The best Christmas gifts for gamers in 2023, according to our in-house gaming experts
Choosing the perfect gift for gamers can feel like setting the holidays to hard mode. What would someone who spends time grinding experience in "Final Fantasy XIV" like to find under a tree? What about gamers who spend most of their time playing realistic titles in virtual reality? And what about kids who love gaming? If you have absolutely no idea where to start when it comes to finding great gift options for gamers, you've come to the right place.
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Gamers are usually looking for their next great adventure, or the hardware to play it on. Many of them have their hearts set on a brand new console or an experience they've never had before. Others want ways to play a lot of games for a small amount of cash. With that in mind, our experts have chosen some of the best gifts for gamers in 2023 that you can buy right now, guaranteed to level up the holidays in the best way.
The best gifts for gamers in 2023
For gamers looking for a new laptop: Dell Alienware m18 Gaming Laptop
The Dell Alienware M18 gaming laptop is a veritable powerhouse, and the perfect option to gift anyone looking for a gaming laptop. It's pricey, but it's simply one of the best ones you can buy right now, and it's guaranteed to impress most gamers.
Its expansive 18-inch screen delivers top-notch visuals, optimal for 1080p and 1440p gaming. It boasts the latest AMD Ryzen 7000 CPUs, and options for both AMD and Nvidia graphics cards, including the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 laptop GPU, which can help anyone play all the latest and greatest games.
The M18 is designed to make sure it delivers smooth gameplay with high frame rates, and features display options that cater to different preferences, be it a blazing-fast 480Hz refresh rate or a crystal-clear QHD+ resolution.
While it features Wi-Fi 6E and Ethernet for online play, bear in mind its size and weight -- it's more suited as a desktop replacement, so be sure to give this to the gamer looking for a do-it-all battlestation.
For gamers who like to play in the cloud: 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. It can integrate with Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) and Nvidia GeForce Now, which opens up your library considerably.
This handheld also offers remote play via the Xbox Remote Play and Steam Link apps. The 7-inch full HD touchscreen 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.
It's equipped with everything it needs to upgrade any experience, like haptics, a gyroscope, and remappable controls. With support for Wi-Fi speeds up to 800+Mbps on a 5GHz connection, games will run without a hitch, too. This is the clear way to go for any cloud gaming fan.
For gamers who want a powerful new console: Xbox Series X
The Series X is the most powerful Xbox to date, and the perfect gift for hardcore gamers ready for an upgrade. With 12 teraflops of graphic processing capability, it boasts fantastic visuals with DirectX ray tracing, a specialized SSD, and support for 4K gaming.
Thanks to its Xbox Velocity Architecture that servers up quick load times and gameplay reaching up to 120 FPS, it's the perfect gift for impatient players who hate waiting for games to load the next level or area. Plus, its quick-resume feature lets you jump back into your game without missing a beat.
There's a massive library of new games and old titles that the console supports by way of backward compatibility. You can also pick up memberships to programs like Xbox Game Pass, which unlocks access to hundreds of games that you can play for a small fee per month. There are also a slew of exclusive titles to enjoy only on Xbox, like the Halo series, "Starfield," and much more.
For gamers who want great console exclusives: PlayStation 5
A PlayStation 5 is one of the must-have consoles every gamer wishes for, and the person you're buying for is likely no different. With its stunning 4K resolution, advanced haptics, lightning-fast SSD, and immersive 3D audio, it makes for one-of-a-kind gaming experiences across all genres of games.
Powered by an 8-core AMD Zen 2 processor and backed by 10.3 teraflops of graphical power, the PS5 promises excellent performance. What stands out, however, is its ultra-fast SSD. Games load almost instantly, and you can even resume where you left off after you come back from a break.
While the PS5 is an impressive console on its own, but its library of exclusive games is where it truly shines. There's a wide variety of exclusive games to choose from that the system supports, like "Marvel's Spider-Man," "Demon's Souls," the Horizon series and more. All of these features combine to make one of the most exciting consoles you'll find this holiday season.
For gamers on the go: Nintendo Switch - OLED Model: Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Edition
Right now, Nintendo Switch is the best console that gamers of all ages can take on the go. This new version's vibrant 7-inch OLED screen is especially perfect for anyone looking to play in tabletop mode thanks to its wide adjustable stand.
