If your dad is an avid gamer, you already know that shopping for him during the holidays can be tricky. You don’t want to get something he already has, or worse—something he isn’t interested in. As a resident gaming dad on the Best Buy Blog team, I thought using my expertise (ahem… creating my own holiday wish list) would be a great way to help. Below I have curated a list of video games, accessories, and subscription services that will help to level-up dad’s holiday season.
Here are my top picks for the best video game gifts for dad.
Give dad the gift of control
The more, the merrier when it comes to holiday fun, why not pick up an extra controller for dad’s favourite console? Or look for specialized hardware like a joystick, steering wheel, or flight controller that will put him in the middle of the action. Best Buy has a wide variety of controllers, below are the official remotes for each platform:
A new PlayStation controller
If dad is a PlayStation gamer, you could pick him up a new controller for his PS5. There are two official options made by Sony to choose from: the PS5 DualSense and the DualSense Edge. An extra controller can be a fun way to share some digital adventures with him or help to upgrade his experience. The PS5 DualSense comes in a variety of colours and designs, and with so many choices you’ll be sure to find one that suits his style.
Both controllers are high-quality and great options but the DualSense Edge is a premium controller that offers more features and customization than the standard DualSense. The Edge lets you create custom button profiles that allow you to remap any button to any function, and switch between different profiles on the fly. You can also attach or detach two rear buttons to the controller, and assign them to different functions as well. Moreover, you can replace and adjust the analog sticks with different types and sizes of thumb sticks, and more. The DualSense Edge is the ultimate controller for professional and hardcore gamers who want to the most out of their gaming experience.
Pick-up an extra Xbox controller
If dad’s console of choice is the Xbox platform an Xbox wireless controller makes a great gift. The remote features many ergonomic refinements and improvements. It sports a hybrid D-pad, textured grips and a share button for greater comfort and enhanced control. It’s also fully compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 10 PC, and Android taking the guesswork out of your purchase. With all the forward and backward compatibility, the only question is, which colour to pick, and there are quite a few sharp looking options.
New Nintendo Joy Cons
Add a splash of colour and more players to their Nintendo Switch this holiday season with a new set of Joy-Con controllers. They are designed with gaming on the go in mind and can each be used as a standalone controller, perfect for gaming on the go. They are also available in multiple colour combinations.
Hours of fun with a video game service subscription
Video game subscription cards are a great gift for the dad in your life who enjoys playing video games. PlayStation Plus, Xbox Game Pass, and Nintendo Switch Online are all great options. These services provide access to exclusive discounts and offers, plus monthly free games for their respective platforms depending on which tier you opt for. The cards also come in denominations of $10 to $50 so you can choose the one that fits your budget best, from stocking stuffer to over a year of gaming.
The only thing you need to know before purchasing one is which game console they are using.
Below you’ll find subscription options for PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
PlayStation cards
If you have a PlayStation gamer on your list you’ll want to consider purchasing PlayStation Store Cards preloaded with digital currency. The PlayStation Store credit comes in denominations from $10.00 all the way up to $150.00. They can use this credit toward a wide selection of the latest games and add-ons, buy or rent movies, get new music, and more. The credit can also be used to purchase PlayStation Plus membership which includes must-have features like online play, two free games a month, exclusive offers, and more. You can find out more about the PlayStation Plus program on the blog.
Xbox gift and subscription cards
If your dad is a fan of the Xbox platform, you can find gift and subscription cards for the console here. Xbox has its own online subscription service with Xbox Game Pass, offering different tiers of services from access to a catalog games, multiplayer, free monthly games, discounts, and more.
One of the best values in gaming continues to be Xbox Game Pass. A gift of this game service subscription would give dad access to a catalog of content and other benefits. The service is available in two offerings: Xbox Game Pass Core and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
The difference between the two tiers is Core gives you access to a limited catalog of games in the Game Pass Catalog. Where Ultimate lets you enjoy the full range of console and PC game pass titles, plus EA Access. Both Core and Ultimate include online access. Both offer a selection of games while subscribed that will keep dad entertained for hours on end. If they’re constantly on the lookout for new gaming experiences, then Game Pass is perfect for them with its diverse selection.
Nintendo Switch Online
Nintendo digital subscription cards The Nintendo Switch has its online service with Nintendo Switch Online. It also allows Switch gamers to play with friends, make cloud saves, access classic NES titles, and more. Nintendo even offers a 12-month family membership for up to 8 accounts, so the entire family can take advantage of the service.
Digital credit options
Each console has its own online store which you can purchase credit for. You can purchase PSN gift cards for PlayStation, eShop cards for the Nintendo Switch and Xbox Store gift cards. Give dad the gift of choice with digital credit they can put toward their next gaming adventure.
More storage for more games
All game consoles have a limit to how many games, films, and other types of content they can store. There are hard drive and memory card options available for each console to expand the space to play. Here are some gifting options, sorted by platform:
Xbox hard drives
The Xbox Series X and S require a faster SSD to deliver cutting-edge experiences. The Seagate 1TB Storage Expansion Card works with the new Xbox Velocity Architecture for faster loading times, richer environments, and more immersive gameplay.
PlayStation storage solutions
If dad loves to game on the PS5, consider gifting him a PS5 compatible SSD. Choose from a range of sizes and speeds, just keep in mind the PS5 requires special storage in order to work with the new console’s advanced hardware capabilities.
Nintendo Switch SD Cards
Upgrading the storage space in the Nintendo Switch with microSD memory will allow for more gaming on the go. If you want a little extra Nintendo touch on your storage, SanDisk has branded cards featuring the Triforce (64GB), Mushroom (128GB) and Star (256GB). These make a great stocking stuffer and will ensure plenty of room for games, media and more.
Video games that your dad will love playing
Why not pick up some of the best video games of the year for your dear old dad? Best Buy has a wide selection of games across multiple genres. I’ve got plenty of suggestions whether Dad is into action, adventure, strategy, simulation, sports or role-playing games—click each of the links to get a full overview of each genre he might enjoy.
Sports games for pops
If dad is a fan of professional sports leagues, they each have video game titles released annually. From basketball to pro golf all major leagues like FIFA soccer, NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL and PGA golf all have games out now to help dad live out his pro sports fantasies.
Otherworldly adventures
Whatever his gaming taste may be, there are plenty of awesome adventure video games set in a variety of different worlds that your dad will love playing. Assassin’s Creed, Grand Theft Auto, Legend of Zelda, and the Uncharted series are all great choices with great storytelling. So make sure to give him some time off this holiday season so he can enjoy these amazing titles.
Don’t know what to give your loved ones this holiday season? Check out the holiday gift guide at Best Buy to get a range of ideas.
Click here to see the full line of video game software available at Bestbuy.ca
Click here to see digital video game downloads offered at BestBuy.ca
An extra controller is a good suggestion because some of the most fun I have gaming as a Dad is playing games like Lego Harry Potter with my daughter. For more serious “me time”, a Playstation Plus subscription pays for itself with free games.