With brand-new next-gen console releases from Sony and Microsoft — along with a wealth of emerging technologies, record-setting titles, and more — this year has been huge for video games and only promises to get bigger and better as we get closer to the end. That means, even more than the last few years, this is the perfect opportunity to pick out some upgrades, accessories, add-ons, and more for the gamer in your life.
It’s definitely worth noting, however, that the opportunity doesn’t come without pitfalls. There’s been a considerable boom in the popularity of gaming this year — largely thanks to the fact that there has been both a worldwide pandemic and widespread quarantining, making gaming one of the few activities people can still do regularly. And that means you’ll have to be extra careful you’re getting the right games, hardware, accessories, etc. for the right systems. However, whether that gamer in your life prefers PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Nintendo, or even mobile gaming, you’ll find the perfect present on our following list of the best gifts for the gamer.
Xbox Game Pass
One of the most impressive online gaming services around — especially if you opt for the Ultimate edition — Xbox’s Game Pass grants immediate access to hundreds of exceptional titles new and old for download on your system. And with more titles added regularly, this service (which is also compatible with PC) is only going to get better over time.
The Gift of Games
Some of the best gifts to give any year are the latest and greatest video game titles — so long as you make sure you’re getting them for the correct platform. These three — Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, Cyberpunk 2077 (on preorder), and Super Mario 3D All Stars — are surefire hits. Just double-check that your intended recipient hasn’t already picked them up.
AC Valhalla: $50 Cyberpunk 2077: $50 Super Mario 3D All Stars: $60
SteelSeries Nimbus+ Wireless Gaming Controller
For gamers of all types, Apple’s Arcade is a pretty spectacular service with some very interesting exclusive titles. But it’s all the more enjoyable with a proper controller — like this one from SteelSeries, which was specifically designed to work with Apple’s hardware (iPad, iPhone, etc.). You can even use it for non-Arcade games you might already have on your tablet or mobile device.
Corsair DARK CORE RGB PRO Wireless Gaming Mouse
According to Corsair, their DARK CORE RGB PRO Wireless Gaming Mouse is ultra-accurate and ultra-fast. In fact, they’re promising “better-than-wired” latency, which is extremely impressive and perfect for video gaming.
WD_Black P10 Game Drive
The amount of storage space necessary for modern games is only increasing as time goes by and, for many, that means a little extra storage is required for consoles and computers alike. In that endeavor, you can’t go wrong with Western Digital’s gaming-focused external hard drives, which boast impressively quick transfer speeds.
8Bitdo Arcade Stick
Especially for fighting games, some purists prefer more traditional arcade-style sticks to console controllers. And this wireless one from 8Bitdo is exceptional, compatible with Windows and Nintendo Switch, and features spot-on classic styling.
Razer Kishi Mobile Game Controller
Whether you play mobile games or you want to utilize cloud and/or remote gaming, your iPhone is a great receiver. However, it makes for a pretty terrible controller — unless you attach the iPhone-specific Razer Kishi Mobile Game Controller. It also collapses down to pocket-sized and is available in Android versions, as well.
Analogue Mega Sg Retro Video Game Console
If the gamer in your life has a closet full of old-school Sega Genesis cartridges, they might find joy in acquiring a modern system on which to play their classic games. And that’s exactly what you’ll get with the beautiful Analogue Mega Sg retro video game console. Best of all, it has an HDMI output, meaning it works with modern televisions.
Nintendo Switch Lite
Packing all of the power of the full-sized Nintendo Switch into a much more portable handheld format, the Nintendo Switch Lite is perfect for on-the-go gamers that want to enjoy the legendary brand’s exceptional suite of titles and franchises — like Mario, Zelda, Smash Bros, and so much more.
Audeze Penrose Wireless Planar Magnetic Headset
Especially for online gaming, a headset is a near-necessity. But some are better than others — like the hi-fi Audeze Penrose Wireless Planar Magneti Headset you see here. Best of all, this exceptional headset is available in PlayStation, Xbox, Mac, and PC editions (yes, even the latest next-gen releases).
Garmin Instinct eSports Edition Smartwatch
For streamers looking to up the ante on Twitch or in professional competitions, the Garmin Instinct eSports Edition Smartwatch is one of the best wearable pieces of tech around. However, this one gets an edge over the regular versions in that it can be linked to your streaming account to display your vital signs while you stream — giving viewers greater insight into your video gaming excellence.
Oculus Quest 2 AIO VR Headset
A huge leap forward in the realm of virtual reality, the Oculus Quest 2 headset requires no wires, tethers, or additional cameras in order to function. For anyone looking to dip their toes into the world of VR, there are few ways quite as convenient as this one — and the suite of Oculus-ready games and experiences only makes it more enticing.
SNK MVSX Tabletop Arcade Cabinet
For those that pine for the days of nickle arcades, there might not be a better gift than a modern redux of an arcade cabinet, like this tabletop one that comes pre-loaded with 50 iconic Neo Geo classic games — ranging from Metal Slug to Fatal Fury and a whole lot more.
Microsoft Xbox Series X
One of the two biggest video game-related releases of the year, Microsoft’s Xbox Series X is a huge step forward for the brand and a real contender to take the crown of best-selling console away from Sony. Plus, this is one of the best ways to play Microsoft-exclusive games, access Xbox Game Pass, and so much more. On top of all that, it’s insanely user-friendly.
Sony PlayStation 5
If you can get your hands on one, the PS5 might be the biggest video game release of the year and promises to leave previous consoles in the dust with its humungous suite of performance-focused upgrades and updates. If the gamer in your life is a Sony loyalist, there’s not a better gift this year.
Asus ROG Phone 3
This might not seem obvious, but mobile gamers outnumber console and PC gamers by a pretty wide margin. In fact, mobile gaming is by far the most popular in the world. And what better way to manage it than with a gaming-focused smartphone, like the ultra-quick Asus ROG Phone 3?
Herman Miller Sayl Chair Gaming Edition
Herman Miller has always done a superb job of melding style and ergonomics into their seating solutions. This edition of their Sayl Chair is no different, but it does come with vibrant RGB-inspired coloring sure to please the gamer in your life.
HP Omen Gaming Desktop Computers
HP’s Omen gaming desktop computers were already exceptional out-of-the-box. But now they’re even better because they’ve been redesigned to offer up tool-free maintenance and upgrades. That unmatched convenience makes these an exceptional value for PC gamers everywhere.
Acer Nitro 4K Gaming Monitor
With its 4K UHD resolution, overclocked 144Hz refresh rate, built-in speakers, and 27″ display, this is one of the best gaming monitors around. For serious PC gamers, it’s definitely an investment, but it’s an investment that will pay dividends for years.
Love Hulten R-Kaid-R Retro Video Game Console
Encased in an absolutely gorgeous, portable, briefcase-style, handmade, solid hardwood housing, this old-school emulator comes with 10,000 pre-installed classic games and can even download more via USB. However, only 50 will ever be made, so you’d better act quickly if you want one.
