Updated on November 27, 2024
Gamers come in all types, from kids who love playing with friends to adults who enjoy gaming to help blow off steam. There are all types of games, too, from PC to console, mobile, and more. If there’s a gamer on your list, have a look through these great gift options they might love.
Sony PlayStation 5 Pro
You will score major points if you grab a Sony PlayStation 5 Pro for a PlayStation gamer. It’s the latest and greatest, the most powerful, sleekest, and coveted version of the entertainment console. It offers support for 4K games (with a 4K display) and can keep up with the high frame rate needed with the most intense games, while advanced ray tracing makes every scene in every game look super realistic. Available with a whopping 2TB storage, it’s Wi-Fi 7 compatible and backwards compatible with more than 8,500 PS4 games. It will set you back almost a grand at $960, but the screams of joy you hear once it’s unwrapped will be worth every penny. You can step down to the PlayStation 5 if needed for $650, which isn’t quite as powerful and has a half-sized SSD at 1TB, but it will do the trick for casual gamers.
Xbox Game Pass
For someone who owns an Xbox, grab them an Xbox Game Pass for playing hundreds of games online for friends and family members. The subscription includes multiplayer mode, the ability to download console and PC games, and play on mobile devices as well from the cloud. They’ll also get access to member deals, discounts, and perks, along with access to game downloads on the day of release. Pricing starts at $15/mo. for PC to $23/mo. for the Ultimate. It renews monthly, but you can also pick up a gift card they can use towards one.
CRKD NEO S Purple Wave Edition Controller
The special edition CRKD NEO S Purple Wave Edition controller is licensed and designed specifically with Fortnite Festival and other rhythm-based games. It’s compatible with PC and Nintendo Switch with Xbox compatibility coming shortly. The included Festival Attachment, which connects to the NEO S controller, has been designed ergonomically to fit in the palm of your hand and has five action buttons designed to replicate the frets on a guitar. The hardware designed by the team behind the hardware for Guitar Hero and DJ Hero. Along with a guitar, you can use it to play Keytar, Drum, Mic, and Bass song parts, as well. The controller itself features Fortnite Festival inspired artwork, and since it’s wireless, you can easily bring it with you. Also included are hall-effect thumbsticks, integrated motion controls, and adjustable trigger sensitivity. Remappable back buttons provide extra controls while adjustable vibration and swappable stick tops provide customizable options. Thanks to Bluetooth technology, the NEO S can be used with smart TVs, mobile devices, and tablets. The controller is available for US$60.
JBL Quantum One Over-Ear Professional Gaming Headset
When it comes to audio quality, you’ll find JBL to be among the best of the best. And sound quality isn’t just important for music listeners, it’s also crucial for serious gamers. The JBL Quantum One over-ear professional gaming headset, available in Canada through Erikson Consumer for $400, makes an ideal gift for a serious gamer on your list. You get advanced features like head tracking using JBL QuantumSPHERE 360 spatial surround along with active noise cancelling (ANC) for increased focus. There’s a detachable microphone with noise suppression and a Discord-certified Game-Chat Balance Dial. Lightweight and ergonomic, it’s perfect for those long gaming sessions.
Blacklyte Athena X Gaming Chair
Affordable and breathable, this gaming chair offers 90-168° rear tilt angles for added support, breathable fabric with a high elasticity memory seat sponge base, and integrated keel steel frame for durability. Enjoy the 4D armrests for comfortable sitting support. Consider adding accessories like the matching head or lumbar pillow. The chair stars at $499 and comes with free shipping and a three-year warranty.
Creative Sound Blaster GS5 Compact Soundbar
The Creative Technology Sound Blaster GS5 compact soundbar boasts SuperWide technology to provide a wider, more immersive soundstage, says the company. Powered by advanced full-range racetrack drivers and a built-in port tube with a peak power output of up to 60W, it has two SuperWide modes: Near Field is for desktop use and Far Field is for larger spaces. It comes with USB-C, AUX input, optical-in, and Bluetooth 5.3 for use with TVs, PCs, and gaming consoles. The customizable RGB lighting adds a fun effect while the included remote control allows for quick adjustments on the fly. Grab one for US$70.
