These top gifts for gamers will put you on the leaderboard
If you have a gamer to shop for in 2024, it's time to level up your gifting skills. What they really want is something that speaks to them as gaming superfans. Whether they're playing through "Super Mario RPG" or spending time in virtual reality, you want to give a gift that stands out.
Gamers are always looking for their next digital adventure, but they're not just about the games. Comfort and style during those marathon gaming sessions are just as important. And let's not forget the cool gadgets and accessories that can make their gaming more immersive than ever.
From next-gen consoles that promise to transport them to other worlds to ergonomic chairs and desks for the ultimate gaming comfort, we've got you covered.
The best gifts for gamers in 2024
For gamers who love cute things: Razer Kraken Kitty V2 gaming headset
It's not just another headset. No, it looks like kitty ears. It's basically like gifting wearable cat vibes for those gaming marathons or even a chill day at the cat cafe. And there are plenty of folks out there who are absolute suckers for cat ears.
The cool part? It's the wireless kid on the Razer Kraken Kitty block, so no more wrestling with cords like you had to with the prior model. Plus, it's got some cool RGB lighting to help it match a gaming setup.
If you're aiming for that "aww" factor, the Kraken Kitty V2 BT could be the quirky, cute pick they didn't know they needed.
A powerful new console: Microsoft Xbox Series X 'Diablo IV' bundle
The Xbox Series X package includes the Xbox Series X console itself, an extra controller, and the highly anticipated "Diablo IV."
The Series X stands at the apex of Xbox's power hierarchy. With a hefty 12 teraflops of graphic prowess and support for DirectX ray tracing, it delivers stunning visuals and smoother gameplay versus its predecessors.
For those who can't stand the drag of loading screens, the Xbox Series X is a dream. Its Velocity Architecture whips through load times, and with up to 120 FPS, the gameplay is buttery smooth. The quick-resume feature is a neat bonus, dropping players right back into the action where they left off.
The console's game library is nothing short of vast, compatible with a treasure trove of new and legacy games. Plus, toss in an Xbox Game Pass subscription, and you've got the key to a massive digital playground, all for a modest monthly cost.
The most popular console: 'Marvel's Spider-Man 2' Sony PlayStation 5 bundle
This bundle features the PS5 with a disc drive, a DualSense controller, and "Marvel's Spider-Man 2" -- a title that's snagged rave reviews.
This system is very clearly a beast. The console's 4K resolution capabilities, state-of-the-art haptic feedback, ultra-fast SSD, and 3D audio are a total game-changer (pun intended), offering a next-level experience that spans all types of games.
At the heart of the PS5 is an 8-core AMD Zen 2 CPU paired with 10.3 teraflops of GPU muscle, delivering top-notch performance that gamers crave. But the real MVP is the SSD; loading screens are practically a thing of the past. Jumping back into action after a pause is seamless, too.
Hardware aside, what really makes the PS5 stand out is its exclusive game lineup, and "Marvel's Spider-Man 2" is a testament to that.
For a Super Mario fan: Nintendo Switch OLED Model: Mario Red Edition
Since the Switch hit the scene, Nintendo's rolled out a killer lineup of games that are perfect for the whole family. They're packed with fun, challenge, and, of course, the world's most iconic video game characters. And who's more iconic than Mario, right?
With the launch of "Super Mario Bros. Wonder," a brand new 2D Mario adventure that's all about classic side-scrolling action, Nintendo's dropped a special edition of the Nintendo Switch OLED Model. It looks like it jumped straight out of the Mushroom Kingdom with its slick Mario-red color scheme.
"Super Mario Bros. Wonder" and "Super Mario RPG" are the some of the hottest Mario titles right now. If you do decide to grab this system, pairing one of them with the Mario-themed Nintendo Switch OLED is a no-brainer.
For PC gamers on the go: Valve Steam Deck
The Valve Steam Deck is like a portable PC for your Steam library. Valve's SteamOS provides a similar gaming experience to a Nintendo Switch, but it's for PC users who want to play their favorite cloud-based games on the go.
Valve Steam Deck runs on an AMD APU with 16GB RAM. It offers a 7-inch LCD touchscreen. Storage options include: 64GB eMMC, a 256GB SSD, or a 512GB SSD, but each can be expanded using an optional microSD card. Game performance is great as well, as compatible games display at a solid and steady 30 to 60 FPS.
