The year may not be over, but 2025 is all but guaranteed to go down as one of the best 12 months in gaming history. Between releases like Hades 2, Hollow Knight: Silksong and Ghost of Yotei, to name just a few, there was truly something for everyone in 2025. Of course, that abundance also means it can be tricky to find a gift for the gamers in your life, especially if you're not one yourself. Worry not — Engadget is here to help. We guarantee this guide will help you find the perfect gift for your friend or loved one.
Best gifts for gamers
When the Nintendo Switch 2 arrived earlier this year, it became the first mainstream device to use the new microSD Express format for storage expansion. Relative to their regular microSD counterparts, Express cards can be pricey, with even the least expensive 128GB models going for as much as $50. A new storage format also means navigating confusing nomenclature. So if you'd like to save the Switch 2 owner in your life a headache and some money, grab them a microSD Express card. Engadget has an entire buying guide on the format, but if you want to keep things simple, you can't go wrong with a 128GB model from SanDisk. — Igor Bonifacic, Senior Reporter
We gave the PlayStation Portal a fair amount of stick when it launched, and many of our criticisms from late 2023 remain valid two years later. It’s still a streaming-only gaming handheld that presumes you already own a PS5 and is entirely at the mercy of your internet connection, so we can’t promise it’ll work well for everyone. But if your loved one’s Wi-Fi is fairly stable, it’s a comfortable way to play most PS5 games on the couch or laying in bed, thanks to its DualSense-controller-style grips and sizable eight-inch display.
I’ve found it to be a godsend since becoming a parent earlier this year — as silly as it sounds, mustering the energy to play at my desk or battle with my spouse for control of the TV just isn’t worth it after working and looking after a baby all day. Would it be nice if it could play games locally? Of course. But so long as you avoid shooters and other timing-based games, it can work just fine for PlayStation diehards. And if your giftee has a PS Plus Premium subscription, they can stream some games to the device directly from the cloud instead of having to pair with their own console. — Jeff Dunn, Senior Reporter
If your friend or family member frequently uses Bluetooth headphones with their Switch, PC, PlayStation or Xbox, they'll love the Creative BT-W6. It's a small, $50 dongle that allows nearly any device to broadcast audio over Qualcomm's Bluetooth codecs. As long as their headphones support those codecs (and most do), they'll be able to enjoy better, lower latency audio when they game. I use the previous model, the BT-W5, anytime I play my Switch, and it makes games sound so much better over my Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones. — I.B.
One of the more curious accessories available during the Switch 2’s launch isn’t the best of its kind, but it’s a conversation starter. Hori’s Piranha Plant camera can plug directly into your Switch 2 in handheld mode, but also comes with its own plant pot stand when you’re playing plugged into the TV. The pot has a hinged base so it can stand like a shelf across the rim of your TV, too. There are some caveats, as its 640 x 480 resolution is much lower than Nintendo's official camera that can capture at 1080p. However, for that Mario-obsessed niece/nephew, they might not notice – or care. Oh, and in a lovely design flourish, you can cover the camera by closing its mouth when you want more privacy. — Mat Smith, UK Bureau Chief
If you’re buying a gift for someone who primarily plays games on their phone, treat them to the best mobile gamepad on the market. At $100, the Backbone One is pricey, but it easily surpasses competitors like the Razer Kishi in build quality. It also comes with a surprisingly robust companion app that makes capturing screenshots and clips a breeze. — I.B.
Read more: The best mobile game controllers
The Backbone Pro, meanwhile, is essentially an upgraded version of the Backbone One if you’re willing to pay extra. It still snaps onto a wide range of phones securely and works with the same handy app, but it has thicker grips, smoother joysticks, fuller triggers, softer face buttons and a pair of programmable back buttons. All of that makes it feel more like a traditional Xbox or PlayStation controller than most mobile gamepads. To that end, the Pro also supports Bluetooth, so you can unhook it from your phone entirely and pair it with a PC, smart TV device or VR headset (but not a PS5 or Xbox, sadly). You can then quickly swap between paired devices through a nifty menu in the Backbone app. Compared to the standard Backbone, the Pro should particularly appeal to folks who like to stream games to multiple screens using services like Xbox Game Pass or NVIDIA GeForce Now. — J.D.
This petite, sunny gaming handheld has been around for a few years at this point, and those of us in the know love what it brings to the games ecosystem. Yes, the people who immediately knew they'd want one – primarily indie game developers and aficionados – have already got one, but the charm of the Playdate can appeal to many more people, particularly those who wouldn't consider themselves gamers. Among the best games on the Playdate for 2025 are some goofy, quirky titles like Touch Egg that leverage the unique crank controls in clever ways without requiring the dexterity from logging hundreds of hours gaming. Once you're hooked on the form factor, there are plenty of difficult games to explore, meaning this is also a great option for the gamers who appreciate a challenge. — Anna Washenko, Contributing Reporter
Read more: The best gaming handhelds
Many Nintendo Switch 2 owners find the Joy-Con 2 (or the console itself) difficult to hold for extended periods. They're not exactly the most ergonomic controllers in the world. The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller might be a better bet. It's sturdy and comfortable to hold and it has a premium feel, thanks to the smooth and responsive controls. The inclusion of a 3.5mm wired headphone jack is very welcome.
