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Best gift ideas for console gamers

October 30, 2023

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Buying a gift for the gamer on your shopping list can be a difficult task. And, for those gamers on your gift list who seem to have it all, knowing what to get them might seem impossible—just ask my wife. Fear not! I’m here to help you with the best gift ideas for console gamers!

Online gaming subscriptions

If you’ve got a gamer on your gift list and are not sure what to get, you can never go wrong with an online gaming subscription. For all intents and purposes, they are one of the best gift ideas for gamers. Nintendo Switch Online, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PlayStation Plus subscriptions allow gamers to play online with others, get free games every month and offer discounts on games.

Here’s a brief overview of each gaming subscription and you’ll see why they are great gift ideas for the gamer that has it all.

Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo Switch Online allows owners of any of the Nintendo Switch family of systems to play select Nintendo Switch games online such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Splatoon 3, and more. The service also features some of Nintendo’s best retro games with over 100 NES, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games to play. In addition to extra content you also get access to exclusive offers, trials of certain games and cloud saves to back up all of your progress.

Get a Nintendo Switch Online subscription

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Xbox Game Pass Core

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the Netflix of video games for Xbox gamers. You pay a nominal monthly fee to get access to download hundreds of games. Additionally, gamers have access to more than 100 games from the cloud to play on their Android device. And, you can play brand new games on day one from Xbox Game Studios and Bethesda Softworks! Plus, you’ll also be able to play select indies and blockbusters.

This means you’ll be able to play the latest Halo, Gears and Forza games for free on the day of release as part of your subscription and more! Furthermore, EA Play is part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and allows you to play more than 60 of EA’s biggest and best console games.

In addition to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, there are three additional Xbox Game Pass tiers: Core, Console and PC. I’ve broken down the key benefits that each tier offers in a chart below to allow you to choose the Xbox Game Pass plan that is right for you.

Core	Console	PC	Ultimate
Online console multiplayer	Hundreds of high-quality games on console	Hundreds of high-quality games on PC	Hundreds of high-quality games on console, PC and cloud
Catalogue of more than 25 high-quality games on console	New games on day one	New games on day one	New games on day one
Member deals and discounts	Member deals and discounts	Member deals and discounts	Member deals, discounts and perks
		EA Play membership	Online console multiplayer
			EA Play membership

Buy an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription

PlayStation Plus

PlayStation Plus allows PlayStation owners to play online with friends, get free games every month and get exclusive discounts on games. All PlayStation Plus monthly games are playable on PS5 and yours to keep as long as you’re a subscriber.

PlayStation Plus members also get exclusive game content like members-only skins, cosmetics, weapons and more for free-to-play games. And, you get 100GB cloud storage to save your game progress. And, you can pick up your adventures on any other console with that game installed. Finally, as a PS Plus subscriber, you’ll be able to hand control of single-player adventures over to them. Even if they don’t own the game with Share Play.

PlayStation Plus consists of three different tiers that you can choose from to subscribe to—Essential, Extra, and Premium. Furthermore, Essential and Premium subscribers will also have access to hundreds of high-quality games to play.

Each of the three tiers comes with their own perks and benefits. I’ve broken it all down in the chart below for you.

Key Benefits	Essential	Extra	Premium
Monthly PS4 and PS5 games, online multiplayer access, exclusive discounts, exclusive packs, cloud storage, Game Help (PS5 console only), and Share Play	X	X	X
PS4 and PS5 Game Catalogue		X	X
Original PlayStation, PS2 and PSP Classic Games Catalogue; PS3 Remasters			X
Time-limited game trials on blockbuster games			X
Original PS3 games via cloud streaming			X
Cloud streaming access for original PlayStation, PS2, PSP and PS4 games			X
Ubisoft+ Classics – includes a curated selection of popular and Ubisoft classic games		X	X

Purchase a PlayStation Plus subscription

Video games for all types of gamers on your shopping list

Choosing the right game for the gamer on your shopping list can be a daunting task. I’ve put together a list of games that will surely to delight whether they play on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Developer(s): Nintendo, Nintendo EPD
Publisher(s): Nintendo
Genre: Platform game
Mode(s): Single-player, multiplayer
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a return to the classic 2D Mario platforming that captures the magic of the series. The game takes place in the Flower Kingdom and is home to the mysterious Wonder Flower. As expected, things take an unexpected turn when Bowser arrives on the scene. This time, Bowser’s after the Wonder Flower, leading to a bizarre transformation, and the chaos that follows leaves the Flower Kingdom in ruins. As usual, Mario and friends must stop Bowser and save the Flower Kingdom.