Valve continually updates its list of supported Steam titles, so there's always something new to play -- not to mention a vast library of classics. And if a game isn't directly compatible, cloud-based gaming services like GeForce Now are often a workaround. Battery life averages around three hours per charge.
For gamers getting into streaming: Elgato HD60 X capture card
Some gamers like to share what they're playing with the world by way of streaming. If your giftee wants to stream on Twitch, here's a way to get them started down their own path to becoming a gaming influencer superstar.
The Elgato HD60 X is a capture device designed for content creators and streamers. It boasts 4K30 HDR10 or 1080p60 HDR10 in terms of quality, with passthroughs like 4K60 HDR10, 1440p120, 1080p120, and VRR. What sets it apart is its plug-and-play nature, meaning it doesn't require drivers for either Windows and Mac.
It's compatible with apps ranging from OBS to Streamlabs, which means gamers can stream to YouTube, Twitch and other popular services. The Elgato HD60X offers ultra-low latency, clocking in at under 100ms. There are no subscription requirements for use and it can capture as long as you play. Players are only limited to the amount of space on their hard drive.
Whether you know someone who wants to just record gameplay videos or share them with the world, this is a great option.
To protect their vision: Gunnar gaming and computer glasses
Lengthy gaming sessions can take a toll on the eyes. Gunnar computer and gaming glasses are designed to mitigate the strain that comes with lengthy screen time. They're made to filter the blue light from screens and monitors, reducing eye fatigue.
But Gunnar glasses aren't just for eye protection. They're pretty stylish, too. Plus, they can be worn for extended periods without discomfort, making them perfect for hardcore gamers or for working long hours at a computer monitor.
You can also get them custom-made with prescription lenses, but the prescription option is not available with progressive lenses. The frames themselves are made from lightweight plastic.
For gamers looking for a reliable headset: HyperX Cloud Alpha headset
Every gamer needs a great headset and the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless is a premium option that will likely work well for any PC or console-based gamer on your list. With an incredible 300-hour battery life on a single charge, this headset allows for extended gaming sessions. With its 2.4GHz wireless connectivity, it's great for playing online-based multiplayer gamings without being tethered to a console or PC.
The headset features DTS Headphone:X spatial audio, as well as a dual-chamber driver system to separates mids and highs from bass. This offers a solid wall of sound that works great with just about every game.
This headset is comfortable and well made. Its memory foam and breathable leatherette ear cups are plush, offering a premium feel around the ears. And when the headset is used for multiplayer gaming, its detachable noise-cancelling microphone means crystal-clear comms.
Right now, when you purchase this headset for $169 at Amazon, you'll receive a free "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III" digital code for the platform of your choice.
For gamers with a beloved smartphone: Backbone One (iPhone)
The Backbone One is a controller that transforms a smartphone into a handheld gaming system offering access to PlayStation, PC, cloud-based and Xbox games. This version is compatible with the iPhone 14 (or later), but there's a separate edition that works with many Android smartphones.
Using analog triggers, tactile buttons and clickable thumbsticks, smartphone users can play using a handheld controller inspired by the PlayStation DuelSense. Because the Backbone One supports multiple cloud-based gaming services (including Apple Arcade, PS Remote Play, Xbox Game Pass, Stream Link and Nvidia GeForce Now (all via the Backbone mobile app), a wide range of Windows PC, Xbox, cloud-based and Playstation games are accessible.
For gamers needing a fresh keyboard: Razer Huntsman V3 Pro
For PC gamers, the wired Razer Huntsman V3 Pro gaming keyboard has a highly customizable and versatile full-size keyboard design. It uses double shot PBT keycaps and Razer Analog Optical Switches (Gen-2). Integrated into the keyboard are separate media keys and a programmable dial, along with a powerful per-key RBG lighting system.
The switches offer an adjustable, dual step actuation range between 0.1mm and 4.0mm. All components in this keyboard are high-end and durable. Even the top plate is made from aircraft-grade aluminum. Plus, the keyboard comes with a detachable leatherette wrist guard.
The keyboard's onboard storage holds up to six profiles. And, specifically for gamers, the keyboard supports N-key rollover with anti-ghosting. In terms of gaming keyboards, the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro is defiantly one of our top picks.
