I know there are a lot of girls out there who wish their boyfriend would just put down the friggin controller already and step away from the Playstation. I get it – no one likes sitting around watching their boyfriend play videogames for 4 hours. I can’t imagine anything more boring. But (and yes, this is the nerd in me talking), maybe instead of standing in front of the TV or tearing the controller out of his hand, you should join him!

My boyfriend and I are both gamers and, trust me, it’s a lot of fun to play together. (Seriously, there’s a reason he plays so often. These games are addicting.)

Video games are a great way to unwind after a long day of class. Especially when the only shows on TV are repeats of The O.C. (from the 3rd season when it sucked) and Judge Judy. They also happen to be a great way to take out some boyfriend frustration in a healthy way. Instead of yelling at your man because he forgot your birthday (because he was so busy playing Halo…), you can just beat the crap out of him in a game of Super Smash Brothers.

Also, much like any activity you do together, playing video games is a good way to get closer with your BF. You’re showing your guy that you’re interested in his interests and that’s something he’ll definitely appreciate. Probably not enough to let you play all the games he’s obsessed with (he doesn’t want to affect his standings), but there are tons of games out there that he won’t mind playing with his girl.

For those girls who are new to video games, look into download-able games on your system. Most are cheap, crazily addictive, and, best of all, they’re simple. There’s everything from puzzle games to updated versions of old arcade games. Matt and I have played everything from Zuma to the old Xmen arcade game on our XBox.

For those who are more experienced, pretty much anything with a multi-player mode will do. If you’ve got the hand/eye coordination for a shooter, then go for it, girl! My favorite is Left 4 Dead, because it’s really straightforward: just kill zombies. Plus with co-op modes you have to rely on and strategize together, which is great bonding time for couples.

The best games to play together? Obviously anything on the Wii. My favorite is Wii Sports resort. It’s a lot of fun and all about the competition. And let me tell you, there is no better way to take out your frustration on your man than with a sword fighting duel. You can work up a sweat and show that boy who’s boss and no one actually gets hurt. (Well, besides that one Wiimote mishap….)

Whatever system your boyfriend has, there’s definitely something out there to play, so stop begging him to drop the controller and pick up your own. You’ll be happy you did.

The system is touted as having many advanced features from the older DS. A slightly larger screen and a lot of really great new abilities: downloading full games directly to the system, camera and photo editing, more memory, etc. Sure, these aren’t things I really needed (I only want to play games on my way to class!), but I’m a sucker for bells and whistles.

And let me tell you, I’m glad I bought it!

The system looks different from the former having a matte finish which keeps it from getting all smudged. Vain and silly I know but I HATED when I had fingerprints on my DS. It just looked messy. But that’s the least of its features.

So what other tasty things does it do?

Le’s start with the camera. The resolution isn’t bad. There’s no flash and it tends to get blurry when anyone moves (like the crappy iPhone camera), but it’s good for taking quick pictures of friends or funny things on the bus. You can also edit the photos that you take on the fly. Wanna add hearts to your boo? Done. Wanna give your BFF fish lips to show her what her obsession with plastic surgery will do to her? Done and done.
It also happens to be a main component of some new games. Brain Age Express: Math uses the camera for some of the features in the actual game.  How cool is that!?

There’s also a voice recorder that you can play around with. It doesn’t record much and you have to be rather close for it to be clear, but it’s good for a quick note to yourself. It’s also good to one-up your friends who have that old DS.

Much like the new iPod Touch, the DSi comes with internet capabilities. It can’t pick up on every wireless router, but it is pretty useful. Although the memory is small and can’t load every page you may want to use (probably to prevent porn surfin’) I was able to check my mail and update my Myspace. It’s browser is powered by Opera and is functional for small internet tasks.

It also has a download shop where you can directly download games to your DSi. The shop is pretty empty right now but I’m sure Nintendo will be adding things in the near future. I purchased Brain Age and have been having fun training my brain in minutes a day.

The only real downside to this puppy is that it only handles DS cards. For most people this is a non-issue, but if you’re really addicted to your old school NES games that were re-released in GBA format a few years ago, you are gonna be upset.

