Gamer gift ideas for every platform

The holidays are just around the corner and more than likely you have someone who plays video games on your shopping list. Coming up with gamer gift ideas can be difficult—just ask my wife.

Regardless if you are just beginning to shop or finishing off your shopping list, I’ve come up with gamer gift ideas for every platform that is sure to put a smile on all the gamer’s faces on your holiday shopping list.

Nintendo Switch gamer gift ideas

It’s no secret, the Nintendo Switch hit the ground running when it launched and has not looked back. It has become the fastest selling home video game system of all time in many markets, and as of September 30, 2019 has sold nearly 43 million units worldwide.

This year, the Switch has has seen its fair share of amazing games, new peripherals and the evolution of its online service. Without further ado, let’s take a look at some great gift ideas for the Nintendo Switch gamer on your holiday list.

Luigi’s Mansion 3

Platform: Nintendo Switch
Developer: Next Level Games
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Action-adventure
Modes: Single player, multiplayer
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Luigi’s Mansion 3 is developed by Canada’s very own Next Level Games and is one of my favourite games of 2019 to date. Luigi and the crew are invited on an all expense paid trip to a luxurious hotel resort. After arriving at the hotel, Luigi and friends retire for the evening to their rooms. It’s not long before something goes awry and all of Luigi’s friends have gone missing.

Equipped with an upgraded Poltergust-OO and with the help of Professor E. Gadd, Luigi searches through the haunted hotel to find his friends. Luigi has some new moves this time around and a green gooey doppelganger called Gooigi to help solve puzzles and capture ghosts. Each floor on the hotel acts as its own unique world and is fun to explore.

There are several different multiplayer options that include local Co-op play and online play with friends. Luigi’s Mansion 3 is a game that gamers of any age will enjoy on the Nintendo Switch.

Get Luigi’s Mansion 3 for Nintendo Switch

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening

Platform: Nintendo Switch
Developer: Nintendo EPD, Grezzo
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Action-adventure
Modes: Single player
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening is a remake of the classic 1993 Gameboy game. Link washes up on shore of Koholint Island after barely surviving a terrible storm that wrecked his ship. Link awakens to find himself inside the home of Tarin, a friendly and easy-going father, and his daughter Marin.

After Link washes ashore, monsters start to appear on the island. Link learns that if he ever wants to get off the island, he’ll have to awaken the Wind Fish—not an easy task. Link’s Awakening retains the classic gameplay that made the game a hit back in 1993 and have also made a few changes to gameplay to modernize it for 2019.

The game’s visuals and audio have been completely overhauled and the 2D graphics have been replaced with gorgeous 3D toy-like character models and diorama-like world designs. Link’s Awakening on Nintendo Switch is everything fans could have asked for in a remaster and more.

Get The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening for Nintendo Switch
Buy The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening Digital Download for Nintendo Switch
Purchase The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening Dreamer Edition for Switch

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield

Platform: Nintendo Switch
Developer: Game Freak
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Role-playing
Modes: Single player, multiplayer
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield is set for release on November 15, 2019. I had a chance to play this at E3 2019 this past June and was impressed. The game takes place in the new Galar region and features several new gameplay features. Two of the most notable being Dynamax and Gigantamax.

This allows your Pokémon to grow to a massive size and gives them access to Max Moves. These moves are essential super powered attacks that can also have additional effects on your opponents. Each version of the game features exclusive content including Pokémon and Gym Leaders. 

Get Pokémon Sword for Nintendo Switch
Purchase Pokémon Shield for Nintendo Switch
Buy Pokémon Sword & Pokémon Shield Double Pack for Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Switch controllers and online memberships

If you are looking for some great stocking stuffers for the Nintendo Switch gamer on your shopping holiday list, I’ve got two great ideas. Nintendo has released several different colour variations of the Joy-Con controllers. However, Best Buy Canada have exclusive Neon Green Joy-Con controllers that you can’t buy anywhere else. They look frightfully delightful and make a great addition as a second set of controllers.

