Great Gift Ideas Under $50 For Xbox Owners | Dramel Notes

Whether it’s Christmas, a birthday, or any other holiday, buying a gift for an Xbox gamer can be tricky. Say you’ve got a budget of $50, but you know they have more than enough games.

What do you do?

The answer, of course, is to buy accessories – and there is a massive selection to choose from. While some hardware is of sub-par quality, usually these accessories are worth the money, as long as you buy the gear from Microsoft or reputable third parties.

We’ve collated the following list of sub-$50 accessories for Xbox One and Xbox 360 owners. You might just find that perfect gift right here…

Chatpad

Including a Chatpad and Chat Headset 3.5mm jack) that connects to the Chatpad, this full QWERTY keyboard plugs into the standard Xbox One controller to aid communication with fellow gamers in online play.

The keypad is backlit for nighttime gaming, and audio controls make it easy to manage volume and mute the mic. Also included are programmable X1 and X2 buttons that can be used to access game DVR or take screenshots.

Chatpad and headset are compatible with Xbox One and (X1 and X2 buttons notwithstanding) Windows 10.

Nyko Charge Base

A flat controller makes gaming pretty tough; you’re basically not gaming, unless there is a wired alternative. Having space to charge two controllers without the fuss of removing batteries is even better, so why not consider the Nyko Charge Base (a PS4 version is also available).

Design to sit two Xbox One controllers comfortably, with two rechargeable batteries included, the base makes charging convenient, enabling you to place the controller onto the charge point and quickly remove when done.

While other charge bases are available, this is a particularly popular option.

Nyko Intercooler

Again from Nyko comes this cooler, essentially designed to prolong the life of your Xbox One.

Featuring easy clip-on installation, and with a design that matches the contours of the console (comes in black, so beware adding to custom Xbox One consoles!), the cooler is powered by USB, and can be used in both horizontal and vertical orientation.

The USB connection means that it will automatically switch on when you boot your Xbox One, and reduces ambient temperature within by directing hot air away from the console, thereby improving gaming performance. Heat can have a negative affect on any PC or games console – the first generation Xbox 360s had a particular problem with ambient temperature causing the CPU and GPU lifting from the motherboard (one of the infamous “Red Ring of Death” issues), so having a cooler is a very good idea.

Afterglow LVL 3 Wired Headset

Three versions of this headset from PDP are available, with LVL1 and LVL3 both under $50. Officially licensed by Microsoft, the device uses finely tuned 40mm drivers, designed for a full stereo, superior audio experience.

Essentially, while this is a chat headset, and comes with a mounted, noise-cancelling microphone, it’s also a gaming headset – PDP want you to enjoy the best of gaming audio with this hardware.

Due to having a 3.5mm jack, this device is compatible with the second generation Xbox One controller. For first gen controllers, you’ll need to add a headset adaptor.

Xbox One Media Remote

Recipients of this dedicated remote control from Microsoft can take control of their media with an easy-to-use, compact IR device with a 30-foot range that controls video playback on Blu-ray or videos streamed to an Xbox One.

Also capable of switching on your TV and adjusting the volume, backlit buttons make it easy to use in the dark, and the intuitive controls make it easy for anyone to use, adult or child (although that might not be ideal!).

Requires 2 AAA batteries.

Hard Drive Enclosure

Now this accessory is more or less invisible. It’s a hard disk drive enclosure that slots onto the side/top of an Xbox One, ready to host a second HDD while offering three USB 3.0 ports.

A minimum 256 GB HDD of 2.5 inches in length is required to slot into the enclosure, no wider than 12mm, and once connected, the owner of the Xbox One will no longer be concerned about running out of hard disk space! This is particularly important if they like to record and upload gameplay for Twitch or YouTube – assuming they’re playing the right games!

The clever design of the enclosure means that it will be difficult to spot, thereby not ruining the sleek aesthetics of your Xbox One.

Thumb Sticks

Modding an Xbox One controller can make it more comfortable to use, potentially giving an edge in challenging games and online/competitive gaming scenarios. These E-MODS GAMING thumb sticks are just one example of the many thumb sticks that can be added to an XB1 controller, with a grippable, rubberized surface.