All in all, the DSi is a fun little toy.  And now I have to get back to Animal Crossing. Those weeds aren’t going to pull themselves.

So I was browsing the shelves of Gamestop the other day and noticing that Nintendo was putting out a slew (well maybe not a slew so much as a few) of games that were Gamecube games remixed for the Wii’s controls. I was totally stoked because one of them is Pikmin, which I love. Yes, fight for my supplies my colorful horde. . .

In any case, it got me thinking back to the systems of ancient times. They were fun weren’t they? And so cheap now. So, if you are looking for something to do when you come home from the bar or when you don’t want to study, here are my top five not-really-so-retro-games for your playing enjoyment. Grab one of the gaming systems online and have a grand ol’ time.

Final Fantasy VII (Playstation)

This was the game that brought FF back to the forefront of RPGing. It pits characters against a sprawling world filled with not only monsters, but quirky side games. The story is engrossing and addictive. You just had to play it until the end. The cut scenes were super but the in-game graphics look lame now. Still it’s an excellent game for anyone.

Katamari Damacy (PS2)

You roll a ball around collecting things to make it bigger. That’s the premise of this game. Simple, relaxing, and oddly addictive. With a perky soundtrack and a ton of tiny little things laying around to pick up, the possibilities are endless.

Psychonauts (PS2)

Action Adventure anyone? You play a Raz, a creepy kid with mind powers who sneaks into a summer camp for other kids with mind powers. Along the way he manages to stumble upon a nefarious plot to take over the world and then save it all while dealing with his daddy issues. The game play is varied and original, the levels lush and varied. Fun all around. (Though I have no idea who thought of this one!)

Viewtiful Joe (Gamecube)

I’m not going to lie – I was madly frustrated with the last level. I wanted throw my controller at the TV… and I did. It’s in the past now. All I know is that Viewtiful Joe was a great and original game. The story is basically that an action movie fan gets sucked into the movie he so loves and then becomes the hero himself. It utilized a SFX meter to control your powers, which were all based on movie special effects. Slow motion, speed up, posing. All at your command. Frustrating, maybe, but still a great game.

UmJammer Lammy (PS)

It was the rock version of ParRapper the Rapper. She was a girl with a guitar trying to get to her gig. Along the way she meets a ton of people in her crazy town who all NEED her help! What is she to do? The only thing she can do: play guitar. It’s a musical extravaganza. And when you beat it you unlock PaRappa.

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When I was young I used to sit in my room late at night and go through the toy catalogue page by page, writing down everything I wanted in a handy, easy-to-use list for my mom. She was a busy woman; I was only trying to help her out. Well, she didn’t buy me anything that was on my ten page list and, although this list is quite a bit shorter, I don’t think she’s going to buy anything from this one either. But I can try.

Below is my Holiday Wish List. I know this season is all about the giving, but this is what I want to be getting. So, if you are in the mood to give, I am definitely in the mood to recieve any and all of these electronics.

Tunage!

I still want the Ipod Touch. It’s so much fun. Touch screens are just great on their own; they make anything ten times better and boat loads more fun. But this little machine is loaded with the awesome. Not just for music but for games and videos as well. I need at least 16 GB because I do a lot (what? I get bored!), but the 8 GB should be ample (and cheaper!) for your Average Joe. Of course, if you get even more bored than me there’s always the 32 GB option. . .

Phone!

Speaking of getting bored, I’m pretty bored with my phone. I’d love a new one. In fact I want the G1. Everything you love about Google in a phone. Since everyone in the world is already plugged into Google (hello, Gmail!) this phone is just an extension of your everyday. It’s like your laptop but small and with phone capabilities. The G1 is a hot little piece of equipment and makes an excellent stocking stuffer.

Games!

But sometimes I like to unplug from the world (which is what I call the internet) and just game mindlessly. I like to do this in new and different locations. Like the mall, the library, or the bus. For this, the Nintendo DS is my pick. I’ve been down with Nintendo since it was a gray box of 8 bit goodness. Nintendo is the King of handheld gaming. PSP ain’t got nothing on them. The DS has a wide array of games, handles well, and is extremely fun. Animal Crossing? I’m set.

TV!