The Switch OLED also offers a generous 64GB of internal storage, improved audio over its predecessor, and a thoughtfully designed dock that includes a wired LAN port. With a massive game library and perfect portability, you can't go wrong with Nintendo's handheld-hybrid console.
Plus, this version is adorned with imagery from Switch games "Pokémon Scarlet" and "Pokemon Violet." The dock is adorned with images of Pokémon Koraidon and Miraidon. The system also has an illustration of the three starter Pokémon from the games: Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly.
The Joy-Con controllers are even decorated with crests representing the in-game schools, Naranja Academy and Uva Academy. Though the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet games are sold separately, this edition of the Nintendo Switch is an ideal pick for fans eager to jump into the Pokémon world with style.
For gamers who want to visit new worlds: Meta Quest 2
Grant someone's wish to explore the world of virtual reality. The Meta Quest 2 is the standalone gateway to doing just that. Whether tethered to a PC, console, or played all on its own, this headset is all about convenience and comfort while exploring the world of VR gaming.
Boasting a 50% pixel increase compared to the first Meta Quest, it can craft some seriously impressive in-game worlds to traverse. With eye-popping visuals complemented by 3D positional sound, you really feel like you're right in the middle of any game you play -- and your giftee will love exploring all the different titles and genres.
What makes the Meta Quest 2 special isn't just its improved resolution, though. It has responsive touch controllers that give you the sensation of being "inside" the game. In terms of innovation, there's really nothing quite like it. And with a Meta Quest 3 on the horizon, this model would make a great gift for newbies just getting into the scene.
For PC gamers who want to play in bed: Valve Steam Deck
The Valve Steam Deck is like a portable PC for your Steam library. Using Valve's SteamOS, it mirrors the same flexibility of a Nintendo Switch, but for PC users. It can play Windows-based games, pause and resume mid-action, and handle other side-loaded applications should you choose to go that route.
It runs on an AMD APU with 16GB RAM, with a large 7-inch LCD touchscreen. Storage options vary: 64GB eMMC, 256GB SSD, or 512GB SSD, but each can be expanded with a MicroSD card. Game performance is great as well, as compatible games get a solid and steady 30-60 FPS.
Valve continually updates its list of supported titles from Steam, so there's always something to play. And if a game isn't directly compatible, streaming via services like GeForce Now is a workaround. Battery life is dependent on games played on the device averaging at around 3 hours. But for the ability to play large games via handheld, it's well worth it to trade off shorter battery life for all this power.
For gamers getting into online 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 loves to hit up Twitch, here's a way to get them started down their own path to a superstardom.
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 various apps from OBS to Streamlabs, which means gamers can stream to YouTube, Twitch, and more without a hitch. It also has ultra-low latency, clocking in at under 100ms, which is great for live streaming. There are no subscription requirements for use and it can capture as long as you play -- you're only limited to the amount of space on your hard drive.
Whether you know someone who wants to record gameplay videos or share theirs with the world, this is a great option.
For gamers who want to protect their vision: Gunnar gaming and computer glasses - Intercept
Lengthy gaming sessions can take a toll on the eyes. Gunnar computer and gaming glasses are designed mitigate the strain that comes with lengthy screen time. They're made to filter out the blue light computers, gaming consoles, and other digital devices emit. This helps reduce 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 on computers.
You can also get them custom-made for a prescription as well, so if you happen to have that information about the person you're buying for, this could make for an excellent personalized gift -- perhaps from parents to kids, especially since younger gamers do tend to play for long stretches. You're never too young to protect your eyes, after all.
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 would work well for anyone on your list. With an incredible 300-hour battery life on a single charge, it sounds too good to be true, but it's a fantastic headset that does what it says it will and more. Plus, with its 2.4GHz connection, it's great for playing without being tethered to a console or PC without compromising on audio quality.
It features DTS Headphone:X Spatial Audio as well as a dual-chamber driver system to separates mids and highs from bass, giving you a solid wall of sound that works great with just about every game.
This headset is comfortable, too, especially during long hours of gaming. Its memory foam and breathable leatherette are plush and feel premium, which makes his headset a good pick for both young and older players. And when you're using it for gaming online, its detachable noise-cancelling microphone means crystal-clear comms across platforms.
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