Gamertell

The Snuggie’s become a bit of a phenomenon. Countless media outlets are reporting on the the latest “As Seen on TV” product, and over four million people in the US have joined the Cult of Snuggie. Who would have thought an item that is essentially an oversized robe worn backwards would charm the country. I know I laughed at it. Initially. Then, after purchasing one for my mom, I decided to try it out on a chilly night.

And I was hooked.

If you’ve been watching TV lately, you’ve seen the ad. Simple. Somewhat stupid. And yet, it isn’t without it’s charm.

Yet there’s a Snuggie activity not mentioned in the ad. Video gaming. Yes, they mention using a laptop and show two Snuggie Cult members playing a board game - backgammon if I’m not mistaken - but don’t mention or show people playing games.

But you can!

It’s really easy to become a Snuggie gamer. Let’s look at some major decisions you’ll have to make before you slip into your blanket and hunker down for an afternoon or night of games.

What color?

This is probably the most important step for a potential Snuggie gamer to make. The three colors available at the moment are red, blue and green, each with their own merits.

But we’re not going for merit here! We’re going for style.

Burgundy red’s your best bet. It can match the Crimson DS or DS lite, the God of War red PSP or the forthcoming limited-edition, red Xbox 360. Besides, red goes with everything.

If you can’t find red, the royal blue is a suitable substitute. There were cobalt and navy blue DS and PSP units released, so at least you can match your handheld to your Snuggie. Plus you can always buy skins for your consoles to make them match.

The sage green is a bit of a gamble. The color sample on the Snuggie site makes it seem like the same welcoming shade as the green ring on the Xbox 360. Yet in the commercial, it seems more of a pastel green. The only console it could really match is an Xbox 360. Plus, the lighter color would likely show stains.

Which system?

Snuggies were not made for Wiis. I’m sorry to break it to you, but they’re not. The flowing sleeves require excessive exertion to carry out actions that would normally be effortless. You’re sacrificing accuracy. It’s a sure way to lose MVP in Wii Sports.

Don’t worry. It’s just one system. Everything else is suitable for Snuggie. DS, PC, PS2, PS3, PSP, Xbox 360 users will have absolutely no problem enjoying a relaxing evening playing games while bundled up.

For optimum comfort, console gamers will want wireless controllers. The last thing you want is to get the controller cord all tangled and lost in the Snuggie folds. It’s no problem to stand up, untangle and get back into position, but let’s face it - who wants to? Do yourself a favor and get a good wireless controller when you get your Snuggie. Pick up some batteries too, while you’re at it.

DS and PSP owners will have no problem getting comfortable and playing. The sleeves may get in the way a bit while playing, but you’ll be cozy.

Surprisingly, laptop gaming is the most uncomfortable for Snuggie gamers. Your lap is going to get incredibly hot. So hot, that you’re going to abandon the Snuggie. Defeats the whole purpose, and destroys the cozy atmosphere. Try it - you’ll see I’m right. I’d say go sit at a desk in your Snuggie and use your laptop, but again, that defeats and destroys the ambiance.

What genres?

As you can probably tell, Snuggie gamers aren’t going to be incredibly active. Put the guitar controllers and dance pads away. Time to accept a more sedentary lifestyle.

That means it’s time to break out the FPS, RPG, adventure, strategy and simulation games. Get into something engrossing, with a good story and perhaps 30+ hours of gameplay. After all, you’re at home. You’re relaxing. You’re obviously not going anywhere for the evening. So get into a game that you can spend the whole afternoon or night playing.

I’d especially suggest a horror game. See, the Snuggie has this extra bit of material right around where the neckline would be. So you can create a little fabric barrier to hide behind during especially scary parts!

Action and casual titles could be considered, but it isn’t advised. In action games, you may start unintentionally moving along with the character on-screen, disrupting your Snuggie. As for casual games - they may not hold your attention. So you could get bored after 15 minutes, and then have to get up to switch games.

It’s only March. We’ve got at least one more chilly month ahead of us. So grab your Snuggie, settle in front of your TV and start exploring Silent Hill, Expel, Megaton or Inaba.

Read [Chicago Sun-Times] Also Read [UPI.com] Also Read [USA Today] Site [Snuggie]