We know that consoles are just out-dated computers. Computers are the past, present and future of gaming. Give me a Core i7-2600K powered Quad SLI gaming rig that I can tinker with over an outdated hunk of sealed tech any day. We PC gamers don't need a lot, but here are a few solid suggestions for gift ideas.
Space Chem
This fun little puzzle game is a great way to warm up your brain before dropping into your gaming mainstay. Play the role of a reactor engineer working for SpaceChem as you create chemical products. It's all very exciting.
($9.99)
CyberSnipa Dog Tag
This isn't a replacement for that full-sized tool set you have sitting under your computer desk, but the CyberSnipa Dog Tag is a wonderful little bit of kit to have in your bag or pocket at all times. The tags include an LED light, star and flat head screwdrivers, bottle opener, nail file, pliers and a flash drive. Perfect for emergency repairs and celebration.
($19.99)
Minecraft
Sure it's been around for ages as an Alpha and Beta, but this indie darling is now available for sale as a finished game. Dig holes, build houses, avoid Creepers. It sounds a bit too basic, but trust me it isn't. It's glorious.
(21.95)
Logitech Optical Gaming Mouse G400
There are plenty of other, much more fanciful, much more expensive gaming mice out there. But the Logitech G400 is really everything you're going to need for your computer gaming. It's essentially an updated MX518 with 3600 dpi.
($49.99)
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Dragons, cave bears, giants, hundreds of hours of exploration, this is really the only computer game you need for the year. Just make sure to say goodbye to your loved ones before you drop out.
($59.99)
USB Doomsday Device Hub
This USB hub is also a great way to pretend that you're blowing up your neighbor's house, or combusting puppies, or launching tactical nukes. It comes with two switches, a key and a big flashing red light. Once activated the light flashes until you push the button. Then, then you hear an explosion and somewhere in the world puppies explode.
($59.99)
Razer Wired Blackwidow Mechanical Keyboard
Mechanical keyboards may be loud, but they're also far more resilient to the hammer strokes some of us lay down while typing and playing games. I go through a couple of traditional keyboards a year when I'm not using mechanical. The Blackwidow is a solid gaming standby.
($129.99)
You can contact Brian Crecente, the author of this post, at brian@kotaku.com. You can also find him on Twitter, Facebook, and lurking around our #tips page.
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