I really need a new TV (for when I am bored of internet and gaming). I want to 32” HDTV. Not just because my old TV totally died on me, but because tube sets are on their way out. Not only that, but all the new gen systems (which are really current gen systems) like the Wii just look better on HDTV. And they save major space in small quarters.

Computer

So my laptop is clunking along pretty slowly these days. She’s an old girl and seen some better days. I’m loyal to her but I think its getting time to trade up. I don’t really use my laptop for anything other than a glorified typewriter, but it would be nice to be able to do other things. Like watch movies. Dell has some sweet deals and are easily customizable for whatever you need. Like loading up all that music for your sweet new iPod.

That’s my list. What do you guys want?

The Nintendo Wii has revolutionised the way we play, entertain and now how we keep fit. Forget a pricey gym membership and soggy tracksuit bottoms as you jog through endless muddy puddles, the most convenient – and fashionable – way to get fit is to get Wii Fit. There has even been a blog set up by an enthusiastic gentleman, dedicated to discovering the possibilities of weight loss in conjunction with daily exercise from the comfort of his living room.

Upon its release in various countries, Wii Fit has sold out in record time, much to the frustration of those who are in desperate pursuit of a copy. Despite the slightly steep price tag, the supplied board and range of mini-games coupled with fitness routines and personalised health information have proved a winner with individuals you would normally never find in your local games store.

It cannot be denied that the influx of curious faces thrusting money at Nintendo’s ingenious next gen console are helping line the pockets of happy games publishers, developers, manufacturers and retailers everywhere. Though through the rose-tinted haze of get-fit-quick transparency, are we forgetting about The Great Outdoors? Computer-aided exercise may require no more travel than a roll out of bed, but can you really say that twenty minutes of vigorous movement is as satisfying as a twenty minute cycle in the crisp fresh air?

Of course, I know this is fantasy. I know that for some jogging through quaint landscape or attending regular treadmill sessions is simply not possible. And for that, I have to admire the way in which the negativity associated with gaming has taken a subtle turn for the greater good.

Do you use a Wii to help keep you in shape? What do you think about traditional fitness methods vs digital methods?

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My boyfriend and I decided to live together- crazy idea, I know! When we weren’t at classes or work I would be cleaning and doing laundry. He, on the other hand, would throw in a big dip and attempt to master Halo 1, 2 or 3 – like I cared what he was playing. All I knew was he was always shooting at things and the game never seemed to end.

My lack of interest completely frustrated him to the point where we took a field trip to the Game Stop. He told me I could choose a game for us to play, and so he bought me whichever ones I had shown the slightest interest. I know he was hoping to bring our relationship to the next level, true love, XBOX-love. I chose some stupid car game and pretended to like it for all of a day and then went back to cleaning and bitching on my days off.

In December, my boyfriend began talking about Nintendo Wii, lucky ME!!! Now, I of course already bought his present and surprise- it wasn’t a Nintendo Wii. Naturally, all I heard about was this Wii each day until he finally ordered one from Amazon.com.

I had seen the game on commercials and even watched some people play at a party once but in the end, I truly lacked the interest that a new Wii owner should possess. Deep inside I thought it was just another video game that was going to keep him from picking up his dirty underwear or loading the dishwasher. So Christmas Eve, while my boyfriend was taking a snooze on the couch, his Wii is delivered.

I have to be honest, the thought of hiding it until after the holidays did run through my head. I feared that it would be a Merry Christmas with his ass plastered to the couch playing games. I couldn’t hide it though knowing how he had been checking the UPS tracker every day, hell two or three times a day. He had to see how close the Wii was from our apartment, and then update me on its location. He probably would have freaked out if the tracker said delivered and I hadn’t given the damn thing to him. So, I woke him and I will never forget his face. It was the second time that I had ever seen him so excited. The first time is for a different article.

It took him all of 10 minutes to have the system out of the box, up and running. His speed was actually quite impressive. He played the game for the rest of the day and even brought it with him to my family’s house and had them all playing and enjoying it. I refused to play it until we were back home the day after Christmas. I decided then that I would like to try Wii bowling. I am really a horrible bowler, at the alley, but thought this may be a bit different. I was right!

