Be the Hero With These Gaming Gifts (2024)

Be the Hero With These Gaming Gifts (1)

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With the ever-evolving landscape of gaming consoles, accessories, and rapid-fire game releases, picking the right gift for gamers can feel like a boss fight. While it might be tempting to immediately opt for a tech-adjacent gift, truly impressing a loved one requires thinking outside the box. Instead of the usual controllers and consoles, consider exploring unique gaming-inspired gifts that offer something a bit different.

From top-rated gaming headsets to the latest smartphone gaming controllers, and even nostalgia-inducing collectibles, our carefully curated list of gaming gifts is designed to delight even the most discerning gamers. Whether your loved one is a casual player who enjoys occasional escapes into virtual worlds or a serious e-sports enthusiast, you'll find something special for the "player number two" in your life that will make their gaming experience or setup even more enjoyable.

1

Best for Switch Owners

CRKD Nitro Deck+ Handheld Pro Controller for Nintendo Switch

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If you’re looking for a thoughtful and unique gift for the Nintendo Switch fan, look no further than the Nitro Deck+. This isn't just a simple Joy-Con replacement. It’ll make their Switch (or Switch OLED) feel like an entirely new console, providing a more comfortable handheld gaming experience overall.

It offers reprogrammable buttons and a convenient kickstand and is powered by the console, so you don't need bulky batteries or annoying cables.

More: Best Gaming Consoles of the Year

2

Best for the Gamer Who Has Everything

XREAL Air 2 Pro AR Glasses

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One of the perks of my job is getting early access to groundbreaking tech before it becomes the norm. The XREAL Air 2 Pro video glasses are one such product that left me in awe. They feel like something from the future, making them the perfect gift for the person who has everything.

They look like a pair of sunglasses, but they’re so much more. Plug in your device via USB-C and immediately start watching movies, playing console games, or using your laptop as if it were connected to a massive external monitor or theater screen.

I suggest bundling the glasses with the smartphone-like Beam Pro to enjoy a more immersive and distraction-free experience. It also keeps memory-hogging apps, entertainment, and media separate from your personal device.

More: Editor-Tested Gaming Headsets

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3

Best Gift for Family Play

Nex Playground Game System

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If you’re a millennial, chances are you remember the EyeToy accessory for PlayStation 2 or Xbox Kinect, where you used your body as a controller to interact with games on the screen. Or maybe you were a fan of Wii Fit or Dance Dance Revolution, which managed to marry exercise with play.

The Nex Playground Game System brings back that nostalgia and movement-based gaming while offering a modern twist on family fun. It’s the perfect gift for millennials and their children thanks to its silliness and easiness to fire up and play.

The system includes five engaging games, ranging from classic arcade titles to educational challenges, that cater to all ages and interests. Over two dozen experiences are available, and new ones are constantly being added. You can unlock more fun with a "Play Pass" subscription, which costs $49 quarterly or $89 annually.

More: Best Gaming Laptops for Conquering Opponents

4

Best Gift for Tinkerers

Lego Icons PAC-Man Arcade Building Kit

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This iconic Lego set is a must-have for retro-gaming enthusiasts. With its detailed design (it even has an illuminated coin slot!), interactive features, and nostalgic charm, it’s a perfect gift for adults who have a soft spot for classic arcade games.

The gamer in your life will love to build, play, and display this collectible piece, which features a working maze, iconic characters, and authentic details. The set has over 2,500 pieces and measures 12.5x10 inches when completed.

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This smart TV packs a bevy of gaming-related features that’ll take video games to the next level. It’s fully compatible with next-generation game consoles, has four HDMI 2.1 inputs, and is one of the brightest OLED TVs on the market.

The TV supports variable refresh rate and auto low latency mode. The former matches the TV’s refresh rate to the game console’s rate, and the latter ensures the image remains smooth on-screen even if the frame rate drops. Simply put, your games will look buttery smooth, and thanks to an antireflective screen, there won’t be any glare, either!

6

Best for Mobile Gamers

BACKBONE One Mobile Gaming Controller

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With its ergonomic design, intuitive controls, and feature-rich companion app, the Backbone One is the perfect gift for anyone who loves gaming on their iPhone or Android device. It transforms a smartphone into the best portable game console possible with satisfyingly clicky buttons, responsive joysticks, and a headphone jack.

