From Nintendo to Sony and Everything in Between, Here Are 45 Great Gifts for Gamers in 2023

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Gaming has been on a meteoric rise, supercharged by consumers’ desire for interactive indoor entertainment. Gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 continue to break sales records, while huge new blockbusters like Starfield have gamers buzzing.

With more people playing games than ever before, many non-gamers are stuck scratching their heads at what gifts to buy their gaming pals. Since gaming can be a highly specialized hobby, with games and gear costing a pretty penny, it’s important to ensure you’re buying something that your gamer friend or family member will actually use.

Luckily, you don’t need to understand the latest trends in graphics cards to get a great gift for your favorite gamer. Sometimes all it takes is a simple toy, book, or the latest AAA game to bring a gamer some holiday joy.

We’ve hand-picked a list of stellar products that would all make great gifts for gamers. With a wide range of products including games, systems, gadgets, and even books, we’re sure our list has something for everyone.

For more great presents for the gamers in your life, check out our picks for the best Nintendo Switch consoles, the best game consoles, and the best handheld game systems.

5 Console (PS5)

The PlayStation 5 remains one of the hottest consoles of all time—and for good reason. Sony’s flagship hardware is home to some spectacular first-party titles and power unlike anything we’ve previously seen in the console space. It’d be hard to go wrong with this one—though such a great gift comes at a high price of $399.99 for the digital-only edition or $499.99 for the standard version.

Backbone One

Know someone who loves iPhone gaming? The Backbone One plugs directly into the iPhone and allows it to work as a handheld gaming console, giving mobile gamers two analog sticks and plenty of buttons with an awesome built-in interface. Your gamer friend can stream modern console games via the cloud, or use their Apple Arcade subscription to game wherever they’d like.

Pac-Man Color LCD Retro Mini Arcade Game

Pac-Man fever lives on, and it’s here in this small arcade cabinet. Less than six inches tall, this micro Pac-Man actually works just as its bigger arcade brother would, with graphics, sounds, and authentic cabinet art you remember from the ’80s (or don’t, if you’re young).

Elden Ring

Also available on PS4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X

One of the most critically acclaimed games of 2022, Elden Ring is a massive, immersive action-adventure epic. Like a dark, incredibly challenging version of The Legend of Zelda, it's a fantastic game for fans of Dark Souls or anyone who enjoys the freedom of open-world adventure games.

Game Pass Ultimate

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is a subscription that combines Xbox Live (required for online play on Xbox) and Xbox Game Pass (library of hundreds of games) into a single service. Its best feature, however, is that Game Pass subscribers get all first-party Microsoft games on day one at no extra cost, making it an excellent option for any Xbox players you’re shopping for.

LED Mini Fridge

PC gamers are used to staying at their battle stations, posted up in front of their desktops, clacking away at their keyboards, and waiting for their next match to load. The right mini-fridge will help them stick around for longer, helping them quench their thirst without having to get up for a drink.

This one from Personal Chiller fits exactly six cans, and with the flip of a switch, can keep drinks warm or cold, which makes it perfect for the changing seasons. Its door also has a writable surface for dry-erase markers, so they can write notes to others, and maybe even messages for roommates as needed.

mClassic Plug-and-Play 1440p/4K Upscaler

This small device, believe it or not, will upgrade the graphic fidelity of any video game console with a simple plug-and-play operation. Once plugged into a console like a Sega Dreamcast, Nintendo Switch, or PlayStation 4, it upscales a console's graphical output to 4K resolution and 120 frames per second within an instant, and without lag. A truly amazing product for that gamer who loves retro gaming on modern TVs.

Twin Charging Station for Dualsense Wireless Controllers

Also available for PS4

Here’s a charging station for the PlayStation 5's Dualsense controllers. An easy setup: Just plug it in via a wall adapter and set a controller or two on it so it can charge over time. This station also acts as a nice display and helps find a place for gamer pal’s Sony devices.

Fabric Gaming Chair

Integrated lumbar support? A comfy headrest? A tilt tension knob for ample rocking? What more does one need in a gamer chair?

