I have always believed that nothing says 'I love you' like an expensive piece of videogame hardware. Now it appears someone else agrees with me. California-based company Dream Arcades which manufactures authentic arcade cabinets for home use has produced limited edition pink and red-themed custom kits for Valentine's day. "What better gift for your sweetheart than the gift of game?!" asks the press release in all seriousness.
And whatever else your 'sweetheart' thinks it won't be that you're cheap. As the release continues:
"Arcade kits from Dream Arcades are compatible with PC, Xbox and PlayStation 2. A complete Pac-man themed kit with pre-configured PC and Monitor is $1049. Upgrade control panels that can be added to Dream Arcades kits and most other cocktail arcades cost $169."
Okay, it's not as portable as a dozen roses - you won't, for example, be able to hide it behind your back when you turn up for that romantic meal with your partner ("would sir like an extra chair for sir's authentic coin-op machine?") - but can you play videogames on a bunch of flowers? No you cannot.
So, if you're stuck for romantic ideas this year, give your partner a gift that they will never forget - mostly because it'll take up a lot of room in the lounge. Give arcade hardware. Because love means never having to say, "Insert coin to continue".
Have any readers ever given videogame-related Valentine's gifts? What happened? Let us know, because it's Thursday, it's cold and we could all do with a good laugh...
