By Michael Higham on Dec 05, 2017 11:31 pm
Nintendo 3DS Holiday Gift Guide 2017
Nintendo 3DS Holiday Gift Guide 2017
The Nintendo 3DS has enjoyed a long lifespan and it's still very much relevant in gaming today. It has a vast library of amazing games at this point and the system itself has had a few iterations. So, if someone on your shopping list has yet to dip into the 2DS/3DS ecosystem, it'd be a good time to gift them a great handheld. Even if they already own one, we have a few pointers for accessories to pair with this Nintendo system. Check out what we rounded up!
New 3DS XL Samus Edition
New 3DS XL Samus Edition
The New 3DS XL systems are equipped with auto stereoscopic 3D which tracks your eyes to adjust the 3D effect properly. It's one of the key features that make the New systems special, but the enhanced hardware and exclusive games make it a worthy upgrade for those who are still on the first-generation 3DS. The Samus Edition in particular features an elegant sketch of Samus Aran on the backplate along with the screw attack logo in a neat two-tone burnt orange and gold color scheme. Retail price: $200
New 2DS XL Poke Ball Edition
New 2DS XL Poke Ball Edition
The Nintendo New 2DS XL launched earlier this year as another revision to the long-lasting handheld system, a non-3D version with the clamshell chassis design. It's still a great system, and if someone you know still hasn't dug into the 3DS's vast library or has one of the older DS models, now would be a good time to get them a New 2DS XL. And if they are a fan of Pokemon, why not spice things up with the Poke Ball Edition? It sports a red, black, and white color scheme and a little button (non-functional) at the center of the Poke Ball design! Retail price: $160
SanDisk Ultra 32GB microSDHC Card
SanDisk Ultra 32GB microSDHC Card
New 2DS and 3DS systems come with a 4 GB microSD card, but that's nearly enough to store many of the bigger downloadable games. A 32 GB SanDisk Ultra microSDHC card will do the trick and they're a great value for the amount of storage you get. For reference, Super Smash Bros. For 3DS has a download size of 2.1 GB and and Pokemon Sun / Moon takes up 3.2 GB. That extra space will come in handy. Retail price: $14 to $20
AmazonBasics Carrying Case
AmazonBasics Carrying Case
There's nothing too fancy about the AmazonBasics carrying case for 2DS XL and 3DS XL systems, but it's a semi-hard case that'll keep your handheld in tact. Inside the case are straps to keep the system from moving around and there are three pockets to store a few games. It's a much better option than having your handheld thrown in a bag. Retail price: $12 to $15
HC-RET Earbuds
HC-RET Earbuds
Simple earbuds are enough for the 2DS/3DS, but that doesn't mean you should skimp out on quality when gifting a pair. The HC-RET in-ear earbuds provide great value considering that they can be found under $20 and outclass other earbuds in its price range. Good bass and overall audio quality will make sure 3DS sound great. Retail price: $13 to $20
Hori 3DS XL Screen Protective Filter
Hori 3DS XL Screen Protective Filter
The two screens on the DS systems aren't prone to as many accidents as, say, a Nintendo Switch since both 2DS XL and 3DS XL models feature a clamshell body design. But that doesn't make the displays immune to getting scuffed. A pair of screen protectors can come in handy, and they're pretty cheap. The screen protective filter from Hori fits XL screens just right and comes with a cleaning cloth for application prep. Retail price: $9 to $13
Hori Game Card Case
Hori Game Card Case
Long-time owners of any of the 3DS family of systems probably have a ton of games by now, and carrying around a bunch of cartridges gets unwieldy. A simple case for all those carts can be a big help for portability and the one from Hori, which holds 24 carts, is only going to run you $10. Retail price: $10
Amiibo
Amiibo
In addition to looking like really cool figurines, Amiibo grant in-game bonuses depending on the particular Amiibo and game. The New 2DS and 3DS systems have a built-in NFC reader will recognize Amiibo when they're placed atop the lower screen. For example, you'll unlock Fusion Mode from the Metroid Amiibo and exclusive art from the Samus Amiibo in Metroid: Samus Returns once you beat the game. A little research will help you pick the right Amiibo for your giftee! Retail price: Varies based on specific amiibo
Nintendo eShop Digital Card
Nintendo eShop Digital Card
You can always rely on a Nintendo eShop card if you can't decide on a particular 3DS accessory to gift. These act as currency in the eShop store where you can purchase and download digital games. It'd make for a convenient gift that puts the decision-making burden on the recipient, which is great for you! These come in either $10, $20, $35, or $50 amounts with the cast of Mario characters printed on them. Retail price: $10, $20, $35, $50
By Michael Higham on Dec 05, 2017 09:30 pm
Nintendo Switch Holiday Gift Guide 2017
Nintendo Switch Holiday Gift Guide 2017
One of the biggest stories out of gaming in 2017 was the launch of the Nintendo Switch. The console-handheld hybrid has been wildly successful and already has an exceptionally strong library of games only nine months after launch. For the majority of the year, Switch systems have been consistently hard to find, but if someone you know was able to pick one up, there are plenty of accessories we'd suggest getting them this holiday season (if they're on your nice list).