Packed with cleverly designed levels, a variety of power-ups, and the thrilling Wonder Seeds, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is an exciting adventure filled with surprises and creativity. Nintendo’s great attention to detail in both visuals and sound takes Super Mario Bros. Wonder to a whole new level of excellence. No doubt about it, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a game any Nintendo fan would love. Read my full Super Mario Bros. Wonder review and find out why this is one of this year’s best games.

Purchase Super Mario Bros. Wonder on Nintendo Switch

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

Platform(s): PlayStation 5
Developer(s): Insomniac Games
Publisher(s): Sony Interactive Entertainment
Genre: Action-Adventure
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is the latest addition to the popular Spider-Man video game series on PS5. Created by Insomniac Games, this game continues the success of the previous titles while bringing fresh and thrilling aspects to the Spider-Man world. The game’s map is enormous, nearly twice the size of the original city, and it’s full of life, famous places, and things to do. You can wander through Brooklyn, Queens, Coney Island, and other areas, each with its unique atmosphere.

The combat system in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 builds upon what worked well in the past while introducing exciting new elements. Fighting is seamless, responsive, and just as gratifying as before. Without a doubt, I can confidently say that Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is an impressive sequel that surpasses its predecessors. It features a captivating storyline, immersive gameplay, stunning visuals, and user-friendly features, firmly establishing itself as one of the best superhero games available today.

If you have a PlayStation gamer on your holiday shopping list or have been thinking of getting a PlayStation 5, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is a must have and reason to buy a PS5 this holiday season. Read my full Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 review and find out why this is a sure fire hit with any PlayStation fan.

Purchase Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on PS5

Starfield

Platform(s): Xbox Series X|S and PC
Developer(s): Bethesda Game Studios
Publisher(s): Bethesda Softworks
Genre: Action role-playing
Modes: Single Player
ESRB Rating: M (Mature 17+)

Starfield is Bethesda’s first new intellectual property in decades. They’re known for creating huge worlds, and the idea of a sci-fi game like Starfield is a dream come true. This game is massive, I mean really big! The promise of freedom and building your place in the world is truly exciting. Plus, it’s set in a sci-fi universe, which makes it even more exciting.

When it comes to creating your character, Starfield has you covered. You can choose from a wide range of options, like scars, freckles, makeup, and hairstyles. You can even pick your body type, walk style, and how you want to be addressed. Bethesda has paid a lot of attention to detail here, so your character truly feels like a part of this cosmic adventure. Starfield doesn’t hold your hand and lets you explore its complex systems on your own. The story unfolds slowly, revealing its secrets as you go along.

It’s not as straightforward as Bethesda’s recent games, but that adds to the thrill of discovering things. The game has tons of side quests, interesting characters, and a story that exceeded my expectations. While the combat isn’t flawless, it gives you lots of freedom to experiment. Starfield is all about creating a vast universe that you can explore, and that shows in every corner of the game. Read my full Starfield review and see why this game will put a smile on the face of any space explorer on your holiday shopping list.

Purchase Starfield on Xbox Series X|S

Sonic Superstars

Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC
Developer(s): Sega, Arzest, Sonic Team
Publisher(s): SEGA of America
Genre: Platform
Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Sonic the Hedgehog, the iconic blue blur, is back with a fresh twist in Sonic Superstars. In this fresh take on the classic Sonic style, you’ll journey through the beautiful 3D landscapes of Northstar Islands. Created by Arzest and Sonic Team, Sonic Superstars introduces a bunch of new abilities, characters, and adventures to the franchise. The Northstar Islands are a completely new and visually stunning world. The game’s 3D graphics blend with the traditional 2D platform action, giving you a modern experience that truly embraces Sonic’s key traits: speed and momentum.

Sonic Superstars includes a lineup of playable characters from the Sonic universe, each with their unique abilities. Sonic is your choice for speed and agility, while Tails’ ability to fly using his tails offers a big advantage for exploration. Knuckles can climb walls and glide, giving you a different way to navigate each level. Amy’s double jump helps with platforming and lets her defeat enemies that others can’t.

Sonic Superstars isn’t just a game; it’s an adventure. With its new gameplay, interesting characters, and the captivating world of Northstar Islands, it offers an exciting and memorable experience. If you’re new to 2D Sonic games or a casual player, there’s no need to worry. Sonic Superstars is open to newcomers and keeps the classic Sonic charm while bringing in fresh and innovative gameplay elements. This makes Sonic Superstars accessible and enjoyable for all types of gamers. Read my full Sonic Superstars review and find out why this game offers an unforgettable journey that embodies the essence of Sonic and everything that makes the franchise great.

