Gaming is one of the most endlessly fun hobbies around—and, unfortunately, one of the most expensive. Or at least it can be. While major consoles like Sony’s PlayStation 5 and Nintendo’s Switch 2 might be a bit out of your holiday-gifting price range, there are still plenty of gifts you can snag at an affordable price.
So don’t fret: Gizmodo’s Consumer Tech team has you covered this year. We’ve put together a list of the best gaming gifts that won’t set you back too much, including plenty of accessories, video games, knickknacks, and even furniture.
If your loved one is spending lots of time gaming on the Switch 2, the Pro Controller is a no-brainer gift. No hate to the Joy-Cons (love those little guys), but they can definitely get your hands cramped up after a long session. The Pro Controller is super ergonomic, even if it’s a bit less fun to look at than the Joy-Cons. And if your friend already has one, a second will make multiplayer adventures better for the both of you.
See Switch 2 Pro Controller at Amazon
Anbernic RG SP
Anbernic offers a huge lineup of retro-inspired gaming consoles, with form factors similar to classics like the original Game Boy, the Nintendo DS, and the GameBoy Advance. The RG SP—which, as you may have guessed by the name, looks and feels a whole lot like the Nintendo Advance SP—is a perfect hit of nostalgia. It comes in four great colors (platinum, graphite, pearl blue, and pearl pink), has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, a six-hour battery life, and can even be connected to your TV.
DualSense Charging Station
The PS5’s DualSense controllers last a pretty long time on a single charge, but refilling that battery juice is something you’ll have to do fairly often. This official Sony charging station lets you ditch some messy cables and just set your controller (or two, actually) on it when you’re not playing to charge up. It’s a small but meaningful quality-of-life improvement for any PS5 fan.
See DualSense Charging Station at PlayStation
Rhythm Heaven Groove
The Switch 2 has had lots of exciting game releases this year, and one place where Nintendo really leads is local multiplayer games. Rhythm Heaven Groove has an infectious art style, catchy tunes, and a solid variety of game mechanics, making it easy to come back to again and again. If your friend has ever loved Dance Dance Revolution, Guitar Hero, or any other rhythm game—have them check this one out.
See Rhythm Heaven Groove at Amazon
Lego PlayStation
Lego sure is milking out brick versions of retro consoles. First it was the Game Boy and now we have the PlayStation. This 1,911-piece set faithfully recreates Sony’s first console and its controller. The coolest part is when you pop open the CD slot to find mini dioramas for Ape Escape and Gran Turismo. Now we just need a Lego Xbox.
Gaming Controller Pillow
Holding up a controller for many hours can cause your arms to hurt, but that’s the price to be a gamer these days. This game controller pillow hugs your waist and provides a place for your arms to rest while you grip your gamepad and headshot an annoying player in Fortnite. Available in three colors, the only questionable aspect of the design is the, err, joysticks, which look like um… well, you can see for yourself.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Nintendo’s classic N64 RPG is back. Widely considered one of the greatest games ever made, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for the Switch 2 is a remake with HD graphics, a remastered soundtrack, and improved gameplay (Link can jump now!).
See The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time at Amazon
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