Comes with four thumb sticks, enough to replace the default thumb sticks on two controllers, but note that the controller must be open for the thumb sticks to be fitted.

These thumb sticks are also compatible with PlayStation 4 Dual Shock 4 controllers.

Xbox 360 Wireless Controller

The Xbox 360 remains a popular console. So if the target of your gift buying is still using their last-gen gaming machine – and let’s face it, there’s no reason not to as long as A-list games continue to be released – perhaps you’d like to treat them to a gold chrome wireless controller?

Shiny in a way that makes it look far more valuable than it really is, this controller is wireless, and therefore requires recharging regularly. Also, note that the controller is not compatible with the Xbox One, although you should be able to connect it to your PC with the correct receiver.

Xbox 360 Headset & Mic

From INSTEN, this headset connects to an Xbox 360 controller to deliver voice communication to discuss strategy with gaming team mates and trash talk opponents.

With a noise cancelling microphone and stereo phones, the device also includes a volume control and mute switch, and is adjustable to fit most head sizes. As with many Xbox 360 accessories, this device is not compatible with other hardware, including Windows PCs and Xbox One.

Xbox 360 Speed Wheel

Xbox 360 gamers with an addiction to driving games might just find this gem of a controller useful. With rumble feedback to feel the bumps on the road, this wireless wheel controller from Microsoft is equipped with motion sensors and buttons for gaming functions.

Trigger buttons are also included for gas and brake controls, making this an ideal controller for digital speed kings. However, there are a couple of things to note. For instance, this controller cannot be easily used with the Grand Theft Auto series of games, as walking and shooting are a little difficult with a steering wheel.

And as with other Xbox 360 hardware, you won’t be able to use with the Xbox One, although it should be compatible with Windows 10.

Got Some Xbox Gift Ideas? Share Them!

That’s our list of 10 Xbox gift ideas for under $50. We’re pretty impressed with what is available in this price bracket, but you may know better. If so, tell us all about it in the comments.

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Best Gifts Under $30 for Wii U Gamers | Dramel Notes

Birthdays and holidays can be expensive if you’ve got a gamer or two in the family. Fortunately, if your giftee is a Wii U owner, there are a number of inexpensive games and accessories available.

If you’re looking for gifts below $30, we’ve got plenty of suggestions. And you can get them from Amazon, taking advantage of their same- or next-day delivery through Amazon Prime. Alternatively, you can pop down to your local Walmart or go onto the Nintendo website – prices will vary but not too greatly.

As it’s Nintendo, there’s swathes of Mario and Luigi (and other big franchise names), but if the person you’re buying for doesn’t like the plumbing duo, you might as well give up on them.

ZombiU

Many Wii U launch games are now at pretty low prices, but ZombiU has to be one of the cheapest and best of the originals.

Zombies are big right now, largely due to The Walking Dead, so vast amounts of related games have flooded the market – but few are as creative and ingenious as ZombiU. It’s a normal battling-the-undead game… until you die. When you respawn, you actually inhabit another body, another survivor, and your old avatar becomes a zombie that’s creeping up on you.

For the price, this game is more than worth it, really providing endless hours of grisly entertainment.

Retractable Rainbow Stylus Pack

Not exactly an exciting present, but certainly useful.

How many times have you lost a stylus? For the Wii U, for a tablet, for a 3DS? At night, the Gaming Fairy (8-Bit, naturally) silently teleports into your house and steals styluses in order to construct herself a house. That, or maybe they’re just under the sofa or something.

A pack of multi-colored replacements are ideal; whoever’s going to lose a bright yellow stylus easily? What’s more, these work on several systems, including the 3DS, which any respected Nintendo fan is going to own too.

The Legend of Zelda 2016 Wall Calendar

When it comes to gaming calendars, there’s not a great amount of choice readily available. Still, there’s your standard Super Mario Bros. (admittedly, very cool) ones, even Animal Crossing, but The Legend of Zelda 2016 Calendar is perfect for any fans of gaming and art.