I have continually kicked his ass at Wii bowling for almost a month now and never been happier. We are even having a Wii bowling party later this month so I can beat all his friends too. I mean how cool is it to bowl in your living room? No more podiatrist bills from wearing those disease breeding bowling shoes, or worries of how you will get home after too many drinks at those classy bowling bars. I can now bowl in my pajamas and slippers in the privacy of my home. Hell, I don’t even have to wear my pajamas and slippers to bowl, I can wear nothing at all. There are so many positives to the Wii. There are so many other sports games that come with the system too- so if your thing is tennis, golf, or baseball you can beat your guys at all those games too! Our apartment may not be as clean as it was in the Halo3 days but at least I am having fun now and my man is so happy there is a game we can play together!

Don’t settle for your boyfriend’s Halo3 rut, be the cool girlfriend with interest in the newest game system. Talk up the Wii! Not only will he think it is a great idea but it is something you will actually enjoy doing together. The days of sitting on the couch playing video games is something of the past. It’s time you get up, play with him, and most importantly kick his ass!

I like (okay, love) video games. I admit it! I think it goes back to childhood when I was forced into playing (but, mostly watching) them with my brothers. But let me tell you, after a good 15 years of playing everything from Super Mario to the underrated (and hilariously ridiculous) Burgertime, I know a thing or two about gaming.

And yes, while there are certainly hundreds of games that feed into the typical male shoot-‘em-up mentality, trust me, there are games for the girls that will blow your mind.

Like what, you ask?

Wii Fit! I know, we’ve mentioned it before, but it’s totally worth another discussion. It’s not scheduled to be released until 2008, but Steve and I got to play a demo of it yesterday and my inner-geek was overjoyed!

Fit is undeniably Nintendo’s most exciting upcoming game, however, I use the word “game” loosely. It’s more of a series of exercises and ‘mini-games’ that improve your balance, coordination, and core. Let it be known, this is not the kind of game you throw on during a lazy Sunday afternoon. You have to be up and active…and it’s perfect!

During the demo, we were told that Wii Fit was to be looked at as a way to get up off the couch and engage in physical activity while still keeping a kind of gaming mentality. When it’s released, Wii Fit will be able to asses your progress over time, your individual skill level, and even your BMI. Very cool stuff for a video game.

First, Steve tried yoga. Yoga is hard enough, but on a platform, in your socks, with a room full of strangers watching, it looked…well, fun!

I got to hula hoop which, I must say, is one of my talents in the real word. On the Wii? I was awful. In fact, I felt like an idiot swiveling my hips around while simultaneiously reaching for “hula hoops” that were being “thrown” towards me to “catch”.

But all told, it didn’t even matter, and that’s what is really the greatest thing about Wii Fit…and the Wii in general. It’s a social thing. It’s about gathering your friends and all feeling like idiots together!

Gone are the days of humoring your boyfriend while you watch him play Metroid for three hours. Get yourself a Wii and play together! I’m pretty sure he’ll be down for it. In fact, upcoming titles like Mario Galaxy have a “co-op” option that allows two people to play as one (Steve and I are a good team) which was as novel as it was difficult.

I don’t know about you guys, but I’m excited to show some of my technologically-challenged friends what the Wii has to offer.

After over a decade of gaming…I just might be cool.

Finally.

My solution of abstaining from exercise really doesn’t keep those muscles toned, either.

Lucky for me, and anyone who would rather play video games then run around in circles sweating profusely, Nintendo has just introduced the world to the Wii Fit. The Wii Fit comes complete with a Wii balance board to stand on top of, which has the ability to measure your BMI as well as a number of other body related statistics.

The game lays out on screen instructions and the “player” exercises along with their virtual Mii, all the way to a fit body outside of the virtual world. The game keeps track of the progress of “players” showing the variance in BMI over the course of a number of workouts.

A blow to lame workout videos and The Fitness Channel? Probably. A more entertaining way to stay fit? For sure.

The Wii Fit is so new that Nintendo has yet to post information on the program on their website. Hopefully the release of this game won’t mirror that of the Wii console itself. If this turns out to be the case, people may have more luck sweating their weight off than waiting around to man the Wii balance board.