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7

To Keep Controllers Organized and Charged

PowerA Controller Charging Base for Nintendo Switch

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This convenient accessory is an affordable, quick, and easy way to recharge a Pro Controller and set of Joy-Con. The charging dock fully recharges your controllers in only 2 hours. Its weighted base keeps it stable, and the built-in cable makes charging easy. LED lights indicate charging status, turning green when the controllers are fully charged.

8

For Next-Level Wi-Fi Speeds

Netgear Orbi 770 Series Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 Mesh System

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A fast and flawless internet connection is instrumental for gamers who like to compete online, download storage-hogging AAA games, and stream ultra-high-resolution video. Speaking as someone who has tested routers for over a decade, the performance of the Netgear Orbi 770 Series mesh Wi-Fi router is best in class—especially if you have a Gigabit connection.

It offers more than 8,000 square feet of coverage, packs four 2.5Gbps ports, and supports Multi-Link Operation. The latter is a new feature that Wi-Fi 6 lacks to reduce latency and provide a more reliable connection. Priced around $1,000, the set doesn’t run cheap, but if you’re shopping for a serious gamer who values speed and reliability, this router’s performance is unmatched.

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9

To Give Playstation Gamers an Edge

PlayStation DualSense Edge Wireless Controller

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Despite the impressive features offered by third-party controllers, none can truly match the haptic feedback experience of an official PlayStation controller. The enhanced vibrations and tactile sensations create a level of immersion that's hard to replicate.

The PlayStation DualSense Edge offers the best software integration with the PlayStation 5, along with adjustable triggers, user-replaceable stick modules, and customizable buttons. We’re also big fans of its included carrying case and braided cable that features a locking mechanism to keep it from getting yanked out.

10

Best for Serious Gamers with Storage Woes

Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink Solid State Drive

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This accessory will help gamers make the most of their PlayStation 5 console. It expands the console’s storage space so that you can download more games (both for the PS5 and PS4), as well as apps and videos. It’s one of the few options that meet the console’s performance requirements, and it's highly power-efficient.

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11

Best for On-the-Go Gamers

Bellroy Venture Sling 6L Crossbody

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The Bellroy Sling is a fantastic gift for any gamer who values style, sustainability, and practicality. It's the perfect accessory to keep their essentials organized and easily accessible, whether they're gaming at home or on the go. With its 6L capacity, it even offers enough room for a Nintendo Switch. Plus there’s a soft-lined pocket for sunglasses or easily scratchable tech.

It's crafted from recycled materials and has a magnetic clasp to ensure your loved one's possessions are always secure but within reach when they need them.

12

For Saving Sore Spines

Herman Miller x Logitech G Embody Gaming Chair

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Long gaming sessions can take a toll on the body. A comfortable ergonomic chair is essential for preventing pain and fatigue. The Herman Miller Embody chair is hands-down the best gaming chair you can buy.

Crafted in collaboration with renowned furniture designer Herman Miller this Logitech Gaming chair is equally ergonomic and comfortable. With a highly adjustable design, cooling foam, subtle color accents, and 150 small supports throughout the chair to improve blood flow, I can promise you that this chair will make all the difference in the world.

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13

A Value-Packed Gaming Laptop

ASUS ROG Strix G16 Gaming Laptop

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If you want to splurge to treat a gamer you care about, consider gifting them the ROG Strix G16 from ASUSone of the best gaming laptops for the money. It packs Intel’s latest Core i7 processor, an up-to-date NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics chip, abundant 16GB of RAM that’s easily upgradeable, and a zippy SSD with enough space for several AAA titles.

These hardware specs will treat players to an immersive gaming experience with rich and smooth graphics on a large 16-inch display with a Full HD resolution. In addition, a customizable light strip underneath the notebook’s palm rests will give the user a sense of occasion every time they power it up.

14

The Best Switch You Can Buy

Nintendo Nintendo Switch OLED Gaming Console

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You will definitely make someone's year if you gift them a Switch OLED. What makes the versatile console so special is its highly immersive screen. It's an inch bigger than its predecessor and much brighter, so it makes a load of difference for gamers who primarily play their Nintendo Switch in handheld mode.

You can choose between three colors for your gift. They include classic neon blue and red, white, and the red Mario edition pictured here.