One powerful laptop: Asus ROG Strix G17 gaming laptop
Especially for older or more skilled players, PC gaming is more popular than consoles. For the latest and most sophisticated Windows and cloud-based games, a higher-end gaming PC is a must. That's where the Asus ROG Strix G17 comes in.
This higher-end gaming laptop offers a beautiful 17.3-inch WQHD IPS display with a 240Hz refresh rate and 2,560 x 1,440 pixel resolution. It's powered using an AMD 12-Core Ryzen 9-7845HX processor and includes a GeForce RTX 4060 GPU. The computer is also configured with 64GB of RAM and a massive 4TB SSD for storage. Plus, the laptop's keyboard features programmable RGB lighting.
With Windows 11 Home coming preinstalled, the Asus ROG Strix G17 is a souped up gaming laptop that offers wireless and Ethernet internet connectivity, along with a generous selection of ports. For the PC gamer who wants to travel with a gaming setup, this laptop is the perfect option.
For better ambient lighting: Nanoleaf Canvas
Gamers love colorful lighting. Most of the latest and most powerful gaming keyboards, monitors and mice offer customizable RGB lighting. But to extend the aesthetic across a whole gaming space, we recommend the Nanoleaf Canvas smart light tiles.
This starter set includes nine square LED smart light panels that can be attached to any wall and be formatted any way you like (as long as at least one side of each tile is touching another). Using the Nanoleaf app, you can display different colors for each tile, or select from thousands of pre-created animated lighting sequences. You can also create your own animated light show with ease; each touch-sensitive light panel can displays more than 16 million colors.
The nine tiles attach using two-sided mounting tape that's removable. Expansion sets, containing four additional tiles each, are sold separately ($48). In addition to all of Nanoleaf's smart lighting sets being controllable using a single mobile app, Nanoleaf's smart lights often can be synced with RGB lighting integrated into other gaming gear, including keyboards.
For a comfortable seat: Secretlab Titan Evo 202 gaming chair
Some gaming sessions can last for hours and hours. If you want the gamer in your life to be comfy the whole time, we recommend a high-end gaming chair, like this Secretlab Titan Evo 202. This is a sleekly designed piece of home furniture that will look fantastic in anyone's gaming space.
Comfort-forward features include adjustable arm rests, a magnetic head pillow, four-way lumbar support, 165-degree recline and height adjustability. The chair comes in six color options and in three sizes. The Secretlab Titan Evo 202 is one of the best gaming chairs out there.
For a compact gaming keyboard: SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL
Not all PC gamers have the space for a full-size gaming keyboard. That's why companies like SteelSeries offer tenkeyless (TKL) gaming keyboards. These keyboards lack a numeric keypad, but still offer a full-size set of alphanumeric and Function keys, as well as directional arrow keys.
The Apex 9 TKL keyboard also offers full customizability and per-key RGB lighting. It uses high-end optical switches and double shot PBT keycaps. This is a wired version of the popular gaming keyboard. It's swappable OptiPoint switches offer a 0.2ms response time and a two-point actuation design that can be customized to offer anything from a light 1mm press to a 1.5mm keystroke.
For a gamer who doesn't want to give up more desk space, this TKL gaming keyboard from SteelSeries is a great alternative. It's well made and offers just about all of the keyboard features that are in highest demand by gamers.
For gamers who need more storage: WD Black 2TB Game Drive
Consoles come with built-in hard drive storage, but any hardcore gamer is bound to run out. Keep that from happening by gifting this portable external hard drive, which is compatible with PlayStation, Xbox, PC and Mac.
It has a whopping 2TB capacity that can hold dozens of games, whether the player in your life needs more space to download complete titles or just wants more storage for game saves, clips or other media. Given how absolutely, insanely large some games are these days (think over 100GB for a Call of Duty title) this portable external hard drive is, frankly, a must-have.
For just $85, it's a cost-effective way for many gamers to add more storage to their console or computer, eliminating the need to delete games before downloading and installing new ones.
Get a grip: KontrolFreek FPS Freek performance thumbsticks
There are some excellent game controllers on the market, but sometimes you need a little extra oomph for the performance you're looking for. That's where KontrolFreek thumbsticks come in. The FPS Freek model is perfect for Xbox gamers who play first-person shooters like "Call of Duty" or "Overwatch," because it adds a better, cushier, customizable grip to the thumbsticks.
