The best Christmas gifts for the gamer in your life
— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.
Finding gifts for game fans can be a dive into an impenetrable labyrinth of terminology and options... or the easiest gift buy you'll ever make. We're stumping for the latter with a researched list that includes games for different consoles, PC gamer gift ideas, great options for console gamers as well as tools for streamers.
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A great gift for a gamer could cost as little as $20 or hit $1,000. We aggregated our favorite picks from across different departments at Reviewed and included options for PC gamers, Xbox gamers, PS5 users, Nintendo Switch players and more. Read on for gaming gifts that will appeal to all.
►Holiday gift guides 2022: Shop for everyone on your list with this ultimate gift guide
►Best gifts for men: Shop the best gifts men actually want.
Video Games
Sonic Frontiers
The Sonic franchise is a cross generational adventure, and the newest addition to the Sonic lineup is one of the best yet. A perfect gift for the adventure hungry, Sonic Frontiers is one of the hottest titles out now. Gift it for PlayStation 5, Xbox or Nintendo Switch.
Stray
Who hasn't fantasized about becoming a cat? With Stray, players get to experience the lithe way in which cats move through our world as they navigate a cyberpunk robotic future. Evade robots and scale intricate environments in one of the best rated games of the year for PlayStation 4 and PS5.
Elden Ring
The epic action/fantasy of 2022, Elden Ring is a collaboration between George R.R. Martin and Hidetaka Miyazaki that takes elements of classic dark souls gaming and increases the scope. Perfect for game fans who want a dark challenge, Elden Ring is available on PlayStation, Xbox systems and PC.
Hades
With some of the best writing to grace the game format ever seen, Hades is a modern cult classic romp through Greek mythology. Play as Zagreus, son of Hades, on a quest to wrest yourself from your father's influence and domain—but in an oh-so-Greek way, this cartoonish rogue-like game comes with a surprising dose of fate. Supergiant games recently announced a sequel to Hades coming to most major platforms.
►Related: The winners of The Game Awards 2022—and where to buy them
Christmas Gift Ideas for Computer Gamers
Valve Steam Wallet Card
If you're looking for a last-minute gift card for a PC gamer, then consider this digital Steam Wallet Card for $50. Unlike traditional gift cards, this wallet card is all digital; give it as a gift and give them access to $50 dollars of games on the Steam store where they'll be able to pay for and download games.
Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro, Wireless FPS/MOBA Gaming Mouse
Our pick for the best gaming mouse out there, the Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro is an exceptional wireless mouse that uses an 18,000 DPI optical sensor to mirror every reflex. PC gaming enthusiasts will love its customizable buttons and comfortable design.
8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Controller
While 8BitDo might be best known for their Switch controllers, these days their Bluetooth controllers work with all kinds of systems. 8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Controller is a vintage feeling controller that's wholly modern. Gift it to a PC gamer who loves to play old-school games. This controller is also compatible with Switch/Switch OLED, macOS, Android, Steam & Raspberry Pi.
Acer Predator XB253Q GWbmiiprzx
Offering outstanding quality that won this monitor our award for the best gaming monitor out there, the Acer Predator XB253Q GWbmiiprzx delivers both speed and image quality, with a 280hz max refresh rate, good picture quality and color fidelity that hits 99% sRGB. The Predator is also both bright and crisp, with a contrast ratio that's exceptional for an IPS panel.
AKRacing Core Series EX Gaming Chair
We love the AKRacing Core Series EX Gaming Chair. Available with color trims as flashy as a race car's or understated in classic black, it's a gaming chair that's as well suited matching your living room as it is for supporting your team throughout their championship esport run. Fully adjustable, it matches changing moods, and its steel frame ensures it will last for years. Read our review here.
SteelSeries Apex Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
A flashy gift for a PC gaming enthusiast, the beautiful SteelSeries Apex Pro is a premium computer keyboard with everything a gamer could want. It stole the top slot on our list of the best gaming keyboards this year. Mechanical keys are perfectly timed for hotkey commands (and typing by day), and can actually have their sensitivity customized to match the user's touch. Customizable RGB beneath every key sets the mood and can even be controlled on your keyboard—eliminating the need to hop out of game to change the mood.
Gigabyte Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080
If you're shopping for a PC gamer that owns an aging custom gaming desktop, then one of the best gifts you can give them is a new GPU. A dedicated GPU like the Gigabyte Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 gives their gaming computer it's own dedicated Leonardo Da Vinci for visuals. It delivers superior graphics that will keep up with modern games and supports raytracing. Read about CPUs and GPUs from our experts here. Make sure they have the know how or the resources to properly install the GPU before you buy—this might mean finding a computer store in your town that can help if your giftee isn't good with a screwdriver.
Flexispot Comhar All-in-One Standing Desk Wooden Top - 48"
Flexispot standing desks offer an incredible amount of adjustment possibilities, enabling you to raise and lower the top of your desk with a touch so that you can stand throughout the day and give your body a break. For the gamer who works at home this can be revolutionary, ensuring they'll still have energy for computer fun after a long day of typing or spreadsheets. However a standing desk can also be more. For active Esports games, play while standing can make you more alert and give you the edge you need to win. The Flexispot Comhar also comes with a few special features that gamers will appreciate, like three easy access USB ports and a handy pull out drawer.
Meta Quest 2
While it's technically a standalone device, the Meta Quest 2 is a fantastic gift for PC gamers. The Quest 2 gives gaming fans a gateway into VR. With powerful, immersive graphics that place you into an adjacent reality, it's a cutting way to experience virtual gaming that will also open the door to Meta's VR development of Facebook.
