Gallery: Gift Guide: 10 Sweet Gifts That'll Make Hard-Core Gamers Swoon

  • Image may contain Electronics Hardware Computer Mouse Human Person Glasses Accessories Accessory and John Connolly
    NVIDIA
    01

    NVIDIA-shield 2

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    Gamestop/Nintendo
    02

    GameCube-Controller-Adapter

    __GameCube Controller Adapter and GameCube Controller for Wii U__ Quick: Can you name a piece of electronic hardware from 2001 you're still using? Nintendo's GameCube controller has proven to be the favorite of *Super Smash Bros.* players, and Nintendo's new [adapter](http://www.gamestop.com/wii-u/accessories/wii-u-gamecube-adapter/115426) will let you use them for the new Wii U version. Nintendo has [brand new controllers](http://www.gamestop.com/wii-u/accessories/nintendo-gamecube-controller-super-smash-bros-edition/115424) (with longer cords) on shelves too. $20 (adapter), $30 (controller).
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    Gamer Grip
    03

    gamer-grip

    __Gamer Grip__ You don't need to be a hardcore gamer for sweaty hands to ruin a great run at that brutal last level. [Gamer Grip](http://www.gamergrip.com/) keeps your palms dry for hours, without getting any gunk on your controller. It's also endorsed by golfers and other professional sportspeople. $13
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    Logitech
    04

    Logitech-G910-Orion-Spark-01

    __Logitech G910 Orion Spark__ Clickety-clackity mechanical keyboards aren't just for annoying your coworkers, anymore. Logitech says [these keys](http://gaming.logitech.com/en-us/product/rgb-gaming-keyboard-g910) have a wicked fast response time. Also, individual illumination on every key lets you see even during a midnight marathon. You can illuminate just the WASD keys or the whole thing. You can even plug your cell phone in for a second-screen experience. $179
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    Astro
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    ASTRO-a50

    __Astro A50__ Some of the best headsets money can buy, Astro's line of comfortable, high-quality personal audio systems added the [A50](http://www.astrogaming.com/a50-wireless-headset/A50-WIRELESS-HEADSET-ASTRO-GEN2-XB1.html) this year. The microphone trims out all the room noise, sending your voice and your voice only to your fellow online players. And if you want to be quiet, you can just flip the microphone up to mute. $300
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    Fangamer.com
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    octodad-plush

    __Octodad Plushie__ *Octodad: Dadliest Catch* was one of the most charming indie games of 2014. Now you can profess your love for this niche masterpiece with a [plush version of its main character](http://www.fangamer.com/products/octodad-plushie)—a loving father and secret octopus. Magnets in the tentacles (I mean, hands!) let you stick him on the fridge. $18
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    Samsung
    07

    Samsung Gear VR

    __Samsung Gear VR__ The Oculus Rift isn't available for consumers yet. But if you're dying for a close-enough experience, here's the first consumer product from Oculus. [Gear VR](http://www.samsung.com/global/microsite/gearvr/index.html) requires a Samsung Galaxy Note 4 to serve as the screen, and gives you the first glimpse at Oculus' vision for VR. A version bundled with a gamepad costs an extra fifty bucks. $199
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    Scuf Gaming
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    Scuf-Gaming-Xbox

    __Scuf Gaming Controller__ When every twitch counts, pros turn to these super-modified, turbo-charged controllers. Customize every little detail on [Scuf's site](http://scufgaming.com/?redirect=US): Paddles on the back so you can press buttons with your pinky, taller thumbsticks, remove the rumble. If the price is too steep, you can send in your own pad to get modded. $79 and up
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    Videogameboxprotectors.com
    09

    Videogame Box Protector

    __Videogame Box Protectors__ Classic videogames are becoming hot collectibles. You wouldn't leave your Golden Age comics in a pile, right? Treat your mint-condition classic games right with these custom-sized, acid-free [plastic boxes](http://www.videogameboxprotectors.com/). They'll keep that copy of *Donkey Kong Jr.* looking like you just walked it out of Woolworths.
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    Nintendo
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    wii-u-gamepad-battery-pack-ALT

    __Wii U GamePad High-Capacity Battery__ Nintendo's GamePad controller has a built-in screen that lets you play Wii U games without anyone else seeing that you're playing *Hello Kitty Kruisers*. But the standard battery drains way too fast. Nintendo sells a high-capacity battery through its [web store](https://store.nintendo.com/ng3/browse/productDetailColorSizePicker.jsp?productId=prod150204#). Now you're playing with power. $32
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