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 doesn’t even like! As a resident Dad on the Best Buy Blog team, I thought using my expertise (ahem… creating my own holiday wishlist) would be a great way to help. Below I have curated a list of video games, accessories, and subscription services that would 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.
One of my personal favourites is the Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight Universal Flight Control System and taking to the skies in Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Best Buy has a wide variety of controllers, below are the official remotes for each platform:
A new PlayStation controller
When it comes to purchasing controllers for the PlayStation platform there are two official models to choose from. This all depends on whether Dad owns a PlayStation 4 or a PS5. The choice will be between the PlayStation 4 DualShock 4 Wireless Controller or the PlayStation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller. Both the PS4 DualShock and PS5 DualSense come in a variety of colours and designs, and with so many choices you’ll be sure to find one that suits his style.
Pick-up an extra Xbox controller
The modernized Xbox Wireless Controller features many ergonomic refinements and improvements. The line-up now features a new hybrid D-pad, textured grip 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.
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. Check out the multiple colour combinations here.
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 Live 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. The cards also come in denominations of $10 – $50 so you can choose the one that fits your budget best.
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 Network Cards. The PlayStation Plus subscription comes in 3-month or 12-month options and offers a lot of must-have features like online play, two free games a month, exclusive offers and more. There is also the all-new PlayStation Plus program, find out more details here.
Xbox 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 Live, offering access to multiplayer, free monthly games and exclusive discounts.
Xbox Game Pass
One of the best values in gaming continues to be Xbox Game Pass. This subscription would give Dad access to over 100 great titles. The service offers access to a wide range of games that will keep subscribers entertained for hours on end. If Dad is constantly on the lookout for new games, 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 Live gift cards. Give Dad the gift of choice with digital credit they can put toward their next gaming adventure.
More space to play
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 PlayStation 4 or PS5, consider gifting him a new hard drive or 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.
I recommend the Western Digital WD_Black SN850 2TB M.2 SSD storage device. I have been using the drive for a few months now, and it is a personal favourite. It is also officially licensed by PlayStation offering greater compatibility and reliability with your PS5, learn more here.
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. Whether Dad is into action, adventure, strategy, simulation, sports and role-playing games, I’ve got plenty of suggestions.
For exclusive games on PlayStation 5, you can’t go wrong with God of War: Ragnarok if he wants to play one of the best games of the year. The Last of Us: Part 1 is a tour-de-force survival horror title and Horizon Forbidden West is a breathtaking action adventure game he’ll be sure to enjoy.
If the Nintendo Switch is his console of choice, it has plenty of stellar games. Titles like Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are some epic adventures.
If Dad is an Xbox fan there are plenty of titles to keep him busy like Forza Horizon 5, Halo Infinite and Microsoft Flight Simulator all available with an Xbox Game Pass subscription.
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
Third-party, titles like Elden Ring, Sonic Frontiers and The Callisto Protocol offer challenges, thrills and scares.
Whatever his gaming taste may be, there are plenty of awesome video games that your Dad will love playing. 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? Stay tuned to Best Buy Blog for the best gaming and tech gift ideas!
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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.