The thumbsticks feel more comfortable and easier to maneuver, and the sticks improve accuracy, too. You get two per pack, and each just slides on. They can be popped on and off whenever they're needed, and they're unobtrusive. For gamers looking to level up, this accessory is a no-brainer.
Visit new worlds: Meta Quest 3 Starter Bundle
The new Meta Quest 3 is the most advanced and popular mixed reality-headset from the folks at Meta. This latest generation doubles the graphics processing power found in the Meta Quest 2 and offers stunning visuals on its 4K+ infinite display that combines seamlessly with enhanced 3D audio.
At the moment, there are more than 500 immersive games, social experiences and apps compatible with the Meta Quest 3. And thanks to this headset's enhanced battery life (now up to 2.2 hours per charge), gamers have more time per play session. The Quest 3 also offers a slimmer profile and a more comfortable design than its predecessor.
This starter bundle includes the Meta Quest 3 headset with 128GB of internal storage, a pair of Touch Plus controllers, a copy of the "Asgard's Wrath 2" game (a $60 value), and a Meta Quest 3 carrying case. Right now, you can get the bundle for $569.
For cloud gamers: Logitech G Cloud handheld console
The Logitech G Cloud handheld console makes cloud gaming straightforward and efficient. You can access hundreds of AAA video game titles, each of them streaming smoothly at up to 1080p 60fps. You're not just limited to one cloud gaming service, either. This handheld gaming system integrates with Xbox Cloud Gaming, Google Play, Steam Link and Nvidia GeForce Now, which opens up its one-player and multi-player game library considerably.
The 7-inch full HD touchscreen (with its 60Hz refresh rate) makes games look great, too, which is impressive, given how light and sleek the unit is. Factor in a 12-plus hour battery life and it's clear this handheld is made for extended gaming sessions.
The Logitech G is equipped with everything a gamer needs to upgrade a mobile experience, like haptics, a gyroscope, and re-mappable controls. With support for Wi-Fi speeds up to 800+Mbps on a 5GHz connection, games run smoothly.
For gamers who live in the kitchen: Halo: The Official Cookbook
Here's a selection of delicious cuisine that they can make right in their kitchen, ranging from sweet potato fries to chicken satay, all of which are inspired by moments in the Halo series.
There are plenty of delicious desserts as well, from French toast to custard pie and a variety of other decadent treats that you're encouraged to make and consume straight out of the kitchens of the UNSC.
It's packed with high-quality, full-color photos that accompany each recipe. Best of all, the directions are easy to follow, and there are plenty of different dishes to try.
For gamers who love real-life competition: 'Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit'
Crank up the fun with "Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit" for the Nintendo Switch. If you like playing the kart racer, you'll love bringing it into the real world. You can turn your place into a racetrack where you're dodging banana peels in the hallway and racing past your couch.
This fun gadget lets you steer a real-life kart using your Switch, weaving through whatever crazy course you set up. The kart has a camera that sends a live feed to your Switch, mixing your actual surroundings with the virtual thrills of "Mario Kart." You'll be grabbing power-ups and dodging shells, and yup, they actually make your physical kart zoom faster or stop in its tracks. It's pretty wild.
What's the perfect gift for a gamer?
Here's how to get that high score in gift-giving:
Know their play style: Are they into epic RPGs, fast-paced shooters, or maybe cozy farming sims? These are all important things to consider.
Listen for hints: Gamers often can't resist talking about the gear they're dreaming of or the next big game release. Pay attention, and you might just find out exactly what they want without having to ask. Or you could, you know, ask.
Consider comfort: Long gaming sessions mean comfort is king. Ergonomic chairs, gaming desks, or even a high-quality pair of headphones could be a game-changer.
Accessorize: Sometimes it's the little things that count. Think about gaming mouse pads, stylish controller skins, or LED lights to deck out their gaming space.
Go for experiences: If physical gifts don't seem to be a good fit, consider gifting an experience instead, or something that can be used to purchase digital goods. This could be a subscription to a game streaming service or a pre-order for a game they've been waiting for.
Don't overlook nostalgia: Classic games or retro consoles can be a hit -- tapping into those heartwarming pixels of yesteryear.
Gift cards are OK: If you're totally stumped, a gift card to their favorite gaming store or online retailer is a safe bet. It lets them choose what they really want, and believe us, no gamer turns down a free game shopping spree.
