Shopping for gifts for gamers is a double-edged Master Sword. On the one hand, there are so many cool games, consoles, and accessories to choose from. But there's also just so much to choose from, to the point where you might feel under-leveled for the "simple" task of picking that just-right gift. That's where we come in.
To help you on your side quest to find the perfect present for a gamer friend or loved one, we've compiled a massive list of more than 50 gamer gift ideas for the 2024 holiday season —?including a bunch of games we've played and products we've tested ourselves. If you're gifting on a budget, you'll do well with a new accessory for your recipient's existing setup, a few months' worth of their favorite video game subscription service, or a copy of a popular game from the past few months. Leveling up over the $100 mark expands your options to high-end peripherals, while $200 and above unlocks current-gen consoles, bundles, and gaming laptops. We've peppered in a few limited-edition collectibles at different price points, too.
A Valve Steam Deck OLED
The new version of our favorite handheld PC gaming console has a brighter OLED screen, a longer-lasting battery, twice as much storage, and a larger fan that helps it run cooler. It's a neat device that can "impressively handle a lot of what you throw at it" and a "worthy revision" to the original Steam Deck, said Perry.
Buying Options
A Valve Steam Deck OLED
A Backbone One
With support for apps like Xbox Cloud Gaming, PS Remote Play, and GeForce Now, the Backbone One is an intuitive mobile controller that can turn a smartphone into a portable gaming console. There are Lighting and USB-C models available for both Xbox and PlayStation.
Buying Options
A Backbone One
An Xbox Series S – 1TB
The new Series S makes over Microsoft's disc drive-free console in edgy Carbon Black and doubles its storage to 1TB (same as the Series X). It's only $50 more than the original white, 512GB model, which is cheaper than buying a storage expansion card for it.
Buying Options
An Xbox Series S – 1TB
A UPspec Gaming xScreen
Giftees who already own an Xbox Series S will be able to play it anywhere (sans TV or monitor) with the xScreen, an attachable screen with a 60Hz display and built-in speakers. A second version that matches the new Carbon Black Series S is in the works, FYI.
Buying Options
A UPspec Gaming xScreen
A pair of pastel Joy-Con
Available in two combinations (Purple/Green or Pink/Yellow), Nintendo's candy-colored Joy-Con are an adorable alternative to the standard controllers that come with its non-Lite Switches. Plus, it's handy to have some extras for multiplayer games like "Mario Party SuperStars" and "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe."
Buying Options
A pair of pastel Joy-Con
'Video Game of the Year'
Written by Jordan Minor, senior analyst at our sister site PCMag, "VGOY" dissects the most influential titles across 40 years of gaming history. (Spoiler: Something managed to beat out "Breath of the Wild" for 2017's slot.) Colorful illustrations and over 75 guest blurbs supplement Minor's voicey and thoughtful essays.
Buying Options
'Video Game of the Year'
A PlayStation Portal Remote Player
The Portal is an all-new PS5 accessory that lets users stream games from their console over WiFi when someone else is hogging the TV. It has its issues (and doesn't do anything a phone can't already do), but its "excellent form factor, good display, and overall usefulness" have Perry reaching for it often.
Buying Options
A PlayStation Portal Remote Player
An Analogue Pocket
If your gamer friend has a collection of old Game Boy titles that's just collecting dust, get them a Pocket: The unique handheld is built specifically to play those cartridges (not merely emulate them). It's a really neat gift for retro gaming enthusiasts —?if you can find it in stock.
Buying Options
An Analogue Pocket
A Posh Paws Plush Pupstation Gaming Controller Dog Toy
This gamepad-shaped dog toy is designed for PC — as in, power chewers. It has a plush fabric exterior and a built-in squeaker that definitely won't be distracting during a "Warzone" Battle Royale match.
Buying Options
A Posh Paws Plush Pupstation Gaming Controller Dog Toy
Credit: Nintendo 'Super Mario Bros. Wonder'
Nintendo Switch
"Wonder" is the first new Super Mario Bros. side-scroller in over 10 years, and it marks an "exceedingly silly and playful return to form" for the Nintendo franchise, wrote Perry. Up to four players can join locally for family-friendly fun.
Buying Options
'Super Mario Bros. Wonder'
'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom'
Nintendo Switch
Okay, so your giftee may already have this title, but if they don't, consider it non-optional. Instead of trying to one-up its predecessor (difficulty level: impossible), "TOTK" expands upon it with additional areas to explore, inventive new mechanics to play with, and more surprises to discover. "This is a wickedly imaginative sequel to one of the best games ever made," said Perry.
