thoughtful ideas on what to buy the casual gamer this holiday season!
So what's the first thing you buy the DS owner? Well, games of course. But what to choose for a casual player who might be looking to expand? That's the tough question here ... and you should be able to guess the first thing we'll suggest:
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
MSRP: $29.99
That's right! Any DS owner who doesn't own Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney deserves to discover this gem under festive foil packaging. From the quirky story to the interesting format, to the way the game builds upon itself as you progress, this is a game that makes a great stepping-stone for the burgeoning player.
For a slightly newer choice, how about this:
Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin
MSRP: $34.99
Most gamers have picked up a Castlevania title at some point in their career, and it's a familiar franchise, ala Tetris in last week's buyer's guide. Familiarity helps when encouraging someone to expand their gaming sights, and the solid gameplay doesn't hurt, either. Besides, it's set in WWII -- and from the bevy of movies, books, miniseries, and other games focusing with seriousness on that dark era in world history, it's sometimes nice to lighten it up with a little whip-cracking action.
But what about less obvious gifts? Anyone can pick out a game or two for a DS fan, and if you're here at DS Fanboy, you probably know exactly what to choose when it comes to games. So let's move off the beaten track a little and come up with something different. What to get for the DS owner who doesn't have everything? Accessories!
The basics:
Hori DS Lite Screen Protectors
MSRP: $6.50
Not only do these make a fabulous stocking stuffer, but they're a must if you're increasing stylus action on the DS. Gotta protect that oh-so-important touch screen.
The gear:
DS Lite Slim Pouch
MSRP: $19.95
DS Lite Multi Pouch
MSRP: $14.95
Any budding serious gamer needs a case to cradle their DS, and there's one for everyone out there, no matter their taste. Whether you're buying for a fashionista or a backpack-toting gamer-on-the-go, there's a case to meet their needs, and these are two of our favorites. Also, we really dig us some blue.
Advancing to a higher plane:
Nintendo DS WiFi Adapter
MSRP: $39.99
What's the best way to encourage a DS owner to expand their playing field? Help them take it online -- and if they're not geared up for wireless, this is a must-have for playing online.
And that's it for part two in our three-part series! Next Friday, we're gonna get down and dirty with suggestions for the hardcore DS aficionado -- so check back!
