Christmas Gift Guide for gamers (Image: GETTY)
If you’re looking for some last-minute Christmas gift ideas for the gaming fan in your life, then you’ve come to the right place.
With a couple of weeks left to grab those all-important Christmas gifts, we’ve picked out items than can easily be found on the high-street, or delivered next day with an Amazon Prime account.
So from expensive gifts like premium video game consoles and arcade machines, to more affordable presents like headsets and books, these are the gifts gamers will be most happy with this Christmas.
Robot White Xbox Series X
If you already own a PS5 and want an Xbox to match, then Microsoft has finally released its premium Xbox Series X console in a gorgeous Robot White colour scheme.
This stylish new Xbox console comes with 1TB of storage, a matching controller and HDMI 2.1 lead.
Priced at £429.99, the Robot White Xbox Series X is also cheaper than the original model. This is because it’s a digital-only console that doesn’t come with a disc drive.
Indeed, it’s perfect for anybody with an Xbox Game Pass subscription, especially with the built-in solid state drive that provides lightning fast load times and download speeds.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Subscription
If you are buying somebody an Xbox, or they already have one, then a Game Pass Ultimate subscription is the gift that keeps giving.
Available from Argos for £10.99 for a one month subscription, or £32.99 for a three month membership, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate instantly unlocks hundreds of games, including day-one releases like Call of Duty Black Ops 6.
SteelSeries Arctis Wireless GameBuds
These stylish Arctis GameBuds feature 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, as well as 360-degree Spatial Sound, active noise cancellation and more.
They come in white if you’re using them for the PS5, Switch and PC version, or black if you’re buying for Xbox, Switch and PC.
RIG 300 PRO Headset
If you’re looking for a slightly cheaper option, then you really can’t go wrong with the RIG 300 PRO, which are now available in Cosmic Purple and Acid Camo colours. Alternatively, you can grab the PlayStation version for £24.99 from GAME.
The headphones feature precision-tuned 40mm drivers, a 233g lightweight design for extreme comfort, as well as what Nacon describes as a virtually unbreakable headband.
PSVR 2
While the PlayStation VR 2 is a tough sell at £529.99, customers willing to act fast can grab the premium virtual reality device for just £339 from Argos. (Remember, you’ll need a PS5 in order to use the PSVR 2 headset.)
The PlayStation VR 2 headset uses two 4K OLED displays running at 120Hz to provide razor sharp images and smooth action. It comes with two Sense controllers that utilise similar technology to the PS5 DualSense pads.
The Spectrum
A recreation of the classic ZX Spectrum, this year’s must-have retro games device comes with 48 pre-installed retro games, including The Hobbit, Manic Miner, Skool Daze and Spellbound.
The updated version of the classic computer supports 720p HD output via HDMI, and comes with four USB ports for controllers and joysticks.
Multiple save states will be available for each game, alongside a rewind feature, CRT filters and even basic programming functionality.
Most important of all, however, is the fact that The Spectrum recreates the iconic rubber keyboard, complete with fully working keys.
Evercade Alpha
A must-have for retro gaming fans, the Evercade Alpha is a Bartop arcade machine with a high-resolution 8-inch IPS screen, two USB ports for external controllers, as well as two Evercade cartridge slots for your Evercade collections.
There are currently two different Evercade Alpha arcade machines available to buy, both containing a selection of Capcom games. The Street Fighter Arcade features Street Fighter II Champion Edition, Super Street Fighter II Turbo, Street Fighter Alpha: Warriors’ Dreams, Street Fighter Alpha 2, Street Fighter Alpha 3 and the superb Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo.
The Evercade Alpha Mega Man Edition contains more of a mixture of games, such as Mega Man: The Power Battle, Mega Man 2: The Power Fighters, Final Fight, Knights of the Round, Carrier Air Wing and Strider.
Nintendo Tree Decorations
A fun little gift for the Christmas tree, these Nintendo Hallmark decorations cost £8.49 each, and feature iconic characters such as Link from The Legend of Zelda, Mario and his brother Luigi, as well as Princess Peach.
Needless to say, Nintendo isn’t the only pop culture property to get its own tree decorations. There are also Harry Potter, Disney and Star Wars ornaments to hang on your tree.
Nintendo Switch OLED with Super Mario Wonder
Argos is selling the Nintendo Switch OLED console with a copy of Super Mario Bros. Wonder for just £299.99. As an added bonus, you’ll also receive a 12 month subscription to Switch Online, which is valued at £17.99.
Far superior to the original Switch, the OLED model comes with a bigger 7-inch OLED screen. The OLED display is far brighter than its predecessor, featuring more vibrant colours that really bring Nintendo’s games to life.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder, on the other hand, is a return to Mario’s side-scrolling platforming roots, featuring new pick-ups that completely transform the way you play.
This could be anything from pipes coming alive under Mario’s feet, to a stampede of enemies destroying everything in sight.
PowerA Enhanced Nintendo Switch Wireless Controller – Fortnite Edition
When plugging it in and playing the Nintendo Switch docked, I much prefer playing with a proper joypad. This officially licensed Nintendo Switch controller is a fine choice for just such a thing, featuring Bluetooth 5.0 technology for flawless wireless gameplay, as well as 30-hour of battery on a single charge and mappable buttons on the rear of the device to give you an extra leg up on the competition.
This particular model sports a colourful design that’s full to the brim of Fortnite characters and icons such as Peely, Fishstick, Coral Castle, Cuddle Team Leader and more. You can pick it up for £44.99 from Argos.
Run and Gun: A History of On-Foot Shooters
Run and Gun: A History of On-Foot Shooters provides a comprehensive look at the entire back catalogue of games that make up this addictive genre. This means 500 pages dedicated to games like Metal Slug, Contra, Gunstar Heroes and Mega-Man. Available for £34.99 from Bitmap Books, it’s a fascinating read.