Holiday Gift Guide 2022: Best Gifts for Gamers

1. Corsair K70 RGB MK.2

Corsair’s K70 RGB MK.2 is a tough full-size keyboard that can handle everything from pro gaming tournaments to daily office work. It’s packed with features to satisfy even the most demanding keyboard users and has many customization options.

The K70 RGB MK.2 comes in Black or Silver with an aircraft-grade aluminum frame in a brushed anodized finish to increase its strength and rigidity. Its double-shot PBT keys are durable enough for hard use, and the soft-touch wrist rest is easy to add and remove magnetically. The little details matter and Corsair added a USB passthrough with six available cable routes, a tough, braided cable, and dedicated media keys as extra features that add more value.

Buyers can customize their keypresses with a range of Cherry MX mechanical switches. Some available options include the Click Cherry Blues, Linear Cherry Reds, Tactile Cherry Browns, Fast Cherry Speeds, and Quiet Cherry Silents. They can also change the RGB backlighting through the iCUE app and use it to program macros and store them on the three onboard profiles.

The K70 RGB MK.2 is quite pricey, but it justifies the cost with a vast array of features and customization options. It’s also durable and should last longer than most standard gaming keyboards. However, it’s very bulky and might not fit on smaller desks.

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• Aircraft-grade aluminum frame
• USB passthrough
• Mechanical switches

• Brand: Corsair
• Wireless: No
• Backlight: Yes
• Compatible Devices: PC, Some consoles

2. Thrustmaster T248

True racing enthusiasts prefer the authentic feel of a racing wheel and pedals instead of a controller. Thrustmaster’s T248 is compatible with most driving games and works on PC and PS4 and 5 consoles. There’s also the T248X version available for the Xbox One, Series X, and Series S for around the same price.

Most racing wheel sets are either direct-drive or belt-driven, but the T248 features a hybrid system to reduce costs while maintaining responsiveness. It includes three different force-feedback settings to customize the experience of different games and 20 displays to choose from on the digital screen. There are also 25 easily-reachable buttons mappable to driving functions in compatible games.

For a mid-range set, the Thrustmaster’s T248 has a premium feel with magnetic paddle shifters and metal pedals with four pressure modes. The steering is also stunning with its digital display and silver accents.

This racing-wheel set is very responsive and durable and is compatible with most popular racing games like F1 2021, and WRC 10, and even works on some Farming Simulator titles. It’s a must for driving-simulator fans, although it only works on PC and Playstation, and Xbox users need a different model.

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• Hybrid drive system
• Compatible with most driving games
• Steering and Pedals included

• Brand: Thrustmaster
• Platform: PC, PS4 and PS5
• Connectivity: Wired
• Programmable: Yes

3. Playstation Media Remote

The Playstation Media Remote is a must if you use your console for streaming and listening to music. It makes choosing what to watch and changing settings easier because you only need one hand instead of two, and it also works on many TVs.

Like other official PS5 accessories, the Media Remote comes in full white with a small, tasteful logo at the bottom. It keeps things simple with spaced-out buttons for changing the volume, skipping forward and back, and play/pause. There are also four directional buttons with a select button in the center. Sony includes dedicated buttons for Disney+, Netflix, Youtube, and Spotify, and it’s more convenient to have one-touch access instead of fiddling with menus.

Connecting the PlayStation Media Remote is as easy as updating the system software and adding it as a media remote under Accessories in the PS5 menu. You can also use the remote on many compatible IR TVs, and it has a built-in microphone for voice control functions.

PS5 owners will love the Media Remote because of the convenience it brings to the owning experience. They get one-handed, one-touch access to most streaming services and can easily adjust volume and other settings without the clunkiness of a controller. However, it’s only worthwhile if you use your PS5 as a media player, and it doesn’t help if it’s only for gaming.

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• Slim design
• Officially licensed Sony product
• Color-coded to match console and controller

• Power Source: AA batteries
• Number of Devices: Multiple
• Smartphone compatible?: No
• Brand: Playstation

4. Hori Nintendo Switch Split Pad Pro

The two most common complaints about the Nintendo Switch are the small size of the standard Joy-Cons and their tendency to drift. Hori’s Nintendo Switch Split Pad Pro is an officially-licensed product that fixes both problems to give users a better playing experience.

