Nomnomnom

Gaming has never tasted so good...

I don't know about the rest of you folks, but we here at 8-Bit Apples and Tea like eating. "Victoria," you ask dubiously, "doesn't everyone?" Thank you, belligerent gamer, for that profound input. Yes, most people enjoy food (unless they suffer from eating disorders/body image issues/illnesses that allow them only to eat through feeding tubes). What I meant was that we also enjoy eating while gaming. Snackage is an important variable during gaming nights. However, that doesn't mean you can just go out and grab anything of the shelf to munch on.  There are a few rules that are important to follow when picking out your food. Trust me, you and your controllers will be happier for it. 

Rule One - Avoid Foods with Powder

Now, I (Player Two) don't know about you readers, but I personally like keeping my controllers relatively clean. That means I want my Wii Remotes to stay white, and my GameCube controller's analogue stick to remain gray. However, there is always the chance that the food you eat while gaming will discolor whatever controller you're using. Usually these foods are powdery (most infamously flavor-blasted goldfish, or Cheetos), and that powder will not hesitate to get all over your pristine new controller. Believe me, there is nothing worse than binging on Cheetos white gaming, and then realizing the next day that your Wii Remote is now a sickly orange. At the very least, if you feel compelled to have snacks with powder, wipe your hands on your jeans/couch/sibling before you touch your controller. No one wants to look like a slob, so be sure that your controller stays relatively clean the next time you have the munchies.

Rule Two - Avoid Sticky Foods

Believe me (Player 1), it gets everywhere and then all of your equipment is sticky. (That's what she said... Don't look at me like that, like you didn't know it was coming!) Seriously, though, there is nothing worse than that tacky feeling that sugar leaves on electronics. Generally, I'd keep away from Honey Bun's (gaming night isn't the time to reenact the Telephone music video anyway) and anything else that leaves a syrupy residue. Also, if you have to drink sugary drinks, just keep them far away from your controllers. I don't know how many sad cases I've seen of joysticks ruined by a spilled soda. Then all the dust and dirt starts getting stuck to the controller, making it  look something like a large rat. It's gross, really. Just, for the love of cleanliness, stay away from gooey, sugary snacks while gaming. Besides, you don't want your friends coming over to play only to get the wrong idea about what you do with your controller when you're alone.

Rule Three - Move Your Beverages

As Player One mentioned above, soda is one of the worst things to have around when you're intensely playing video games. I (Player Two) tend to be a bit of a flailer when something I like happens in a game, and there have been several times that I've accidentally spilled something because of my waving limbs. If you or your loved one is a flailer, then make sure to keep the drinks far away from your controllers and consoles. Watching the soda bottle careen in slow motion toward your brand new Xbox 360 is not something that you want to happen. Take it from me folks, the best policy is to keep the dirnks far away from the playing area.

Rule Four - Snacks = Great; Five Course Meal = Not So Much

So, as a general rule, if your food requires that you use a knife and fork to eat it, chances are it's not the best gaming food. Relinquishing one hand to grab a chip or take a sip of your drink during the loading screens is fine. Actually setting down the controller so that you can cut yourself a piece of steak is not. Gaming time and dinner should never coincide  with each other. I mean, can you imagine playing through that escape scene at the begginning of Silent Hill: Shattered Memories while trying to dip fondue? Not okay.

What about you guys? Have a favorite video game snack? Let us know!