Here’s the secret to shopping for the best gifts for gamers: Ask them what they're into. Regardless of their skill level and interests, most gamers will be more than happy to share what’s on their wishlist, whether it’s a new game, controller, or something you haven't thought of. Gaming preferences are highly personal and specific, and trust me — there’s a big difference between Minecraft and Minesweeper. If you don’t know a PlayStation 5 Pro from a Nintendo Switch OLED, you've come to the right place. Our guide to the best gifts for gamers will help you find the perfect gift they’ll actually use and enjoy (and, of course, will help you avoid any well-meaning but awkward gift fails).
Want even more gaming recommendations and deals? Check out our guides to the best video game consoles and the best cross-platform games. While you’re at it, take your pick from the best TVs for you or someone you love.
For the Gamer Who Plays on PC and Console
8bitdo Pro 2 Bluetooth Controller
I’ve been using this controller for the past six months to game on PC, Switch, and Android. The custom profile switch makes it easy to jump between different platforms, while the Hall effect joysticks provide excellent precision and durability (and none of that dreaded stick drift). Meanwhile, the 20-hour rechargeable battery means I can game for days without running out of power. If you or someone you know games on multiple platforms, this controller is perfect for cross-platform compatibility.
Best for Smartphone Gamers
Backbone One Mobile Gaming Controller
The Backbone One can instantly transform your smartphone into a handheld gaming console, which continues to rise in popularity. It features a clever collapsible design with a telescoping mechanism that allows it to stretch to fit a wide range of devices from Apple, Samsung, Google, and more. I’ve taken this on multiple trips (along with the carrying case), and it’s helped me stave off boredom during travel days.
Level Up Their Audio
HyperX Cloud III Wireless Headphones
With up to 120 hours of battery life, cushy ear cups, and a built-in microphone, the HyperX Cloud III are ideal for those who want to level up their audio. Instead of connecting through Bluetooth, the headphones support 2.4GHz via a wireless dongle, which supports USB-A and USB-C. This means you get virtually lag-free audio and voice chat without having to deal with the annoyance of Bluetooth pairing.
For the Gamer Who Wants to Play Everything
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
Xbox Game Pass is my favorite game streaming service, giving me access to a huge library of games like Halo, Starfield, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. For a monthly fee, it allows you to play hundreds of new and old titles, with many day-of releases like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. If you’ll forgive the tired comparison, Game Pass is like the Netflix of games, making it the ideal gift for gamers who want to sample different titles without committing to a full-price purchase.
For Nintendo Fans
Nintendo Switch OLED
- Improved screen
- Improved onboard audio
- Much better kickstand
- Cleaner dock design
- No upgrades for TV
- Storage is still small
It doesn’t matter if you’re shopping for someone young, old, or somewhere in-between, the Nintendo Switch OLED is a must-have for Nintendo fans. The hybrid console is home to some of the best titles that appeal to gamers of all ages, including The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The small form factor makes it perfect for gaming on-the-go, while the dock lets you easily connect it to a TV for big-screen gaming sessions with friends and family.
For Younger Gamers
Nintendo Switch Lite
- Comfortable design
- Sharp and vibrant display
- Solid battery life
- Brings back the iconic D-pad
- Affordable
- Slightly smaller game library
- No TV mode support
- No motion controls
The Nintendo Switch Lite is designed exclusively for gamers on the go, skipping the dock and TV connectivity features of the standard and OLED models. With a more compact form factor and integrated controls, the Switch Lite offers a portable gaming experience at a lower price point. It’s the ideal option for younger gamers or those who primarily play while on the go.
For Those Who Need More Storage
SanDisk 256GB microSD Card
For gamers who prefer to download games, the SanDisk 256GB microSD card can expand the Nintendo Switch’s limited storage space. This version is officially licensed for Nintendo Switch, ensuring compatibility with the hybrid console. As a bonus, it features a fun Pokémon-themed design. With transfer speeds up to 100MB/s, games load quickly, and there’s plenty of space to store dozens of titles without constantly having to delete and redownload them later.