Redmagic Nova Gaming Tablet
A dedicated for gaming? It’s a great way to enjoy gaming on the go, powerful enough to keep up. Equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Edition processor, nine-layer cooling system, long battery life, high-res screen, and up to 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, it starts at just US$499. The AnTuTu score of 2,352,902 (Redmagic Lab test) makes it capable of handling AAA games for serious gamers, says the company. Redmagic has integrated a 20,000 RPM internal fan into the tablet for maximized cooling performance. The nine-layer cooling system consists of the internal fan, a 3D heat pipe, and a 3D internal circulation air duct, along with under-screen heat dissipation alloy, superconducting graphene, superconducting copper foil, thermal conductive gel, mainboard copper foil, and an all-metal aviation aluminum body. According to Redmagic, the cooling system reduces core temperature by an impressive 25℃. With a 10,100mAh battery capacity, the Redmagic Nova can run for up to 10 hours of gaming and 18.7 hours of daily use. It also supports 80W fast charging. It comes with a 10.9-inch (2,880 x 1,800) display with 144Hz refresh rate and an 840Hz touch sampling rate, as well as blue light filtering. It’s powered by the Redmagic Game Space 9.0 software, has a 20MP front camera and 50MP back camera, is ultra-thin at just 7.3mm, weighs 1.1 lbs, has four symmetrical speakers, and three built-in microphones. The US$499 price is for the 12GB RAM, 256GB storage version or step-up to US$649 for the 16GB RAM and 512GB storage option.
GameSir T7 Wired Controller
Compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One X|S, Windows 10/11, and Steam, the GameSir T7 wired controller features Hall Effect sticks and triggers for precise handling. With GameSir’s non-contact magnetic Hall Effect technology, the controller’s sticks are designed to remain wear-free throughout their lifetime. Built-in Precision-tuned Hall Effect analogue triggers offer a consistent, smooth pull, ideal for racing games. The controller is equipped with four rumble motors, with one motor located in each grip and trigger, delivering vibrations while the two asymmetric actuators in the grips further enhance the realism. Using straightforward button combinations, gamers can quickly switch profiles and transition among diverse gaming styles and games. The 3.5mm headphone jack allows for easy headset connections and it comes with a three-metre detachable USB-C cable. Choose the best colour for your loved one from Creamsicle White, Sapphire Blue, or Ruby Red, each one selling for US$35.
beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro Open-Back Headset
The latest in beyerdynamic’s MMX gaming line, the MMX 330 Pro is an open-back headset that combines professional studio drivers with improved microphone quality, superior comfort, and a wide soundstage. Affording a purported natural and spacious audio experience, the combined MMX 330 cable eliminates crosstalk, ensuring your teammates won’t hear the game picked up through your microphone signal. Equipped with ultra-soft velour ear pads with a combination of breathable memory foam and open foam, the buttoned head cushion is made of soft and flexible memory foam so it adjusts to the shape of your head. The integrated fontanelle recess prevents pressure on sensitive areas, ensuring maximum comfort even during marathon gaming sessions. With lightweight materials and easily replaceable parts, the MMX 330 PRO is designed for prolonged use without causing gamer fatigue. With easily replaceable parts, it works with PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC, iOS, and Android and sells for US$330.
Acer Nitro V 16 Gaming Laptop
Designed especially for students and entry-level gamers, the Acer Nitro V 16 can be used for work during the day and play at night and during downtime. It comes with a 16-inch WQXGA display, Intel Core i7 processor, up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU, up to 32 GB of memory, and up to a 2 TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD. It starts at US$1,800 but you can adjust the specs to your liking.