Block color means the calendar stands out on your wall, while wonderful character designs reflect the vibrant, upbeat visuals of the franchise.

As an alternative for your LoZ fan, consider the Hyrule Historia, a beautiful hardback detailing the history of the franchise and chronicling the character designs across different platforms. Released first in Japan to celebrate The Legends of Zelda‘s 25th anniversary, international fans were clamoring for a translation, and this is the stunning result

Amiibo End Level Display

Amiibos have flooded the market, most of which are available for below $20. The Mario Classic Color Amiibo is a particular favorite. But you need a guarantee that the individual you’re buying for has that select game, so instead, why not go for this, a contender for Coolest Gaming Gift Ever?

It only holds six Amiibos, but that’s more than most displays – and who really cares when the product looks as awesome as this does?

Fans of Nintendo new and old will love this, especially if they’re well acquainted with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and co.!

LEGO: Marvel Super Heroes

Everyone loves Marvel. And if that statement’s not true, I feel uneasy about society.

Seriously though, they’re huge, as is LEGO. This game combines the two.

Oh, you want to know more? LEGO is no longer just what you used to play with as a kid; it’s no longer just the enemy of bare feet: it’s big business. Collectors love it, children love it, and big children love it. Their gaming range is known for being very puzzle-centric, but this adds super-powers to the mix. Ever wondered what Chris Hemsworth would look like made of multi-colored bricks? You’re in luck.

Boss Monster: The Dungeon Building Card Game

This one’s a bit different, but bear with me.

Generations grew up with decks of Dungeons and Dragons (itself inspiring a plethora of video games), and if you want to instill a love of quality card-games into a youngster, this is a safe bet. Inspired by retro video games, you’re a villain, trying to create the deadliest dungeon imaginable. It only takes about 30 minutes to play, so nobody will get bored over the festivities.

It’s this or Cards Against Humanity, and this one’s more family-friendly.

Super Mario Maker GamePad Protector

It’s hard not to fall a little in love with Super Mario Maker, enabling fans worldwide to indulge in their fantasies by creating their own levels.

The GamePad, however genius it is, looks a bit boring, so why not brighten things up a bit with this handy protector? It’s made from plastic, so will stop a bit of natural wear and tear. You need not worry about scratching the controller any more… but I’d still advise against dropping it from any great height!

NES Remix Pack

Nostalgia is a wonderful thing: whether you had a Sega Mega Drive, N64, or original PlayStation, it’s great to relive those memories – and maybe pass that love onto a different generation (or remind someone of their youth!).

This NES Remix Pack throws short challenges at you based on a selection of much-loved iconic video games from the early years of Nintendo. This is a compilation from two previous releases, so you don’t get full titles (mostly available as download from the eShop anyway), but instead snippets of big franchises with their characters mixed up.

Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Donkey Kong, Metroid, Excitebike: they’re all here. They’re not especially difficult, but will nonetheless entertain ages 8- 80 across Christmastime and beyond. It’s also available on the 3DS as the Ultimate NES Remix.

K’NEX Mario Kart Standard Bike Bundle

These are great little sets to rival even LEGO. Yep, it’s K’NEX: essentially LEGO for grown-ups interested in construction. That makes them sound more boring than they actually are. Because these aren’t your common-or-garden packs of rods and connectors – it’s Mario Kart!

Surely one of the best-loved gaming franchises in existence, there’s something for everyone when it comes to Mario Kart. Like zipping between opponents and looking snazzy at the same time? Go for Toad. Enjoy being evil and smashing competitors off the Rainbow Road? Bowser it is. Given up on life? Baby Rosalina’s your girl.

This double-pack of build-your-own figures is a great gift for someone who likes the more traditional choice, Mario or Luigi. The pair are on the bikes introduced for 2008’s Mario Kart Wii, and are the most expensive of the lot. Alternatives including Yoshi, Toad, and Diddy Kong are typically below $10, while bigger K’NEX sets – Bowser, Koopa Troopa, and Wario – are around $20.

