Best Video Game Gifts For Gamers

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Unsure on the best games for the holiday season in 2023, we’ve got you covered. Here are the must haves for the gamer in your life.

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While the current generation of video game consoles is upon us. The Sony PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S have been best sellers, while Nintendo Switch OLED is best for any new gamers, or anyone who is looking to return after a few years away. In addition, games like “Super Mario Bros. Wonder,” “Marvel’s Spider-Man 2,” “Starfield” and others are great games for gift-giving.

Scroll down for the best gifts for gamers, below:

Best Gifts for Video Game Fans: Xbox, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
Best Gifts for Video Game Fans: Xbox, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch

BEST DEAL

Xbox Series X

$437.90 $568 23% off

Buy Now AT Walmart

The Xbox Series X is Microsoft’s fastest, most powerful console ever. This bundle comes with “Diablo IV” (a $69.99 value) included. So you’re basically getting the console and the game for $130 off their individual retail prices.


Best Gifts for Video Game Fans: Xbox, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
Best Gifts for Video Game Fans: Xbox, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch

PlayStation 5 Slim

$499 $559 11% off

Buy Now At WAlmart

The PlayStation 5 Slim console is more than 30% smaller by volume and 18% lighter than the previous PS5 model. It has the same specs and features, such as up to 120fps with 120Hz output for very smooth action with little-to-no motion blur, 4K gaming with HDR picture quality for vibrant and bright colors and darker black levels.

It’s bundled with the latest “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III” first-person shooter game.


Best Gifts for Video Game Fans: Xbox, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
Best Gifts for Video Game Fans: Xbox, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Switch OLED

$349

Buy Now at WAlmart

The Nintendo Switch OLED: “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” bundle comes with the OLED model of the Nintendo Switch console — which has a sharper and larger seven-inch display — two gray “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate”-branded Joy-Con controllers, a digital copy of the game itself (a $59.99 value) and a free three-month membership for Nintendo Switch Online (an $7.99 value). With this bundle, you’re saving $68, when compared to getting each one, separately.


Best Gifts for Video Game Fans: Xbox, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
Best Gifts for Video Game Fans: Xbox, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Switch Lite

$199

Buy Now at Walmart

The Nintendo Switch Lite: Timmy & Tommy’s Aloha Edition bundle comes with the “lite” handheld version of the Nintendo Switch in turquoise, which doesn’t have detachable Joy-Con controllers or compatibility with TVs, and a digital download code for “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” (a $59.99 value). Since Walmart has this Nintendo bundle priced at $199, you’re essentially getting the game for free.


Best Gifts for Video Game Fans: Xbox, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
Best Gifts for Video Game Fans: Xbox, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Gaming Headset

$152.99 $179.75 15% off

Buy Now On Amazon

For serious gamer, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X has premium audio quality that’s clear and rich, while its 360-degree spatial audio settings gives you an immersive experience. This gaming headset also has the ability to connect to a PC and a gaming console like Xbox Series X/S.


Best Gifts for Video Game Fans: Xbox, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
Best Gifts for Video Game Fans: Xbox, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch

TMNT x Skullcandy PLYR Wireless Gaming Headset

$159.99

Buy Now at Skullcandy

The TMNT x Skullcandy PLYR Wireless Gaming Headset features enhanced audio and an over-the-ear design with turtleshell-shaped earcups that glow in the dark. It has a “radioactive” headband that comfortably rests at the top of your head. In fact, the headband is interchangeable, so you can sport your favorite Turtle — Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael or Michelangelo — in style.


Viture One XR/AR Glasses, 120" Full HD Display, Harman Sound, iPhone 15/15 Pro (Spatial Video Supported), Steam Deck/ROG Ally/Gaming Consoles/PC/Android, Myopia Adjustments, Electrochromic Film
Viture One XR/AR Glasses, 120" Full HD Display, Harman Sound, iPhone 15/15 Pro (Spatial Video Supported), Steam Deck/ROG Ally/Gaming Consoles/PC/Android, Myopia Adjustments, Electrochromic Film

Viture One XR/AR Glasses

$439

Buy Now On Amazon

Priced at $439 at Amazon, the Viture One XR/AR Glasses makes it possible to play your favorite games projected in a big way, but inside of pair of glasses. You’ll have peace when gaming. It’s compatible with the Apple iPhone 15, Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, Apple MacBook, Apple iPad, Android smartphones, Nintendo Switch and much more.


Best Gifts for Video Game Fans: Xbox, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
Best Gifts for Video Game Fans: Xbox, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch

'Starfield'

$49.99 $69.99 29% off

Buy Now On Amazon

“Starfield” is one of the latest games from game studio Bethesda for Xbox Series X. Set in 2330, the game is in a universe where interstellar travel is a reality. Gamers play as a miner, who is highly customizable, in the “Settled Systems.” The miner is tasked with gathering and extracting minerals from a moon, while exploring new planets.