Many games today feature online multiplayer modes and require a subscription to an online service to play. On the Nintendo Switch, the online service is called Nintendo Switch Online. Not only does it allow you to play multiplayer games online it also has a wide selection of classic NES and SNES games to play for free from the 80’s and 90’s.

Get the Neon Green Best Buy exclusive Joy-Con controllers for Nintendo Switch
Buy a Nintendo Switch Online Membership for Nintendo Switch

PlayStation 4 gamer gift ideas

The main attraction of one any particular gaming console is the games available to play on it. Sony and Microsoft share much of the same game library when it comes to titles developed by cross-platform studios. Companies such as Electronic Arts and Ubisoft tend to release their games on both respective consoles.

In particular what gives one console an advantage over another is the amount of exclusive games available to play. And, no matter how you stack it, in 2019 Sony has delivered. Let’s take a look at gift ideas for the PlayStation 4 gamer on your holiday list.

Concrete Genie

Platform: PlayStation 4
Developer: Pixelopus
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Genre: Action-adventure
Modes: Single player
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10+)

Concrete Genie tells the story of a troubled teen boy named Ash. He has a passion for drawing and escapes his troubles by drawing in his sketchbook, which he keeps him at all times. Denska is Ash’s hometown, so he often goes to the abandoned seaside town to draw and get away from people.

Early on in the game, Ash is bullied and his sketch book is ripped apart. The pages are scattered around Denska and now Ash must go find each page to put his sketchbook back together. Ash’s story explores various different themes including bullying, trouble home life, and personal connections he makes along the way.

Get Concrete Genie for PlayStation 4

Death Stranding

Platform: PlayStation 4
Developer: Kojima Productions
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Genre: Action
Modes: Single player, multiplayer
ESRB Rating: M17+ (Mature 17+)

I can’t ever recall a game being shrouded in such mystery as Death Stranding has been. The game focuses on the connections between life and death. Your goal is to reconnect isolated cities and fragmented societies. Storytelling is the main focus in the game and it features mature themes.

Hideo Kojima is a legendary game developer and fans have been waiting since 2016 to get their hands on this game. Death Stranding is a game that has a high potential to be one of the best games of 2019, regardless of which system you own.

Get Death Stranding for PlayStation 4
Buy Death Stranding Special Edition for PlayStation 4

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

Platform: PlayStation 4
Developer: Respawn Entertainment
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Genre: Action-adventure
Modes: Single player
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is a single player action-adventure game. It is set post Order 66 after the events in Episode 3. The game’s protagonist Cal Kestis is on his way to becoming a Jedi but is not quite there yet.

He is on a mission to restart the Jedi Order and his travels take him to Kashyyk, a Wookiee planet. The Wookiees have been enslaved as the Empire ravages the planet harvesting all its resources to build up the Imperial war machine. Cal is equipped with his trusty lightsaber that can be used to deflect enemy fire and also thrown at enemies to take them down.

Additionally, Cal can use the force to slow down time, double jump, and grab your opponents from across the screen. Enemies are varied and the game includes traditional Storm Troopers, Scout Troopers who are equipped with a charged weapon, Flame Troopers, and newly created Purge Troopers who hunt Jedi. If the gamer on your holiday shopping list is a Star Wars fan, then Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is a must buy.

Get Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order for PlayStation 4
Buy Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Deluxe Edition for PlayStation 4

PlayStation 4 controllers and online memberships

If you are looking for some great stocking stuffers for the PlayStation 4 gamer on your shopping holiday list, I’ve got two great ideas. Sony has released four new DualShock 4 controller colours, and they look stunning. They are Electric Purple, Red Camouflage, Titanium Blue and Rose Gold.

 

Many games today feature online multiplayer modes and require a subscription to an online service to play. On the PlayStation 4, the online service is called PlayStation Plus. Not only does it allow you to play multiplayer games online it also gives members free games to download and play each month. Additionally, PlayStation Plus subscribers get special discounts, access to exclusive betas, demons and online game saves.

Buy one of the new DualShock 4 controller colours for PlayStation 4
Get a PlayStation Plus 12 or 3-month Digital Download Membership

Xbox One gamer gift ideas

There are some fantastic Xbox games out this year—some exclusive to the Xbox One, and some that simply look better on Xbox One X than any other console. Let’s take a look at gift ideas for the Xbox One gamer on your holiday list.