Purchase Sonic Superstars on Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4 and Xbox Series X|S / Xbox On e

Call of Duty Modern Warfare III

Platform(s): PlayStation 4, P S5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Developer(s): Sledgehammer Games, Infinity Ward, Treyarch
Publisher(s): Activision
Genre: First-person shooter
Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
ESRB Rating: M (Mature 17+)

Call of Duty Modern Warfare III is the next big move for the Call of Duty game series. It builds upon the successes of the earlier Modern Warfare games and continues the story from last year’s Modern Warfare II. This game picks up right where Modern Warfare II left off and introduces a brand-new and expansive Zombies experience in an open-world setting, the biggest one in Call of Duty history. What’s more, it boasts an impressive selection of multiplayer maps from the Modern Warfare series, blending beloved classics with exciting new additions.

For the first time in a Modern Warfare game, Modern Warfare III lets you team up with other groups to take on massive hordes of zombies in what Activision calls the largest zombies map ever in Call of Duty. This open-world experience combines essential Zombies elements with fresh gameplay mechanics. Developed by Treyarch, Modern Warfare Zombies weaves a mysterious Dark Aether tale set in the Modern Warfare universe. This includes missions, important Zombies elements, and even hidden surprises to discover.

Modern Warfare III also celebrates the 20th anniversary of Call of Duty, bringing together a fantastic collection of multiplayer maps from the Modern Warfare series right from day one. This includes both fan-favourite maps and entirely new ones. Moreover, there are more maps for Ground War, Invasion, and War mode. While core features like map voting remain, there are also exciting new gameplay mechanics. Fresh movement options, such as the new Tac-Stance, designed for up-close tactical combat, and an upgraded Gunsmith feature with After-Market Parts for more weapon customization, provide you with new ways to enjoy the game.

Purchase Call of Duty Modern Warfare III on PS5, PS4 and Xbox Series X|S / Xbox On e

Super Mario RPG

Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Developer(s): Nintendo
Publisher(s): Nintendo
Genre: Role-playing game
Mode(s): Single-player
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Super Mario RPG is a remake of the 1996 SNES game Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. Join Mario, Bowser, and Peach on an adventure to fix the Star Road, a magical wish-granting path. They team up with a quirky crew to save the Star Road and put a stop to the mischievous Smithy Gang. This charming RPG features updated graphics and cinematics, making the unexpected friendship between Mario, Bowser, Peach, and new characters like Mallow and Geno even more intriguing.

What sets this role-playing game apart from other games in the genre and the original game is its accessibility, catering to a wide audience of gamers. It’s a role-playing game that transcends boundaries, appealing to those familiar with the genre and newcomers alike.

Purchase Super Mario RPG on Nintendo Switch

Accessories and collectibles

If you’re looking to pick up some accessories or video game related collectibles, I’ve got you covered. Here are some ideas that you can’t go wrong with!

PlayStation Portal Remote Player

If you have a PlayStation 5 gamer on your holiday shopping list that loves to play games and has to share a TV with others, the PlayStation Portal Remote Player is the perfect gift! This nifty new device is a dedicated device that allows you to stream games from your PS5 anywhere you have a Wi-Fi connection. The PlayStation Portal features an 8-inch LCD screen capable of 1080p resolution at 60fps and includes key features of the DualSense wireless controller, haptic feedback, adaptive triggers and a touch screen touchpad—providing a true DualSense controller experience.

This means you can enjoy any PlayStation 5 game that you own and is installed on your PS5 virtually anywhere you have a Wi-Fi connection! It features a 3.5mm audio jack for wired audio and supports PlayStation Link, PlayStations new wireless audio technology.

Purchase PlayStation Portal Remote Player

Gift cards

If you’re not quite sure what game to get the gamer on your holiday shopping list, you can’t go wrong with a gift card. The only thing you need to know before purchasing one is which game console they are using.

If you have a PlayStation gamer on your list you’ll want to consider purchasing PlayStation Store gift cards that add funds to each player’s individual virtual wallet. This can be used to purchase digital content off of the PlayStation Store like full games, DLC and subscriptions services like PlayStation Plus.

If the gamer on your list is an Xbox player, Best Buy carries Xbox Live gift cards that never expire. This allows the Xbox gamer on your list to redeem them for a wide selection of Xbox games, digital movie or TV show rentals and more.

Is the gamer on your holiday list a Nintendo fan? If so, you can purchase a Nintendo eShop gift card that can be used to buy and download games on their Nintendo Switch.