Christmas Gift Ideas for Console Gamers
Nintendo Switch Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Edition Pro Controller
The Nintendo Switch only gets better with a Pro controller. With a more agile design than the Switch's Joy Cons, the Switch Pro controller is a huge upgrade for gamers that want increased finesse, and amps up the experience with rumble. The Nintendo Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Edition Pro Controller celebrates Nintendo's classic competitive death match—Smash Bros. Gift it to a Smash Bros fan or any Switch owner who deserves extra control.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: 3 Month Membership
If you're looking for a great gift for an Xbox gamer, then don't sleep on the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: 3 Month Membership. A Simple digital code, this gift gives them access to hundreds of game titles, from AAA leviathan RPGs to competitive online multiplayers.
Nintendo Switch Online 12-Month Individual Membership
The Switch universe offers one of the best prices on online subscriptions—lucky you! For the price of only a few months of some other game subscriptions, a gift of Nintendo Switch Online gives a Switch player access to online play in titles like Minecraft and Super Smash Bros Ultimate, over a 100 NES and Super NES games, cloud saves and more. Gift a whole year and give them unlimited online play.
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is a wonderful and versatile gaming system. Since its release in 2017, it's remained the preeminent handheld gaming system while doubling as a compelling and competitively affordable console for your TV. With a roster of Nintendo classics, built in Joy-Cons that support multiplayer play, console play and handheld single-player, and an ever-expanding roster of next-gen ports, Switch remains exciting.
Nintendo Switch Lite
The Switch is even more affordable than ever with the Nintendo Switch Lite. Built for handheld play exclusively, the Nintendo Switch Lite has built in control keys. Gift it to the gamer who's always on the go.
PlayStation 5
A PS5 might be hard to get, but if you can score one of these new super-consoles then it's a sure fire win at Christmas. Blistering fast gaming, visuals that feel startlingly real and top-grade 3D sound—these are just tastes of what a PlayStation 5 provides. The PS5 is only available in limited quantities. If you're considering gifting your loved one a PS5, then put in a request to buy one now, as invites are sent out on a rolling basis.
Xbox Series S Holiday Console
If you're looking for a next-gen console for Christmas and you don't want to risk the waits and potential disappointment that surrounds the by-invitation sales of PS5 and Xbox Series X, then the Xbox Series S Holiday Console is the move. While it isn't quite as fast or pretty as the Series X, it can still keep up, churning out 120 FPS that will keep any epsorts or shooter fan viable in competitive online play.
The Series S is all digital, meaning that it only supports games downloaded from the internet rather than physical copies. Still, at about half the price of the Series X (and the guarantee you can buy it) it's a wonderful deal.
Xbox Series X
The Xbox Series X is a masterpiece. Blindingly fast and jaw-dropping in its graphics delivery, the Series X is a true torch bearer for next-gen gaming. However, like the PS5, it's also hard to get. If you're looking to gift an Xbox Series X to a gaming fan in your life, go ahead and sign up for the lottery now.
Christmas Gift Ideas for Streamers
Logitech Brio 4K Webcam
Perhaps the first gift for anybody who wants to get into streaming is a good webcam, and the Logitech Brio 4K Webcam is the best out there that we've found. Get this 4K video and equip them for streaming world class video.
Blue Yeti X
These days Blue Yeti microphones are ubiquitous enough to be recognizable even to folks outside of sound recording. The Blue Yeti X builds on the classic USB microphone with improved sound and some extra features. It lead our list of the best USB microphones in 2022. One of the Yeti X's best streamer features is its ability to blend between monitoring sound pre and post mix, meaning that a streamer can hear what they sound like in their room, as well as on their livestream. With multiple polar patterns and a higher bitrate for better fidelity sound, the Yeti X is the best Yeti for streamers yet.
Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones
Our pick for the best headphones out there, these wireless headphones are a perfect gift for streamers, and their built-in mics could even eliminate the need for a second dedicated microphone. With excellent noise canceling and lavish full spectrum sound, the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Headphones will take them deeper into their virtual world. Their elegant black design also looks great on camera.
Christmas Gift Ideas for Tabletop Gamers
Wingspan Board Game
Wingspan is sensational. This fantastic board game is all about collecting birds. Players compete to create the most thriving ecosystem, drawing birds and rolling for food types, then pairing different birds together across three ecosystems. The tabletop card game features lavish art and a deep engine-building game mechanic that supports one to five players (more with the expansions) and remains fun time and again. Safe for family and compelling to play with friends, it'll appeal to anyone who loves birds, games or both.
D&D Player's Handbook
Dungeons and Dragons 5e starts with a Player's Handbook. Whether you're shopping for a friend who's been casually interested in trying D&D since watching Stranger Things, upgrading to 5th edition from 3rd or 4th or coaxing a friend into your campaign, the D&D Player's Handbook gives them the tools they'll need to start. Containing the rules to develop a character, basic mechanics, spells, items and even a few monsters, the Player's Handbook is the gateway to starting a D&D campaign.
Cephalofair Games: Gloomhaven
If you want to gift a game with a D&D aesthetic that still retains the board game format then go with Gloomhaven. From Cephalofair Gamers, Gloomhaven is full of RPG depth and rich illustrations, and rewards continued multi-session play. Supporting one to four players, it's suitable for players aged early high-school and up.
2022 Holiday Shopping Guide
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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
This article originally appeared on Reviewed: 27 Best Gifts for Gamers, As Chosen by Gamers