Gears 5

Platform: Xbox One
Developer: The Coalition
Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Genre: Third-person shooter
Modes: Single player, Multiplayer
ESRB Rating: M (Mature 17+)

The Gears of War franchise is one of the most icon Xbox brand game franchises. Gears 5 is the latest in the series and arguably the best in the series yet. It is all about accessibility and appeals to both new and veteran fans alike. No need to worry, it is still very much the Gears of War we all know and love.

It has phenomenal cover-based gameplay, brutal visceral combat, and world-class online multiplayer modes. You can expect to spend anywhere between 12-16 hours playing, depending on your skill level and if you search every nook and cranny.

Without a doubt, Gears 5 is the most technically visually impressive games on Xbox One X and this generation. Aside from its campaign, multiplayer is a big component of Gears 5. The story is captivating and kept my interest throughout the entire campaign. And, even if you haven’t played any of the previous games in the series, you can still jump in and have a good time.

Get Gears 5 for Xbox One
Purchase Gears 5 Digital Download for Xbox One

Buy Gears 5 Ultimate Edition for Xbox One
Get Gears 5 Ultimate Edition Digital Download for Xbox One

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare

Platform: Xbox One
Developer: Infinity Ward
Publisher: Activision
Genre: First-person shooter
Modes: Single player, multiplayer
ESRB Rating: M (Mature)

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare could almost be taken straight out of the headlines of today’s newspaper or social media timelines. The plot and setting of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare bounce between two primary locations. In real-world London it puts a lens on the actual issues of violent terrorism that is a growing concern in that part of the globe. Conversely, the fictional country of Urzikstan is likely a stand-in for war-torn Syria.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare has one of the most enjoyable single-player campaigns of any recent Call of Duty game. It’s not just the narrative that makes it outstanding though. The campaign shines from a gameplay standpoint as well. By the same token, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is built around its online multiplayer offerings. They are the biggest draw for the franchise year in and year out.

Get Call of Duty: Modern Warfare for Xbox One

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

Platform: Xbox One
Developer: Respawn Entertainment
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Genre: Action-adventure
Modes: Single player
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is a single player action-adventure game. It is set post Order 66 after the events in Episode 3. The game’s protagonist Cal Kestis is on his way to becoming a Jedi but is not quite there yet.

He is on a mission to restart the Jedi Order and his travels take him to Kashyyk, a Wookiee planet. The Wookiees have been enslaved as the Empire ravages the planet harvesting all its resources to build up the Imperial war machine. Cal is equipped with his trusty lightsaber that can be used to deflect enemy fire and also thrown at enemies to take them down.

Additionally, Cal can use the force to slow down time, double jump, and grab your opponents from across the screen. Enemies are varied and the game includes traditional Storm Troopers, Scout Troopers who are equipped with a charged weapon, Flame Troopers, and newly created Purge Troopers who hunt Jedi. If the gamer on your holiday shopping list is a Star Wars fan, then Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is a must buy.

Get Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order for Xbox One
Buy Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Deluxe Edition for Xbox One

Xbox One controllers and online memberships

If you are looking for some great stocking stuffers for the Xbox One gamer on your holiday shopping list, I’ve got two great ideas. First, is the Xbox One controller. It’s seen by some as the best controller for any home console. There are a wide variety of different colours and designs that any Xbox game would be glad to have in their collection.

And, if the Xbox gamer on your holiday shopping list is looking for the best of the best, I highly recommend the Xbox One Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller. This controller comes with a bevy of features including interchangeable components and a built-in rechargeable battery that lasts up to 40 hours.

Many games today feature online multiplayer modes and require a subscription to an online service to play. On the Xbox One, the online service is called Xbox Live Gold. Not only does it allow you to play multiplayer games online it also gives members free games to download and play each month. Additionally, Xbox Live Gold subscribers get special discounts, access to exclusive betas, demons and online game saves. Furthermore, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes Xbox Live Gold and is a subscription that includes access to over 100 high-quality games.

