Gadgets Blog » Nintendo

Over the last week plenty of headlines have been coming out of the Electronic Entertainment Expo, better known to tech enthusiasts as E3. This conference, which has been held almost-yearly since 1995, is the premier video game-related exposition in the world, and with good reason. Big-name developers spend millions on the dramatic unveiling of their latest products, with the likes of Microsoft and Sony all the way down to smaller developers like Valve showcasing their latest creations. At this year’s E3, however, the star is none of the aforementioned companies.

Yesterday, Japanese video game titan Nintendo blew their competition out of the water, wowing fans with the official announcement of the Nintendo 3DS. Nintendo has had a lock on hand-held gaming ever since the popularity of the Game Boy in the 1990s. The DS, the latest entry in their hand-held lineup, pioneered a unique dual-screen set-up, with one screen using touch-sensitive technology to add a whole new element to gaming. While Nintendo was challenged by Sony’s PSP media device, the company has retained a hold on the hand-held market, even while sales of the Nintendo Wii, their console, have stagnated against competition from the more powerful Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Today we’re looking at some great gadgets available at some great prices, which should be a great asset to anyone feeling the post-Holiday crunch. This time of year can be excellent for a smart shopper, as there are plenty of deals to go around. Companies are trying to clear off their shelves for new products, but here at Smarter we have some great items and even better deals.

Great Deals on Game Controllers!
For an avid video gamer, the controller can make all the difference. For the major consoles, there can be a bit of a decision to make, as Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft all have their own official controllers available, whereas third party developers oftentimes have units for significantly less. Alternative game controllers oftentimes boast features that can give huge boosts to the gaming experience. If you’re a PC or Playstation 3 racing fanatic, the Logitech G 25 Force Feedback Wheel provides one of the most realistic driving experiences available at a reasonable price for such a high-end steering wheel. Other great deals include the Thrustmaster Wireless Pad for the Playstation 3. It features a more naturally contoured fit to the hand that is very similar to the Xbox 360 controller. Also, the rubber grips function great during marathon gaming sessions and are a great cure for sweaty palms. If you prefer to stick with brand-name controllers, Nintendo offers a “Classic Controller” for the Wii that has the same shape and button scheme as the classic Super Nintendo controllers, which can be great for games where the Wii Numchuck isn’t a good fit for game play.

Great Deals on Dell Computer Hardware!
One great advantage of owning a PC desktop is the ease with which the hardware components can be upgraded. Instead of throwing down close to $1000 for a brand new machine, it’s straightforward to purchase and install new parts, such as video cards, sound cards, and memory. This extends the longevity of the computer, without the need for an entirely new model. Here at Smarter, we have some great deals right now on Dell hardware, which means it could be the perfect time to upgrade your machine. A Dell memory module is a great way to boost the RAM, giving increased computer speed and performance, while a Dell heatsink and fan can ensure the performance of your CPU, especially important if you opt to overclock your machine. If you’re in the market for a new PC, I strongly recommend looking into available upgrades first! You can save a lot of money by choosing to upgrade your current desktop instead of replacing it.