Buying Options
'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom'
'Baldur's Gate 3' Deluxe Edition
Xbox, PlayStation, and PC
"BG3" has set a new standard for CRPG games with its outstanding writing, immense replayability, and myriad customization options. It's a must-play for "Dungeons & Dragons" fans —?and anyone who appreciates a good romance plotline. (Seriously, this game is horny.) The brand-new deluxe edition includes iron-on patches, a poster, a three-CD soundtrack, and other rad collectibles.
Buying Options
'Baldur's Gate 3' Deluxe Edition
'Marvel's Spider-Man 2'
PlayStation
"Spider-Man 2" takes everything players loved from the first two games — unrivaled traversal mechanics, a heartfelt story, web wings —?and fine-tunes it to near perfection. It's also 100% completable in about 25 hours, Perry noted, which is refreshing for those of us gamers trying to hold down a job and a social life.
Buying Options
'Marvel's Spider-Man 2'
'Lies of P'
Xbox, PlayStation, and PC
"Lies of P" is a dark fantasy souls-like game inspired by "The Adventures of Pinocchio" that's "both inspired and hard to put down," said Townsend. It's a no-brainer for any "Bloodborne" obsessors you know and one of the year's biggest surprise hits; its publisher Neowiz already has plans for both a DLC and a sequel.
Buying Options
'Lies of P'
A Meta Quest 3
Meta's new wireless mixed-reality headset nabbed a Mashable's Choice Award for its sleek design, ergonomic controllers, automatic play mapping, and full-color passthrough. "[It] had me ducking behind my chair and fighting fuzzy alien creatures who’ve crashed into my dining room," said tech editor Kim Gedeon.
Buying Options
A Meta Quest 3
Credit: Remedy Entertainment/Epic Games 'Alan Wake II'
Xbox, PlayStation, and PC
Remedy Entertainment's long-awaited sequel is a masterpiece — and Mashable's No. 1 game of 2023. "A tense, slow, and acid-induced horror journey through the eyes of its main protagonists, Alan Wake and Saga Anderson, [it] sits at the very pinnacle of the survival horror genre," wrote assistant editor Chance Townsend.
Buying Options
'Alan Wake II'
A Nintendo Switch - OLED 'Super Smash Bros. Ultimate' Bundle
New for the 2023 holiday season, the first OLED Switch bundle comes with a three-month Switch Online membership and a download code for "Super Smash Bros. Ultimate," an epic who's who of Nintendo characters. It's a $417.97 value altogether.
Buying Options
A Nintendo Switch - OLED 'Super Smash Bros. Ultimate' Bundle
'Star Wars Jedi: Survivor'
Xbox, PlayStation, and PC
At a time where Star Wars content is…well, not that great, "Star Wars Jedi: Survivor" is a breath of fresh air. The game's more open approach improves on the last entry's already fantastic exploration elements, and combat is more fun than ever with the addition of new lightsaber stances (including one with a badass blaster).
Buying Options
'Star Wars Jedi: Survivor'
A custom Xbox Wireless Controller
Hunting for a personalized gift for a gamer? You can customize two of Microsoft's joypads with different-colored components and shimmering hues in the online Xbox Design Lab. Choose from the standard Xbox Wireless Controller or the premium Elite Series 2, which has swappable parts and a rechargeable battery.
Buying Options
A custom Xbox Wireless Controller
A PlayStation DualSense Edge wireless controller
PS5 players who take their gameplay *very* seriously will adore Sony's high-end gamepad, which adds swappable components, remappable back buttons, and personalizable profiles to its DualSense design (but retains its excellent signature haptics and comfort). It comes with its own protective carrying case.
Buying Options
A PlayStation DualSense Edge wireless controller
A LEGO Super Mario Piranha Plant
One of LEGO's newest Super Mario building sets is a miniature, posable version of the cute-but-chompy Piranha Plant, complete with its own green p?o?t pipe. It contains 540 pieces and is meant for ages 18-plus.
Buying Options
A LEGO Super Mario Piranha Plant
An Xbox Series X Console Wrap
Microsoft's Xbox Series X wraps make its flagship console look a little less fridge-y. They're made with sleek microfiber fabric that comes in three designs: Arctic camo, Mineral camo, and a "Starfield" variant inspired by Bethesda's sci-fi RPG.