IKEA Brännboll Gaming Furniture & Accessories
Everyone loves IKEA, and the retailer has added an entirely new line of gaming furniture and accessories to furnish a games room. Called Brännboll, a nod to the Swedish bat-and-ball game, the collection includes 18 products in total, including items for organizing, displaying, even sitting on. There’s a wall-mounted cabinet, side table on wheels, an inflatable lounge chair, area rug, carry basket for storing gaming accessories, and more. I’ll be reviewing some of these items soon, so stay tuned.
Asus ROG Zephryus G16 (2024)
The Asus Republic of Gamers ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) GA605 gaming laptop, initially shown at CES 2024 earlier this year, features an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor with a built-in NPU for AI-accelerated tasks and a dedicated NVIDIA GPU. Housed in a thin and lightweight aluminum chassis with a customizable slash lighting array on the lid, it features 12 cores, 24 threads, and an AMD Ryzen AI XDNA 2 NPU capable of 50 TOPS. Equipped with up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU, the G16 can deliver AI performance for tasks like photo and video editing, image generation, coding, and, of course, gaming with DLSS 3 super resolution. Enhanced productivity and gaming are further supported by ROG Intelligent Cooling, which includes liquid metal on the CPU and an upgraded heatpipe system with a tri-fan design featuring the company’s 2nd gen Arc Flow Fans. The ROG Nebula display with an OLED panel supports NVIDIA G-SYNC. Its 16:10 aspect ratio, 2.5K resolution, and 240 Hz refresh rate are perfect for gaming and content creation, with VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification for HDR experiences.
Available with 32GB LPDDR5X-7500 memory along with support for the new SD Express 7.0 standard for ultrafast SD card performance, the ROG Zephrys G16 (2024) is the first ROG laptop to support WiFi 7, capable of higher speeds with less congestion when combined with a compatible router. Configurations vary but pricing in Canada starts at $2,999.
ViewSonic XG2536 & XG2736 2K Monitors
Both the ViewSonic XG2536 and XG2736-2K monitors boast ergonomic designs, fast refresh rates and response times. At 25- and 27-inches in size, respectively, the monitors feature AMD FreeSync Premium technology to minimize tearing and stuttering for fluid gameplay. The RGB lighting complements high-end gaming setups. Both monitors come with HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C connectivity. The ViewSonic XG2736-2K gaming monitor has a 27-inch screen with native 2,560 x 1,440 resolution, 240Hz refresh rate, and 0.5 ms response time. It comes with HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort-In, and USB-C with 65W power delivery, and sells for $429. The XG2536 gaming monitor ($399) is 25 inches in size with native Full HD 1080p (1,920 x 1,080) resolution, 280Hz (OC) refresh rate with ultra-fast 0.5ms response time. Its connectivity options include HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort-In, and USB-C with 65W power delivery.
GameSir G8+ Bluetooth Mobile Controller
Looking for a new wireless controller? The GameSir G8+ Bluetooth Mobile Controller is designed to provide a console-like gaming experience across multiple platforms, including Switch, iOS, Android, tablets, and PC. Engineered with ergonomic grips and responsive motors, it has console-sized sticks and buttons, with control for navigating challenging terrains or executing precise shots. At the heart are the GameSir Hall Effect sensing sticks, which deliver 360° seamless pinpoint control. These sticks provide precision and durability, enhanced by anti-friction glide rings for smooth stick control and reduced wear. The precision-tuned Hall Effect analog triggers offer smoothness and responsiveness, with a quick switch to Hair Trigger Mode for a competitive edge in FPS and action games. The dual motors provide both strong and subtle vibrations, enhancing tactile feedback and bringing realism to crashes, gunshots, and bumps.
Universal compatibility is a key feature of the GameSir G8+, designed with an extendable bridge and ample rear space to accommodate a wide range of phone models, from 110mm to 215mm in length. It also works with Switch and tablets. Customize the look with interchangeable magnetic swappable components to personalize the controller with different faceplates, stick caps, and button caps. Further customize it using the GameSir app, which allows for firmware upgrades, stick and trigger dead zone adjustments, vibration intensity customization, and button testing. It sells for US$80 and is compatible with Switch, iOS, Android, tablet, and PC, and works via Bluetooth for mobile devices or with a wired and wireless dongle for PC.
