With a plethora of accessories, gaming consoles and new gaming technologies on the market, narrowing down the perfect present for your gamer may seem daunting, especially if you don’t consider yourself a gaming expert. Level up any gamer’s holiday season this year with this collection of gifts for gamers. We’ve handpicked some of the best gaming stuff on the market, including consoles, controllers and headsets that will make gift-giving this holiday season much easier.
The best video game consoles
If the gamer you’re shopping for hasn’t been able to stop talking about the latest and greatest console on the market, then these gift ideas are for you. Here’s a look at some of the hottest gaming consoles out right now:
Nintendo Switch
One of the perks about the Nintendo Switch is that it works as both a home game console and a handheld device. It offers a strong library of games that the gamer can play at home or on the go. The Switch has a battery life of approximately 4.5 – 9 hours (battery life will depend on what games you play). Another cool feature are the versatile Joy-Con controllers. They can be used separately for two-player action or combined into one conventional controller.
PlayStation 5
This console includes cutting-edge graphics in 4K with HDR, lightning-fast load times due to its robust storage system and an incredible line-up of new and remastered PlayStation games, including many multi-player video games. The PS5 console comes with features like backward compatibility, which gives players access to more than 4,000 PS4 games and some PS3 and PS2 titles.
Xbox Series X
Another popular console on the market is from Microsoft: the Xbox Series X. This console excels as not only a gaming device but also as an entertainment hub. It includes a 4K Blu-ray player, Dolby Vision streaming and easy library sharing with Windows. Players can enjoy a Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership (membership sold separately) from the console, which offers an instant library of 100+ high-quality games, such as Forza Horizon 5, Halo Infinite and more.
Video game controller gift ideas
Perhaps the gamer you’re shopping for already has the newest console. If you need another idea, try a video controller. Here are a few video game controllers to shop for this holiday season:
Xbox Elite Series 2 controller
This Xbox controller is one of the best gifts for gamers craving customization. One of the coolest features of the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller is the unique modular system. Players can switch out thumbsticks and paddle shapes to suit their style. This controller is designed for extended gameplay, with up to 40 hours of rechargeable battery life and refined hardware that are built to last. Charge the controller with the included USB-C cable and charging dock, found on either inside or outside the carrying case.
Nintendo Switch Pro controller
Help the gamer you’re shopping for take their gaming experience up a notch by buying them the Nintendo Switch Pro controller. Some of its new, exciting features include motion controls and HD rumble, which gives the player the feeling like they’re really in the game they’re playing. This controller is a must-have for Nintendo classics like Super Smash Bros and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
DualSense PS5 Controller
This controller includes haptic feedback, which creates physically responsive feedback to the game to simulate the feeling of the environment the gamer is in. Plus, the controller comes with a built-in microphone and headset jack that allows the gamer to chat with friends and other online gamers while playing.
Headset gifts for gamers
Any serious gamer may tell you that having a good headset is crucial. A headset helps gamers chat with friends or coordinate strategies with a team to dominate the game. Headsets can be either wired or wireless, but wireless headsets generally offer better audio quality, faster response and strong signals. Here are a few headset gift ideas to choose from:
SteelSeries Arctis 9X
The Steelseries Arctis 9X headset has integrated Xbox Wireless connectivity. Your gamer can connect directly to their Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One console. This headset has a clearcast microphone, which has a bidirectional design (the same used by aircraft carrier deck crews) for superior noise cancellation. Plus, with over 20 hours of battery life, your gamer can enjoy endless fun while using these headphones.
Creative SXFI Gaming Headset
This headset is known for its incredible sound, delivering surround sound audio. It’s almost like there’s a set of high-end multi-speakers in the headphones. Another great feature of the Creative SXFI Gaming Headset is that it comes equipped with a Super X-Fi Battle Mode. This mode allows the gamer to hear every single detail with stunning accuracy.
HyperX Cloud II Wireless Headset
The HyperX Cloud II Wireless Headset is great for gaming with PC, PS4 and Nintendo Switch. This headset is known for its incredible long-lasting battery life of up to 30 hours. It also has a flexible headband and ear cups with thick memory foam for extreme comfort. For the gamer looking for a comfortable yet high-performing headset, gift this one.
Gifts for gamers made easy
These gift ideas are just a few of many that could make the gamer in your life excited about the holidays. Now that you have a better understanding of the different gaming accessories and consoles on the market, you can hopefully shop for the gamer with ease. For other gaming resources from CenturyLink, check out articles on the best internet speeds for gaming and exercise video games for physical activity.