LEGO Super Mario sets

Another great idea for the gamer on your holiday shopping list are LEGO Super Mario sets. They come with bricks and interactive figures and combine the fun of LEGO with the iconic Super Mario series. These are great for anyone aged 6+ and adults, which allow for creative builds and a new way to play.

Better yet, these sets are perfect for recreating their favourite scenes from the games or creating new adventures. The LEGO Super Mario sets include many popular characters such as LEGO Mario, LEGO Luigi, LEGO Peach and more.

Starter course set

If the person you are buying for doesn’t already have either the LEGO Super Mario: Adventures with Mario Starter Course, LEGO Super Mario: Adventures with Luigi Starter Course or LEGO Super Mario: Adventures with Peach Starter Course you’ll want to start with one of these sets.

My personal favourite is the LEGO Super Mario: Adventures with Peach Starter Course. This 354 piece set is a great way to introduce anyone to the LEGO Super Mario world. It includes an interactive LEGO Peach figure, which has a colour sensor that displays reactions and has a built in speaker to play sounds and music. Using this set as a base you can purchase additional expansion sets for countless hours of fun.

Expansion sets

Expansion sets are a great way to build upon the fun of any of the LEGO Super Mario Starter Course sets. With these sets you’ll be able to interact in unique ways with each of the characters and add hours upon hours of fun interactive play. Here are some of my favourite expansion sets.

LEGO Super Mario: Dixie Kong’s Jungle Jam Expansion Set: This 174 piece set includes Dixie Kong, Squawks the parrot, jungle scenery, loudspeaker and more.

LEGO Super Mario: Donkey Kong’s Tree House Expansion Set: This 555 piece set includes Donkey Kong and Cranky Kong so that two people can get in on the fun. Join the DK crew at the Donkey Kong Tree House with authentic details including a buildable TV, radio, a secret compartment and more!

LEGO Super Mario: Peach’s Castle Expansion Set: This 1216 piece set adds Princess Peach’s iconic castle to any starter course set. It comes with five figures: Bowser, Ludwig, Toadette, Goomba and Bob-omb. It features many authentic details such as a Peach stained-glass window, Bob-omb painting, special pipe, throne room and more.

LEGO Super Mario: Cat Peach Suit and Frozen Tower Expansion Set: This 494 piece set includes a frozen tower, Cat Peach suit, cat Goomba, Kamek, and Toad.

LEGO Super Mario: Donkey Kong’s Tree House Expansion Set

LEGO Super Mario: Creativity Toolbox

Now that you’ve chosen a starter course and expansion set, the gamer on your holiday list can go one step further with the LEGO Super Mario: Creativity Toolbox. It’s a 588 piece set that allows you to add depth and detail to any existing set. It includes buildable trees, flowers, mushrooms, Mario-inspired bricks and three characters: Wendy, a Blue Yoshi and a Goomba.

Monopoly: Super Mario Bros. Movie Edition Family Board Game

Another great idea for the gamer on your holiday shopping list is Monopoly: Super Mario Bros. Movie Edition family board game. Instead of the usual Monopoly money, you’ll be chasing after gold coins as you compete to gather the most and secure your victory. Get an extra income boost by owning entire sets of properties, just like in Monopoly. But watch out for Bowser, who can cause trouble by snatching properties, grabbing your coins, or even sending you to Jail!

Keep an eye out for Warp Pipes that can cut your journey short or make it quicker, and be ready for Question Blocks and Piranha Plants that can either add coins to your pile or make you lose some. Monopoly: Super Mario Bros. Movie Edition is a twist on the classic Monopoly game with the fun and familiar Mario universe elements.

Purchase Monopoly: Super Mario Bros. Movie Edition family board game

Nintendo themed plush toys

Speaking as a parent and die hard gamer, you’re never too old to enjoy plush toys. These are great stocking stuffers and Best Buy stocks a full line up of Little Buddies plush toys. These feature some of the most iconic characters from the Super Mario Bros. universe including Mario, Luigi, Baby Peach, Tanooki Mario, Toad and more! There’s even a Little Buddies Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild Link Plush!

Movies and TV shows inspired by video games

Movies and TV shows based on or inspired by video games are a great gift for the gamer on your list that seems to have it all. One of 2023’s highest grossing films was none other than The Super Mario Bros. Movie that featured an all-star cast recounting the origin story of the world’s most famous plumber.

Another great video game inspired movie is Gran Turismo. The ultra popular PlayStation racing simulation franchise jumped from the video game screen to the movie screen with a movie based on the true story of Jann Mardenborough.

Finally, Halo: Season One is a TV series based on the popular Xbox video game series. It’s a five disc collection that features all nine episodes and over five hours of behind the scene special features.