Shopping for a PC gamer might be dangerous. What appears to be a terrific offer at Amazon or Best Buy might easily mislead you. Although appealing, steep price reductions don't necessarily result in the treasure troves they promise. Not to mention, PC gamers have a reputation for being erratic. But what else is a PC player but an adventurer—possibly a secluded one—all the same!
We created a straightforward guide to assist anyone looking to buy presents for the PC gamer in their lives this holiday season. Adventurers of all stripes should appreciate each item on this list.
1. A Worthwhile Gamepad
Some individuals continue to think that using a controller instead of a mouse and keyboard when playing PC games puts you at a disadvantage. This game seeks to refute such an assumption. No matter which battlefield your loved one may find themselves on, the Scuf Prestige is a capable friend. It was designed from the ground up to give professional-grade performance and quick response times.
2. Holiday Lights
You may be perplexed as to why a gamer would require a mousepad with lights. Not at all. However, I bet they would still like one. One model of the Razer Firefly is available, one with a soft texture and the other with a hard, slick surface. When used for gaming, both are very comfortable, and mice move across them like they are skating on glass. If customers have other Razer items (like a Razer mouse or keyboard), they can link them up to the same lighting pattern. The LED lighting underneath is a wonderful touch.
3. Access to 100 Games
The updated Xbox Game Pass is far superior to what it should be. A subscriber can enjoy a rotating selection of 100 good (really good) PC games for $10 per month without an Xbox. Along with hundreds of top-notch independent games, this list also contains games from Halo, Age of Empires, Fallout, Five Nights at Freddy's, and other adored franchises.
4. Forever Warm Drinks
Nothing is worse than grinding out an exotic in Destiny 2 for a few hours, then reaching over to realize you forgot your coffee and it's already cold. With an inbuilt heating element, the Ember cup will save your loved one from lukewarm coffee and maintain the proper temperature. The bundled app features a tea timer and makes it simple to change the temperature to your preference. It is the ideal travel companion for protracted journeys over rugged terrain.
5. Nothing Beats a Power Strip
Power upgrades are often needed by PC gamers, and this is one of my favorites. The fact that it's inexpensive and contains a few USB connections helps people carry fewer power bricks, which is crucial if they enjoy hauling around equipment and peripherals for vintage LAN parties (maybe once the pandemic dies down). What's best? You can put the plug in whatever position you choose because it is movable. This is undoubtedly one of the most useful gifts you can give any PC gamer.
6. Wireless Surround Sound
Active noise suppression, Bluetooth or cable connectivity, and a sleek outer design are all features of the Razer Opus headphones. Whether I was taking a walk or jumping into a shootout in Call of Duty, the THX-tuned surround sound made for an immersive gaming experience, and it continually impressed us during our testing (8/10, WIRED Recommends).
7. For Competitive Gamers: Logitech G305 Wireless Mouse
A wireless mouse couldn't compete with trick shotters a few years ago. The time it took for the computer to register a mouse movement was too long, or latency. The best on the market, this wireless mouse is recommended by professional gamer Michael "Shroud" Grzesiek. The Logitech G305 is small, accurate, and comfortable. It has a 1-millisecond report rate and a battery life of up to 250 hours. It's also available in blue, lilac, or white.
8. Mechanical Marvel: Varmilo VA87M
Today's keyboards come in a variety of styles, including lovely pink, lilac pearl, classic black and red, and, of course, rainbow illuminated. The best mechanical keyboard from Varmilo is available in a wide range of hues. Just be sure to inquire about their preferred switches because if you guess incorrectly, you might hear click-clacking coming from the town over. (The safest color is cherry red.) In our guide to the best keyboards, you can read more about switches.
9. For Team Players: HyperX Cloud Alpha Headset
The softness of this headset makes it more comfortable to wear than nothing at all. You may use it all day long while using Zoom and all night while using Overwatch. It effectively muffles outside noise and has the excellent sound quality to keep you focused and engrossed in your game.
10. Magic Mousepad: Logitech Powerplay Wireless Charging Mouse Pad
The fact that current wireless mice require charging or battery replacement is their sole drawback. This mousepad is a delightfully over-the-top solution to that issue because it wirelessly charges compatible mice, eliminating the need for batteries or the stress of forgetting to plug it in. It's a beautiful, albeit pricey, solution.
11. Power Overwhelming: AMD AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT
What better way to delight a PC gamer than by giving them new gaming equipment? Purchasing PC components can be challenging, and it can be considerably more challenging when doing it for another person's machine. So it's better to ask if you're unsure of what kind of graphics card someone would enjoy. Despite this, the AMD Radeon RX 5600 is a good upgrade for the typical PC gamer and an excellent all-around graphics card.