Hori’s Split-Pad Pro fits the Switch like regular Joy-Cons, but they are much bigger with rounded edges for a better grip. The larger size allows for larger buttons and the inclusion of a D-Pad that’s missing from the original Joy-Cons. It offers even more functionality with a pair of programmable rear buttons that make a difference in certain games.

One of the best things about the Hori Split-Pad Pro is its extensive color options. It’s available in standard colors like Black, Volcanic Red, and Midnight Blue. Buyers can choose from themed options like Monster Hunter Rise, Pac-Man, or Sonic if they’re more adventurous and want something different.

The bigger size and added functionality of Hori’s Split-Pad Pro make the Nintendo Switch more comfortable for longer playing sessions. However, it adds to the handheld’s size and weight and might be too bulky for some players.

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• Turns the handheld game into full-sized controller experience
• Designed for a more comfortable gaming experience
• Assignable rear triggers
• Comes in a wide range of pattern and color options

• Brand: Hori
• Platform: Nintendo Switch
• Connectivity: Wired
• Programmable: Yes

5. Razer DeathAdder v2 Pro

Razer’s Deathadder range remains popular after so many years because its ergonomic shape fits most gamers. The wireless V2 Pro version cuts the cord for less drag, and it’s often available for a reduced price because there’s a V3 Pro version out with slightly higher specs.

The DeathAdder V2 Pro comes in at 88 grams, and its 5.0 x 2.86 x 1.68 inches size should be fine for most hand sizes. It has a prominent hump and a seven-button design with the standard left and right click, a scroll wheel, two side buttons, and two DPI adjustment buttons. There’s also a button underneath to switch between profiles

There are two connection types, and buyers can use Bluetooth or the 2.4Ghz wireless band using a dongle. It offers around 120 hours of battery life on Bluetooth and around 70 on wireless, depending on the RGB lighting settings. Performance is courtesy of Razer’s 20,000 DPI optical sensor, and has responsive optical switches for that extra edge when clicking.

This mouse is an all-around performer with a comfortable shape, wireless capability, and a fast sensor. Its price is now more competitive than ever thanks to a newer model on the market, but it’s still only for right-handed users.

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• Optical switches
• Built-in battery
• Wireless connectivity

• Sensor: 20,000 DPI
• Wireless?: Yes
• Brand: Razer
• Compatability: PC

6. Playstation DualSense Charging Station

The PS5 comes with a single USB-A to USB-A cable to charge one controller at a time, but it isn’t enough if you’ve got two and want to play multiplayer games. The Playstation DualSense Charging Station is an easy way to charge two controllers simultaneously, and it frees up the USB ports on the console.

This accessory is reasonably-priced and is part of Sony’s official lineup. Its black-and-white color scheme perfectly matches the console and controllers and looks great when sitting beside them. Charging the controllers is as simple as laying them on the cradle, and the charging station will do the rest.

It takes around three hours to charge a pair of controllers, the same as it would take with the USB cable. The station’s orange LEDs will blink for the duration of the charge, then stop once the controllers are fully charged.

Being able to charge two controllers together makes sense if there are multiple players in your home, and you don’t want to waste precious game time juicing them up separately. Playstation’s DualSense Charging Station is efficient and affordable, but its glossy black plastic picks up fingerprints fast.

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• Officially licensed Sony product
• Reasonable price
• Charges two controllers at a time

• Type: Controller charger
• Color Options: White
• What’s Included: Charger, power cable
• Brand: PlayStation

7. Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2

If you’re going to spend hours playing on your Xbox, you might as well have the best controller possible. The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 has the same ergonomic shape as the regular version but includes substantial upgrades to improve the gaming experience.

Customization is the name of the game with the Elite Series 2 Controller, and it comes with a multitude of spare parts. It comes with six different thumb sticks, including standard, tall, and classic variants, and there are four paddles and four paddles to tailor its performance to your preferences.

The customization doesn’t end there and extends to the controller’s construction and software. It has four mappable paddles at the back, and users can create different profiles to suit the games they play.

Another notable upgrade over the regular Xbox controller is the built-in rechargeable battery with a 40 hour expected lifespan. It’s much more practical than having replaceable AA batteries and ends up costing less in the long run.

