46 Best Gifts For Gamers, Whether They're Experts or Noobs

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Gamers. Love 'em, hate 'em, have to buy a gift for 'em? It's not easy. You might think a new game is a good gift. To be fair, games are really good right now. But honestly, if there's a game they want, they already bought it. So what now? We've hit the point where the big consoles aren't impossible to get. You can get a gaming PC for a reasonable price. So... What do we want as gifts? Honestly, gamers will appreciate all the ancillary stuff—chairs, headsets, and the like. All the things we awarded in our Esquire Gaming Awards, that's what we want.

There's no doubt you know a true gamer in your life. A loved one who's strongly opinionated but super fun. Whether they're a handheld, console, or PC gamer, they deserve a gift—and the following gifts for gamers guide will help you out when it comes to selecting the right thing. From hot game titles to cool gaming accessories to the best-performing gaming gear of the year, this collection of the 46 best gifts for gamers will help the one in your life truly earn the title.

Ask Iwata: Words of Wisdom from Satoru Iwata, Nintendo's Legendary CEO

With gaming's decades-long explosion, the business has objectively become pretty sinister, but Nintendo almost always falls on the right side of history. A lot of that is down to the influence of Satoru Iwata, one of gaming's most beloved minds. The gamer in your life could use the inspiration... And they sure as hell could benefit from reading a book for once.

Alan Wake 2

Game of the year! Game of the year! And it's absolutely insane.

The Freestyle 2nd Gen

Samsung's 2nd Gen Freestyle projector comes with one big upgrade: Samsung Gaming Hub. This little thing can stream games via Steam or Xbox Game Pass. That means it can essentially function as a packable console.

Victus Gaming Laptop

My nephew wants to make the jump from console to PC gaming. I told him to start with this HP Victus laptop. For most gamers—meaning anyone who isn't planning on needing a pro-level PC—this is all you need. Plus, the pre-made configurations and small size make it a perfect starter PC.

Arctis Nova Pro Wired Hi-Fi Headphones

In the world of gaming headsets, there's no model that sounds better and is more reliable than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro. These things sound like music headphones, and the wired connection means they'll perform for a lifetime. It's a great gift most gamers want, but would never splurge on for themselves.

Astro A50 X

We do have to shout out Logitech G's newest headphones the Astro A50 X. These are really the first bluetooth headphones of their kind, and they earned an Esquire Gaming Award because of it.

Essentially, they connect via a Bluetooth adapter, but they can connect to multiple devices at a time. That means, switching from Xbox to PlayStation to computer audio only requires the flip of a switch. It happens instantly, like changing the channel. If they are a multi-platform gamer, this is an incredible splurge.

SmartGoggles

Recovery is essential to any athlete. And yes, we'll give gamers the title of athlete. These Therabody goggles will massage away any screen fatigue or headache.

Personalized Headphone and Controller Dock

This will add a touch of class to their gaming setup that's covered in LED lights.

One XR/AR Glasses

Glasses that can project a giant screen in front of their face. Now, they can sync up their phone or console and game anywhere, no TV or projector needed.

2 Fast 2 Furious Nissan Skyline GT-R R34

This is not straight from a video game, but if they play any racing sims, it'll be a hit. You know why? I play racing sims, and games with car customization. In every single game I load up, I go online and figure out how to build Brian O'Connor's (Paul Walker) Nissan Skyline GT-R from 2 Fast 2 Furious. Now, I can build it and place it next to my monitor.

Super Mario NES

This Lego set makes a bit more sense. Any gamer—even if they are not of a certain age—will have some nostalgia for this.

Workout Bands

Yes, they will think you're crazy, but hear me out. Sitting for long periods of time gives you crazy hip and back issues. If they do ten minutes of hip flexor exercises with these bands, it will eliminate most standard gaming-induced hip and back pain. It worked for me, it'll work for them!

Heroes of Barcadia Base Game Retail Edition

A tile-based tabletop dungeon-crawler with an insanely fun twist: your drink determines your HP. This one is perfect for any old-school game geeks or party game lovers.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

If they haven't played this year's Game of The Year frontrunner, it's absolutely the best gift you could give them.

Zelda-Themed Joy Cons for Nintendo Switch

Or how about some—surprisingly tasteful—white and gold Tears of the Kingdom joycons for the savior of Hyrule.

Airpods Pro Case

Accessory of the year.

Sonic The Hedgehog

My 8-year-old nephew loves Sonic, so the SEGA classic is fully back in the zeitgeist. That makes this LEGO set perfect for gamers within a wide range of age groups.

Vantum Gaming Chair

Yeah, it's a big purchase—maybe split it with some other loved ones—but there is no better gaming chair on the market. This is one that will improve the overall look of their home. You can't say that about many gaming chairs.