RedMagic 9S Pro International Smartphone
If gaming on the go is a priority for them, consider the RedMagic 9S Pro international version smartphone. Equipped with a 6.8-inch screen and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and with UFS 4.0 + LPDDR5X, it comes in four colours and with up to 16GB RAM and 512GB of memory. Boasting an enhanced ICE 13.5 cooling system, the phone features a full display with BOE’s Q9+ luminescent material, integrated into a sleek flat panel design with no camera bumps. Additionally, it comes with a 6,500mAh battery and 80W quick charging via Qualcomm Quick Charge 5 technology. The device also includes 520Hz shoulder triggers and distinctive ‘9S RGB lighting’. Designed for gamers, the RedMagic 9S Pro offers customizable RGB lights and classic retro game wallpapers, and new display customization and aspect ratio options. A new gaming feature is Super Wallpaper, which offers classic and retro game wallpapers for users who love nostalgia and retro gaming. With this feature, you can play games like Snake and Tetris when the phone is on standby, providing a fun way to pass the time. Pricing starts at US$649.
OXS Storm G2 Gaming Headset
The OXS Storm G2 gaming headset is designed to provide an immersive audio experience for gaming sessions. The detachable omni-directional microphone, equipped with enhanced sensitivity, provides clear communication. It offers lag-free real-time audio with its 2.4GHz wireless dongle, achieving ultra-low latency of less than 20ms. There’s also seamless synchronization between audio and visual elements, which helps enhance gameplay and provide a competitive edge, says the company. Beyond gaming, the Storm G2 can be worn for other listening experiences thanks to its versatile EQ presets. Switch among Game, Music, and Surround modes, tailoring the audio to the activity. The built-in microphone allows for hands-free calls, virtual meetings, and communicating with others during online game play. It boasts cross-platform compatibility, offering three connection modes: wired, Bluetooth, and dongle. The 3.5mm AUX cable, 2.4G ultra-low latency wireless, and Bluetooth 5.3 connections ensure compatibility with a wide range of devices, including consoles, PCs, laptops, PS4/PS5, Xbox, Switch, tablets, mobile phones, and other AV devices with 3.5mm aux jacket or Bluetooth. The dongle supports both Type A and Type C connections. Equipped with an adjustable headband that expands up to 2 inches, the 30° adjustable ear cups feature memory foam, providing a customizable fit that reduces pressure during long gaming sessions. Crafted with skin-friendly protein leather, the Storm G2 is lightweight, ideal for all-day wear. Buy it for US$80.
Acer Predator Gaming Monitors
There are three models from which to choose in the new Acer Predator gaming monitor line, including the X27U F3, X34 X5, and X32 X3, all with OLED displays, high refresh rates, NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility, and more. The monitors also seamlessly integrate AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and boast 10-bit colour depth, delivering cinematic visuals with favourable contrast and vibrant colours that are enhanced by DCI-P3 99% colour gamut and Delta E<1 color accuracy. In addition, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 ensures deep blacks and great brightness for lifelike visuals, says Acer. They come in 27- and 31.5-inch sizes along with a curved model for an even more immersive gaming experience. Pricing starts at $1,500, each appealing to differing gamer needs.
Sennheiser HD 620S Series Headphones
The Sennheiser HD 620S series headphones are designed for audiophiles as well as gamers and streamers. Employing an open-back design, the 150-ohm aluminum voice coil excels at “speedy transients and well-defined instrument tails for punchy dynamics across the entire frequency spectrum” says Sennheiser. The HD 620S has a metal-reinforced headband and earcup housings. It ships with a storage pouch that has space for the detachable cable. The 1.8-meter cable terminates to a single-ended 3.5mm stereo plug with an integrated locking screw for the included 6.3mm adapter. The HD 620S shares the twist-and-lock single-sided cable design with other Sennheiser headphones, giving aftermarket options including different lengths and an in-line microphone. MSRP US$350.