There’s no doubt about the quality and functionality of the Elite Series 2 Controller. Still, it’s only worth its hefty price tag if you use all the extra functions and customization features.

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• All-black exterior
• Includes extra parts
• Built-in battery

• Brand: Xbox
• Platform: Xbox, PC
• Battery: 40 hours
• Connectivity: Bluetooth
• Programmable: Yes
• Weight: 12.1 ounces

8. USA GEAR Console Carrying Case

After spending hundreds of dollars on a console, it makes sense to spend a few more to keep it safe from bumps and scratches. The USA GEAR Console Carrying Case is a perfect way to protect your Xbox when it’s not in use, and it’s also great for transporting it to friends’ houses to play.

This green and black carry case was specifically designed for the older Xbox consoles and works on the One, One X, and One S, but it doesn’t fit the newer Series X and Series S types. There’s also a similar black and blue version for PlayStation 3 and 4 variants for around the same price with identical features.

The USA GEAR carry case measures 15 x 12.25 x 6.5 inches and is made from waterproof RipStop Nylon. Its clamshell interior has ample padding, with a massive compartment on one side for the console and a partitioned compartment on the other for the controller, cables, and other accessories. A shoulder strap and carry handles are standard, and so is the zippered exterior pocket to store games.

Storing or transporting your Xbox is easy with the USA GEAR carry case, and it has enough space for all the accessories. It’s practical and affordable, but it’s only compatible with older consoles and not the newer current-gen versions.

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• Clam-shell design
• Soft inner lining
• Hard outer shell

• Type: Carry Case
• Color Options: Black, Black and Green
• What’s Included: Shoulder strap and handles
• Brand: USA GEAR

9. Logitech G PRO X Gaming Headset

A great headset allows you to hear all the gunshots and explosions in the heat of battle and enables you to strategize with your teammates. As its name suggests, Logitech’s G Pro X is designed for pro gamers needing crystal clear sound with no lag. It also comes with a carry bag and many accessories like spare earpads and cables.

The G Pro X has a sturdy steel and aluminum construction with comfortable memory foam padding for hours of play. The 50 millimeter drivers provide crystal clear sound quality and are compatible with Dolby 7.1 surround sound. There’s also a detachable boom microphone with Blue Voice technology for better clarity.

As a headset primarily designed for PC gaming, it comes with a USB sound compatible with Logitech’s G Hub software to tweak the equalizer settings and create different profiles. Console and mobile players can use the included 3.5 millimeter cables to connect to their devices, but they’ll miss out on some functionality.

Logitech’s G Pro X doesn’t come cheap, but it justifies its price with outstanding build quality and a host of accessories. It’s perfect for casual and pro gamers, although most of its advanced features work on PC only.

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• Detachable boom microphone
• 50 millimeter drivers
• USB soundcard

• Microphone: Detachable boom microphone
• Compatibility: PC, console, mobile
• What’s Included: Carry bag, spare earpads, spare cables, USB soundcard, headset
• Brand: Logitech

10. DEVASO Travel Carrying Case

Handheld gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck can easily break if you don’t have a protective case when you’re on the go. Just one drop can crack the display or damage the frame, and it’s worth spending a bit more to get protection like the DEVASO Travel Carrying Case.

It’s the ultimate Steam Deck case with a tough outer ABS plastic exterior that’s shockproof and impact resistant. The case also has an IP67 water-resistance rating, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to one meter of water for around 30 minutes. At 14 by 7.7 by 6.4 inches and 1.8 pounds, it’s quite bulky, but that’s the price you pay for such high-level protection.

The inside is a different story completely with a soft, red lining and cutouts for the Steam Deck and accessories like the charger, charging base, and thumb grips. All the parts have s snug fit in the cutouts with no movement, so they won’t pick up any scratches or scuffs. Even the lid has foam running across the whole surface to keep everything in place on the move.

The DEVASO Travel Carrying Case is the best solution for transporting a Steam Deck because its hard outer casing and soft inner lining protect it against most knocks and drops. Its bulky size and weight might not be convenient for some buyers, but it’s necessary to fulfill its purpose.

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• ABS plastic exterior
• Sturdy handle
• Soft interior with cutouts

• Type: Carry case
• Color Options: Black
• What’s Included: Case only
• Brand: DEVASO