This contoured, racing-style gaming chair has minimal stitching and comes in plenty of color options for an easy way to match your giftee’s aesthetic at home.

5 Media Remote

One of the appeals of modern consoles is the ability to also use them as streaming devices for such subscriptions as Netflix, Hulu, or Disney Plus. Using the PlayStation 5 Media Remote, navigating any type of media can be considerably more efficient, and it even comes with designated buttons for quick access to some of the most popular streaming services.

Nintendo Switch Headrest Holder

Gamer friends and family members often also have gamer kids, and they tend to want something fun to do in the car. With this Nintendo Switch headrest holder from TFY, parents can easily place the undocked Nintendo Switch screen on the back of a front seat headrest so that the kids can enjoy playing some games in the backseat using the Joy-Cons or a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.

Starfield

Starfield, the newest release from legendary developer Bethesda, is one of gaming’s most talked-about games today. Fans of the studio’s previous open-world games like Fallout 4 and Skyrim have been enamored with this space exploration adventure since it was first announced, so the gamer in your life will thank their lucky stars you grabbed this one for them.

FF DOT: The Pixel Art of Final Fantasy by Square Enix

While most art books surrounding the Final Fantasy series often depict the highly illustrative character models from mainline games, this book assembles some of the pixelated designs found in earlier games in the series. This book shows massive spire character sheets in conjunction with a special interview with character pixel artist Kazuko Shibuya.

At almost 300 pages long, this is an essential for the fan of the JRPG genre.

Cloud Alpha

For any gamer who spends a ton of time talking to friends or their teammates, the HyperX Cloud Alpha wired headset is an enduring classic, known for rock-solid communication and lasting comfort.

Compatible with PC, Playstation, Xbox, and more, this headset is the last one a chatty gamer will ever need. For more options, check out our favorite Xbox gaming headset picks.

Switch Online

The Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required for Switch owners to play online games, so this 12-month code will ensure your gamer friend has a full year of multiplayer fun over the net. Additionally, the service also grants them access to a large selection of NES, SNES, and Game Boy games that are certain to deliver plenty of nostalgia.

Meta Quest 2

If the gamer in your life is all in on the Metaverse, then this updated virtual reality headset is for them. We like that the Meta Quest 2 operates completely on its own, meaning the user won't need any other console or gaming system to take the headset for a spin.

While you might be gifting them the physical equipment (a headset and two touch controllers), essentially you're giving them access to more than 350 games, fitness experiences, and multi-player events.

Playstation Icons Light

If you know a diehard PlayStation fan, consider gifting one of these lights for the holidays. It has three light modes, including one that allows it to be music-reactive and change to the tune of nearby sound. The perfect present for Sony diehards, the soft, warm glow of the iconic PlayStation buttons is sure to set the mood for gaming rooms.

20 Outlet Surge Protector

Gaming is an expensive hobby, so protecting all of the hardware that comes along with it is very important. This Nikleb 20 outlet surge protector offers ample protection alongside plenty of room for plugging in consoles, accessories, and more. It even sports a few USB ports for easily charging phones and other devices, too.

The Legend of Zelda Encyclopedia

The Legend of Zelda series from Nintendo is one of the most infamous gaming franchises ever created, and this dense encyclopedia from Dark Horse Books gives us the lowdown on practically all of its lore.

From character biographies to timeline explanations, The Legend of Zelda Encyclopedia is full of amazing descriptions and stories about our favorite piece of Nintendo folklore.

Super Mario Odyssey Cappy Hat

This prop hat brings Cappy from Super Mario Odyssey into the real world. Perfect for cosplaying, Halloween, or just to place on display, this iconic red hat is an awesome piece of gear to own as a fan of both Mario and Nintendo.

Keyboard Cleaning Gel

If there’s a universal truth to be known about keyboards, it’s that they all eventually get a bit dirty. Whether it’s from atmospheric dust or bits of food (we all enjoy a snack while questing, after all), gamers will love ColorCoral’s keyboard cleaning gel, which can be pushed into the keyboard and pull up any dust and dirt easily. It’s reusable, too, so it should last for quite a while.

