31 best gifts for gamers in 2025 — Nintendo Switch 2, PS5 Pro, ROG Xbox Ally X and more

HP Omen 35L
The HP Omen 35L is a great mid-range pick that features in our best gaming PCs guide. It's superb gaming performance, gorgeous design and small footprint are hard to argue against. Just be aware of the pre-installed bloatware

Alienware Aurora R16
If you're shopping with a bigger budget, this Alienware Aurora R16 rig delivers exceptional gaming performance. Out of the box you'll find powerful components for blockbuster gaming, but it's also easy to upgrade if you want to supercharge your setup in future years.

PS5 Pro
PlayStation 5 Pro is the most powerful console you can buy in 2025. PS5 Pro offers not only an impressive next-gen experience but a vast library of excellent titles. It's certainly a pricey investment, but you'll be a gift-giving hero when the recipient unwraps this beastly machine.

PSVR 2
Sony's second generation PSVR headset is a huge leap in virtual reality technology. The PSVR 2 pairs with the PS5 to deliver next-gen immersion with sharper visuals and the expertly designed Sense controllers. Setup is also a breeze with just a single cable connected to the console.

PlayStation Portal
The PlayStation Portal is a handheld PS5 accessory that lets you remotely play your console via an 8-inch 1080p LCD display sandwiched between two halves of a DualSense controller. It's quickly become one of the most in-demand gaming accessories for PS5 users.

PS5 DualSense Controller
You can never have too many controllers for PS5 console. The current DualSense is one of the best high-tech wireless controllers on the market, featuring haptic feedback, adaptive triggers and a built-in microphone.

PULSE Explore Wireless Earbuds
These slick PULSE Explore Wireless Earbuds offer crystal-clear sound, 3D audio support and lightning-fast connection speed. You can expect 5 hours of battery, with an additional 10 via the included charging case.

Ghost of Yotei (PS5)
The follow-up to 2020's Ghost of Tsushima, Ghost of Yotei casts you as Atsu, a vengeful samurai on a quest for revenge across a stunning open-world Japan. With brutal combat, a cinematic story, and plenty of optional distractions, it's a top-tier PS5 exclusive.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach (PS5)
Another long-awaited PS5 sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, comes from the brilliantly unique mind of Hideo Kojima. You again play Sam Porter Bridges, a skilled courier on a quest to link up the scattered remaining encampments of a post-apocalyptic future.

Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo's second-generation hybrid console takes everything we loved about the Switch 1 and upgrades it. Nintendo Switch 2 boasts upgraded internal components, a larger 7.9-inch display, and magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers. It offers the same versatility as its predecessor, but the whole play experience has been improved.

Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart Bundle
Packaging together the Switch 2 console with a copy of the flagship launch exclusive Mario Kart World, this bundle is everything you need for a holiday season of Nintendo gaming. You're also getting a $30 discount compared to buying the hardware and software separately. Nice!

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
The Nintendo Switch 2 launched alongside a new model of the popular Pro controller, and it's an overall smart upgrade. It includes HD Rumble 2, a dedicated GameChat button, and, most useful of all, customizable back buttons. If you take your Switch 2 gaming seriously, it's an essential accessory. And the battery life is stellar.

Nintendo Switch 2 Camera
One of the Switch 2's most hyped new features is GameChat, which allows you to chat with friends and family while gaming on Nintendo's new console. To get the most from this feature, you'll need a camera accessory, and the official Nintendo Switch 2 Camera is the best of the bunch with a slick design and 1080p resolution.

Donkey Kong Bananza (Switch 2)
Donkey Kong Bananza is a GOTY frontrunner, and one of the Switch 2's biggest exclusives. You play as the eponymous ape as his smash his way through (and down into) levels in search of Bananza-shaped collectibles. It's hands-down one of the Switch 2's most enjoyable titles.

