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Games and gear students are sure to love

Sure, back to school time might now be the best opportunity to get back into gaming, so consider this list of games and gear the perfect reward for good grades and studying.

Jeff Bakalar
Jeff is CNET Editor at Large and a host for CNET video. He's regularly featured on CBS and CBSN. He founded the site's longest-running podcast, The 404 Show, which ran for 10 years. He's currently featured on Giant Bomb's Giant Beastcast podcast and has an unhealthy obsession with ice hockey and pinball.
Jeff Bakalar
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1 of 7 CNET

PlayStation 4

Sony's next-generation console is beginning to pull away from the competition. While its software library still could use some improvement, PlayStation 4's superior multiplatform performance, incentives within PlayStation Plus, and fantastic controller make it our go-to console of choice.

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2 of 7 CBS Interactive

PlayStation Vita Slim

The new lighter Vita packs in a bit more battery life for gaming on the go, or for a quick session in between classes. With a very respectable library of indie games and cross-buy items with PlayStation consoles, the Vita's value has never been greater. Look out for Hohokum, which lands on Vita and PS4 on August 12.

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3 of 7 CBS Interactive

Nintendo 3DS XL

The Nintendo 3DS is a great portable console that most other platforms can't match in terms of unique gameplay experiences. Whether you're playing in 3D or 2D, there's seemingly something for everyone. The highly anticipated Super Smash Bros. hits the platform on October 3.

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4 of 7 Bungie

Destiny

The creators of Halo are back with a brand-new space adventure role-playing game. With a production and marketing budget rumored to be close to $500 million, publisher Activision is going all in with this promising new franchise. (Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4, PS3; September 9, $60).

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5 of 7 BioWare

Dragon Age: Inquisition

Featuring an optional new top-down view for crafting battle strategies, Dragon Age: Inquisition thrusts the series into a new era all while maintaining the same action and spell-casting fun of past games in the franchise. (Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4; October 7, $60)

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6 of 7 Monolith Productions

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor

Shadow of Mordor was among the games with the biggest buzz at this summer's E3, so it's no surprise that we're heavily anticipating its release. The action RPG will bridge the story gap between "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" storylines. (Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4, PC; October 7, $60)

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7 of 7 2K Games

Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel

Borderlands fans had one universal request after playing through Borderlands 2. They wanted to go to the moon. That's just what they'll get in The Pre-Sequel, a sort-of "Borderlands 1.5," if you will. The story will tie both previous games together and explain why Jack became such a badass. (October 14, $60).

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