SanDisk Ultra 128GB UHS-1 microSDXC Card
SanDisk Ultra 128GB UHS-1 microSDXC Card
If you're the type of person who primarily downloads their games, the 32GB of storage on Switch won't cut it for long. Zelda: Breath of the Wild has a digital download size of 13.4 GB, and the recent port of L.A. Noire won't fit on the internal storage if you buy it from the eShop. For added storage, the SanDisk Ultra 128GB microSDXC card is an excellent value. And even though it tops out at 80MB/s, that's plenty fast for downloading and playing Switch games. Retail price: $50
SteelSeries Arctis 3 Bluetooth Headset
SteelSeries Arctis 3 Bluetooth Headset
Since the Switch has a 3.5mm audio jack built in, any headset or pair of headphones with the proper connection will work on it. However, voice chat has been a tough problem to solve on Nintendo's system, which is what makes the SteelSeries Arctis 3 with Bluetooth a great option for Switch owners. It has the standard 3.5mm connection but can also connect to a second device simultaneously through Bluetooth. Ideally, you'd be connected to your voice chat app of choice wirelessly while staying plugged in to get game audio. Not to mention that the Arctis 3 is comfortable, light on the ears, and provides decent sound quality. Retail price: $130
Official Nintendo Pro Controller
Official Nintendo Pro Controller
There's no better gamepad for Switch owners than the official Nintendo Pro Controller. It can be used wirelessly or wired, lasts around 40 hours on a full charge, includes motion controls, and is ergonomically superior to the Joy-Con. The tactile feel of the triggers and bumpers is a definite upgrade and the precision of the analog sticks will make games easier to control. The Pro Controller has a nice, substantial weight with grippy rubber handles to top off its quality build. Retail price: $70
PowerA Zelda and Mario Edition Controllers
PowerA Zelda and Mario Edition Controllers
There's a less-costly controller option for Switch that comes from PowerA. One of these will run you $30, but know that modest price tag comes with a few compromises; they only work through a wired connection and do not have motion controls. If neither of these shortcomings are a problem, then these make for great gamepads. The Zelda Edition has a matte black finish with a sketch of Link aiming his bow and the Hylian Crest at the center. The Mario Edition features a red paint job and a mosaic of iconography from the famed franchise. Retail price: $30
8bitdo SF30 Pro/SN30 Pro Controllers
8bitdo SF30 Pro/SN30 Pro Controllers
Not only do 8bitdo's SF30 Pro and SN30 Pro make a neat gift that will send anyone who had a Super Famicom/Super Nintendo on a nostalgia trip, but they're fully-featured gamepads. While it sports the classic look and build, it has two triggers, two bumpers, dual analog sticks that click downward, and the Switch's home and screenshot buttons. The controllers connect through Bluetooth and charge via USB-C--they can last up to 16 hours on a full charge. Just note that the vibration produces an audible rattle noise. Retail price: $50
Hori USB Ethernet Adapter
Hori USB Ethernet Adapter
Downloading games and playing online through WiFi might not be ideal, which makes an ethernet adapter worth considering. The Hori LAN adapter plugs into one of the Switch dock's USB ports with an ethernet port on the other end of the device. Wired connections will improve download and upload speeds greatly and offer a more consistent connection for multiplayer games. Retail price: $30
RDS Game Traveler Carrying Case
RDS Game Traveler Carrying Case
Anyone who takes their Switch places without a case is running a risk. You can prevent a disaster for a Switch owner by gifting them a proper carrying case, and we'd recommend a licensed one from RDS. It's a semi-hard zipper case that straps the console-handheld hybrid into place with room for the Joycons attached. You'll also be getting your giftee two hard shell game card cases and SD card cases since they're all packaged together. Retail price: $20
PowerA Anti-Glare Screen Protection Kit
PowerA Anti-Glare Screen Protection Kit