For Gamers With A Huge Gaming Library
WD Black 1TB SSD with Heatsink
The first thing I did when I got my PS5 was add an internal solid-state drive. The WD Black 1TB SSD with Heatsink is rated to work with the PS5 and increases the total storage from 1TB to 2TB. With modern titles reaching 100GB or more, adding storage is an essential gift for gamers who have a huge library, especially those who want to keep multiple games installed at once. Plus, installing the extra storage is relatively easy and only takes about 15 minutes.
For Those Who Want the Ultimate Controller
PlayStation 5 DualSense Controller
Not to be hyperbolic, but the PlayStation DualSense controller is the best of the best — and it doesn't just work well with the PS5, but it's an excellent option for PC too. Beyond its comfortable, futuristic-looking design, the DualSense offers game-changing haptics, including adaptive triggers with varying force and tension for those who want the ultimate controller experience.
For LEGO Fans
LEGO Super Mario Piranha Plant
The Piranha Plant is a bit of an a-hole, always trying to stop Mario from saving the princess. So, displaying it on your desk like a trophy is what is deserves. This display model features a posable head, mouth, stalk, and leaves, allowing you to capture the iconic enemy’s menacing chompers. It's the perfect decoration for LEGO (and Mario) fans.
Best for Gamers on A Budget
Xbox Series S
- Incredibly portable
- Good price
- Great design
- Not worth the savings
- Not enough storage
The Xbox Series S is the perfect gift for gamers who want to experience the current generation without breaking the bank. Despite its relative affordability, it can play the latest titles, and its sleek, monolith design makes it easy to integrate into your current setup. While it may not have a disc drive or target 4K resolution like the more powerful Xbox Series X, it’s perfectly suited for accessing Game Pass’s massive digital library.
For Gamers Who Hate Cables
PowerA Twin Charging Station for DualSense
Call it laziness, but I never want to plug in my controller after intense gaming sessions. That why I’m so fond of this charging station from PowerA. I can play a few rounds with my buddies, realize I’ve stayed up way too late, and simply place my controller on the charging station. I can't be the only one, so gift this to the gamer who deserves a little more convenience in their life.
Best for PS5 Owners
Playstation Portal
- Low price
- Light and comfortable
- Solid display
- Full DualSense features
- Awkward touch implementation
- No Bluetooth support
- Can't hook up external devices
- Absent settings
It took a while for the PlayStation Portal to find its footing, but the device has gone from DOA to, "Yeah, this is great." Beyond streaming games from your PS5 over Wi-Fi, the remote-play device will soon gain the ability to stream select games from the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog. As a result, don’t be surprised if the Portal becomes more difficult to find in 2025.
For Gamers Who Play Online
Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2
Our pick for the best gaming mouse unsurprisingly makes for a fantastic gift for gamers. With fast response times, satisfying mechanical switches, and up to 95 hours of battery life, the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 (what a mouthful) will elevate your game, especially in online first-person shooters. While its design is more straightforward than other gaming mice, its five programmable buttons provide great customization to tailor the experience to your needs.
For Those Who Need A Monitor
Asus TUF VG249Q1A 1080p Gaming Monitor
The Asus TUF VG249Q1A features a 24-inch Full HD panel and a fast refresh rate of 144Hz, making it a great gift for those who want sharp and smooth animations. What stands out is the monitor supports FreeSync Premium, enabling adaptive refresh with both Nvidia and AMD GPUs. This means you won’t have to worry about screen tearing or stuttering, which can be especially distracting during intense gaming sessions when every frame counts.
For Xbox (and PC) Gamers
Xbox Wireless Controller - Black
The Xbox Wireless Controller is pretty close to perfect, with a comfortable design, tactile buttons, and custom button mapping through the Xbox Accessories app. If you or someone you know games on Xbox or PC, this controller delivers a reliable, premium experience without breaking the bank. The textured grips provide excellent control, while the built-in Bluetooth makes it easy to connect to multiple devices.
For Gamers Who Love Quirky Adventures
Astro Bot PS5
- Airtight platforming
- Wildly inventive level design
- Toy-like world
- Takes full advantage of the DualSense
- Heartfelt PlayStation cameos
- Last world repeats itself
Astro Bot has taken the world by storm as one of the best PS5 games of 2024, with our editors praising its inventive level design, airtight platforming, and DualSense integration. If ever there was a title that out Nintendo’d Nintendo, it would be Team Asobi’s Astro Bot, which is why it's a perfect gift for gamers. “Four years ago, Sony introduced the tagline ‘play has no limits’ to advertise the PS5,” says Giovanni Colantonio, Senior Gaming Editor at Digital Trends. “Astro Bot is the first PlayStation exclusive since then that truly believes in that mission statement.”
