Need somewhere to go for fun that also involves checking out and playing video games?

I have compiled a list of places and events for Nintendo fans (excerpts from Travelhackers), so clear your schedule and start looking for those quarters to pay for the trip!

Top Nintendo gamer destinations:

EVO2K: Largest Super Smash Bros tournament, gathering thousands of the best Smashers from across the country, open to all players. Smash players embody EVO’s competitive spirit and we’re proud to invite them to show that SSBM belongs among the greatest competitive fighting titles in the world. Here is the video from last year’s final Smash match.

Tokyo Games Show: The Tokyo Game Show, held in Japan, is widely believed to be the largest video game expo in the world. It was at this convention that Nintendo president Satoru Iwata announced the Wii, and the event is considered one of the most important conventions for gaming professionals and enthusiasts alike, prepare to save major Benjis for this trip, usually costing a lot more than what you make at your part-time job.

Wiimbleton: Wii Tennis fanatics can match up against other gamers in Brooklyn at Wiimbledon. This free event included beer, cucumber sandwiches, singles and doubles tournaments, and more beer, which might explain the guy in the bear suit. The winner took home a new Nintendo Wii. The inaugural Wiimbledon took place in June, but organizers have plans to organize another event soon.

Entertainment For All Expo: New this year, E for All Expo was created after E3 became an exclusive non-public video game event, E for All Expo as the name implies allows the average Joe gamer the chance to check out new developments in video games. At E for All, gamers have a chance to test new games and gadgets hands-on, purchase products before their general release, and participate in game tournaments as well as multiplayer game stages. This year’s inaugural event featured a Video Games Live concert, an experience that combines video game sound tracks with a symphony orchestra. Also featured are a video game art exhibition, mobile games pavilion, and a showcase for new developments.

E3: formerly known as the Electronic Entertainment Expo, and now known as the E3 Media and Business Summit, is an ultra-exclusive industry event for game professionals and other VIPs. Many video game developers exhibit new and upcoming products, while there’s also much attention devoted to press events and meetings. Historically, E3 has provided the forum for big industry announcements like the upcoming releases of PlayStation and Nintendo 64. E3 is known for appearances from celebrities like Tony Hawk and Vin Diesel, who have previously been on hand to promote their new games. With new exclusivity rules for 2007, it’s harder than ever to get into E3, but you might be able to swing an invitation if you join a large press group or network with industry leaders.

Penny Arcade Expo: The Penny Arcade Expo devotes equal attention to video gamers, computer gamers, and tabletop gamers unlike any other convention. The expo features panels, booths, tournaments, parties and areas in which attendees can play games. Exhibitors for this year’s con include Nintendo, Ubisoft and Microsoft. A tournament, the Omegathon, features hot-ticket prizes that have in the past included a brand new Scion and a video game collection worth more than $25,000.

Comic-Con International: Although Comic-Con originally started out as a comic book convention, it has grown into a multigenre fan convention that includes video games. Highlights include review sessions with video game companies, awards ceremonies, and a costume contest. Comic-Con also features open gaming, tournaments, and battles with game designers.

Sources: Travelhackers