Gamer Gifts | Illustration by Kayli Thompson | The Wright State Guardian
As the holiday season approaches quickly, tech companies are launching deals on hardware and accessories that have gamers eager to upgrade their current setups.
Along with next-gen gaming platforms being released, accessories such as headsets, controllers, and monitors are on the list of every gamer looking to obtain that competitive edge over their opponents.
Console War
Microsoft and Sony have been duking it out for holiday sales since the first Xbox launch in 2001, when Microsoft entered the gaming community by storm. Sony, having launched the Playstation in Dec. of 1994, already had a dedicated fan base to support, but since the release of the first Xbox, the console war has always been very close in both hardware statistics and sales.
With the release of the next-gen consoles just weeks ago, the console war has been reignited and it seems as though Sony and Microsoft can’t produce these systems fast enough. Pre-orders sold out in minutes, and stores such as Gamestop, Target, Walmart and Best Buy can’t keep these systems in stock for long.
It’s clear that the demand for this year’s next-gen consoles is at the top of the list for gamers around the world.
Retailing at $499 for both systems, and hosting similar hardware specs, the choice is yours to make.
Bloomberg shows that in just one week Sony sold 118,085 Playstation 5’s, and Microsoft sold another 20,534 Xbox’s during the initial launch week of the Series X.
If possible, to find, the Playstation 5 or Xbox Series X will be a gift that will have any gamer jumping out of their shoes.
Accessories
There’s nothing worse for a competitive gamer than underperforming audio and visual output for your system.
The best way to combat these issues and give you the upper hand on your opponents is to have a decent headset and high-resolution gaming monitor.
Taking the number 3 and 4 spots on our top 5 list is the Astro A50 headset and the Alienware 25 gaming monitor. Astro is a well-known name in the gaming community, and for good reason.
This line of headsets provides gamers with an immersive experience like no other while also providing gamers with an unmatched level of comfortability.
Crisp high-end frequencies, controlled mids and distortion free lows make for a well-rounded, immersive gaming experience compatible with Xbox, Playstation and gaming PC’s alike.
This headset is truly top of the line.
The Alienware 25 gaming monitor sports a 240hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and at 24.5 inches is the perfect size for any gaming setup.
When competing at the highest levels, this monitor provides everything a gamer will need to hold the competitive edge over his or her opponents while providing a crisp and clear gaming experience like none other.
While the cost might be high for some at $309, the difference in gameplay is sure to have a portion of gamers shelling out the money for this incredible display.
Controller upgrade
While Microsoft sells its Elite Pro Controllers for a retail price of $179, competitors such as PowerA are providing gamers with the exact same experience, for only $79.
A “Pro” controller is one that hosts the ability to use 4 additional paddle buttons, customizable joysticks, and adjustable triggers.
This gives gamers a competitive advantage over their opponents by allowing them greater access to buttons without having to move their fingers as much which, in the heat of a shootout where milliseconds matter, can make all the difference.
In recent years the competitive nature of shooting games such as Fortnite, PUBG, Apex Legends and many other shooters have left gamers looking for any advantage possible.