DREDGE: Deluxe Edition - PlayStation 5

Xbox Series X|S Nintendo Switch

The ocean is the most terrifying place on Earth. Dredge hones in on that terror, but it does so with a charming Animal Crossing meets The Lighthouse art style. It's a great little game they likely have not played yet.

Headphone Stand

If they need somewhere to put the headset they already have, none look as good as this one that combines natural walnut wood and gamers' beloved LEDs.

RGB Floor Lamp

A more sophisticated alternative to those RGB string lights they already have.

RGB Light Tube

Or, spring for this horizontal version of the Philips Hue, which is great for under a mounted TV or behind a gaming set up.

All-in-One Soundbar

A soundbar, even one that's this affordable, will really level up their setup.

G Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse

Unlike some gaming mouses, this one has a minimal design they can bring to the office, too. Get the matching wireless charging mouse pad to go with it, and it'll never be out of juice.

Rival 5 Wired Mouse

For a more affordable option, SteelSeries makes a sick wired mouse. Good looking, lighting fast, and with a mesh wire that will last a lifetime. It's all they'll need.

RG353M Emulator

Got this for my elder Millennial brother so he could play old console games. Now he's trying to convince his sons that Star Fox is cooler than Warzone.

Blue Light Blocking Glasses

You can also go the preventative route with a great pair of blue light glasses.

Edge Handheld

Is it the handheld revolution Razer promised... eh, not really. But! It's still the best handheld gaming device on the market.

Star Wars Darksaber Desk Light

You don't have to know all the Star Wars lore around the Dark Saber. Just know that they will, and they'll totally geek out over this desk light.

Sonic the Hedgehog Device Holder

Make Sonic slow the hell down. Stand still. Hold up a gaming controller while it charges.

Ghost Controller Holder

The most beloved Call of Duty character makes a great controller companion.

Retro Arcade Handheld Gaming System

If introducing a full-sized arcade cabinet into a gamer's home is too much, go for a handheld version. This one comes pre-loaded with 200 games.

Retro Joycon Housing

We’re not telling anyone to violate their Switch’s warranty and bust into the console to replace the outer housing with a way cooler N64-inspired throwback case. We’re definitely not telling anyone to do that.

Handheld Gaming System

Coming from Panic (Untitled Goose Game) and Teenage engineering, this thing is fun, simple, and the embodiment of what gaming is all about.

'Blood, Sweat, and Pixels'

Developing video games is no simple task. Kotaku’s Jason Schreier went in deep to tell the stories of what goes into bringing your favorite titles to life, from Destiny to Dragon Age. It’s a must read for any true gaming geek.

Reflex Ps5

Can't wait for the PS5 elite controller coming out next year? Don't worry, Scuff has one of the highest, most customizable controllers on the market. We have a feeling they will love it more than you—maybe.

Canvas Jacket

Stay dry and let everyone know you're a dps main who won't stick with their team.

Oculus Quest 2 All-In-One VR Headset

Shop at gamestop

In our opinion, this all-in-one VR headset is the absolute best way to get into virtual reality, which is exceedingly better than current reality, without needing extra hardware to do it. It also happens to be an excellent Netflix streamer.

NES Classic Edition Entertainment System

$200 at walmart

Nintendo threw it back to the '80s by re-re-releasing the NES system. Not only will it make gamers nostalgic as hell, but it comes with Super Mario Bros. and Final Fantasy. New sets are rare, but you can still dig up that retro mystique.

Accessories Bundle for Nintendo Switch

From cases to cons to charging docks, here are 13 essential accessories that will take Switch gaming up a notch. Now you're playing with power.

PlayStation Classic Console

Sony's PlayStation Classic brings back 20 retro titles and two original controllers in a blast from the past that anyone who's ever blown the dust off a cartridge will love.

D&D Player’s Handbook

Going offline now and then is needed for their own goods. But the fun needs not stop then; this must-have for the greatest tabletop role-playing game of all time will see them—and you—to that.

G915 TKL Wireless RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Completely fulfill their gaming needs with this wireless gaming keyboard that offers a clean aesthetic, RGB lighting, and pro-grade performance in one.

G920 Racing Wheel and Floor Pedals for Xbox

Shop for playstation

Any gamer who's seriously into sim racing will want to have two hands on this ultra-responsive steering wheel as they whip through corners in Forza. Or Hot Wheels Unleashed.

Super Mario 64 Question Mark Block

Someone went above and beyond the call of duty with this 2,064-piece LEGO set. It is somehow both a work of art and exactly like the real (and by that we mean virtual) deal.

"Atari 2600/7800: A Visual Compendium"

From Pac-Man to Desert Falcon to Alien Brigade, the art of Atari gets its due in this gorgeous coffee table book.

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