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...There is a lot to know about video games and the video game industry. Purchasing games, consoles and accessories for your friends and family can be daunting for first-time video game shoppers. Here are a few hints and tips to make holiday shopping faster and more effective.

Tip #1: Terminology

Holiday requests will come to you in two forms: verbally or as a list. You think you know what they want until you hit the store and find out there are many products of similar name.

Do not confuse the term xbox as a generic Microsoft gaming console. There are two xbox systems: Xbox and Xbox 360. If your loved one asks for a 360 it will be the Xbox 360. If they request an Xbox console in 2006, theyre probably looking for the Xbox 360 because its the new console. If you are unsure, ask. Getting the wrong games or the wrong system will lead to many incompatibilities and, likely, a return trip to the store.

The brands that will lead to confusion are:

• Xbox
• PlayStation
• Nintendo

Each brand has at least two variants:

• Xbox, Xbox 360
• PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3
• Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo Wii

Sony and Nintendo have hand-held variants:

• Nintendo DS, Nintendo DS Lite
• Sony PSP

Most confusion will arise when talking about last-generation and the current generation systems. Gamers looking for the older system will be talking about the Xbox, PlayStation 2 and/or Nintendo GameCube. Gamers asking for the new system will be looking for the Sony PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii.

Many stores reference the newest console systems as next-generation which equates to the new one. Know which generation youre looking for before buying games or systems. In a moment of desperation, simply remember the most expensive console will almost always be the newest console of the same brand. For example, the Xbox will be cheaper than the Xbox 360 (both Microsoft products) by a large degree. Many stores may push older products on you because its a better deal. Your gift may not hold the same surprise and enthusiasm if you purchase last generations model.

Hand-Held gaming is more clear-cut for brand selection. Sony will offer the PSP product line and it wont be too confused with the Nintendo DS product line. The confusion will arise when you get to the store to find out that Nintendo is sporting two separate DS types: A standard DS and a DS Lite. The DS Lite is the newest product by Nintendo and will be the best product for the price. It is a smaller product with a longer battery life and a brighter screen, everything else is about the same between the two. You may also choose a few colors (White, Black and Pink for the DS Lite). Use your best judgment when picking colors.

tip #2: Availability

The chances are your looking to buy the next-generation video game system. Do not become frustrated with sold out signs this is typical for the holiday season in a year when new technology arrives for the holidays.

Sony PlayStation 3 has arrived in very limited quantities while the Nintendo Wii has shipped many more quantities. Both systems are extremely new and all the gamers want them. Regardless of quantities, the chances are you will find many stores sold out this year. Be prepared to find an alternative or a creative way of saying sorry.

Online shopping may be the easiest solution to limited quantities. You can find the Nintendo Wii online quicker than hitting every store in the city. The Sony PlayStation 3 may not be found at all but there is a great chance the person requesting the product knows of its limited launch figures.

Tip #3: Choosing The best system

Some gamers want a new console but are not so fussy about which console it should be. If youre gaming friend is between five and fifteen they may fall in love with the Nintendo Wii because the games are more child friendly and the system caters to casual gamers and first time video gamers.

If you are buying for a teenager or gamer over twenty years of age you may find they desire an Xbox 360 or the PlayStation product line. These consoles offer a large variety of games with varying maturity levels. A large number of popular Xbox 360 titles are targeted towards mature audiences in a genre known as a first-person-shooter (FPS) which involves the gamer killing lots of enemies with weapons.

Your gamer enthusiast may be requesting a Sony PlayStation 3 because theyre already proud owners of a Sony PlayStation 2. If youre having difficulty finding the new console system you may want to abort that mission and pickup some great PlayStation 2 games to satisfy their demands. The PlayStation 2 product line has the largest selection of games on the market which means you will have a broad range of products for great gift ideas.

tip #4: Figuring Out What Theyve Got...more

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