$25 PlayStation Store Gift Card

Gaming online has a subscription cost, so why not help afford that bill for someone else? If you know someone with a PlayStation 4 or 5, help them stay online for a little longer by dumping some cash into their account. That gift card can go to covering future online access, and, of course, cutting costs on downloading digital games.

‘Blood, Sweat, and Pixels’ by Jason Schreier

Written by veteran journalist Jason Schreier, this non-fiction bestseller gives a riveting inside look at what it’s like to work on big modern video games. With stories about the development of hit games like Dragon Age, Destiny, and more, Blood, Sweat, and Pixels is a great read for aspiring game developers.

Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Spending too much time staring at a screen can lead to eye fatigue and poor sleep due to all of the blue light our eyes are exposed to. With the Anyluv blue light blocking glasses, any gamer can enjoy a bit more time adventuring without all of the eye stress—especially if they spend the rest of the day working at a screen, too. With the low color distortion on this set of glasses, viewing quality remains true to color and quality, too, so that enjoyment of the game isn’t impacted by yellow hues like with some other blue light blocking glasses.

Blades in the Dark

A critically acclaimed tabletop role-playing game, Blades in the Dark is all about heists, subterfuge, espionage, and improvisation. Set in a fantasy industrial revolution, this tabletop role-playing game is an instant classic with its chaotic, Ocean’s Eleven-style fun.

‘How to Draw Fantasy Art and RPG Maps’ by Jared Blando

For gamers wanting to explore creative and artistic pursuits, give the gift of this hit guidebook by Jared Blando teaches readers basic and advanced techniques for drawing fantastical maps like the ones seen in Lord of the Rings and The Witcher.

Microsoft Xbox Series S

The most affordable next-gen console out there, the Xbox Series S offers cutting-edge graphics and games in a sleek package. With hundreds of hit games available through the affordable Xbox Game Pass subscription, plus app connectivity with Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, and more, the Xbox Series S brings endless entertainment affordably.

Nintendo Switch Lite

The Nintendo Switch is one of the most beloved and widely accessible gaming consoles in recent memory. The Switch Lite version takes portability to the next level, and is one of the best ways to game on the go. With an amazing gaming library, excellent battery life, and bright designs, the Switch Lite makes for one excellent travel companion.

F300 Arcade Fight Stick

For fans of classic arcade-style fighting games like Street Fighter, Tekken, and Mortal Kombat, this arcade fight stick is an excellent gift idea, and compatible with nearly every console out there, including PCs. The Mayflash F300 is a great entry point into the control and precision offered from dedicated fight sticks.

Gift Card

Look, gifts are a really nice way to show you care—but some gamers are very particular and independent, meaning they want to do their own shopping. If you know someone like that, it’s hard to go wrong with a GameStop gift card. This will allow them to go to a GameStop store or use the GameStop website to purchase anything they’d like—including credits to buy games on the Nintendo, PlayStation, or Xbox online stores.

Even better, you can select the amount of cash you’d like to gift with this GameStop gift card, making this an easy way to spend exactly how much you set out to spend and not a penny more.

Travel Laptop Backpack

Most backpacks can’t handle the size and shape of gaming laptops and gear. Not so with the Matein travel laptop backpack. It’s one of our favorite laptop backpacks, made with a built-in sleeve for laptops up to 15 inches, plus tons of extra pockets, slots, hooks, and zippers for securing gadgets. It even has a convenient external USB charging cable for charging without unzipping a thing.

Cloud Stinger

This affordable gaming headset is the perfect solution to anyone sick of shouting into bad microphones or straining to hear teammates over poor laptop speakers.

For under $50, the HyperX Cloud Stingers is a gift option with a comfortable, over-ear design with a built-in microphone that sounds sharp and clear to anyone on the other end. Compatible with PC and most gaming consoles.

PowerCore Essential 20,000 PD

The downside to gaming on the go is limited battery life. Gifting the Anker PowerCore Essential 20000PD means battery life isn’t a problem. Easy and intuitive, the PowerCore delivers multiple full recharges to devices of all kinds, from Nintendo Switches to iPad Pros.