Level Up Your Handheld Gaming
Asus ROG Ally X
- Small performance boosts in some games
- Redesigned Armoury Crate software
- Much more comfortable
- Longer battery life
- MicroSD card concerns
- Windows quirks remain
Handheld gaming devices might just be the next battleground in the console wars, with the Asus ROG Ally X at the forefront. The Windows-based portable gaming PC packs serious power into a compact form factor, capable of running demanding games on its vibrant 7-inch 120Hz display. We love it — and whoever you’re buying it for will love it, too.
For Zelda Fans
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Nintendo Switch
- Engrossing mythology
- Fantastic exploration
- Welcome twists to the formula
- Enormous new locations
- Powerful creative tools
- Complicated controls
- Occasional performance struggles
Arguably the pinnacle of Nintendo's ingenuity and invention, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a masterful open-world adventure that builds upon the revolutionary Breath of the Wild. With clever new mechanics and player freedom, Tears of the Kingdom is the ultimate title for Zelda fans. If you or someone you know is a fan of open-world games, Tears of the Kingdom is one of the very best.
For Mario Fans
Super Mario Odyssey - Nintendo Switch
- Lots of cool places to explore
- Well-polished gameplay
- Endgame provides great puzzle variety
- Full of fun details, nods to past games
- Highly accessible for new players
- Often feels somewhat simplistic
- Not as innovative as other Mario games
- Controls and camera can be imprecise, frustrating
It’s crazy to think Super Mario Odyssey launched the same year as the Nintendo Switch in 2017. Despite the game’s relative old age, it’s still one of the console’s best, building on the foundations set by Super Mario 64 in 1996. The 3D platformer offers the typical creativity and level design we’ve come to expect from Nintendo but elevates it with its open-world exploration and wide variety of beautifully crafted kingdoms. While it's the perfect game for longtime Mario fans, it's also a great entry for those who were introduced to the beloved plumber by the The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Best for Retro Gamers
Anbernic RG35XX Handheld Game Console
With a 3.5-inch screen and a design reminiscent of the Game Boy, the Anbernic RG35XX is the best gift for gamers who want to play retro titles. It comes with a 64GB microSD card preloaded with old-school games from 15 different consoles, including SNES, GBA, and PS. I won’t get anymore specific than that, but lets just say it’s a retro gaming powerhouse in a pocket-sized package.
Best for Tinkerers
iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit
This toolkit is ideal for those who like to tinker, whether it’s building a PC or simply repairing electronics around the house. It includes a 64 bit driver set, tweezers, flex extension, opening tools, and an anti-static wristband. There’s also a magnetic case and foam insert to ensure secure storage. I used this when I installed an SSD in my PS5, and it made the process so much easier.
For Those Who Like VR Gaming
Meta Quest 3S
- Doubles Quest 2 graphics performance
- Mixed reality is good enough to use a phone
- IR sensors automatically map your room
- Ringless controllers are comfortable
- Incredible value
- Battery is in front, adding face pressure
- Fresnel lenses aren't as clear as the Quest 3
The Meta Quest 3S is the perfect introduction to VR gaming, with excellent graphics and advanced features like room mapping and hand tracking. It comes bundled with Batman: Arkham Shadow and three months of Meta Quest+, a subscription service that offers access to a selection of games for the VR headset. While it’s not quite our top pick for the best VR headset, it’s pretty darn close.
Level Up Your Lighting Game
Philips Hue Play Light Strip
Stick the Philips Hue Play to the back of your TV or monitor to level up your lighting game with bias lighting, which helps reduce eye strain and creates a more immersive gaming experience. The light strip can sync with your games, displaying matching colors and effects in real time. It’s like your game is breaking free from the screen’s boundaries, creating a dynamic light show that extends into your room.