New Super Mario Bros. Wii

Backwards compatibility allows gamers to indulge in the number of fantastic Wii games that were released between 2006 and November 2015. It means you can pick up Wii titles at lower prices, great stocking fillers in case your recipient missed them the first time around.

When it was unleashed on the world in 2009, the world fell in love with Super Mario Bros. Wii. Fun, colorful, and full of mushrooms, it encapsulates everything the Italian plumber stands for. Anyone who plays it is guaranteed a laugh – and that’s exactly what you want at Christmas.

Game on!

Even though Nintendo is gearing up for the NX launch, the Wii U will not be abandoned.

If you’ve got money to burn, there are a number of great games available – ones that will rekindle a love of gaming – but you’re not always in search of a big present. Sometimes, you just need to top up that stocking, so to speak (do people still hang stockings for the festivities?).

So what other smaller presents have you bought a Wii U fan? Picked up any bargains?  Let us know below!

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PSA: You Should Unpack and Update Game Consoles Before Christmas | Dramel Notes

The last thing you want on Christmas Day is for your kids to be unable to play the game console they’ve waited so long to enjoy. Read on as we highlight why you need to pre-game your console gift giving experience.

Why Do I Want To Do This?

If you’re not a gamer yourself you might be curious as to why we’d recommend unpacking your child’s game console and setting it up just to turn right back around and repack it for them to open on Christmas Day.

Unlike the game consoles of today the consoles of yesteryear, ranging from the early first-generation game consoles like the Magnavox Odyssey right up to fifth-generation consoles like the Sony PlayStation, had hard-coded firmware that rarely (if ever) received any sort of update.

The Super Nintendo Entertainment System you bought back in the 1990s is still running the same same operating code that it shipped with (and most likely still plugging along just fine despite 20 years of no updates). Game consoles were simply designed differently back then because there was no easy mechanism by which they could be updated.

Starting with the sixth-generation of game consoles and the introduction of over-the-network updates for the original Xbox game console suddenly updating your game console became a thing. That thing has proved to be persistent element of modern gaming and the Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Wii, and WiiU all feature over-the-network updates as do many handheld gaming platforms like newer versions of the Nintendo DS product line (so, in fact, the tips in this PSA also apply to portable game devices too).

Not only do the game consoles themselves need updates but the games we play on them need updates (and often need to be downloaded in the first play before we can even begin to update and play them).

Why does it matter, in relation to your gift giving, that modern consoles all have over-the-network updates? It matters because these updates are large, fairly frequent, and even on a good day can take a bit of time to download and apply. A good day, in terms of console updating, would be a random weekday in the middle of the year when network traffic is at a low point.

A bad day for updates? Christmas Day, when millions of people around the globe open up their Christmas presents, plug them in, and slam the game maker’s networks with requests for updates. What might have been anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours worth of updating on a regular day might not even happen at all on Christmas Day because of the increased traffic. Compounding the problem is the fact that many game consoles are very insistent on applying updates and once the process is started you’re stuck waiting it out.

To further compound the problem, in years past we’ve seen DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks launched against game networks right around the holiday. In 2014, for example, a large DDoS attack against both the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live brought both networks to their knees and made everything from updating your console to even playing online nearly impossible for players around the world.

All these things (the necessity of console updating, the large download size of updates for both consoles and games, the Christmas Day server overloads, coupled with the possibility of another DDoS attack on the game networks) paint a pretty clear picture: if you want your kids to be able to sit down and spend a lazy Christmas Day afternoon playing video games then you’re going to need to update the game console ahead of time with any updates, download any games (and/or the game updates), and have the console ready to rock the minute it comes out of the box.

With that in mind let’s take a look at how you can best accomplish the task.

Hide the Update Process

“Hide the update process?” you say, “Of course I won’t let the kids see me updating the console!”; don’t worry, we’re not doubting your ability to hide the physical act of unpacking and updating the console. We’re encouraging you to be stealthy in how you do it.