The controller has a pair of remappable rear buttons as well, which can come in very handy for games with complex controls. Nintendo has positioned them carefully and they tend to require an intentional press. As such, it's less likely that you'll accidentally trigger an action that disrupts your game. Battery life is generally strong too, with Nintendo claiming the controller will run for up to 40 hours on a single charge. — Kris Holt, Contributing Reporter
Razer’s Wolverine V3 Pro is the only PC controller you need for highly responsive, competitive-level play, and the fact that it supports Xbox as well is a nice bonus. The V3 Pro works wirelessly or with a cable, and it has Hall effect thumbsticks, mouse-click triggers with two pull settings, four back paddles, microswitch face buttons and a floating eight-way D-pad. Its buttons and sensitivity settings are customizable, and the controller feels, sounds and performs incredibly across a range of game genres. Even if you don’t use the rear paddles every time, they make for great built-in fidget toys, with delicate but satisfying clicks at your fingertips. This is a gamepad that PC players can rely on for a long time, which handily justifies its $200 price tag. — Jessica Conditt, Senior Reporter
For people like me who can barely play modern RPGs due to being highly susceptible to motion sickness, turn-based games are a godsend. So if you have a gamer friend or family member who’s ever talked about throwing up after trying to play an RPG, you may want to get them Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. While the exploration parts of the game can still be dizzying, especially if they get lost in the maze-like dungeons, they’ll at least be able to enjoy the fights instead of smashing buttons because they can’t watch the screen closely. Each character has unique abilities and fighting mechanics, and having that variety kept me on my toes. After hitting 5 million copies sold in October 2025, its developer Sandfall Interactive announced that it was working on a major update with new areas and enemies. That means more content to play for whoever lucky gamer you’re buying this for. — Mariella Moon, Contributing Reporter
For years I’ve recommended the Logitech G305 in our holiday gift guides, and would have again this year if not for the fact Logitech finally released something of a successor. The new Lightspeed G309 is only $30 more than the G305, but offers plenty of reasons to upgrade. There’s the inclusion of Logitech’s latest Hero 25K sensor and hybrid optical switches, plus it only weighs 86 grams and can last about 270 hours on a single AA battery. Oh, and did I mention it offers both Bluetooth and wireless connectivity courtesy of an included dongle? All of those features make the G309 a great gaming mouse that is also great for regular laptop use. — I.B.
If you want a mouse for someone who mostly plays more competitive games, try the Hitscan Hyperlight. As we note in our guide to the best gaming mice, it has a sturdy, minimalist design and a safe shape that should fit most small to medium-sized hands comfortably. (If you’re shopping for someone with large hands, we also love the Razer Viper V3 Pro, but it’s pricier.) Sensor performance is effectively flawless, and the whole thing weighs just 41 grams — well below a device like the Logitech G309 — so it’s a breeze to flick around in games like Counter-Strike or Overwatch. Its optical switches provide a lovely bounce to each click, plus they should remain durable over time. Just be aware that Hitscan is a fairly small company, so keep an eye on potential ship times before the holidays. — J.D.
With the popularity of multiplayer games, you may want to consider gifting your friend or family member a gaming headset, especially if you share the same household. For an affordable option that features a clean sound signature that’s tuned for first-person shooters, it’s hard to go wrong with the Drop and Epos PC38X.
Epos may not be a household name, but most people have definitely heard of Sennheiser. The former came out of the latter, and that should tell you what to expect from the PC38X. It’s a headset that has more in common with classic headphones than its gaming peers. An open-back design helps the PC38X produce an immersive sound stage that can give users an edge in games like Valorant and Call of Duty: Warzone. The built-in microphone is one of the best ones you’ll find on a gaming headset at this price. It’s a wired headset too, meaning there’s no need to worry about battery life and compatibility. Best of all, Drop frequently sells the PC38X below its usual $180 price. — I.B.
It might be starting to show its age at this point, but the Steam Deck remains a terrific handheld gaming PC that will fit the bill for most. The entry-level model is a bargain, but we'd recommend going for a Steam Deck OLED if possible. The better screen and battery life improvements are worth paying extra for.
More than 22,000 Steam games have been designated as Steam Deck verified or playable (i.e. they'll work with some tradeoffs) on the system, so there are plenty of titles available out of the box. Tinkerers can get even more out of the Steam Deck. It's a cinch to get emulators running. Setting up the system for other PC games, remote play apps or cloud gaming services (though there is a native NVIDIA GeForce Now app) takes a little more work. In any case, the Steam Deck is a portal to a massive library of games. — K.H.
Read more: The best gaming handhelds
Every year, I’ve recommended at least one book from Bloomberg journalist Jason Schreier and this year is no different. If the gamer in your life grew up with Blizzard’s games like I did, Schreier’s latest, Play Nice: The Rise, Fall and Future of Blizzard Entertainment, is an essential read. As the title suggests, it offers a behind-the-scenes look at the studio’s history, including its recent low period under Activision. Often, Play Nice can be a frustrating read as Schreier recounts the releases that could have been had management made better decisions, but after finishing the book, I was left with an even greater appreciation of the people who had made some of my favorite games. It just became available in paperback too, making it even easier to recommend if you're on a budget. — I.B.
If you're buying a gift for an older gamer, let me suggest David Kushner's Masters of Doom. It's more than two decades old now, but no less of an essential read. The book offers not only a definitive retelling of the early years of id Software, but also a glimpse at a games industry that no longer exists. For that reason, I think every gamer should read it. — I.B.
Check out the rest of our gift ideas here.
