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Whether they’re into PC or console gaming, a casual gamer or a hardcore pro, these gifts are sure to impress

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December 12, 2025

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Like any hobbyist, gamers are particular about their gear. That means getting a gift for a gamer can be tricky — they’re likely to be dialed into their preferred ecosystem, whether that’s PC or PlayStation, and they probably have strong opinions on games.

That’s why the best gifts for gamers range from practical accessories to level up their game, retro toys that tap into their nostalgia, and gear that helps them approach gaming in a new way. To find the best gear for gamers, we dug through the archives of Rolling Stone’s extensive gaming coverage and pulled out the gear we’ve been testing ourselves to find gifts that are sure to impress. And for more great gaming gear, check out our 2025 Gaming Awards, featuring more of our favorite editor-tested picks.

Got a long gift list? We also rounded up editor-approved gifts, gifts for her, tech gifts, and more. Read on for our picks for the best gifts for gamers.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was one of the most surprising releases of the year, taking the top spot for Rolling Stone’s best games of 2025. The RPG, which features elements of turn-based combat, has wide appeal for a variety of gamers. “It doesn’t take long to kick into gear and, even for people who are RPG-averse, Expedition 33 fires on so many cylinders, it’s bound to sink its teeth into the vast majority of people willing to boot it up,” wrote Rolling Stone editor Christopher Cruz.

LEGO Game Boy

This one is for all of the nostalgic gamers. LEGO released a replica of Nintendo’s iconic handheld console, which even features lenticular screens that simulate gameplay. The set is a modest 421 pieces, making it an enjoyable but not burdensome challenge.

ASUS ROG Xbox Ally

The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally is a fantastic gift for those who want to play some of the best games on the go on its 7-inch Full HD touchscreen display. The handheld PC is designed to feel like an Xbox Wireless Controller when gripped, while the ROG Xbox Ally is stylish and powerful with compatibility across multiple gaming platforms, such as Steam, Battle.net, Epic, and, of course, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Right now, the portable PC is on sale for $489.99 (reg. $599.99) at Best Buy.

Sony PlayStation 5: Fortnite Flowering Chaos Bundle

The Sony PlayStation 5: Digital Edition, which is on sale for $399 (reg. $499.99) at Walmart, is the best console for 4K gaming with high quality and fluid picture quality, as well as high resolution and immersive audio. It comes with a Sony PS5 DualSense Wireless Controller, a digital copy of “Fortnite Flowering Chaos,” and a few other goodies to get started.

Nintendo Switch 2: Mario Kart World Bundle

Priced at $499, the next generation of Nintendo gaming consoles is the Nintendo Switch 2. It delivers better graphics, smoother performance, and more unique features compared to previous consoles. It’s also larger with a 7.9-inch LCD screen to play the best Nintendo games at home and on the road. The bundle comes with a digital copy of Mario Kart World (a $79.99 value) for high-octane and fun racing action.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Gaming Headset

For gamers looking for premium audio, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is a game changer, while the gaming headset features premium sound with crystal-clear and deep sound that’s immersive and rich.

The gaming headset has full 360-degree spatial audio and noise-cancellation features for better gaming experiences. It can also connect to a gaming console — like the Sony PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X as well as a PC, at the same time, with seamless switching back and forth with its included base station. It’s on sale for $329 (reg. $349.99) at Walmart.

ModRetro Chromatic

Go back to the past with the ModRetro Chromatic, a handheld gaming device that’s priced at $199.99. It features a wide range of indie games, while it’s also compatible with Nintendo Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges. In fact, it’s even bundled with the classic puzzle game, Tetris.

If you have old Game Boy games lying around your home, then it is the best handheld gaming console for you. It’s a modern take on the classic gaming console. It comes in fun colors, like cloud, bubblegum, wave, inferno, and others.

Backbone Pro

Quickly turn a smartphone into a portable gaming device with the Backbone Pro, which is priced at $169.99. It wraps around an Apple iPhone or Android smartphone when in landscape mode and plugs in via USB-C and Bluetooth for precise and comfortable controls when playing just about any mobile game.

Ghost of Yotei

The Game Awards-nominatedGhost of Yotei for PS5 is one of the best action-adventure titles of the year, while it’s a wonderful gift for open-world games. Set in the year 1603 (more than 300 years after Ghost of Tsushima), it follows Atsu, a clever and tough mercenary who takes up the persona of Onryō to hunt down the “Yōtei Six,” a roaming gang who murdered her family.

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow

For the gamer who’s also a bookworm, the critically acclaimed Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is a novel that follows two friends who start a video game company together. The book spans three decades and is a great buy for gamers who love a good narrative.

The Last of Us: Part I and Part II Scripts

There’s a reason The Last of Us was turned into a hit HBO show — the game is known for its immersive, gripping storytelling. Game studio Naughty Dog and book publisher Dark Horse turned the game’s scripts into a book, which comes out on Dec. 16. The book features the scripts for parts one and two, as well as the Left Behind expansion.

