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Gift Guide 2024: Best Gifts for Gamers


Newsweek Holiday Gift Guide 2024

Whether you’re shopping for a console gamer, a PC enthusiast, or a handheld aficionado, this guide highlights the best gaming hardware, software and accessories you can buy for the holidays.

From next-gen consoles like Sony’s PS5 and Microsoft’s Xbox Series X|S to immersive accessories like wireless headsets and high-precision gaming mice, these gifts are perfect for someone looking to level up their gaming experience.

Sony PS5

Sony PS5
Sony PS5

Sony

Sony’s PlayStation 5, be it a standard model, a PS5 Slim, or the new PS5 Pro is a fantastic gift for the gamer in your life. This is especially true if said gamer is still holding onto an aging PlayStation 4.

The PS5 is more than just a hardware upgrade. While there are indeed graphical improvements and better load times, there’s also a catalog of exclusive games that aren’t available for the PS4 and other consoles.

PS5 exclusives include the highly acclaimed Astro Bot (perfect for kids), Final Fantasy 7 Remake (for RPG lovers), Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Silent Hill 2 Remake. Plenty of others are set for release in 2025.

Unlike previous years, you can find the PS5 family of consoles in stock at your favorite retailers in time for the holiday season.

You can find the PS5 at a variety of retailers including Sony.

Microsoft Xbox Series X|S

Microsoft Xbox Series X
Microsoft Xbox Series X

Microsoft

Microsoft’s alternatives to the PS5, the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, are also outstanding options for a loved one who loves to game.

Like the PS5, these consoles offer more than just hardware upgrades. They also support games that simply aren’t available on older Xbox consoles.

These exclusives include Bethesda’s Starfield, EA’s College Football 25, Microsoft Flight Simulator and Forza Motorsport.

The consoles are readily available at most retailers, and you should be able to find a deal and/or a bundle that fits your budget.

The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S are available at Microsoft and many other retailers

OLED Nintendo Switch

OLED Nintendo Switch
OLED Nintendo Switch

Nintendo

Nintendo’s Switch 2 should arrive in 2025, but not everyone can or wants to wait. The next best Nintendo console is the company’s OLED Switch, released back in 2021.

The OLED Nintendo Switch has several standout features. These include the upgraded 7-inch display with more vibrant and colors, an improved kickstand and an improved dock that ditches the hinged cover for a removable one.

Nintendo’s vast library of games means the person you’re buying for won’t run out of games to play making it a solid gift choice this fall.

The OLED Nintendo Switch is available at Nintendo and other popular retailers.

Call of Duty Black Ops 6/Baldur’s Gate 3/EA College Football 25

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Activision

If your loved one already owns a PS5 or an Xbox Series X|S, how about a new game for said console?

There are plenty of options out there, but there are three that we think should be on your shopping list this fall.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is the latest in the long-running series and it combines a stellar campaign and traditional multiplayer with fan-favorite zombies. And yes, there’s a new Warzone map.

Baldur’s Gate 3, which is in line to win numerous end-of-the-year awards, is an excellent choice for someone who loves roleplaying games and fantasy.

And finally, EA College Football 25 is one of the best sports games on the market and is sure to be a hit for any football fan.

You can find these games at Amazon or your favorite retailer. Check for deals before you buy.

Valve Steam Deck

Valve Steam Deck
Valve Steam Deck

Valve

Valve’s extremely popular Steam Deck is another option, especially if the person you’re shopping for has a keen interest in PC games.

The Steam Deck is a device that combines the power of a gaming console with the flexibility of a handheld. It lets gamers bring PC games in their Steam library on the go.

The onboard AMD APU and its stunning 7-inch touchscreen means gamers will get a smooth and fantastic-looking experience anywhere they play.

Other highlights include Bluetooth support for controllers and accessories, customizable controls and the ability to play games from the Epic Games Store.

Grab the Steam Deck on Steam.

HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless

HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless
HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless

HyperX

HyperX’s Cloud Alpha Wireless is one of the best gaming headsets on the market, plain and simple.

Not only do they deliver rich sound, but they also feature outstanding battery life. Gamers can use them for over 100 hours before having to charge them.

The ear cups are comfortable, the controls are easy to use and they don’t break the bank like some of the other top-notch headsets out there.

The Cloud Alpha Wireless is available on HyperX’s website and many popular retail outlets.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro

SteelSeries

The Arctis Nova Pro from SteelSeries is another excellent option for those looking to gift a pair of gaming headphones.

These headphones deliver crisp audio, boosted by simulated surround sound and support for Hi-Res audio.

Users also get access to a wealth of audio adjustments thanks to SteelSeries’ powerful software.

They also have an exceptional microphone which is great for those who love to play multiplayer games with friends and family.

Find the Arctis Nova Pro on SteelSeries’ website or at your favorite retailer.

Razer Cobra Pro Wireless Mouse

Razer Cobra Pro Wireless Mouse
Razer Cobra Pro Wireless Mouse

Razer

Razer’s Cobra Pro Wireless Mouse is an exceptional gift for any PC gamer.

It has exceptional build quality which means it will last. It has low click latency which is important for many online PC games. And its sensors are extremely accurate. It’s the full package.

The device is compatible with Razer’s Mouse Dock Pro and HyperPolling Wireless Dongle which makes it extremely versatile.

Razer sells the Cobra Wireless Mouse and you can also find it at popular retailers.

Backbone One

Backbone One
Backbone One

Backbone

If you’re looking for a gift for someone who plays games on their iPhone, look no further than the Backbone One.

The Backbone One a console-style control that users can add to the sides of an iPhone (iPhone 6s and up) to mimic console gaming. It’s easy to attach and remove making it perfect for road trips, long flights or just a simple gaming session on the couch.

It features a headphone jack, pass-through charging and the Backbones app delivers screen capture and social functions.

Shop for the Backbone One at Backbone or your favorite retailer.

Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 Gaming Monitor

Samsung Odyssey Neo G9
Samsung Odyssey Neo G9

Samsung

Samsung’s Odyssey Neo G9 gaming monitor sports a massive 57-inch screen that is perfect for both gaming and getting work done.

The dual UHD gaming monitor’s capable of up to 8K resolution for games on the ultra-wide 32:9 screen. A Quantum Mini-LED display with HDR support handles up to a 240Hz refresh rate. It delivers a low 1ms response time with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro support.

And while it’s meant for PC games, users can connect a console like the PS5 or Xbox Series X to the Odyssey Neo G9 57-inch and use the beautiful display with fast response times.

On the productivity side, the ability to place multiple apps next to each other to compare documents, copy details between Excel books and stay connected on Teams is ideal for the multitasker in your life.

The Odyssey Neo G9 is available at Samsung and other popular retail locations.



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