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15

The Ultima Mobile Gaming Controller

Razer Kishi Ultra Gaming Controller

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If you're gifting someone who is always gaming on the go, the Razer Kishi Ultra smartphone gaming controller is a great option. It will transform their smartphone into a portable gaming console whose controls have better performance and tactility than those of a Nintendo Switch.

In a manner befitting its Ultra moniker, the USB-C controller has full-size grips, customizable RGB lighting, and a built-in audio jack. The accessory is compatible with the latest iPhones, Android phones, and, remarkably, the iPad mini.

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For Xbox and PC Gamers

HyperX Clutch Gladiate Wired Xbox Controller

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The HyperX Clutch Gladiate is our favorite budget controller for Xbox (and PC) players, thanks to a cool design, rock-solid gaming performance, and buttons with excellent tactility. On the other hand, its integrated rumble motors deliver in-game feedback that belongs in a higher price category.

And unlike the original Xbox controller, the Gladiate has adjustable triggers. Overall, it's an amazing low-budget gift option for gamers who need more versatility or just a great backup.

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17

Best Gift for PlayStation Gamers

Sony PlayStation 5 Digital Edition (slim)

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Whether you are shopping for a gamer who's been invested in the platform for decades or an Xbox-convert, the slim but powerful PlayStation 5 console is an enticing option. The revamped console is considerably smaller — 30%, to be precise — than the original while delivering the same incredible graphics and controller haptics.

Once again, you can choose between a digital edition PlayStation 5 or one with a removable disc drive. The latter is available as an add-on accessory to the digital edition, so the giftee can upgrade down the line.

18

A Desktop Sound Upgrade

Razer Leviathan V2 X PC Soundbar

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Desktop PC gamers you care about are going to love a gift like the Razer Leviathan V2 X soundbar. Designed to slot underneath a monitor, the device delivers a powerful and immersive sound via a pair of full-range drivers. On the other hand, Bluetooth connectivity will allow recipients to enjoy their favorite music or podcasts by pairing their phones.

Equipped with the gaming giant's signature RGB Chroma lighting, the Leviathan V2 X will also make the onscreen gameplay more engaging. Consider this version of the product with a bundled subwoofer for next-level bass if your budget allows.

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For Mixed-Reality Aficionados

Meta Quest 3S Mixed-Reality Headset

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Meta's recently launched Quest 3S mixed-reality headset offers stunning visuals and intuitive controls at a reasonable price. The gift-worthy gadget will help a gamer in your life enjoy highly immersive experiences across gaming, entertainment, fitness, and many other activities.

Crucially, the Meta Quest 3S comes with a rich selection of content, available via an affordable subscription. You can order the product with 128 GB or 256 GB of storage.

20

For Nostalgic Gamers

8Bitdo Retro Mechanical Keyboard

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This mechanical keyboard by 8Bitdo is a gift that’s guaranteed to become an instant favorite to nostalgic gamers. The desktop accessory has a retro styling inspired by the iconic Nintendo NES console, mechanical switches with an amazing feel, and dedicated knobs for toggling between wired and wireless connectivity modes.

Impressively, the keyboard also comes with a duo of bundled oversized buttons that recipients can customize via a desktop suite. The add-on accessories will not only add more character to their desk but also speed up their workflow by offering quick access to shortcuts.

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Brandon Carte

Senior Electronics Editor

Brandon Carte is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience covering technology, gadgets and appliances. His reporting has been featured on Best Products, Top Ten Revies, Good Housekeeping and USA Today. When he's not researching washing machines or testing robot vacuums, you can find him at concerts, swimming laps, or at the movies. He thinks smartphones are too big, prefers MP3s to Spotify and misses his iPhone’s headphone jack.

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Stefan Vazharov

Senior Technology Editor, Reviews

Stefan is the senior technology editor for Best Products, where he’s been covering the tech industry and testing the latest gadgets since 2015. He is an award-winning editor with more than a decade of experience reporting on and reviewing consumer tech products, especially smartphones, tablets, laptops, and audio gear like headphones, earbuds, speakers, and soundbars. Stefan was previously the U.S. editor for GSMArena.com. His writing can also be found in Popular Mechanics.

Be the Hero With These Gaming Gifts (2024)

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