Best gaming gifts for Christmas 2020 for PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and more
It may come as no surprise to many that 2020 was a huge year for gaming.
Not only are we all spending more time than ever at home in lockdown - but it also saw the long-awaited release of both the new Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 after seven long years.
Whether you are a gaming fan yourself or shopping for the aficionado in your life - this guide is here to steer you in the right direction.
Treating your friend, family member or loved one to a Nintendo Switch may just be a dream come true and works wonders in getting the whole support bubble squad involved in some healthy Mario Kart competition. The new consoles mentioned above will also prove you’ve got your finger on the pulse and up-to-date with the latest launches and will certainly go down a treat.
If they are already kitted out with all the consoles they could possibly need, we have gathered an edit of games and accessories too - the latter of which will enhance their experience with state-of-the-art headsets or decorate their space with fun and functional chairs and wall hangings.
See our pick of the best gifts for gamers with consoles, games, accessories and more.
See our designated gift guides here.
- Best Christmas gifts 2020
- Best Christmas gifts for him
- Best Christmas gifts for mums
- Best Christmas gifts for teens
- Best luxury Christmas gifts
- Best budget Christmas gifts
- Best beauty gift sets
- Best Christmas toys
- Best Christmas tech gifts
- Best men’s grooming gifts
- Best fragrance gifts
- Best stocking fillers
- Best gifts from small businesses
Now on to gaming…
Consoles
Nintendo Switch Console
Don’t feel nostalgic for your old Game Boy, the Nintendo Switch console is here to solve your gaming blues, whether you are at home or on the move. It can be plugged into the tablet docking station and connected to the TV or used instead as a handheld device - with a battery life of up to nine hours - to make the commute that much more enjoyable.
It comes in a variety of fun colours but we would like to draw your attention to the stylish grey hue. The Switch and games exclusive to it, such as the Mario Kart Bros. franchise games mentioned later in this article, provide a much more family friendly experience and are more accessible for less seasoned gamers to jump in and join in on the fun. We have a feeling this is one you’ll be gifting yourself for Christmas.
PlayStation 5
Released worldwide on November 19, it doesn’t get much more on the pulse than gifting this latest device from Sony. Seven years after the launch of the PS4, this is the next generation in consoles with super fast load times, a built in 4k Blu-ray player, backwards capability with PS4 games and realistic ray tracing that give authentic lighting depictions.
Microsoft Xbox Series X
For exactly the same price as the PS5, this new release from Microsoft may even tease Playstation devotees away. There are two new consoles; the Xbox Series X and the cheaper Xbox Series S that have both been treated to dramatic updates on previous models.
The former has souped-up specs revealed by Microsoft to be the “fastest, most powerful games console ever” and four times more so than the Xbox One X. Expect next-gen visuals, a more compact size, greater resolution, 4k media playback with support for 8k visuals and 1TB of internal storage.
Oculus Rift S PC-Powered VR Gaming Headset
The Oculus allows you to turn any room into a gaming otherworld. We’ve all spent more time than ever in our own homes staring at the same four walls so why immerse your recipient VR-style into their favourite game?
The Rift has improved optics, an ergonomic and comfortable design that stays firmly in place on your head and touch controllers with realistic precision.
Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros (Nintendo)
In honour of Super Mario Bros’ 35th anniversary, hark back to where it all began with this mini handheld console that revisits classic games.
The Game & Watch will allow your loved one to play the original Super Mario Bros alongside The Lost Levels and Balls with a modern update. It includes a control pad and can also function as a clock.
The Samsung Odyssey G9 Monitor
For the ultimate gaming experience for PC players, Samsung’s Odyssey monitor is unrivalled. From the epic curvature design, to the crystal clear picture, this may just be the most immersive to date. Word of warning, with this gift, prepare for them to lock in to FIFA, Warzone or their game of choice for the foreseeable.
Accessories
adidas GMR
If your loved one has spent the last few months glued to FIFA, Adidas has got the perfect gadget to encourage them to get back out on the pitch. Merging the physical and virtual worlds of football, the GMR is an insole that will give them the chance to earn EA rewards through real on-pitch time.
X Rocker 2.1 Stereo Audio Pedestal Chair - Mario Edition
Get them gaming in the utmost comfort with this padded game-ready chair that is adorned with Super Mario Bros artwork and will become a statement part of their bedroom, gaming room or man cave.
The design comes from Nintendo’s Super Mario Series but it also comes complete with an audio system for better game immersion or to get fully involved in their favourite TV show or film.
It may be tricky to wrap, but a big red ribbon should suffice.
Thrustmaster Ferrari Spider Steering Wheel for Xbox One
Feel the need for speed? This steering wheel accessory that is compatible with the Xbox One has got them covered for any race. It comes with a wheel fit with an adjustable sensitivity, paddle shifters, and rubber grips for comfort guaranteed. Plus it has a Ferrari detailing so makes a great gift for supercar enthusiasts.
