Emergency Christmas shopping? Check out the accessories no handheld should be without

Third-party joypads with wonky analogue sticks, plastic casings that protect your handheld from scratches while doubling its size and weight of a brick, or memory cards that simultaneously wipe your saves and 20 hours of your life: game peripherals haven't historically had the greatest reputation.

But the right accessories can greatly enhance your gaming experiences, as well as protect or beautify your console no end. And if you're reading this right now while scratching your head in confusion about what to buy the game-obsessed loved ones in your life for Christmas, consider this an emergency selection of ideas. (And may we also suggest thinking about the concept of getting your Christmas shopping done earlier next year.)

So, this is our run down of what we think are some of the best, functional or just completely 'out there' ways to customise and enhance your console. Hurry up, though, as you're really cutting it fine this year.

DS Accessories

Super Mario Bros Electronic Stylus
Price: From £5.59

The stylus that comes with DS might slide handily into the console, but, let's face it, it's short and scrawny and way too easy to lose down the back of the sofa. Step forward the Electronic Mario DS stylus, which is substantially longer, so more comfortable to hold, and frankly so colourful you couldn't lose it even if you tried to. Click one way for 'stylus mode' and the other to turn it into a pen. It even plays sound effects and, of course, has everyone's favourite Italian plumber adorning its bright yellow exterior. Sorry, what's that? Tat, you say? Tsk, we won't hear a word of it.

Customised 'Crystal Ice' DS
Price: $350 (£174)

Last year we were sent a picture of this 'bobby dazzler' (as David Dickinson might say) – a Paris Hilton-designed special edition DS, customised with Swarovski crystals. Clearly it's the sort of item that'll either have you retching into the nearest handbag or arranging a quick kidney sale in order to afford one. Those in the latter category will be pleased to hear that the US-based Crystal Icing is able to transform your DS (and, in fact, your iPod, PSP or mobile) into a similar gaudy, sparkling spectacle by gluing crystals onto its casing by hand. You'll need to be prepared to post them your item and be without it for a week or so, though. Check out the website (in the link above) for further details.

Wrapstar DS Skin
Price: £4.99

There's so much fuss when a new colour console is launched and really there shouldn't be when, if the colour white or black really doesn't do it for you, there are so many skins offering hues and individuality in exchange for a few quid and a couple of minutes of tension-filled sticking. Wrapstar skins are made from cast vinyl, meaning they'll last for around eight years. (We previously tested a PSP Wrapstar skin and it remains in place to this day, without any degradation in quality.) The one shown here is the 'Arabian Night' version.

Logic 3 DS Lite Headset
Price: £5.99

The official Nintendo DS headset was released in the US some time ago but still doesn't appear to be available in Europe. So, what to do if you want to play games such as Brain Training without constantly leaning into your console's in-built microphone, or chat online during Metroid Prime: Hunters? Well, we suggest you try Logic 3's attempt at voice communication. It might not look as white and stylish but, uncharacteristically for an official product, Nintendo's own official headset is pretty uncomfortable to use so you won't be missing out on anything by going down the third-party route. Logic 3's offering is cheap and it works just as well.

DS Fashion Case
Price: £6.00

More one for the ladies, this. It's a DS case that actually looks remotely designer-like so – if you really wanted to – you could carry your DS around tucked under your arm and not look out of place in a posh restaurant. Well, you might if anyone looked closely enough to see it looks a little cheap. Or if you opened it and your New Super Mario Bros and Yoshi's Island cartridges came flying out. But the overall effect is certainly convincing and it even comes in various versions. Very fetching.

PSP Accessories

Joytech ArmorLite Case
Price: £6.99

The PSP's wide screen is a thing of beauty and while it's not that easy to scratch, some might not want to take any chances. So, if you're the type of person who likes to keep the protective factory strip of plastic over the screen of your new mobile phone for as long as possible, the ArmorLite case is for you. It's arguably the best you can buy if you just want to place something on your PSP that stays on and keeps it pristine. It's essentially a tough shell with holes for the controls and UMB slot that adds little extra bulk. Be warned though, it's currently only available to fit the old style PSP.

PSP Go!Cam
Price: £34.99

We weren't entirely convinced by the PSP's Go!Cam, but for those people with a PSP and without a point-and-click camera, it could be of interest. All you need to do is screw it into the top of your console, the PSP screen then displays a live feed and the camera enables you to take photos and record video. Bundled software allows you to alter the quality of your pics or add effects to them and there's a more comprehensive, free downloadable editing package available, too. At 1.3-megapixels, it's certainly not the best quality camera you'll find, but for cheapness and convenience-sake, it's not a bad buy and when attached, it's unobtrusive and will give your PSP a whole new slightly futuristic look.

Officially licensed Bart PSP Bundle
Price: £12.99

The Simpsons has been enjoying a bit of a revival this year, with the release of the film and EA game reminding us all why we used to be avid watchers of the TV programme. So what better way to enjoy the game on your PSP than with your handheld sitting in a hard Bart-themed case and with your games protected in its four similarly themed UMD cases? The pack also includes a USB and charger splitter cable, as well as three spare analogue nub buttons. We're obviously not recommending you buy this for yourself if you're over the age of about 15, though. Grown up gamers get a bad enough rep as it is.

Nyko PSP Theater Experience PSP Aluminium Case, Speakers and Charger
Price: £19.99

This is surely the ultimate proof that third-party peripherals can be great. Not only does this case give you portable speakers for your PSP, but charge it up and it gives your PSP seven hours of extra battery power. Two headphone sockets on the front of the case mean you can share your films or music with someone you like and it works as an angled stand so you can watch the screen without having to strain your wrists. And it's function isn't finished: the hard aluminium case also protects your PSP, while being something you won't be embarrassed to seen with in public. (It doesn't fit the Slim & Light, though.)

Mobile Accessories

Tamagotchi mobile phone charm
Price: ¥1,050 (£4.60)

Mobile phone charms and straps are massive in Japan. Over here, they're a bit more of a half-hearted affair, but check out this website and you might just be swayed into decorating your phone to resemble a portable war veteran. This blinking Tamagotchi phone strap is solar charged so little Mamecchi, Kuchipacchi and chums will never stop lighting up your pocket. It actually looks more fun than the mobile phone Tamagotchi games, although that's not difficult. The website offers hundreds of more examples, so there's no excuse for leaving your phone all bare and uninteresting.

Jawbone Bluetooth Noise Cancellation Headset
Price: £69.99

The Jawbone is one of the best headsets on the market for clear sound and top acoustics. 'Noise Shield', its integrated noise-cancelling technology, was apparently developed by the military and removes all background noise, while its face-hugging chassis is moulded to perfection from medical plastic. It also looks a lot sexier than that description might imply. It's available exclusively from the Carphone Warehouse, so get over there if you're after the best in-ear sound possible from your phone.

Otterbox Armor 1900 Case
Price: £79.95

This is the ultimate in indestructible cases for anyone who spends their weekends climbing mountains or exploring undersea shipwrecks. The Otterbox is water-, dirt-, sand-, crush- and drop-proof, protecting your mobile from the sorts of elements most of us don't normally consider when travelling on the Circle line. "In the event of a nuclear war, there would be only insects and Otterboxes left," boasts the maker of Otterbox on its website. It's a shame no one else would be around to fully appreciate (or confirm) this feat, although at least the cockroaches will be able to call each other. Assuming they work out how to unlock a mobile keypad.