ARCADE1UP Class of 81’ Deluxe Arcade Machine

Looking for a truly showstopping gift for the retro-gaming enthusiast? The ARCADE1UP arcade machine is a full-sized, 5-foot-tall system featuring classics like Ms. Pac-Man, Dig Dug, Galaga, and more. Of course, you’ll need to ensure they have the space for it.

Samsung 990 PRO 1TB Internal SSD

It may not be the prettiest item to gift, but an internal SSD is one that a PC gamer is likely to appreciate. Storage is always a concern for gamers — and a costly one. This internal SSD is available in one-, two-, or four-terabyte configurations.

Samsung T7 Shield 1TB External USB SSD

For a simpler storage solution, Samsung’s external SSD makes it easy to store games, including those from consoles or gaming PCs. It has a rugged, water-resistant build, password protection, and is available in configurations between one and four TB.

Sony PlayStation Store Gift Card

Not sure what games they’re into? A gift card to their preferred game store, whether that’s Steam, the PlayStation Store, or the Xbox Store, goes a long way. You can opt for a digital gift card or pick up a physical one.

Hades II

Looking for a game for the person who recently got the Nintendo Switch 2? Hades II is one of the most acclaimed releases of the year, and number two on our ranking of the best video games of the year. In Rolling Stone’s review, Christopher Cruz wrote, “the successor to one of the best games ever made delivers so much more, it’s practically two releases in one.” It costs $29.99 for the digital and $49.99 for the physical versions.

Switch Accessory Case

If you’re looking for an affordable stocking stuffer, this carrying case from trusted bag brand TomToc is an easy way for always-on-the-go gamers to keep their Switch 2 safe. Plus, there are slots for carrying up to 12 games.

Retro Desktop Arcade Game

This retro, miniature arcade game features Tetris in all of its tiny glory, and other versions include Pac-Man and even Street Fighter II. The playable game makes for a great stocking-stuffer.

Razer Basilisk V3 Pro

A good mouse is a PC gaming essential, and Razer’s Basilisk V3 Pro is one of our favorites for its speedy responsiveness and superb comfort. Mappable buttons make it easy to suit your preferred playing style, and chroma lighting is a welcome touch for any battle station.

Edifier M60 Compact Desktop 2.0 Speakers

For the gamer who prefers speakers to headsets, Edifier’s desktop speaker is a compact, stylish option with plenty of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, USB-C, and 3.5mm audio.

Elgato Stream Deck Mini

Elgato’s Stream Deck is the quirky accessory they didn’t know they needed. It features customizable buttons to quickly open applications, and the compact form factor doesn’t take up much space on a desk.

Rematch

Rematch is a modern take on the old-school sports game, with players controlling small teams from a third-person perspective. Players can even use the environment around them, making this a less realistic — but no less fun — take on the soccer game. It’s a fun gift for the sports fan who loves gaming, particularly as World Cup mania ramps up.

Yamazaki Home Smart Universal Adjustable Game Controller Stand

Yamazaki’s stylishly minimalist game controller stand stores up to three controllers and is ideal for the gamer who takes organization seriously. Each tier is adjustable, and the stand is available in black or white.

Samsung 34” Curved Gaming Monitor

Samsung’s gaming monitor features an immersive curved display and a 165 Hz refresh rate. Plus, AMD FreeSync Premium makes for smoother gameplay for any PC gamer.

Donkey Kong Bananza

If the Switch 2 gamer in your life somehow doesn’t yet have Donkey Kong Bananza, the game is a modern classic. Rolling Stone’s review of the game noted that, “Donkey Kong’s return could’ve been just a fun stopgap until their next truly big game, Bananza instead plays out as a showstopper worthy of ushering in Switch 2’s arrival.”

PlayStation Astro Bot Phone and Controller Holder

Astro Bot was a breakout hit for PlayStation, and this phone holder is a charming accessory to decorate a gaming desk. It can also be used to hold a game controller, such as the DualSense PS5 controller.

Meta Quest 3S

For the console or PC gamer who has yet to get into VR gaming, the Meta Quest 3S has an expansive library of titles, and the cordless design makes it easy to play in any room.

Nex Playground

$199.99 $249.99 20% off

For a family-friendly take on gaming, the Nex Playground features simple, active games. It uses a camera to capture motion, meaning you can play the games without the need for a controller. A subscription is required to access the full suite of games.

Govee RGBIC Gaming Light Bars

Govee’s gaming light bars are a good way to add ambiance to a gaming setup. The lights come with a handy controller to adjust brightness and colors, and the light bars sync with game or video audio to create an immersive effect.

Creative Pebble Pro

The Creative Pebble Pro speakers are a stylish, quirky addition to any desk setup. They’re small enough to suit smaller desks, and the RGB lighting adds to their appeal for gamers.