‘A Wizard of Earthsea’ by Ursula K. Le Guin

For when the battery is definitely drained, try one of the greatest fantasy series ever written. Ursula K. Le Guin’s A Wizard of Earthsea is a tale of magic, power, rivals, and overcoming mistakes.

Part coming-of-age story, part world-spanning epic, A Wizard of Earthsea directly inspired fantasy for decades after its release, and is a great read for gamers and non-gamers alike.

LED Dimmable Neon Controller Sign

Many gamer rooms benefit from thematic decorations that really sell the vibe. That’s where Solidee’s neon controller sign comes in, providing a splash of color and indirect light to a gaming den. It’s easy to hang and comes with multiple brightness settings to ensure that it fits into any room and any lighting conditions.

Evolution of the Video Game Controller Poster

There are few things as important to the gaming experience as the controller—and these controllers have changed quite a lot over the years. This Evolution of the Video Game Controller poster from Haus and Hueshas artistic renderings of a lot of the most notable gaming controllers from the last 50 years, showcasing the ways they’ve grown into the comfy devices we know and love today.

24G2 Frameless Gaming IPS Monitor

As recommended in our best budget gaming monitors list, this affordable gaming monitor offers an amazing balance between size, performance, appearance, and price. The highlight here is the fast display, with 1ms response time and 144Hz refresh rate, making it perfect for pairing with any powerful PC setup. It’s also height-, tilt-, swivel-, and pivot-adjustable.

K70 RGB MK.2 Rapidfire Keyboard

As recommended in our best mechanical keyboards list, the Corsair K70 is a full-sized powerhouse of a gift ready for serious computer gamers. It comes in a durable aluminum frame, features dedicated media controls and fully programmable RGB lighting, and offers gaming-centric Cherry MX Red and Cherry MX Speed precision switches.

Under Desk Foot Rest

Long hours spent gaming can occasionally end up leaving you feeling stiff, but the CushZone Under Desk Foot Rest provides a nice, cushy spot for a gamer to rest their feet and improve comfort for long gaming sessions. The height can be adjusted up to 6 inches and can even be used as an under-knee support if desired.

G203 Wired Gaming Mouse

This affordable RGB gaming mouse makes a steadfast companion for any dedicated computer gamer. Lightweight and ergonomic, with easily adjustable settings through Logitech’s G HUB software, this gaming gift offers all of the essentials for a fraction of the cost of more premium options.

QcK Gaming Surface

Every dedicated computer gamer loves their keyboard and mouse. Complete their setup by gifting them of the most popular gaming mouse pads of all time, the SteelSeries QcK. It offers precise mouse usage in a clean design. Of the many designs available, our favorite is the medium size with stitched edges for long-lasting durability.

Headset Hanger

Headsets are an important part of online gaming, but they can be a bit difficult to store safely and out of the way. That’s where a headset hook comes in handy. Eurpmask’s Headset Hanger clamps onto a desk or other flat surface and makes hanging headsets or headphones an absolute breeze.

Vacuum-Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

The best way to keep focused during intense gaming moments is by staying hydrated. Luckily, this 32-ounce Takeya water bottle keeps drinks vacuum-sealed and temperature-locked, and makes for the perfect desk or couch companion between competitive gaming moments.

SoloCast USB Condenser Gaming Microphone

For the aspiring gaming streamer, consider this affordable, top-rated streaming microphone as a gift. As recommended in our best microphones for streaming list, the HyperX SoloCast is a compact, no-frills microphone that delivers crystal clear audio to anyone tuning in. Its sleek, easy-to-use design makes it perfect for any gamer with a dedicated desk space.

Kiyo Streaming Webcam

The crossover between gamers and content creators is huge, with tons of gamers livestreaming or making their own YouTube content. If this sounds like someone you know, the Razer Kiyo streaming webcam is a rock-solid offering that’s a huge step up from any laptop gear. The built-in ring light also means you’ll look your best even in dimly lit rooms.

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