The Switch doesn't close up like the 3DS to guard the screen so you'll want to be extra careful not to scuff the system's display. PowerA's anti-glare screen protector two-pack will do the trick; the protector itself is a semi-hard plastic shield that'll fit the screen just right. It also comes with a cleaning cloth to prep the screen and an applicator wedge to make the process easier and help ensure no air bubbles get stuck underneath. Retail price: $10
Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD Portable Charger
Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD Portable Charger
The Switch makes long trips much more fun by the nature of its portability, but if there isn't an opportunity to dock it or plug into USB-C charger, you'll eventually run out of juice. Anker's PowerCore+ battery pack helps solve that problem and the 26800 mAh version holds enough juice to charge the Switch up from 0 to 100 six times over if the bank itself is fully charged. Retail price: $83
Hori USB-C Car Charger
Hori USB-C Car Charger
Another solution for charging the Switch on-the-go (if one is traveling by car) is a car charger. The officially licensed one from Hori features a six-foot USB-C cable that plugs straight into the cigarette lighter socket (an antiquated, but proper designation). The DC 5-volt / 3.0A output also offers a speedy charge for the console. Retail price: $20
Amiibo
Amiibo
Amiibo figures aren't just there to look cool, they also give in-game bonuses depending on the particular Amiibo and game. The Switch's built-in NFC reader will recognize Amiibo when they're placed on top of the system. For example, you'll unlock outfits and costumes in Super Mario Odyssey and specific items in Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Do a little research and see if there's a particular Amiibo your gift recipient would love! Retail price: Varies based on specific amiibo
Nintendo eShop Digital Card
Nintendo eShop Digital Card
If you can't really decide on Switch accessories for the holiday season, don't worry, a simple eShop digital card would be much appreciated. These are used as currency in Nintendo's digital storefront and your giftee can pick out whatever game or add-on they want. The eShop cards are offered in $10, $20, $35, $50 amounts and are all printed with Mario characters for an aesthetic touch. Retail price: $10, $20, $35, $50
By Dan Auty on Dec 05, 2017 03:41 am
Horror fans love the genre for many reasons--scares, suspense, mystery, and monsters. But let's face it, we also love it for the gore. Many of the most popular horror movies are also the most gruesome, and there are few moments in them more satisfying that an exploding head. When a director wants to create a truly show-stopping moment, nothing drops jaws faster than the sight of a human head erupting in glorious slow-motion. So let's take a look at some of the juiciest exploding heads in horror, in no particular order...
Chopping Mall (1986)
This wildly entertaining mid-'80s cult favourite not only has one of the best taglines of all-time ("where shopping can cost you an arm and a leg"), it also contains a spectacular head explosion. It's the story of shopping mall security robots which malfunction and start to kill partying teens, and it includes the laser detonation of one unlucky girl's cranium.
Galaxy of Terror (1981)
Galaxy of Terror was one of many, many low budget sci-fi horror movies that followed in the blockbuster wake of Alien. Produced by B-movie king Roger Corman, the movie focuses on the crew of a crashed spaceship that is infiltrated by a terrifying tentacled creature. In one juicy highlight, the ship's resident psychic--played by former Happy Days star Erin Moran--has her head squeezed so tightly by the extraterrestrial aggressor that it bursts open.
Maniac (1980)
For many horror fans, special effects whiz Tom Savini is as important of a figure as many of the genre's greatest directors. Best known for his pioneering work on George Romero's zombie movies, Savini also lent his gruesome skills to a variety of the '80s' key slasher movies. In the ultra-sleazy 1980 shocker, not only does Savini engineer an amazing shotgunned slow-motion exploding head, he also plays the unlucky guy who gets wasted. That's talent!