Get an Xbox One controller or an Xbox One Elite Series 2 Wireless controller
Buy an Xbox Live Gold 12, 6 or 3-month Digital Download Membership
Purchase an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 3 or 1-month Digital Download Membership

Stadia gamer gift ideas

Stadia, Google’s brand-new game streaming service, is set to usher in a new way to play and enjoy the video games we all love. With Stadia, there is no longer a need to have a dedicated box under your TV to play video games. Instead, you have instant access to your games on any TV, laptop, desktop, Pixel phone, and select tablets.

Let’s take a look at a few gift ideas for the Stadia gamer on your holiday shopping list.

Chromecast Ultra

To play Stadia on your TV, you need a Chromecast Ultra. The Stadia Premier Edition comes with a Chromecast Ultra but if the Stadia gamer on your holiday list has more than one TV they play on, getting an additional Chromecast Ultra is a great gift idea.

And, the Chromecast Ultra allows you to stream all your favourite movies, shows, and music to your TV. It’s a win-win scenario! If you would like to find out more about the Chromecast Ultra, check out our overview of it right here.

Buy Google Chromecast Ultra

3rd party controllers

With Stadia, you can use many third party controllers to play games on your laptop, tablet, or mobile device. For the most part, these will require a USB connection. Simply use the included USB cable that comes with the controller and plug it in to your desired device and away you go.

Some of the most popular controllers that you can use with Stadia are the DualShock 4, Xbox One controller, Xbox One Elite Series 2 wireless controller and the Switch Pro controller. Head on over and check out the article I wrote on what controllers work with Stadia for more information.

Apple Arcade gamer gift ideas

Just recently, Apple launched an all-new way to enjoy games across its devices without limits, Apple Arcade. You get unlimited access to an entire catalog of games. And, these games are platform exclusives and not playable on any other mobile platform or subscription service.  All games can be played offline and do not contain in-app purchases.

As a matter of fact, this year it is predicted that over 2.4 billion people will play mobile games around the world. If you think about it, that is almost one-third of the entire population on planet Earth! With that in mind, let’s take a look at some gift ideas for the Apple Arcade gamer on your holiday shopping list.

SteelSeries Nimbus Wireless Game Controller for iOS

For some games, playing a mobile game by swiping your finger is ok. However, more and more Apple Arcade games are including support for controllers. By the same token, a controller allows for more precise control and accuracy.

The SteelSeries Nimbus wireless controller is compatible with iOS devices such as Apple TV, iPad and iPhone. In addition, it is completely wireless and its internal rechargeable battery lasts for up to 40 hours. Furthermore, it has a dedicated on/off switch to save on battery life when you aren’t using the controller.

Purchase the SteelSeries Nimbus Wireless Game Controller

Apple TV 4K

If you have an Apple Arcade gamer on your holiday shopping list, the Apple TV 4K is a great gift idea. With the Apple TV 4K, you can play all your favourite Apple Arcade games on your TV at home. The largest mobile phone screen is nothing compared to your home TV. Personally, this is how I play most of the Apple Arcade games.

And, with an Apple TV 4K, you can also stream your favourite movies and TV shows on one of the many apps from the app store. Check out Brad’s full review of the Apple TV 4K and see the additional benefits it offers.

Purchase Apple TV 4K

App Store & iTunes gift cards

Even though Apple Arcade features a bevy of games, you can’t go wrong with an App Store & iTunes gift card. Not to mention, there are still quite a few games that aren’t included with Apple Arcade and a gift card will allow the gamer on your shopping list to buy whatever game they wish.

And, the App Store & iTunes gift cards can be used for apps, music, movies, TV shows, books and iCloud. One present with multiple uses, what a great idea! The App Store & iTunes gift cards are only sold in stores in a variety of denominations. Again, don’t forget to pick them up in store while your doing your holiday shopping at Best Buy Canada.

Gamer gift ideas for everyone on your holiday shopping list

And, that’s our list of gamer gift ideas for every platform. I hope I was able to help you find the perfect gift for the gamer on your holiday shopping list no matter what platform they play on. Be sure to check out the Best Buy blog for more great gift ideas!

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