The best gifts for gamers in 2026

If you’re hunting down the very best headset, look no further than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni. It charged to the top of our best gaming headsets list because it provides the gold standard for high-end audio and quality-of-life features. The fact that it can connect to multiple platforms (from PS5 to Switch 2) also makes it a versatile choice for gamers of every stripe.

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Looking for the ultimate pro controller on PS5 or Xbox? Our experts would recommend the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded each and every time. Thanks to a comfortable modular design that lets you swap pieces to suit your need as well as superb performance, this is the perfect competitive choice. Besides being one of the best PS5 controllers, there’s also an Xbox version that is hands down the best Xbox controller.

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Anyone that wants to game on the go is spoilt for choice; the shelves are creaking under portable PCs like the Steam Deck and retro designs. However, our favorite handheld overall would have to be the Nintendo Switch 2. For starters, its a signifcant performance upgrade over the previous Switch console with gorgeous visuals and one of the best screens in the biz… but it’s still able to play the same games. That makes it a good investment even if you already own the previous version. Secondly, it’s home to a growing library of must-have games like the Ocarina of Time remake. This will only increase with time, so it’s not gonna be outdated anytime soon either.

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For sim racers, it doesn’t get much better than this masterpiece of a steering wheel. Armed with 8Nm of torque to give the illusion of the car fighting back on bends as well as immersive TRUEFORCE to make it feel as though you’re really tearing around the track, the Logitech G RS50 is feature rich… but won’t break the bank. It’s an excellent middle-ground option with premium materials and premium features to match.

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For anyone that wants to step back in time and revisits some handheld classics, the Anbernic RG Cube is perfect. Along with being able to handle everything from PS1 to Game Boy favorites, this can also manage Nintendo DS games. We’ve waited years for a system that can match the old Nintendo DS dual-screen setup, and this system nails the assignment. When combined with incredibly well-done controls that feel like they’ve come from a far more premium machine, you have a winner here.

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It says a lot that this retro system is good enough to make us consider ditching the original it’s inspired by. Although it looks like it’s walked out of a ’80s hardware store thanks to the wood panel effect and is compatible with original game carts, it comes armed with a 10-in-1 pack that includes favorites Adventure, Combat, Dodge ’em, Haunted House, and Maze Craze.

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KontrolFreek is well known across the industry for fantastic thumbstick toppers, and with GTA 6 on the way, there’s no surprise that a Grand Theft Auto-themed version has just dropped.

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If you aren’t sure what to get someone but know they game on PS5, this is the best “playing it safe” option. It’s made by a company known for high-quality merch, and is just one of many great PlayStation of mugs at Amazon from Paladone.

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If in doubt, go for a Funko Pop. These adorable figures are really easy gaming gifts considering their low price and how many different versions there are, drawing from countless beloved franchises. This one is inspired by Pokemon, or more specifically, the hyper-popular ghost-type Gengar.

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Bones Coffee Company produces a massive range of ground bean coffee packs, with one that’s going to stand out for gamers in particular. The Fallout Atomic Apple option comes complete in Vault Tec packaging for an extra rad edge.

See all Bones Coffee Company x Fallout at Amazon

Is your loved one obsessed with Fortnite and chasing the ever-elusive Victory Royale? This is a cheap but effective present that references an iconic in-game restaurant, and personally I appreciate that it’s a bit more subtle than other tie-in merch.

See all Paladone gaming water bottles at Amazon

Super Mario is one of the most iconic franchises in gaming, and the mushroom power-up is one of the most iconic items in Super Mario. With that in mind, Paladone’s light-up version is a superb gift for gamers of any age that won’t cost a (Bob)bomb.

See all Paladone Nintendo merch at Amazon

Magic has a well-deserved reputation as one of the best card games around, so it getting a crossover with video game icon like Final Fantasy makes for a perfect present. If your loved one adores the Final Fantasy series and is up for some tabletop gaming, grab this starter kit.

See all MTG Final Fantasy at Amazon

Super Mario is an icon every gamer recognizes, so if your loved one is a fan of the intrepid plumber or adores Nintendo, grab this gift from well-respected merch company Paladone. (It has other good Nintendo-themed mugs at Amazon, FYI.)

See all Nintendo mugs at Amazon

You might have heard about Funko, but did you know that there’s also a range of collectibles that turn pop-culture icons into rubber ducks? Yep, the Tubbz are surprisingly popular – and there are plenty of gaming versions like this one. Resident Evil was a big hitter this year, so I’d recommend it if your loved one adores the series.

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If you’re struggling to think of what you should get someone but know they love the Elder Scrolls (be it this year’s Oblivion Remaster or Skyrim), it’s worth checking out this themed cookbook. It’s a fun novelty with an actual, practical use.

See all gaming cookbooks at Amazon

Of all the gaming-themed decorations I’ve seen, this is undoubtedly my favorite. It brings the PS5’s famous controller symbols to life with an atmospheric glow that’ll set the mood nicely for any gaming setup, be it a living room, study, or bedroom.

See all PlayStation lights at Amazon

Lego is well known for making top-tier gaming sets, and it’s been knocking things out of the park with Minecraft recently. If you know someone who adores the blocky exploration/building game, this is an easy win in the gifts department.

See all Lego Minecraft at Amazon

You can’t ever go wrong with dice if you’re buying for fans of the best tabletop RPGs (D&D, say). Of all the ones I’ve seen, few have caught my eye like this set. Besides having a themed bag that stares back at you like a D&D monster, its dice actually glow in the dark.

See all D&D dice at Amazon

If you know your loved one is getting a new console this year, or they just want to tidy their gaming space, this Numskull storage unit is a solid idea. It can hide away games, headsets, and controllers, but also comes in a variety of nerdy designs.

See all Numskull gaming lockers at Amazon

Some of my favorite gifts for gamers right now are Hallmark’s ornaments thanks to their impressively high quality across the board. This one makes me think back to happier times growing up with the original PlayStation, and I suspect other gamers of a certain vintage may feel the same. This one actually makes the PlayStation boot up sound when you press the power button!

See all Hallmark gaming decorations at Amazon

As one of the more hotly-anticipated games of 2026, I suspect there will be a lot of interest in how it was made… and this deep-dive artbook should provide that. It’s out in early November, e.g. in time for Christmas.

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Does the gamer in question have a love of all things retro? The Neo Geo Mini Arcade is still one of our favorite ways to bask in the past, and it features an impressive 40 games like Metal Slug, Fatal Fury, and King of Fighters.

See all Neo Geo retro systems at Amazon

Hatchin’ Yoshi set social media alight earlier this year, and it still stands out as one of the most appealing toys I’ve seen in 2026. Yoshi arrives totally sealed in an egg, and ‘hatches’ before being ready to play.

See all Super Mario toys at Amazon

Considering how GTA 6 will likely be the biggest and most significant release of the year, a bespoke PS5 controller modelled after it would be a timely and much-appreciated gift for fans. It’s official too, so you know you’re getting high quality here.

See all GTA 6 merch at Amazon

This retro model is easily one of the hottest Lego sets to hit shelves last year. In fact, gamers of all ages have been eagerly anticipating its arrival since the kit was teased months ago. The finished product lives up to that hype; along with an incredibly faithful design, it features lenticular screens to give the illusion it’s playing something.

See all retro sets at Lego

Considering how the Switch 2’s Ocarina of Time remake has caused such a stir this year, an electronic ocarina that can actually be used in the game would make one hell of a gift. It’s up for pre-order now.

See all Ocarina of Time merch at Amazon