12. Bigger on the Inside: Samsung 980 Pro 250GB M.2 SSD
A tiny solid-state drive called an M.2 drive is about the size of a gum stick. Although they can be pricey, they are great due to their small size and large storage capacity. The 250-gigabyte Samsung 980 Pro (or 980 Evo, for a less expensive choice) is a kind and practical gift if your loved one's desktop has room for an M.2 drive (you'll need to ask, as not all motherboards allow it).
13. Turn Your Spacebar Into a Snack Bar: Cute Keycaps
new fashion: replacing one of the keys of a mechanical keyboard with an adorable keycap. Change the F3 button to a pawprint and the escape button to a little Poké Ball. Ducks can be used to fill the number bar because, well, why not? Or they could bake a new dessert for each of their arrow keys. Make your loved ones hungry every time they glance down by getting them something. You'll just want to stuff these things in your mouth because they look so good. But refrain. They are not edible. I experienced hard lessons.
14. 100 Video Games Bucket List Peel-Off Poster
Who needs a "100 Most Beautiful Places To Visit Before You Die" list when you can check off the top video games from this list instead? If the gamer in your life enjoys a challenge, challenge them to scratch off the square only if they succeed in winning the game.
15. Handheld Retro Game Console Phone Case
The likelihood is that the gamer you're buying for has at some point in their life owned a Game Boy.
Although it looks like a Game Boy cover, it features buttons and a screen for playing video games. It will allow your receiver to play Super Mario Bros., Pac-Man, and Tetris.
16. Couch Gaming Lapboard
This gaming lapboard will be adored by PC gamers who would prefer to play while curled up on the couch rather than slumped over a desk. You may plug in and route all of your cables for your mouse, keyboard, and headset using the USB 3.0 hub that is located inside the desk.
Two side pockets are provided, one for your mouse and the other for drinks or remote controls. Additionally, Velcro is included to prevent your keyboard from moving all over the place.
17. Luminoodle TV Backlight
To attach this LED light strip to the back of your HDTV or monitor, it has a 3M adhesive backing. It includes 10 brightness levels and 15 color selections, and it lessens eye fatigue without making your screen shine.
A gamer's battle station will shine thanks to the backlight, which matches their RGB keyboard, mouse, and mousepad flawlessly. It is powered by a reversible USB plug and is available in three lengths to accommodate different screen sizes.
18. Paladone Playstation Icons Light
Sony has been producing PlayStation controllers with an X as the primary button for almost 30 years. However, a tweet from the Playstation UK account claims that this button should instead be called the "cross" button. We agree with the 136,000 other people who refer to it as the "X" button.
Regardless of your preferences, this clever lamp will look fantastic on any gamer's desk. It can even respond to music and gaming audio so that it can flash along with your games.
19. Orzly Geek Pack for Nintendo Switch
Make sure you get them some accessories if you're intending to give someone a Nintendo Switch this year so they can get the most use out of their new device. Everything a Nintendo fan could want is included in this fantastic bundle.
20. Gaming Headset Stand
One of the few headsets that can do more than just raise your headphones is the COZOO. This alternative has three USB ports in addition to two power outlets and functions as a power hub.
Its USB ports have a combined charging capacity of 2.4 amps, allowing them to fully recharge your smartphone, headphones, and wristwatch at the same time in less time than it would take to do so using the chargers that came with them.
21. Paladone Piranha Plant
This Piranha Plant lamp is the perfect gift for any Super Mario Bros. fan. It is poseable, approximately 13 inches tall, and powered by a USB cable. If you keep the lamp in a dark room, the teeth also cast an amazing shadow effect. Even if we wish the light were a little bit brighter, we are nonetheless completely smitten with it and believe it to be a special gift that any gamer would adore.
22. Game and Watch: Super Mario Bros.
This brand-new mobile gaming device demonstrates that sometimes little is more. If you're not familiar, the Game & Watch, which had a design influenced by the Japanese Famicom console, was the forerunner to the Game Boy. The portable gadget features three games pre-installed: Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels, and Ball. It also boasts a crisp backlit LCD screen.
23. Razer Kishi Android Controller
The Razer Kishi is an excellent Switch rival that transforms your smartphone into a gaming controller. The Kishi controller is worth a look if you're buying a present for someone who is constantly playing video games on the road.
24. Legend of Zelda Ceramic Ocarina
Even if they can't use this playable Ocarina to slow down time or summon a horse, they can still play their favorite Zelda songs. Fortunately, there is sheet music supplied, and YouTube is filled with instructions. The piece of handcrafted porcelain was fired in a kiln.
25. Nintendo Entertainment System
This enduring 2,646-piece set, which assembles into the NES console, was produced in collaboration with Lego and Nintendo. Even a retro-style TV set and a game cartridge that suits the system can be built by gamers. Make sure you purchase it before it runs out once more because this popular item has already been discontinued several times since its release.