Buying Options
An Xbox Series X Console Wrap
A Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership
The highest tier of Nintendo's subscription service unlocks online multiplayer, over 100 classic Nintendo 64 and SEGA Genesis games, the "Animal Crossing: New Horizons" DLC, and all six waves of the "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" Booster Course Pass. (Two words: Rainbow Road.)
Buying Options
A Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership
An Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription
Your recipient gets access to an ever-changing library of Xbox and PC games (including day one titles), a bonus EA Play membership, special discounts, and online multiplayer with a Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
Buying Options
An Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription
A PlayStation Plus Premium subscription
PlayStation Plus' beefiest membership plan includes hundreds of downloadable games on demand, streamable classics from older-gen consoles, free game trials, online multiplayer, and exclusive discounts.
Buying Options
A PlayStation Plus Premium subscription
A Nanoleaf 4D Screen Mirror + Lightstrip Kit
This kit syncs the colors from a TV or monitor's screen onto an LED strip mounted behind it, creating immersive and cinematic "4D" backlighting that changes with every shot. It's a cool and unconventional upgrade to a gaming setup that your giftee probably doesn't have yet.
Buying Options
A Nanoleaf 4D Screen Mirror + Lightstrip Kit
A 128GB SanDisk microSDXC Card
The internal memory of a Nintendo Switch maxes out at 32GB to 64GB, depending on the model, so most regular players will need to add more storage eventually. SanDisk's fingernail-sized microSD card is the perfect solution and a nice little stocking stuffer.
Buying Options
A 128GB SanDisk microSDXC Card
A WD_BLACK P50 Game Drive SSD
A beefy SSD will ensure that your recipient never has to delete games from their precious library to make room for new installs. The WD_BLACK P50 is available in several capacities (from 500GB to 4TB) for consoles and PC.
Buying Options
A WD_BLACK P50 Game Drive SSD
A Logitech G Yeti Orb
This baseball-shaped USB mic from Logitech's gaming line (which recently ditched the "Blue" branding) is aimed at gamers who are just dipping their toes into streaming. It sports an RBG logo with customizable lighting and comes with its own stand.
Buying Options
A Logitech G Yeti Orb
An HP Victus 16 Gaming Laptop
The HP Victus 16 is a gaming PC that has no trouble handling a graphics-heavy title like "Cyberpunk 2077" — and its slick all-black chassis makes it "one hell of a looker," wrote Mashable tech editor Kim Gedeon recently. The RTX 4060 configuration sometimes goes on sale for $999.99, dropping it from mid-range to budget territory.
Buying Options
An HP Victus 16 Gaming Laptop
An artisan keycap
A custom keycap adds some extra pizazz to an otherwise standard gaming keyboard. The specialty keyboard retailer Drop has an ever-changing selection of limited-edition pieces from well-known brands like Craftkey and Dwarf Factory that range from $20 to $65.
Buying Options
An artisan keycap
A Razer BlackShark V2 Pro
The cushy BlackShark V2 Pro is an exceptionally comfy wireless gaming headset equipped with THX Spatial Audio, a detachable mic, and up to 70 hours of battery life. It's on the pricier side, but you shouldn't have a hard time finding it on sale closer to $120.
Buying Options
A Razer BlackShark V2 Pro
'Dave the Diver'
Nintendo Switch and PC
Mintrocket's endearing pixel RPG puts players in the flippers of its titular ocean explorer, fisherman, and sushi restaurant manager. It's a cozy game with the occasional edge: There's some scary stuff lurking down in the deep blue sea.
Buying Options
'Dave the Diver'
'Resident Evil 4'
Xbox, PlayStation, and PC
Calling the 2023 version of "RE4" a mere remake doesn't do it justice: "[It] recontextualizes its 18-year-old predecessor for modern audiences and improves its formula while also staying true to its roots," said Townsend. Suffice to say, it's another instant classic within the survival horror genre.
Buying Options
'Resident Evil 4'
A replica of Ellie's backpack from 'The Last of Us'
This real-life reproduction of the rugged, post-apocalyptic-chic backpack that Ellie carries around in "TLOU Part I" is a practical gamer gift (and one that doesn't outwardly scream "gamer gift" unless you're in the know). Switchblade and joke books not included.
Buying Options
A replica of Ellie's backpack from 'The Last of Us'
'The Unofficial Sims Cookbook'
This cookbook contains over 85 recipes (plus corresponding photos) for well-known dishes from 'The Sims" — everything from lobster thermidor to baked Alaska. It's geared toward aspiring chefs at a range of skill levels. Shpansa!