Best Gifts for Video Game Fans: Xbox, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
Best Gifts for Video Game Fans: Xbox, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch

'Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order'

$29.50 $34.44 14% off

Buy Now On Amazon

“Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order” is a third-person action adventure game lets you play as Cal Kestis a former Padawan on the run from the Empire. Fight with the lightsaber and utilize the force to protect your protagonist from the dark side.


Best Gifts for Video Game Fans: Xbox, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
Best Gifts for Video Game Fans: Xbox, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch

'Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut'

$58 $69.99 17% off

Buy Now On Amazon

This sprawling open-world game puts you in control of Jin Sakai, the head of the Sakai clan in the late 13th century. Japan is on the brink of war as the Mongolian army lands on the Japanese island of Tsushima, but the battle ends with most of the samurai army dead and the surviving Jin Sakai alone. “Ghost of Tsushima” threads historical and cultural facts with a fictional narrative as Jin must recruit new warriors and rescue Lord Shimura.


Best Gifts for Video Game Fans: Xbox, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
Best Gifts for Video Game Fans: Xbox, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch

'The Last of Us, Part I'

Buy Now at Best Buy $69.99

Does your gamer love “The Walking Dead” and all the other shambling versions of zombies, walkers and the undead? Then you better believe they will love “The Last of Us, Part I,” and “The Last of Us, Part II” (a re-mastered edition is coming to PS5 in January 2024) A strong narrative-focused game follow a duo of survivors as they brave the apocalypse that has made many a player weep.


Best Gifts for Video Game Fans: Xbox, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
Best Gifts for Video Game Fans: Xbox, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch

'NBA 2K24: Kobe Bryant Edition'

$29.97 $69.99 57% off

Buy Now On Amazon

Every NBA fan needs a copy of the latest “2K” game, and this year’s edition doesn’t disappoint. Play as your favorite NBA or WNBA teams or take control of some of the most iconic teams in basketball history. Like all “2K” games, the latest entry’s soundtrack features some of the biggest artists, like Lil’ Wayne, Ice Spice, Rick Ross and more.


Best Gifts for Video Game Fans: Xbox, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
Best Gifts for Video Game Fans: Xbox, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch

'Animal Crossing: New Horizons'

$52.99 $59.99 12% off

Buy Now at Walmart

“Animal Crossing: New Horizons” is a great way to spend a lot of time. Create your own unique island filled with colorful and adorable animal companions and share your creativity with fellow gamers in this instantly classic Nintendo game.


Best Gifts for Video Game Fans: Xbox, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
Best Gifts for Video Game Fans: Xbox, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch

'Super Mario Bros. Wonder'

Buy Now at Best Buy $59.99

Super Mario Bros. Wonder” finds Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Princess Daisy, Toad, Toadette, Nabbit and Yoshi visiting the Flower Kingdom when Bowser, Bowser Jr. and Kamek arrive to steal the Wonder Flower and kidnap Prince Florian.

You must retrieve the Wonder Flower, rescue Prince Florian and save the Flower Kingdom with new power-ups, such as Elephant Fruit, Bubble Flower, Drill Mushroom and a special Wonder Flower that turns a level into a chaotic delight.


Best Gifts for Video Game Fans: Xbox, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
Best Gifts for Video Game Fans: Xbox, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch

'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom'

$69.99

Buy Now at Best Buy

In a follow up to “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” Nintendo released “Tears of the Kingdom” as a direct sequel. It has Link trying to rescue Princess Zelda who is now in the past, thanks to the resurrected Ganondorf. The champion must also re-assemble the Master Sword to save all of Hyrule from the mysterious Gloom.

The game has three full maps, as you explore the Sky Islands, the Kingdom of Hyrule and The Depths.


Best Gifts for Video Game Fans: Xbox, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
Best Gifts for Video Game Fans: Xbox, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch

'Marvel's Spider-Man 2'

$69.99

Buy Now On Amazon

The the third installment in the game series, “Marvel’s Spider-Man 2” has an assortment of Spider-Man characters, including Mary Jane Watson, J. Jonah Jameson, Rio Morales, Norman Osborn, Venom, Lizard and others. It also features new abilities and suits, such as Parker’s Symbiote suit, Web Wings and more, while gamers can freely swap between Peter and Miles throughout the game.

It expands the open-world map to Brooklyn and Queens, as well as Manhattan.


Best Gifts for Video Game Fans: Xbox, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
Best Gifts for Video Game Fans: Xbox, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch

'Assassin's Creed Mirage: Deluxe Edition'

$39.99 $59.99 33% off

Buy Now On Amazon

“Assassin’s Creed Mirage” takes place during the Golden Age of Baghdad, a few decades before “Valhalla.” It’s a “coming-of-age story” that finds Basim Ibn Ishaq, a street thief who learns the world is much bigger than himself. His mentor, Roshan, trains him to join the Hidden One, an order of Middle Eastern assassins.


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