‘Tis the season for video games, ladies and gentlemen! And Santa has a mighty fine crop of video games for us all. But the real question is what should we buy now, and what should we save for Christmas morning? That’s why I’m here! Here’s Joe’s handy-dandy list for factors in the shopping industry!

1. Budget
First thing to consider is your own wallet. How much money do you have to spend? Keep in mind that you will be buying presents for other people (I hope). This leads to some decision-making on your part. How much will you spend on presents? How much does that leave you with? This could determine which games you buy, or which games you can afford.

2. Need
The next question is how badly do you want this game? If you absolutely have to have the game, go for it. If you can manage until Christmas, I would say wait. Your wallet will thank you.

3. Importance
Parents maintain a specific psychology about videogames. They don’t understand the true genius that lies behind a simple disc. If the packaging and price tag are bigger, your mom and dad will believe it has more weight. Example: I have had a Christmas where I got 4 Game Boy Advance games, along with a guide. I have had another Christmas where my parents got me 1 Wii game. They felt that was sufficient. For your wish list, you should probably slap the cheaper games on, and go buy the big ones yourself. It will get you more Christmas happiness.

4. Siblings
Parents find it easier to get you that extra gift if they slap on one of your sibling’s names on the wrapping. “It’s for the both of them.” You know that your younger sister barely knows how to hold a controller but if you can milk one more videogame out of it, who cares? Play the sibling card, as it is your best friend.

5. Pre-order bonus
Major games typically include special bonuses like figurines or in-game special options if you pre-order them. Pre-ordering means you pay 10% or so in advance, but the store will have a copy for you on the day it releases. This means you are required to pick it up, otherwise you wasted the pre-order money. These bonuses aren’t there for people who buy them normally, so your parents wouldn’t be able to get the bonus while Christmas shopping. Deciding which games have a pre-order worthy of being bought before Christmas is good to help you with shopping.

6. Getting the Goods
Sure, planning these things out reduces stress, but it won’t matter if your parents decide to give you socks on Christmas morning. Here are some of my best tips to getting what you want.
a.      Consoles
This is the greatest thing to get on Christmas. It saves you from forking over $250, and your parents are required to get a game for you if you want to enjoy it. But it is insanely difficult to get. You need to SHOW that you want this console. Longing for this puppy must ooze out of you on a daily basis. Make sure you have already used all other presents from the past so that your parents won’t have an excuse. “Oh but you haven’t even touched (insert name of present you have no use for here)” they’ll say.
b.      Wish List
The all determining factor. Make sure your parents have a written copy of what you want, otherwise they will forget. I have found that including the cover image, price, and name of system makes them far more compelled to get you the videogame, since it is now easier to look for. Never EVER include “minor presents” on your wish lists. If you don’t want it, don’t put it on the list. It will just distract from the things you really want.

That was my Christmas wisdom from ages of doing this. Hope you all gained some wisdom and have a fun time shopping!