Buying Options
'The Unofficial Sims Cookbook'
'Stardew Valley: The Board Game'
Now in its third print run, the "Stardew Valley" tabletop adaptation gives fans of the cult-favorite farming sim a new way to feed their obsession. "It’s a lot tougher than its namesake but that’s okay, as that’s a necessary step up for a fun board game," said IGN (also owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis).
Buying Options
'Stardew Valley: The Board Game'
A B-12 & Zurk Cat Toy Set by 'Stray' x Travel Cat
This limited-edition set comes with two cat toys inspired by the B-12 drone and a robot-eating Zurk from "Stray," Annapurna Interactive's hit indie adventure game (which will soon be a movie). They both have hidden Velcro pockets for catnip; four grams of it are included.
Buying Options
A B-12 & Zurk Cat Toy Set by 'Stray' x Travel Cat
'The Jackbox Party Pack 10'
Windows, Mac, and Linux
The latest iteration of Jackbox's popular party games collection brings five new trivia, roleplaying, music, and drawing challenges —?including "Tee K.O. 2," the updated version of a chaotic, fan-favorite entry from a past pack. They each support up to nine players, who tune in via phone or tablet.
Buying Options
'The Jackbox Party Pack 10'
A PlayStation 5 (Slim) 'Marvel’s Spider-Man 2' Bundle
Sony unveiled a new PlayStation 5 model this fall with a slimmer design and a detachable disc drive. This bundle tacks on a digital copy of one of the year's best PS5 exclusives for the price of the console itself — a great buy for current-gen upgraders.
Buying Options
A PlayStation 5 (Slim) 'Marvel’s Spider-Man 2' Bundle
A pair of VITURE One XR Glasses
Compatible with certain smartphones, laptops, and handheld PC consoles (including the Steam Deck LCD), these smart glasses are basically a portable and wearable 120-inch TV. They're another Mashable's Choice Award-winner, and Gedeon said they're "my favorite tech device I've tested this year."
Buying Options
A pair of VITURE One XR Glasses
TITAN Evo gaming chair from Secretlab
Best for the dad with a bad back
Whether your dad is an obsessive gamer, or just needs a comfier setup while working from home, then this makes a great option for optimizing his experience. The ergonomic chair is built using a medium-firm foam and comes complete with armrests and lumbar support designed to match the natural 20-45° curvature of the lower back.
Buying Options
TITAN Evo gaming chair from Secretlab
'Hi-Fi RUSH'
Xbox and PC
"HFR" is a rhythm-based action game that challenges players to sync their attacks with music — simple, yet riveting. "It’s a video game toe-tapper that also happens to have a stunning ... art style and a spunky attitude that you just don’t see enough of anymore," said Mashable tech and games reporter Alex Perry.
Buying Options
'Hi-Fi RUSH'
'Tchia'
PlayStation and PC
This "Zelda"-esque open-world game lets you possess animals in a gorgeous homage to New Caledonia, the small island nation where its lead developers grew up. "The characters are voiced by local actors, the music is done by local artists, and the whole thing has a totally fresh vibe," Perry wrote.
Buying Options
'Tchia'
'Octopath Traveler II'
Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and PC
Square Enix's latest turn-based RPG has it all: "Charming characters, a world that can accommodate wide-eyed idealism, grimdark murder mysteries — and even a storyline about simply wanting to become the world’s most famous dancer," wrote Perry. As the cherry on top, its boss fight music slaps.
Buying Options
'Octopath Traveler II'
'Dead Space'
Xbox, PlayStation, and PC
The modern remake of Visceral Games’ gory sci-fi game from 2008 belongs right up there with this year's "RE4" redo. "Almost everything about the game has been improved," Townsend wrote, "from the big things like the satisfying, visceral combat to smaller quality of life changes for navigating what was once a clunky UI and upgrade system."
Buying Options
'Dead Space'
'Diablo: The Sanctuary Tarot Deck and Guidebook'
A sick find for a witchy gamer friend, this deluxe box set contains 78 beautifully illustrated tarot cards embellished with scarlet foil (plus a companion guidebook). The arcana designs are all inspired by Sanctuary, the hellish world where Blizzard Entertainment's best-selling "Diablo" series takes place.
Buying Options
'Diablo: The Sanctuary Tarot Deck and Guidebook'
'Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition'
Xbox, PlayStation, and PC
CD Projekt Red definitively redeemed its dystopian open-world RPG this year with a massive 2.0 base game update and the excellent Phantom Liberty expansion. The new "Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition," which bundles them, is now the best way to jump (back) into Night City.
