The Best Gifts to Give Gamers, According to Gamers

Into the Aetherco-host Brendan Bigley says this is one of the best controllers he owns. It works with the Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and PCs, as well as iPhones and Android devices.

Bigley also likes the company’s more console-friendly controller, which even comes with a dock.

If they do all their gaming on their phone, get them this controller, which will give them Xbox-quality controls while they’re on the go.

They’ll never lose their controller if it’s guarded by their favorite Pokémon.

Twitch streamerHunter Donaldsonsays that ahead of the Switch 2 launch later this year, this SD card is the smartest thing you can get the gamer in your life.

Twitch streamerjoshsekisays that when he doesn’t use this mousepad, which is popular in the first-person-shooter community, he immediately notices the difference in his gameplay.

If they need to turn off their webcam midstream, this one has a built-in privacy shutter that’s easy to toggle.

Joanna Nelius, a formerlaptop reviewer at the Verge and a lifelong gamer, says this keyboard is a “mechanical keyboard done right.” It has low-profile switches and a translucent back side that gives it a nice ’90s aesthetic.

Twitch streamerAshewynsays these stylish cables, which can help tidy up a desk and give it a little flair, are a perfect small gift for the mechanical keyboard aficionado in your life. They come in a variety of colors, too, so you can get one that’ll match the rest of their desk décor.

I’ve been using this palm rest, which goes right beneath my keyboard, for extra wrist relief. It makes typing for long sessions far less strenuous, and it’s just as great for extended online matches or all-nighters in their favorite game.

The wired connection will ensure their mouse doesn’t die in the middle of a match.Kyle F, a tech TikToker and gamer, says its lightness makes it easier to play with, too.

For a wireless option, get them the Basilisk V3 Pro, whose ergonomic design and responsiveness are appreciated by many gamers.

Bigley says this Game Boy Advance SP-like console, which can emulate games all the way up to the PSP’s, has the most “it factor” of any console this year.

Whether they have a vast library of games on Steam or are just dipping their toes into PC gaming, thishandheld consolewill let them do it all on the go.

For gamers who want to play old school games on a Switch-size screen, this Android-powered handheld (which Bigley recommends for a gamer who has everything) is great for playing classic games through emulators.

If they’ve been dropping hints about wanting to dive into the world of VR, Meta’s new budget-friendly headset nails all the basics with as few compromises as possible.

For those who have yet to hop on the PS5 train, Sony’s latest upgrade is its most powerful yet.

If they’ve already got a PS5, they may appreciate this portable gadget that lets them play games remotely from that console as long as they’re on a network with a solid connection (and not necessarily the same network for both devices).

The iPad Air’s touch screen is great for play, and your recipient can pair the device with akeyboardwhenever they need to get work done. “I have the iPad for when my laptop dies so I can still game and make music,” T-Paintoldus.

If they want a more unique handheld, Stephen Hilger, co-host of the gaming podcastInto the Aether, loves this funky gadget that Bigley gifted him. “It’s really exciting to have something devoted to being very simple,” he says.

This headset pairs style with impressive sound; it even has on-device audio adjustment. “It’s an amazing gaming headset that is amazingly comfortable, that has stunning immersive sound at a fantastic price,” saysKahlief Adams, host of the gaming podcastSpawn on Me.

“Living in an apartment complex with a work-from-home partner, my PlayStation 5 Pulse 3D Wireless Headset is invaluable for quiet gaming sessions,” saysGet Playedco-host Nick Wiger.

Even if they haven’t gotten around to decorating their room yet, these easy-to-setup smart lights can give their stream a vibrant background to start with. Strategist senior writer Michael Zhao says thislight stripoffers the most colors and settings of those he has tested.

Donaldsonsays this audio interface is the best one you can get for someone who’s looking to upgrade their streaming setup. It has eight programmable buttons and a vibrant, multicolor design that’ll make their desk look more like a professional studio.

If they’re a gaming purist — they won’t playSuper Metroidunless it’s on an actual SNES — this little box will let them cast those classic games directly to their computer for streaming.

This gaming monitor comes in three sizes, with two options for refresh rates. It’s a staple in joshseki’s three-monitor setup.

Ashewyn likes Elgatos’s Wave line of gear, particularly the Wave Neo, which is geared toward people looking to start streaming or upgrade their home office.

If they already have their own microphone, this stand — which Donaldson says is a great upgrade to an existing streaming setup — can free up space on their desk while still letting them reposition their microphone as needed.

