TargetÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s high-tech gift cards

By PJ Hruschak on December 6th, 2006

I wish I’d bought stock in the company that makes specialty gift cards. They’re everywhere, with some of the coolest including audio chips and lights. To get in on the popularity of the new game consoles, Target is offering Wii, PS3 and Xbox 360 themed gift cards.

I was lucky enough to find a few in the electronics section in the middle of the accessory displays for each game system. I took quick video of the two that actually do something you can hear or see (see the links below). The Wii card lights up on five sides (all but the back) rather brilliantly, while the Xbox 360 card includes the system startup sound and glowing green logo. The PS3 card has grid hologram encased in a thick, clear plastic body, and, as far as we can tell, doesn’t make a noise or light up. They are all standard card dimensions but 5-6 times thicker to accommodate the electronics (or in the case of the PS3, just look cool).

Grab them while you can, since most were either offered when you buy a system, or snatched up as soon as they hit the racks. They don’t come loaded with cash but do work just like the good ol’ flat gift cards. Check out videos and pictures of the cards after the break.