26. BirdRock Gaming Chair
The majority of gaming seats stand out conspicuously from your furniture, but not this one from BirdRock. It looks considerably nicer than alternative solutions and is supportive and comfortable for playing video games on the floor.
27. Bose Frames Audio Sunglasses
These fashionable sunglasses have more to them than meets the eye. They have technology built into them so you can make calls, stream music, and even listen to podcasts without ever having to put anything in your ears.
The Frames are available from Bose in two different forms called Alto and Rondo. The headphones play music for up to 3.5 hours between battery charges.
28. Elgato Stream Deck XL
Gamers may have complete control over their internet streams thanks to the sleek and practical Stream Deck attachment. You can choose a variant with 15 or 32 programmable buttons.
Each button may be programmed to perform a variety of tasks, including playing media, altering the audio, activating transitions, launching apps, and turning on lights. To avoid confusing the buttons, users can also apply their icons to them.
29. Super Mario Fridge Magnets Set
The 8-bit enthusiast will rejoice when they receive this gift for gamers. This 39-piece Super Mario Bros. magnet set allows them to design their own unique Mario level to hold up notes, shopping lists, or ticket stubs on their refrigerator.
30. Razer DeathAdder Elite Gaming Mouse
The Razer Death Adder mouse should be on your short list of gifts for gamers if you have friends or family members who are passionate about eSports and PC gaming.
The optical sensor on the mouse is among the fastest and most sensitive in the industry. It also has a customizable button layout and lighting. The mouse is easy to operate, precise, and performs admirably in both fast- and slow-paced action.
31. Playstation Vintage Icon T-Shirt
If you were raised playing video games, these symbols are much more than just shapes to you. They stand for playing video games with pals late into the night, standing in line for hours to receive the newest system, and beating the toughest opponent. You can proudly represent your favorite console with this incredibly soft T-shirt.
32. HyperX Cloud Alpha S Gaming Headset
For customers who game for hours on end, the HyperX Cloud Alpha S offers great comfort, faultless sound quality, and a reliable microphone. Look no further if you've been looking for a cozy, affordable gaming headset to give as a present.
33. PowerA Dual Charging Station for Xbox
Your Xbox controllers may be recharged at a reasonable price, quickly, and easily with this useful device. In about three hours, two controllers will be fully recharged. The batteries can operate for up to 15 hours until another recharge is required.
34. Handheld Console
Hardware or software emulators allow one device to mimic the behavior of another. You may play vintage games from consoles like the NES, SNES, PS1, or Game Boy on this portable device. Even if downloading games through the App Store is really easy and enjoyable, it is not that straightforward.
The RG351V is one of the greatest emulators you can buy if the recipient enjoys using computers and doing internet research. It is one of the few gaming systems that have a vertical layout akin to an older Game Boy.
35. Bluelounge CableBox
There's a good chance that if you play video games, wires rule your life. This CableBox aids in maintaining control over them. It provides ample space to store a sizable surge protector and keep all those annoying cables hidden.
We have one underneath our gaming PC and discovered that it did a great job of keeping the cord rat's nest under our desk contained.
36. Nintendo NES Cartridge Drink Coasters
The ideal presents bring back pleasant memories for gamers. These NES cartridge-shaped coasters will appeal to everyone who remembers the original NES console. What's not to love? Plus, they'll shield your tables from rings. The two-sided coasters are made of engineered wood and have Nintendo's official license.
37. Monopoly: Fortnite Edition Board Game
This Monopoly game is inspired by Fortnite, which will be fun for lovers of the game. This version focuses more on how long players can survive than how much property they hold.
Earning health point chips rather than money and loot-filled Community Chests are two further adjustments. The game is entertaining and is suggested for players ages 13 and up.
38. ‘The Game Console 2.0: A Photographic History from Atari to Xbox’
A stunning coffee table book aimed at geeks and gamers, The Game Console collects in-depth images of more than 100 video game consoles and their technological interiors. The second edition chronicles the development of video game hardware, just as its predecessor.
Along with images of more recent hardware that has been produced over the past three decades, you'll discover coverage of dated devices like the Commodore 64, NES, Atari 2600, Magnavox Odyssey, and the Magnavox Odyssey.
39. Pokeball Molded Coffee Mug
For the long day of Pokémon training ahead, they'll need to stock up on lots of coffee before they head out to the "gym." Gamers will wake up with more energy thanks to this cup!
40. ‘Ghost of Tsushima’ Vinyl
The top-selling game Ghost of Tsushima is likely to have been played by the gamer you're gifting. To help your loved ones relive the game, give them this three-LP set.
Ilan Eshkeri and Shigeru Umebayashi wrote the music for it, while Takashi Okazaki, a renowned manga artist, created the colorful triple gatefold sleeve for it.