RED5 Gaming In Progress Light
Upgrade their gaming station with the addition of this light. They can turn it on when they’re in the midst of an epic gaming session and so are not to be disturbed. It can be hung or stood up freestanding and required 3x AA batteries.
SteelSeries Arctis 7, Wireless Gaming Headset, DTS Headphone: X v2.0 Surround for PC and PlayStation 4
For serious gamers, the headset is critical - and you can look to SteelSeries for a reliable, rock-solid option. The Arctis 7 has wireless audio, one of the best mics in gaming, and fully immersive sound. It also promises all-day comfort with breathability to stop things getting sweaty.
SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wired Gaming Headset
For a lower cost alternative that still packs a punch, see the Arctis 1 wired model. It can be connected to all platforms, has realistic game audio, the same quality mic as above but it’s detachable and padded ears for comfort with steel reinforcements for durability.
Games
FIFA 2021
Launching earlier this year in October, the newest iteration of FIFA will be on the top of any gamer’s wish list. This latest iteration promises a more immersive experience than ever before where you will actually be able to feel the impact of shots and tackles with the DualSense controller on the PS5. There’s even greater detail with realistic sound and a serious upgrade of the players’ faces, hair and kits.
The EA Sports’ Entitlement Offer will also get them the editions for Xbox Series X,S or PlayStation 5 version for free from December 4 with any purchase on the game on previous models.
£35.99 for Nintendo Switch | Currys
Super Mario 3D All-Stars
Housed in one handy disc, this provides all the Mario games in one handy place so they can play the likes of Super Mario 64, and easily mix up with Super Mario Sunshine or Mario Galaxy with just a flick of the button.
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit
This kit will give them the opportunity to transform their home into the famous Mario Kart tracks. Recreate Rainbow Road, DK Mountain and more where they can race a real life Mario Kart through the Nintendo Switch. This is made possible through a camera on the kart which feed into the console. They can also race against friends or the computer thanks to AR technology.
The Sims 4 Star Wars: Journey to Batuu Game Pack
Taking The Sims to a galaxy far, far away, this Star Wars cross promises hours of fun. Which side they join - the Resistance, the scoundrels, or the First Order - is completely up to them as well as familiar sights like Millennium Falcon and Oga’s Cantina. There’s missions to complete, characters to meet as well as the opportunity to choose their very own lightsaber and droid.
Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered
The world of Seacrest County has had a major graphical enhancement where the winding roads are ready to be raced. The player can create a career with adrenaline-creating speed, Bounty to earn, cars to unlock and challenges as well as the opportunity to play with both sides of the law - whether they’re the cop interceptors with tactical weaponry, or racers with counterattacks and defensive manoeuvres. It can be played solo or with friends.
£34.99 for Nintendo Switch | Amazon
Star Wars: Squadrons
For the Star Wars superfan in your life, this Squadrons game will be sure to go down a treat. It follows the original Star Wars story after the events of Return of the Jedi where you take plays in 5v5 multiplayer starfighter combat.
The epic new tale takes the player direct to the frontlines of the conflict of the New Republic vs Galactic Empire from the alternating perspectives of pilots on each side that can be customised to the player’s choosing.
UFC 4
In this game, the player can become the Ultimate Fighting Champion by starting from the bottom as an unknown amateur and working their way up in the new Career mode. Each fighter is customisable to the fight style, achievements and personality of the player’s choosing. There are new environments, Blitz Battles and an Online World Championships to find out who is the UFC once and for all.
Madden NFL 21
FIFA for our pals across the pond, Madden takes the player into the world of American football where they can pick up a ball, become any player in any line up and for any team. There are new features and modes Face Of The Franchise: Rise To Fame where they can become immortalized in virtual NFL history, Take Control: Master with running enhancements and live playbooks, X-Factor 2.0 to elevate the stars of a new generation and The Yard with an arcade-style of gameplay.
With EA Sports’ Entitlement Offer, get the Xbox Series X, S or PlayStation 5 version for free from December 4 with any purchase of the game on the previous models.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
The 12th major installment to the Assassin’s Creed series, Valhalla is the latest drop that follows the story of a fictional Viking invasion of Britain in the year 873 AD. The player takes on the role of Eivor, a Viking Raider as part of the action-adventure game. There are different quests, missions, side action and the character can be customised.
Marvel's Spider-Man Game Of The Year Edition (PS4)
With one of Marvel’s most popular and widely known superheroes at the centre, this Spider-Man will go down a treat with the comic book fan in your life. Taking on the role of the arachnid-enhanced man himself, you can sling webs, climb walls and fight bad guys in unique environments and game situations.
