Shopping for the gamer in your life can be tricky. Between new consoles, handheld PCs, and all the latest accessories, it’s easy to get lost in options. I’ve spent the past year testing a lot of gaming gear, and 2025 is full of amazing gaming gifts whether you’re buying for someone who games on the couch, on the go, or at their desk.
Gaming has never been more popular, and this year brings more ways to play than ever. You’ve got handheld gaming PCs like the powerful ROG Xbox Ally X, consoles like the PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and accessories that make every setup feel more personal. It’s a good mix of what’s new, what’s trending, and what’s stood the test of time.
This list rounds up some of my favourite gaming gifts at Best Buy Canada. From high-end hardware to budget-friendly picks, you’ll find options that fit every kind of gamer and every kind of budget. Whether you’re shopping for a gift for a gamer who loves PC flexibility, a console fan, or someone who just enjoys quick games with friends these are the top gaming gifts 2025 has to offer.
For the gamer who wants full PC power that fits in the palm of their hand
Handheld gaming PCs have become one of my favourite ways to play when I want to relax on the couch and still dive into big AAA games. These three picks deliver true PC performance in a portable form. They make awesome gaming setup essentials for anyone who wants gaming freedom without being tied to a desk.
ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X
If you know someone who wants true PC gaming on the couch or while travelling, this is the gift that will blow them away. The ROG Xbox Ally X runs Windows, so you can launch Game Pass, Steam, or your favourite launcher. I love being able to download Xbox games directly and continue progress from the living room or on the go. The bigger battery and improved grip make play sessions more comfortable. This Xbox handheld is one of the most exciting gifts to surprise someone with this holiday.
Lenovo Legion Go S 8″
This handheld gives you a sharp 8 inch screen with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, which makes action games look smooth and fluid. Powered by AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme and RDNA 3 graphics, it handles big titles well and gives you strong portable performance. I like that it runs SteamOS so you can jump back into games quickly and enjoy seamless updates. It is a great pick for someone who wants a powerful handheld PC they can take anywhere.
MSI Claw 8 AI+ A2VM 8″
MSI’s first big handheld jumps into the mix with Intel Core Ultra tech that handles popular PC games well. The design feels solid and the controls are comfortable right away. I like using it with smaller indie games during short breaks and then switching to action games without worrying about slowdown. It is a great pick for someone who loves trying new tech and would be thrilled to open a handheld gaming PC gift this year.
For anyone who wants the easiest way to play great games
Consoles are still the simplest and easiest way to enjoy amazing games in the living room. These two systems make setup quick, offer diverse game libraries, and deliver that fun couch co-op vibe that is perfect for the holidays.
PlayStation 5 Pro
If you want a gift that feels like a massive tech upgrade, the PlayStation 5 Pro delivers. It offers improved performance for supported PS5 games, making fast paced action look smooth and sharp on a 4K TV. I like how it keeps everything familiar for anyone who already has PS5 games and accessories. It is a powerful option for someone who loves cinematic adventures, big exclusives, and online co op nights with friends. It will make any gamer light up when they unwrap it.
Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo is all about having fun together, and the Nintendo Switch 2 continues that spirit. You can play on the TV or take it handheld for a quick round of Mario Kart World or a longer story adventure like Donkey Kong Bananza. I love that you can easily bring it along when visiting family over the holidays and everyone can join in. It is a playful gift choice for all ages, especially if you want something that brings people together for game night.
For gamers who want to step inside their favourite worlds
VR is such a fun gift because it feels new, surprising, and a little bit magical. You can explore virtual cities, swing lightsabers to music, or fight robots in the living room. It is a great mix of active fun and experiences that feel completely different from traditional gaming.
Meta Quest 3S 256GB
This is a great pick if you know someone who loves trying the latest tech. Meta Quest 3S is an all in one headset that does not need a console or a PC to work. I love how mixed reality blends virtual objects with your living room walls and furniture. It feels futuristic in the best way. It even comes bundled with Batman: Arkham Shadow and a 3 month trial of Meta Horizon Plus, the service that gives access to a growing library of VR titles and two curated games every month. That means they will have plenty of experiences to try from day one.
PlayStation VR2
If you’re looking for a gift for a gamer and they already have a PlayStation 5, this is the next step. PS VR2 takes blockbuster games and makes them feel larger than life. When I tried it, the first thing I noticed was how sharp everything looked and how precise the controllers felt. It is exciting for anyone who wants adventure without leaving the couch. A great gift for someone who loves action games or exploring new worlds at their own pace.
For gamers who want top performance in a gaming laptop
High-performance gaming laptops give you serious power that you can carry to a friend’s house or set up anywhere in your home. This one is for anyone who wants console-like visuals and responsiveness but in a sleek design that fits wherever they play.
ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18″ Gaming Laptop
This laptop is a holiday show stopper. The massive 18 inch display makes games look bold and fast, with smooth action that feels close to a high end desktop. The Intel Core Ultra 9 processor and RTX 5080 graphics handle demanding games well, so it is ready for future releases too. I like how the custom lighting and ROG design give it a strong gaming personality while still feeling premium. If you want a gift that feels like a huge upgrade the moment it is unboxed, this is a choice that will get a big reaction.
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16″ Gaming Laptop
This is a solid choice for someone who wants speed and fast gameplay without the expense. The RTX 5060 graphics card and Intel Core Ultra 9 processor make modern games run well, and the laptop stays responsive when juggling school work or streaming. The 16 inch screen hits a nice balance between portability and immersion. It is a great pick for a gamer who likes PC flexibility but wants something friendlier on the budget this season.
For the gamer who wants better gear
Sometimes the best gifts are the ones that upgrade what they already have. A new controller, a better way to connect, or a device that makes gaming more comfortable can really improve their setup. These picks are gaming setup essentials that any gamer will appreciate.
ROG Xbox Ally 2-in-1 Premium Travel Case
The best gaming handheld deserves a great case. This ROG travel case keeps the Xbox Ally protected when you are tossing it into a backpack or heading out for the holidays. The hard shell helps guard against bumps and spills, and there is space for charging gear and storage too. It even folds into a stand so you can prop up the screen when you want a quick break from holding it. A thoughtful gift for anyone who brings their gaming everywhere they go.
PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller
Controllers take a lot of wear and tear, so a fresh one always feels like a treat. The DualSense controller adds adaptive triggers and detailed haptic feedback that make games feel more responsive. It is a great gift for anyone who uses their PS5 a lot or wants a second controller for local co-op games over the holidays.
Xbox Wireless Controller
This one is a simple, always useful gift. It works with Xbox consoles and Windows PCs, making it a smart choice if you are not totally sure what system they use most. The comfortable grips and solid battery life make long gaming sessions easy. A new controller means more couch co op and fewer controller sharing arguments.
PlayStation Portal Remote Player
If they already love their PS5, this makes it easier to keep playing when someone else wants the TV. You can stream your PlayStation games around the house or switch to cloud gaming with a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription. That means you do not even need a PS5 to play select titles. It is a cool surprise for someone who squeezes in extra game time whenever they can and for anyone who wants more flexibility without losing the feel of a PlayStation controller.
For the gamer who loves fun surprises
Not every gift has to be a big tech upgrade. Sometimes the most memorable gifts are the ones that make someone smile every single day. I love finding gifts like these because they feel thoughtful and personal without being expensive. These are fun little extras that show you know what they like.
Insignia 6′ RGB Multi-Colour Dimmable LED Strip Light
A little lighting can make a gaming setup feel way cooler. This Insignia RGB strip sticks behind a monitor, desk, or TV to add colourful glow. You can adjust brightness and swap colours depending on the mood, whether they are fighting through late night matches or watching streams. It plugs in via USB, so it is easy to set up without needing extra cables. It is a simple, fun gift that adds personality.
Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo Alarm Clock
This is one of those gifts that instantly brings a smile. Alarmo turns waking up into a mini celebration with Mario animations and fun sounds pulled from classic Nintendo games. You can choose different scenes to match your mood each morning, and the gesture snooze means you can wave your hand to grab a few more minutes of sleep. It is a playful pick for anyone who loves Nintendo or just wants a happier start to the day during the holidays.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 3-Month Membership
This gift is an easy way to give more games to enjoy. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes access to hundreds of titles for Xbox Series X and S and PC, and it supports cloud gaming so you can stream games on your phone, tablet, or laptop. Game Pass members can play day one releases, explore a huge rotating library of games, and jump into online multiplayer with friends. It is a great gift for anyone who loves trying new games and wants more flexibility in how they play.
For the gamer you want to surprise with the perfect gift
There are so many great ways to play games today, and that is what makes gifting for gamers fun. You can go big with a new console or handheld PC, or pick something smaller that still makes their setup feel new. Every item on this list is something I think would make someone excited to unwrap and try right away.
The best part is knowing the gift will actually get used. Whether it is helping someone enjoy more couch co op time, giving them a faster gaming laptop for school and play, or just making their morning alarm a little more cheerful, each of these ideas adds something to how they game every week. If you are still not sure what to choose, think about how and where they play most. Do they love PlayStation 5, are they hyped for the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X, or do they spend all their free time exploring Nintendo exclusives. That small clue always points you in the right direction.
I hope this list helps you find a gift that brings a huge smile this holiday. And if you see something you want for yourself too, well, that is just a bonus. Happy gifting and happy gaming with the best gaming gifts 2025 has to offer.
