Gamers are a hard bunch to please. Perhaps hardened by the unforgiving nature of the online battlefield, or maybe spoiled by the sheer quality of modern-day consoles and games – either way, a gift for a gamer needs to be carefully chosen.
But help is at hand. We've searched high and low for presents to put a smile on the face of the most hardcore player, particularly if they have a penchant for superior pictures and/or sound...
Sony PlayStation Pulse 3D Wireless Headset
The new Pulse 3D headset is the perfect companion to the PS5, which boasts proprietary 3D audio processing. In truth, any pair of wired headphones plugged into the PS5's DualSense controller can take advantage of this 3D audio, but if you want to go wireless, the Pulse headset is currently the only way to do so.
On top of its technological uniqueness, the Pulse 3D headset boasts open, clear sound, a comfortable fit and convenient USB-C charging. All told, this is the perfect gift for the PS5 gamer in your life.
Xiberia V20D gaming headset
Want the gamer in your life to make a little less noise? This very affordable gaming headset can be plugged directly into a Nintendo Switch or into the controller of an Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, PS4 or PS5. On PS5, they'll even get the benefits of 3D audio.
Not only does this Xiberia headset sound great for the money, it also gets you the peace and quiet you deserve. At least until your loved one starts using the integrated microphone to yell obscenities at their online enemies...
Yamaha YAS-207 soundbar
Games are all about immersion and video is only half of the battle. Who wouldn't want surround sound to complement the on-screen action?
So the gamer in your life will be tickled pink to unwrap this superb soundbar, which simulates surround sound without the need for lots of extra speakers.
Nintendo Switch Lite console
The newest, portable-only version of the brilliant Nintendo Switch is an absolute joy to use and very good value at under £200.
If you fancy getting the lounge TV back out of the clutches of the gamer in your family this Christmas, the Switch Lite is an excellent option.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla game
The latest Assassin's Creed takes the stabby action to the Viking invasion of Britain, and is the biggest and most beautiful title in the series yet, particularly if played on a PS5 or Xbox Series X.
It probably goes without saying that this is a game for those aged 18 and older, but boy will it keep the young adult in your life busy for a while.
Seagate Expansion 2TB Portable External Hard Drive
Games take up a lot of storage space, especially in 4K, so your Xbox or PlayStation hard drive could fill mighty quickly. Time to give your game-loving friend a storage-expanding external disk, such as this Seagate.
It draws power via USB so doesn’t need its own mains connection, and adds tonnes of extra space. You can even go up to 4TB if your recipient is a true hoarder.
Do bear in mind that PS5 and Xbox Series X games can't be stored on an external drive, but backwards-compatible games can, freeing up the internal drive for new, next-gen content.
Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X, S
If your gaming giftee has a new Xbox Series X or Series S that's already hitting the limit of the internal storage, this Seagate Expansion Card is what they need.
While undeniably expensive, the Seagate Storage Expansion Card is currently the only way to expand the internal storage of a new Xbox and create more space for next-gen games.
PS5 Media Remote
If you've got a friend or relative with a new PS5, this official Media Remote is a great way to help turn it from a dedicated games machine to an all-in-one entertainment hub.
Dedicated shortcut buttons to the likes of Disney+ and Netflix make streaming services far more accessible, and proper controls for fast-forward and rewind make it a vast improvement on the DualSense controller when it comes to watching movies.
LG OLED55CX OLED TV
Unless you're extremely rich and generous, this might be a prohibitively expensive gift. However, if you're treating the whole family to a new TV this Christmas and gaming is a priority, no other option is better than a new LG OLED.
The CX is the core model of the 2020 range and it boasts support for all of the most crucial new gaming features, including 4K@120Hz, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode). Input lack is astonishingly low and the picture is all-round superb. Buy one of these and it will be a very merry Christmas indeed.
Sega Mega Drive Mini
While we're undeniably nerdy about things like 4K and HDR, we're far from immune to a tug on the nostalgia glands – which is why we love the Sega Mega Drive Mini.
Sega's a bit late to this mini console fad, but it's packed this insanely cute miniature replica of the Mega Drive with 40 of the very best games from the console's heyday. It also comes with two controllers and an HDMI cable so you can connect it to your modern TV.
This is a brilliant trip down memory lane for any ageing gamer, and it's a great way to introduce kids to the more innocent times of gaming past.
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