Pokemon Legends: Z-A (Switch 2)
No Nintendo console is complete without a Pokemon game, and it didn't take long for the first to arrive on Switch 2. Pokemon Legends: A-Z reworks the franchise's traditional turn-based combat, but the thrill of capturing powerful pocket-sized monsters remains as compelling as ever. Legends Z-A looks and runs best on Switch 2, but you can still play on Switch 1 if you prefer.

Xbox Series X
The Xbox Series X is an excellent console gift idea. The stylish black box can run games at 4K resolution at 60 frames per second without breaking a sweat. Plus, Xbox Game Pass is the best subscription service in gaming. It also offers the most robust backwards compatibility features out of any console on the market.

Xbox Series S
Xbox Series S may have got an unwelcome price increase back in September, but it's still the cheapest option in the current console market. It plays all the same games as its more powerful Series X sibling, but with some graphical sacrifices. It's a great pick if shopping on a budget. The 512GB SSD is quite small though.

WD_Black 1TB C50 Storage Card (Xbox)
With blockbuster games now regularly demanding north of 100GBs to fully install, you might find your Xbox's stock hard drive filling up fast. That's where this officially-licensed Xbox Storage Expansion Card from Western Digital can help. It's compatible with Series X and Series S, and gives you a roomy extra 1TB to play with.

DOOM: The Dark Ages (Xbox)
The iconic Doom Slayer returns in this prequel installment in the popular franchise reboot series. In DOOM: The Dark Ages the hordes of hell are overflowing into a medieval-themed fantasy land, and only your trusty arsenal of overpowered weapons can blast them back to oblivion. This is another heavy metal blast.

Clair Obscur Expedition 33 (Xbox)
Perhaps the biggest breakout hit of 2025, Clair Obscur Expedition 33 is a masterful RPG that combines turn-based battles with an active parry/dodge system to keep you hooked. It also packs an incredible storyline that sees you lead the titular expedition on a quest to stop a mysterious villain known as The Paintress.

Backbone One (Gen 2)
The Backbone One is one of the best mobile controllers you can buy. It has great ergonomics, solid, tactile buttons and a slick app UI. This device transforms your phone into the cloud gaming machine of your dreams. There are also Xbox and PlayStation specific editions available.

Meta Quest 3S (128GB)
The Meta Quest 3S is the latest VR headset for gamers, offering a more budget-friendly price while still having the latest performance specs. It's not as powerful as the regular Quest 3, but can play all the same great games including exclusives like Batman Arkham Shadow.

Steam Deck OLED
The Steam Deck OLED takes the core foundation of the original PC handheld and makes it even better with a vibrant new OLED display as the main selling point. It also offers a lighter design, runs cooler and better battery life. Even with the ROG Xbox Ally X on the scene, the Steam Deck OLED remains a worthwhile pick.

ROG Xbox Ally X
The ROG Xbox Ally X is the best PC gaming handheld you can buy, but it's $999 price tag is a hurdle that's hard to overcome. If you're looking to really spoil something this year, it's a great pick, but you'll need seriously deep pockets.

Xbox Series X Mini Fridge
The Xbox Series X Mini Fridge holds up to 12 cans of drink and comes with LED lights and a USB port for charging devices. Designed to replicate the look of the flagship Xbox console it's the perfect novelty gift.

Lego Pac-Mac Arcade
The Lego Pac-Mac Arcade isn't technically a piece of tech, but it's a wonderful gift idea for gamers who already have all the gear they possibly need. This 2651-piece set recreates the iconic arcade game with simulated mechanics.

Master Chief Phone/Controller Holder
Hold and/or display your smartphone or favorite gaming controller with this Master Chief Holder. This is the perfect novelty accessory for any sci-fi shooter fan.

Donkey Kong and Pauline amiibo
Gaming gifts don't have to break the bank, this Donkey Kong and Pauline amiibo figure is a great little stocking stuffer. It unlocks an exclusive item in the Donkey Kong Bananza game, but beyond that makes for a great little desk decorator for the Nintendo fan in your life.