Final Destination 3 (2006)
The Final Destination series delivered many memorably gory moments, and of course, there's an exploding head in there. It features in the third movie, as one character celebrates cheating death while working out in a gym. Sadly for the poor fella, death catches up with him seconds later and piledrives his melon into mush.
Halloween VI: The Curse Of Michael Myers (1995)
Hardly the best of the many films in the Halloween series, The Curse Of Michael Myers is really only notable for being Donald Pleasance's final appearance in the franchise, and for featuring a lead role for a young Paul Rudd. There is a great exploding head in there too, as Michael puts so many volts through one victim's body that his entire noggin erupts. Shocking.
Creature (1985)
Also known as The Titan Find, this is another post-Alien space horror cheapie. The movie is little-remembered, but between the dodgy dialogue and lumpy acting, it does feature a doozy of an exploding head. One unfortunate crew member has his brain infected by an alien parasite, but before he can kill his former crewmates, a laser blast obliterates his head.
Daybreakers (2009)
Before making this year's horror hit Jigsaw, Australian directing brothers Michael and Peter Spierig helmed this stylish tale of a world inhabited by vampires where blood is scarce. In an early scene, a doctor played Ethan Hawke is testing a blood substitute on a fanged volunteer. Unfortunately the replacement liquid has the unfortunate side-effect of causing its subject's brains to detonate.
The Prowler (1981)
Another slasher favourite with some classic Tom Savini-assisted cranial mayhem. This one comes near the end of the movie when the killer is revealed--so we won't spoil it and say any more, as this is definitely one the best stalk 'n slash movies of the era. Suffice it to say that the crazed murderer of the title is dispatched in the goriest way possible with a shotgun at point blank range.
Deadly Friend (1986)
So far we've had exploding heads via lasers, gunshots, infected blood, and alien tentacles. But the prize for the most ludicrous example surely goes to Wes Craven's Deadly Friend. Hot from the success of A Nightmare on Elm Street, Craven made this tale of a dark love story between a teenager and his murdered high school sweetheart Samantha, whom he brings back to life via some vague '80s tech. The studio was unhappy with Craven's more subtle and less gory first cut so demanded he shoot some extra splatter for the fans. One such scene is the amazing, uproarious moment where the Samantha obliterates an old lady's noggin by throwing a basketball REALLY hard at her.
Saw III (2006)
With all the torture and mayhem unleashed across the eight movies in the Saw series, it's not surprising there's a couple of exploding heads in there. In Saw III, a doctor spends virtually the entire movie wearing a collar made from shotgun shells. If she cannot save the life of John Kramer--aka twisted murdering mastermind Jigsaw--the collar will explode. She succeeds in her task, but her blundering husband undoes all her hard work by then killing Kramer, condemning his wife to an extremely unpleasant death.
Saw IV (2007)
The next Saw movie also had a prime moment of cranial carnage. One of Jigsaw's victims is placed in a trap with his head positioned between a pair of giant ice blocks on mechanical arms. No prizes for guessing if he escapes or not. Splat!
Planet Terror (2007)
Planet Terror was Robert Rodriguez's half of Grindhouse, his and Quentin Tarantino's double-feature homage to classic exploitation movies of the 1970s. This madcap tale of alien possession and mutation features non stop comedy splatter, and the moment when Lost star Naveen Andrews gets his head blown gloriously apart remains a highlight.
The Fury (1978)
Brian De Palma's psychic thriller doesn't just feature an exploding head--it has an entire exploding body. The movie's main villain, played by pioneering indie director John Cassavettes, meets his truly spectacular, well-earned demise at the hands (or rather, the mind) of heroine Amy Irving.
Dawn of the Dead (1978)
This is Tom Savini's third entry on this list, and one of the most iconic exploding heads of all time. Near the start of George Romero's zombie masterpiece, a SWAT team storms a tenement building to force the residents inside to give up their dead. In the ensuing chaos, one of the soldiers gets a bit trigger happy and blasts an unlucky guy's brains all over the room.
Scanners (1981)
And finally, the grandaddy of all exploding head movies. David Cronenberg's 1981 sci-fi horror classic features an unforgettable scene in which evil Michael Ironside uses his psychic powers to ""can" the mind of a doctor testing him. It's one of the most famous scenes in horror, and still packs a punch.
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