Donaldson is a fan of Elgato’s gear, too. “It’s kind of slept on,” he says. “You can control the temperature of the light via Wi-Fi, which seems gimmicky, but I use it a lot for changing my environment.”

Once they place some of these on their walls, they won’t get any more comments about stray noises on their streams.

If they have an iPad, they can use this stand to hold it while they play their favorite game, or they can keep an eye on their Twitch chat while they stream. It even has a removable stand, so they can lug it around the house with them or clamp it right to their desk.

TheWorld of Warcraftfan in your life will love sinking their teeth into Jason Schreier’s latest book. It’s a fascinating, in-depth look into the company that made some of the most well-known games of all time.

Legend of Zeldafans who already have all the games in the series will love this Lego set of an iconic destination inBreath of the Wild.

They’ll be grateful for a spot to kick their feet up while they blitz throughThe Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered.

This book dives into whatRed Dead Redemption 2got right and what it got wrong about the Old West. According to Bloomberg reporter and author ofPlay NiceJason Schreier, it’s “a good excuse to learn some interesting history by learning about a video game.”

Bigley says he’s been buying a lot of retro stuff on eBay recently; a gift card’s perfect for the gamer who already has everything and knows what’s missing from their collection.

For the gamer who gets a little heated — and can take a joke — joshseki recommends a handy way to touch grass.

Standing desks aren’t just good for working: They can provide better ergonomics for long gaming sessions. I’ve been using this one for nearly five years, and I still love it as much as the day it arrived.

Thislava-lamp-like Bluetooth speaker will look great in the background when they’re streaming or when they’re not. It’s my favorite speaker for after-work jam sessions in my living room.

Twitch streamer Cupahnoodle says Microsoft’s monthly subscription is great for gamers who don’t want to spend $60 on every new game that comes out, since most popular titles are available through the service as long as they’re subscribed.

Although this card can be used for anything Apple related, if they like gaming on their iPhone, an Apple Arcade subscription will give them a ton of premium games to play.Get Playedco-host Matt Apodaca recommends the action-focused roguelikeTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate.“It’s basically a TMNTHadesclone and it rips,” he says.

Sony’s flagship platformer has earned a lot of praise for its charm.“It’s everything every mascot platformer in the ’90s dreamed of being,” says Hilger.

Donaldson says this roguelike game — which feels like a digital escape room — is perfect for streaming since each run takes about an hour.

If they’re a fan ofSpelunky,they’ll love this new release from its developer. “It’s like 50 brilliant little ideas; some of them are just good party games,” Donaldson says. “I’ve never played anything like it.”

For those who love a good RPG, several gamers I spoke with recommended this sequel toFinal Fantasy VII Remake. Its expanded story and open world make it a welcome addition to the series, and its dedication to the spirit of the originalFF7will be sure to keep them dialed in for every second.

Joshseki recommends this pack of 22 story-based horror games for anyone who likes their games with a heavy dose of spookiness.

No game came more recommended to me this year than this highly addictive poker-inspired roguelike. “It makes you think outside the box about what numbers can really do,” Hilger says.

Whether they got to play the oldCastlevaniagames or missed out on the classic gothic horror adventures, help them dive into the past with this collection of all the old games all the way up to the Nintendo DS releases.

Nintendo’s latest installment in its fantasy franchise is the first to feature Zelda as its protagonist, and stands out for its focus on non-combat mechanics.

Schreier called this spiritual successor toPersona 5one of the best games of the year. “It takesPersona 5’s winning formula and rhythm and puts it in a unique fantasy setting with a job system that I really enjoy,” he says.

The latest in theTekkenseries is a must-play for anyone who loves a good fighting game.

“It’s a fantastic secret hunting mystery game that I just loved sinking into,” Schreier says.

If they’re a fan of Paul Verhoeven’sStarship Troopers,this game is aboutas close as it getsto feeling like you’re part of the team.

Hilger recommends this game for anyone who likesFinal Fantasy Tacticsor any other tactical roleplaying game.

Schrier saysTheCase of the Golden Idol’swinning formula lives on in last year’s follow-up.

If they’re looking for a collaborative way to game screen-free, get them a classic of the genre. Ally Beardsley, a cast member of theD&Dweb seriesDimension 20, says, “It’s very nice to playD&Dand not have your phone or any electronics, and thePHBis amazing for that.”