If you know your kid’s game network login and password don’t use it update the console. It’s very common for electronic devices to send automated messages (or, more specifically, for the networks they join to send automated messages) like “Hey Steve! Welcome to SuperFunGamingNetwork! Your new UltraConsole is online and ready to go! Check out these free games you can download today!” When your kid gets that email or message to their gaming account then the gig is up. They’ll wonder why a brand new current generation console is now on their account.

To avoid that first see if the console will update without being logged into a given profile. If it won’t update without being logged into a given profile, create a profile for yourself. Although there are many pay-services on modern gaming networks all of them allow you to make a basic account (for updating the console and downloading games) for free. Use that profile to do all the updating and, hey, maybe after you gift the console you can use that profile to play with the kids.

Download and Update Games

If you want to go all out you can not only update the console but also download any games and apply any updates that are available. As we mentioned above just like the console needs updates the games often have updates too (we don’t get as much time to game these days as we used to, and let us tell you, its annoying to boot up the ol’ Xbox after months of it sitting idle only to have every game we want to play need to update and restart).

For games with physical media you can pop the game in the console, launch the game, and it will generally download and apply any updates. You could also take this time to copy the game to the console’s internal hard drive if your console supports such thing (this way the game will load and play faster).

There is one part of this section that does conflict with the previous section. Many game consoles, especially when you buy holiday bundles, come with voucher codes for games. These vouchers are either for a specific game or offer the user the ability to pick one out of three available games or the like.

On modern consoles the game purchases, even if they are voucher purchases, are linked to the specific user account of the user who submits the voucher code. In this instance if you use the “stealth” profile you made in the previous step to download the game from the game maker’s network then the game becomes linked to your account (and not your child’s). This only happens with digital downloads, however, and not physical media. None the less it brings us to a final consideration.

Consider Your Kid’s Age and Temperament

For young kids setting up the console in advance is a sure win. They’re young, they’re super excited to play with their new game console, and they likely don’t care about or even consider the update process. They just want to play with their new toy (and there’s nothing wrong with that).

For older kids the whole process of setting up the console, seeing it update, and, of course, using the voucher codes to select and download the games, is a big part of the process in much the same way that building the gaming PC is a part of the process for many PC gamers.

With that in mind you may consider a sort of compromise when dealing with older kids and the gift of a new game console. If you want your older child to have the experience of unpacking the game console and preparing it themselves (and certainly many gamers young and old would tell you that the unpack/update experience is fun in its own way) you might consider unpacking and updating it with them a few days/weeks in advance so it’s all ready to go but then putting it aside until Christmas. You lose the “Surprise!” factor on Christmas morning but you also get to have a bonding experience with them and the anticipation (and knowledge that console will be ready to go) will definitely keep them excited until Christmas.

Update via USB on Christmas Day

If you just can’t bring yourself to break the seal on the box and do the updating or you want your child to have the experience of updating the console after opening it for the first time themselves, there is a workable-but-less-than-ideal solution.

Both the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One support USB-based updating (the Wii U does not support this update method). While over-the-network updates are preferred (and the documentation for the Xbox even discourages you from doing USB updates) you can download current updates to a USB drive and keep them on hand for Christmas day. This way you can preserve the magic of opening a fresh new console and still have a way to apply updates that isn’t network dependent.

You can read more about how to set up a USB flash drive for updating and how to download the updates by checking out the respective help files for the Xbox One and PlayStation 4.

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Have a pressing tech question? Shoot us an email at ask@howtogeek.com. Have a very strong opinion about this whole pre-update-the-console business? Jump into the forum discussion via the link below.

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Don’t Make These Mistakes When You Ship Your Christmas Gifts | Dramel Notes

It’s the holiday season, which means it’s time to start buying gifts for the ones we love. Whether you’re shopping for a gamer, a techie, or a world traveler, the season of buying is definitely in full swing.

Unfortunately, not everyone we care about lives close enough to actually see them on the holidays, which means we need to ship them their gifts. To avoid disappointment (and wasted money), make sure you don’t make any of the packing mistakes outlined on the infographic below. Give it a quick read, and make sure your gifts arrive to your destination safely.

Via CollectPlus

Click To Enlarge

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