Buying Options
'Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition'
'Elden Ring' Standard Edition Vinyl
The "Elden Ring" original soundtrack is packed with dramatic orchestral bangers, and this LP (pressed in marbled gray vinyl) makes an awesome collector's item. At the very least, your giftee won't have to wait for the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC in total boring silence.
Buying Options
'Elden Ring' Standard Edition Vinyl
A Logitech G502 X Plus
Mashable's favorite gaming mouse comes in a premium wireless version "boasting up to 120 hours of battery life," per contributor Ashley Keegan. It features customizable RGB lighting, an ultra-accurate sensor, and some hybrid optical-mechanical switches for quick and tactile clicks.
Buying Options
A Logitech G502 X Plus
Rockstar Games socks
It's not quite as exciting as an advanced copy of "GTA 6," but Rockstar superfans will be amped to receive something from the publisher's new holiday merch collection. These colorful socks emblazoned with the publisher's logo come in two sizes.
Buying Options
Rockstar Games socks
A Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro
The clickety-clackety BlackWidow V4 Pro is a full-sized mechanical gaming keyboard that's decked out in a ton of features, including dedicated macro and media keys, a command dial, a cushy built-in wrist rest, and pretty underglow RGB lighting. It's a splurge, but it'll be the last keyboard your PC-playing recipient ever needs.
Buying Options
A Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro
Alienware gaming monitor
Best for girls who game
This is the kind of gift every teen gamer would love to get, but definitely won't splurge on for themselves. The 32-inch QD-OLED monitor features a 4K resolution with a coveted curved design that creates a more immersive experience that's particularly suited to gaming.
Buying Options
Alienware gaming monitor
Rubik’s Cube, Squish Cube
Know a gamer who would enjoy an analog challenge now and then? The Rubik's Cube Soft Cube is old-school fun made new again. It's the classic puzzle cube, but with a softer and squishier feel. And with some three dozen quintillion (yes that's a real number) combinations, they may completely forget about that game controller they set down.
Buying Options
Rubik’s Cube, Squish Cube
VR lenses for Meta Quest
Make for a better viewing experience with a pair of VR lenses for Meta Quest (models 3S and 2) from Zenni Optical. The lightweight lenses are available in either an anti-fog or oil-resistant coating. These would make a great gift for glasses wearers who require a prescription, or can be ordered without a prescription simply to make VR gaming more comfortable.
Buying Options
VR lenses for Meta QuestTopics: Entertainment, Games, 'Super Mario Bros. Wonder', 'Alan Wake II', A Valve Steam Deck OLED, A Backbone One, 'Marvel's Spider-Man 2', An Xbox Series S – 1TB, A UPspec Gaming xScreen, A pair of pastel Joy-Con, 'Video Game of the Year', A PlayStation Portal Remote Player, An Analogue Pocket, A Posh Paws Plush Pupstation Gaming Controller Dog Toy, 'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom', 'Baldur's Gate 3' Deluxe Edition, 'Lies of P', A Meta Quest 3, A Nintendo Switch - OLED 'Super Smash Bros. Ultimate' Bundle, 'Star Wars Jedi: Survivor', A custom Xbox Wireless Controller, A PlayStation DualSense Edge wireless controller, A LEGO Super Mario Piranha Plant, An Xbox Series X Console Wrap, An Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, A PlayStation Plus Premium subscription, A Nanoleaf 4D Screen Mirror + Lightstrip Kit, A 128GB SanDisk microSDXC Card, A WD_BLACK P50 Game Drive SSD, A Logitech G Yeti Orb, An HP Victus 16 Gaming Laptop, An artisan keycap, A Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, 'Dave the Diver', 'Resident Evil 4', A replica of Ellie's backpack from 'The Last of Us', 'The Unofficial Sims Cookbook', 'Stardew Valley: The Board Game', A B-12 & Zurk Cat Toy Set by 'Stray' x Travel Cat, 'The Jackbox Party Pack 10', A PlayStation 5 (Slim) 'Marvel’s Spider-Man 2' Bundle, A pair of VITURE One XR Glasses, A Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, TITAN Evo gaming chair from Secretlab, 'Hi-Fi RUSH', 'Tchia', 'Octopath Traveler II', 'Dead Space', 'Diablo: The Sanctuary Tarot Deck and Guidebook', 'Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition', 'Elden Ring' Standard Edition Vinyl, A Logitech G502 X Plus, Rockstar Games socks, A Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro, Alienware gaming monitor, Rubik’s Cube, Squish Cube, VR lenses for Meta Quest
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