Well, I’ve got a nice, happy list for you that would make any dad proud and all you have to do is shell out a bit of cash to make your pop’s day.

Systems:

#1 Sony PS3 160 GB Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune Pack

This system is my all-time favorite and comes with a kick-ass game. With 160 GB worth of space, Dad won’t run into space issues when he’s downloading games online and saving every five second. Though it’s pricey [$469.79 new/$371.55 used] it is a major workhorse of a system and will be useful for years to come.

#2 Xbox 360 Elite

If you’re going to get your dad a 360, get him this one. Not only will he get a very solid system, he’ll also get Halo 3 and Fable II-two games that are awesome unto themselves.

The console will set you back just shy of $400 [$399.99] and comes with free shipping.

#3 PSP Go

This is THE handheld gaming device to get Dear Ole Dad.

Granted, it doesn’t come out until October of this year but you can pre-order it and then give Dad a card with a note letting him know to check the mail in a few months.

The PSP Go boast both WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity as well as 16 GB of on-board flash memory. As if that wasn’t enough, Metal Gear Solids’s next installment: Peace Walker will be offered exclusively on the PSP Go.

The price point of $249.99 might scare some off but take heart! This little guy has so much to offer that Dad will be having SO much fun that your aching wallet will be a distant memory.

Accessories:

#1 PlayStation 3 Wireless Keypad

If Dad spends a lot of time playing Call of Duty:4 or tooling around PSN Home, then he needs this keypad.

Who really wants to to deal with taking all that time searching out letters and numbers when now you can just type like you would from your phone?

This handy little guy will set you back $43.99.

#2 Xbox 360 MC2 Racing Wheel

Most dads seem to like racing games and if he’s a hardcore racing fan then you have to get him this wheel.

• Features vibration feedback technology
• Double injected steering wheel with rubber coating is specially designed to provide optimal vibration feedback
• 10 High-performance action buttons provide superior control
• Retractable leg supports put you in the driver’s seat and keep you there
• Vertical vector design means when you throttle up, the pedals won’t take off

Games:

1. Prototype [$59.99]
2. Red Faction: Guerrilla [$56.99]
3. Fuel [$56.99]
4. Infamous [$49.99]
5. Call of Duty: 4 [$46.99]
6. Fallout 3 [$56.99]
7. Burnout: Paradise [$19.99]
8. NHL 09 [$56.99]
   
9. Grand Theft Auto IV [$49.99]
10. Madden NFL 10 [$58.99 pre-order for Aug '09 release]

When all else fails, get Dad a giftcard. ;)

All images|Amazon.com

Post from: EveryJoe

Gifts for Your Gaming Dad

To further enhance the game, players will know what it’s like to race in different climates and weather conditions using a wide-range of vehicles.  You’ll be able to enjoy some extreme off-road action only to turn around and experience road-racing.  With such a vast terrain, you will never have to worry about getting lost because the game is equipped with a GPS navigational system.

There is an explanation for all of this freedom, of course.  After some natural disasters forced people out of the towns and cities, larges stretches of land have become uninhabitable for Americans but, at the same time, have been transformed into a playground, of sorts, for racers.  Conveniently, there’s a stockpile of fuel to be burned so extreme drivers won’t have to worry about running out.

There are 70 unlockable vehicles to choose from.  They fall into the following six vehicle classes:  Bikes (fast, quick and easy to handle), ATVs (more stable than bikes, allows access to narrow spaces), Muscle Cars (speed and strength), SUVs (powerful and durable), Buggies (small, fast but lacking in durability) and Trucks (largest and strongest but lacking in speed).

There are a good variety of races and challenges including A2B Time Trials, Checkpoint Races, Circuit Races and Raid Races.  I don’t understand how it works but there are also ‘Long Raids’ which are races that can last for hours and ‘Knock Out’ events (racers who cross the line last at checkpoints are eliminated).

Of course, Fuel can also be played online. Between 2-16 players can compete against each other in all 70 races as well as online free rides. Here’s the launch trailer for Fuel:

Post from: EveryJoe

“Fuel” Screenshots and Trailer

 ”Conservatively,” Goodwin muses, scratching his chin, “[the Hummer H3 will] get 60 miles to the gallon. With 2,000 foot-pounds of torque. You’ll be able to smoke the tires. And it’s going to be superefficient.”

All Hail the Motorhead Messiah 

Post from: EveryJoe

The cost of converting – Part II – Hummer H3 Getting 60 mpg

I read about the sporty new Corolla, the increased power, and the additional luxury features and thought it was going to take a hit in mpg and emissions. How did I know? The 2008 Toyota Corolla base model gets 28 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on bigger roads. The 2009 Corolla will see that decrease to 27/35 mpg. That’s not too bad, but it’s not a move forward. t’s beefed-up model poses the real problem. In the XRS, fitted with a 2.4-liter, 158 hp engine, fuel consumption slumps to 22/30 mpg. Boo Hiss Boo.

Now, you know the Matrix is billed as a subcompact sedan/SUV. It’s also available in an XRS model with even worse mileage – 21/29. The smaller engine delivers 26/32 manual and 25/31 for the automatic version. Both cars are considerably more sporty, with more available features. I just hope new buyers will ask themselves whether they really need the extra power.

Post from: EveryJoe

New Matrix, New Corolla