Gaming consoles: Playstation, Xbox, Nintendo, PS4, VR, projectors... all the gifts for gamers you need

(Image credit: Anker)

published 16 December 2019

Looking for gifts for gamers? We get it, the world of gaming is something of a minefield to the uninitiated – trust us, we've been there. But, it's time to accept that charades, Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit just won’t cut it at Christmas any more. And with pro-gaming set to breed the next generation of millionaires (seriously, look into it) if you get it right, this could just be the best gift you ever give...

While everyone knew about the phenomenon that was Fortnite, last Christmas, this ever-evolving industry has completely transformed within the space of a year. So, if you're struggling to keep on top of the latest console – let alone game – releases, we're here to bridge the gap. Browse our pick of the best gifts for gamers, below...

1. A unique, two-in-one, games console

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christmas gifts for boys: nintendo switch games console by amazon

A console unlike anything else on the market, the Nintendo Switch offers the versatility of connecting to the TV at home while also functioning as an on-the-go handheld device with a 6.2 inch screen.

For the sake of sparing you all the gaming jargon this is, in short, what all the kids want this Christmas.

2. Sony PlayStation Classic Console

Can you believe it’s been 25 years since the first ever PlayStation was released? Whether you’re a fresh-faced Fortnite or an old school Tekken die-hard, there’s lots to love about the new Sony PlayStation Classic Console – a palm-sized PS1 pre-loaded with 20 classic games.

It's 45 per cent smaller than the original PlayStation and, complete with two controllers, you’ll be taking a trip down memory lane with the likes of Final Fantasy VII, Tekken 3 and Ridge Racer Type 4 come Christmas morning.

3. Subscriptions to Spotify, Xbox Live, Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, PlayStation Now Netflix, Amazon Prime

There’s more to being a gamer than just the consoles and the games themselves these days. To get the full experience, whether that be online multiplayer with Xbox Live and PlayStation Plus, or a ready made library of games to download or stream with Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Now, subscription services underlie a lot of what the modern gamers sinks their cash into.

That’s before you start considering entertainment services like Spotify and Netflix, all of which are available on consoles these days too. Pick up one of these essentials to make a gamer’s Christmas complete.

4. Mars II portable projector

Need a screen as big as the epic games your loved ones will be playing? The Mars II portable projector from Anker is the perfect accompaniment for an epic quest, projecting a HD-ready picture up to 150-inches in size anywhere you like thanks to its built-in four hour battery life.

While it’s not best suited for 4K gaming, it’s a great match for the new wave of retro mini consoles, like the PlayStation Classic above, and last year’s Super Nintendo Mini. It’s also got Android built in, meaning you can stream from movie services like Netflix and Amazon Prime just from the projector itself.

5. Enter the world of virtual reality

This year, virtual reality was probably one of the biggest developments in the world of gaming. And we're pretty sure Christmas lists across the country will reflect that.

Gift the gamer in your life with the opportunity to delve into over 200 virtual reality worlds and experiences – that's escapism on a whole new level – thanks to the newly released Playstation VR. This handy starter kit provides everything you need to get started – that's a PlayStation VR headset, PlayStation camera and PlayStation VR worlds. From there, a world of adventure awaits...

6. Must Play: Red Dead Redemption 2 (Xbox One, PS4)

The one that any gamer worth their salt has been waiting for. Eight years since Grand Theft Auto developers Rockstar set their open world expertise loose on the Wild West, we’re returning to the age of gunslingers with Red Dead Redemption 2.

Set to be one of the most ambitious and spectacular games ever met, you’ll be able to go anywhere and do anything as the outlaw Arthur Morgan. Recruit a posse, hold up banks, have a bar room brawl and ride off into the sunset on your trusty steed – if there’s a cowboy cliche you’ve ever wanted to play out, Rockstar’s spaghetti Western-turned-video game will make your day.

7. For PS4 players: Marvel’s Spider-Man

There have been Spider-Man games over the years, but none as ambitious as this PS4 exclusive from developers Insomniac. It’s a visual marvel (geddit?), putting the entirety of Manhattan just a webswing away. With the full rogues' gallery of villains to battle, plenty of secrets to collect and a superb swinging system that really makes you feel like Ol’ Spidey, it’s a comic book fan's dream game.

8. For Xbox One players: Sea of Thieves

Ever wanted to captain your own pirate ship? How about doing so with a crew made up of your own pals? The cartoony fun of Sea of Thieves allows you to do just that, setting sail across the seven seas on a galleon manned by your friends, seeking out buried treasure and sword fighting against skeleton buccaneers. Also available on PC.

9. For Nintendo Switch players: Super Smash Bros Ultimate

Nintendo’s bashful brawler is back, pitting the likes of Mario, Luigi, Donkey Kong and Link against other members of the gaming elite. Madcap punch-ups full of magical items and trap-laden levels, there are few better multi-player games than Super Smash Bros, with Ultimate being tipped as the most complete games in the series to date.

Super Smash Bros Ultimate is released date: December 7 2018.

10. For PC players: Fallout 76

The Elder Scrolls and Fallout games have always been gigantic solo adventures, but the post-apocalyptic franchise is walking new irradiated roads this winter as it opens the wasteland to teams of travellers instead.

Taking the large scale role-playing action of the earlier first person shooters in the series, and throwing your pals into the mix, you’ll be able to quest and fight off the mutant hordes as a team. Also available on PS4 and Xbox One.

More Christmas gifts:

Emily first (temporarily) joined the Real Homes team while interning on her summer break from university. After graduating, she worked on several publications before joining Real Homes as Staff Writer full time in mid-2018. She left the brand in 2020 to pursue another career, but still loves a second-hand bargain and sourcing unique finds to make her rented flat reflect her personality.