Gifts for Gamers

The Cloud line has been a top headset recommendation for years because it's comfortable for long sessions and sounds good for the price. The Cloud III connects by 3.5mm, USB-C or USB-A, so it works with PC, PlayStation, Xbox controllers and Switch.

Worth knowing: It's wired, which some players find limiting. This link is for the black-and-red color; HyperX also sells all-black and wireless versions.

The G502 has been one of the most popular gaming mice for years, thanks to its thumb rest, 11 programmable buttons and removable weights for tuning the feel. The scroll wheel can switch to free-spinning for fast scrolling.

Worth knowing: It's big and fairly heavy, so it suits medium to large hands. It's wired; the G502 X Lightspeed is the wireless version and costs more.

A desk-size mouse pad gives plenty of room for wide mouse movements and sits under the keyboard too, which keeps everything from sliding around. SteelSeries QcK cloth pads have been a standard among PC players for many years.

Worth knowing: Measure the desk first, since the XXL is about three feet wide. Cloth pads can be hand-washed, but they take a while to dry.

8BitDo has a strong reputation for well-built controllers, and the Ultimate 2C uses Hall effect sticks, which are designed to resist the stick drift that wears out many controllers. It connects through a small 2.4GHz dongle and adds two remappable back buttons.

Worth knowing: This version is for Windows PC and Android; the Switch-compatible Bluetooth model is a separate listing. This link is for purple.

The official dock charges two DualSense controllers at once without tying up the console's USB ports. Controllers click into place, so they're charged and easy to find before every session.

Worth knowing: It's PS5-only. Amazon has many lookalike third-party docks, so check that the seller is Sony or Amazon.

Xbox controllers run on AA batteries out of the box. This official rechargeable pack fits in the battery slot and charges through the included USB-C cable, even while they play.

Worth knowing: It only fits Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One wireless controllers. Heavy players will need to plug in every few days.

The ScreenBar clips to the top of a monitor and lights the desk and keyboard without putting glare on the screen. It adjusts brightness automatically, lets them change the color temperature, and runs on USB power.

Worth knowing: It's a splurge for a desk light. The clamp fits monitors up to about 1.2 inches thick, and curved screens need to be 1500R or flatter.

A memory foam cushion with a tailbone cutout takes pressure off during long sits. It has a washable cover and a non-slip bottom, and it works on gaming chairs, office chairs and car seats.

Worth knowing: It raises the seat a couple of inches, so they may need to adjust their chair or desk height. Memory foam feels firm in a cold room.

Mechanical keyboards sit high, which bends the wrists back over long sessions. A padded rest lifts the hands to keyboard height, and Glorious's version has a smooth cloth top and stitched edges that resist fraying.

Worth knowing: It's sized for tenkeyless keyboards; full-size and compact versions are separate listings. The cloth top can stain and needs an occasional spot-clean.

Nintendo's official case has a hard shell and slots for game cartridges, and a screen protector comes in the box. The Switch 2 screen is large and easy to scratch, so protection is a practical first accessory.

Worth knowing: It only fits the Switch 2; the original Switch needs a different case. Third-party cases with more storage are worth a look if they carry extra controllers.

Schreier, a long-time games reporter, tells the behind-the-scenes stories of ten games, including Stardew Valley, The Witcher 3 and Uncharted 4. It's quick to read and full of details fans enjoy.

Worth knowing: It came out in 2017, so the newest stories are several years old. If they like it, his follow-up, Press Reset, makes a good next gift.

Store credit for the platform they play on lets them pick the game, add-on or subscription they want. Amazon sends the code by email, which makes it a reliable last-minute gift.

Worth knowing: Codes are region-locked and only work on one platform, so confirm which system they use. Pair it with a small physical gift so there's something to open.