For those who love LEGO and Ferrari
LEGO Speed Champions Ferrari F40 Supercar Building Set
As far as LEGO sets go, this one is hot. It’s a realistic Ferrari F40 Supercar, assembled with over 300 pieces. This iconic vehicle was the last approved by Enzo Ferrari, the brand’s founder. It depicts all the minor details, including a fully decked out interior, air intakes, nose tailpipes, rims, and more. Adults and kids alike will love building it and the true Ferrari fan will adore having it on display. It's an excellent gift for any gamer, racer, and everyone in between.
For the Next Big Streamer
Blue Yeti
Do you or a family member have aspirations to be the next big gaming streamer? This beginner-friendly microphone is an affordable option that produces clear sound and plug-and-play functionality, allowing you to get your setup running in seconds. And thanks to the Blue Voice software, you can apply advanced modulation and effects for professional-sounding audio.
For PC Gamers
HyperX Alloy Origins Core RGB
With true mechanical switches, pre-key RGB lighting, and an aircraft-grade aluminum body, the HyperX Alloy Origins Core is one of the best gaming keyboards available. Despite its more affordable price, it includes several premium features like onboard profile storage, macro support, and a detachable USB-C cable. You can choose between 60 percent, 65 percent, full size, and tenkeyless sizes, allowing you to pick the perfect layout for your needs.
For Someone Who Wants to Buy Their Own Gift
Sony PlayStation Store Gift Card
If you’re completely stumped about what to get for the gamer in your life, you can’t go wrong with a gift card. They’ll be able to put it toward a game they actually want to play, rather than something you bought based off the box art. Just make sure it’s for the platform they own. This one is for PlayStation, but you can also find options for , , and . Conversely, if you know they’re obsessed with Fortnite, you can get them , which they can put toward in-game purchases.
For the Gamer Who Wants the Arcade Experience
Arcade1Up Street Fighter II Champion Turbo Legacy
Arcades may be a relic of a bygone era, but that doesn’t mean we can’t dream of one day having our own home arcade. The machines made by Arcade1Up make that dream a possibility, offering authentic arcade cabinets at ¾ scale that bring classic games into your home. These cabinets offer modern conveniences like HD displays, WiFi connectivity, and multiple games per cabinet — and they’re relatively affordable, with frequent sales that makes them even cheaper. If you've been missing that arcade experience in your life, this is the perfect gift.
For Gamers Who Need to Upgrade Their Chair
Razer Fujin Mesh Ergonomic Gaming Chair
This may come as a shock, but gamers spend a lot of time sitting, which is why a new gaming chair is an excellent gift. While most gaming chairs have a certain aesthetic, the Razer Fujin Pro looks more like a sophisticated office chair, with a breathable mesh material, adjustable lumbar support, and padded armrests. It can also recline 130 degrees for those times when you want to take a break after a long gaming session.
For the Audiophile
Sonos Arc Ultra
- Big, powerful bass
- Clear and intelligible dialogue
- Immersive Dolby Atmos
- Great for music and movies
- Lots of expansion options
- Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay
- No HDMI input
- No remote
- Highs can be slightly harsh
- Sonos app is still buggy
If you’re feeling really generous — like, really generous — then consider gifting the Sonos Arc Ultra. This soundbar is as premium as they come, delivering powerful bass, clear and intelligible dialog, and immersive Dolby Atmos. I’m not a “sound guy,” but even I can admit that the Arc Ultra truly elevates gaming (and movies and TV). The sound design in Silent Hill 2 is already immaculate, but it sounds even more immersive with the Arc Ultra.
For Those Who Always Run Out of Battery
Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 24K)
A portable battery is a must-have whether you’re a gamer or not — but they’re especially handy for charging your smartphone, Nintendo Switch, or Steam Deck OLED. The Anker 737 Power Bank boasts a 140-watt output and 24,000 mAh capacity, allowing you to charge your portable consoles multiple times over. And with three ports (two USB-C and one USB-A), you can connect multiple devices simultaneously.
For Horror Fans
Resident Evil 4 - PS5
- A boldly reimagined story
- A more modernized feel
- Reworked locations are a step up
- Drastically improved combat
- Fantastic visual overhaul
- Escorting Ashley is still a pain
I’ll never stop recommending Resident Evil 4, which received a stellar remake in 2023. The reimagining elevates the beloved classic with improved visuals, enhanced controls, and a more fleshed-out storyline, cementing its status as one of the all-time greats. If you played the original Resident Evil 4 when it launched in 2005, the remake makes it worth revisiting all these years later.
For Online Shooter Fans
Halo Infinite - Xbox
- Classic multiplayer action
- Creative weapons
- Varied combat in single-player
- Grappleshot is genius
- Disappointingly safe at times
- Campaign is thin on ideas
- Unfinished at launch
After a strangely staggered release a few years ago, Halo Infinite feels like a return to form for the long-running series. The single-player campaign delivers a lot of great set pieces, while the multiplayer recaptures the magic of earlier entries; it finally feels like the franchise is back to what made it so beloved in the first place, taking the arena shooter formula and giving it that Halo style.
For Star Wars Fans
Star Wars Outlaws - Limited Edition
- Strong protagonist
- Immaculate world design
- Lots of fun minigames
- Relationship-building is a treat
- Side characters lack development
- Dated instant-fail stealth
- Clunky gunplay
- Linear and open-ended missions don't mesh
After a rocky launch, several key updates from Ubisoft have made Star Wars Outlaws one of the best gift for gamers in 2024. The open-world title has you play as Kay Vess, a scoundrel seeking freedom and a new life. I picked this up a few weeks ago and haven’t been able to put it down. For longtime and casual Star Wars fans, Star Wars Outlaws is a fun way to experience the galaxy far, far away from the eyes of a new protagonist.
For Gamers Who Want to Build A Retro Console
Raspberry Pi 5 Starter Kit
Raspberry Pi devices are a gateway to the world of DIY computing, offering an affordable platform for everything from basic programming projects to retro gaming stations. These credit card-sized computers are perfect for anyone who wants a weekend project that will provide hours of fun. As a bonus, the 8bitdo Pro 2 controller mentioned above works with Raspberry Pi devices, giving you the perfect setup to revisit Super Mario World.
For the Old-School Gamer
Atari 2600+
The retro and emulation markets have really taken off over the last few years, but the Atari 2600+ takes it to a different level. It’s a perfect recreation of the home console that launched in the late 1970s, but with a modern twist: it can easily hook up to your TV via HDMI, with a button that switches between 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios. For the old-school gamer in your life, the Atari 2600+ will give them a huge dose of nostalgia.
For Gamers Who Need An All-Purpose Keyboard
Keychron V3 Max TKL Mechanical Keyboard
The Keychron V3 Max is an excellent mechanical keyboard for everyday use, whether you’re typing out emails, research papers, or playing Call of Duty’s “prop hunt” mode on your lunch break. It can connect over Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, or USB-C, and it’s compatible with Mac and Windows. In addition to hot-swappable keys, the V3 Max has RGB lighting to give it that classic gaming feel.
For Apple Users
Apple iPad (10th Generation): with A14 Bionic chip
- Updated, modern design
- Wonderfully vibrant colors
- Larger display is fantastic
- A14 chip is plenty powerful
- Strong battery life
- USB-C is finally here
- The headphone jack is gone
- Non-laminated screen
- Apple Pencil situation is a mess
- Huge price increase
Although this is the most basic iPad available, the iPad (10th Gen) is still surprisingly great for gaming. It features a 10.9-inch display and an A14 Bionic chip, giving you all the power you need for mobile games. And with emulators now available in the iOS App Store, the iPad makes for a solid entry into retro gaming. If that’s not your thing, you can always access Game Pass via a web browser.
Level Up Their Gaming Phone
Google Pixel 8a
- Compact and light
- Vibrant camera
- AI photo-editing suite
- Easy to use Android software
- Long update commitment
- Cheap-feeling body
- Slow charging
- One-day battery life
What’s a phone doing on a list for gamers? Well, gamers need phones, too. The Pixel 8a is an affordable mid-range smartphone that will level up their mobile gaming. It has a powerful Tensor G3 processor and a 120Hz display, making it perfect for Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile. Plus, with its clean Android interface and long-lasting battery, it’s a great daily driver when you’re not gaming.
For Upgrading Their Home Setup
Mount-It Full Motion TV Wall Mount
With a 39-inch long extension arm and support for up to 275 pounds, Mount-It’s full motion TV mount is perfect for upgrading your home setup. It can hold TVs between 65 and 110 inches, and it features a sliding track, so you can slide the mount to the left or right after it’s installed, allowing you to center your TV easily.
