The best gifts for gamers this Christmas are the ones that match their platform and the way they play: a spare or pro-style controller, a headset for chatting with friends, a handheld console for playing on the go, or a monitor upgrade for PC players. Find out whether they play on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo or PC first, and the rest gets much easier. Our Christmas Gifts for Gamers collection brings in-stock consoles, controllers and accessories together.
Shop the collection: Christmas Gifts for Gamers has consoles, controllers, headsets and accessories across the major platforms.
Who this guide is for
This guide is for anyone buying for a gamer, whether they're a teenager glued to online matches, a partner who unwinds with a single-player adventure, or a friend building their dream PC setup. Gaming gifts are easy to get wrong because accessories are rarely cross-compatible. A few minutes of detective work beforehand pays off.
Our top gift picks for gamers
A few stand-out gifts from the collection, chosen from products currently in stock. Prices and availability shown below update live, so you always see the current price.
PlayStation Portal: play PS5 games around the house
The PlayStation Portal Remote Player streams games from a PS5 console, so they can keep playing when someone else wants the TV. It's a great gift for a PS5 owner, but it needs the console to work.
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2: the pro upgrade
The Elite Series 2 is Microsoft's premium controller, a natural upgrade for an Xbox player who already owns the standard pad. Check they play on Xbox or PC before buying.
Turtle Beach Recon 200 Gen 2: one headset for every console
This amplified headset with 40mm drivers works across PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC. That makes it a safe choice if you're not sure which platform they use most.
Razer Cobra: a lightweight mouse for PC gamers
Weighing around 58g, the Razer Cobra is built for fast movement, with optical switches rated for 90 million clicks and Chroma RGB lighting. It's an affordable upgrade for a PC gamer.
Step one: work out their platform
Before anything else, find out what they play on. Casually ask what they're playing at the moment, or take a look at the console under the TV.
- PlayStation 5: DualSense controllers, charging stations, headsets with PS5 support, and extra storage.
- Xbox Series X|S: Xbox wireless controllers, headsets and storage expansion.
- Nintendo Switch and Switch 2: Pro controllers, carry cases and screen protectors for handheld play. Check whether an accessory supports the original Switch, Switch 2 or both.
- PC gamers: gaming mice, mechanical keyboards, monitors and headsets. These are often USB and work across systems.
- Handheld PCs: devices like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally sit between console and PC, and benefit from cases, docks and fast storage.
How to choose a gaming gift
Think about how they play
Someone who plays online with friends will get a lot out of a comfortable headset with a clear microphone. Competitive players often want a responsive controller or a high-refresh-rate monitor. Casual and family gamers might prefer party-friendly extras like a second controller so others can join in.
Solve a gaming frustration
Ask yourself what annoys them. Running out of controller battery, a full console hard drive, tangled cables or a headset that hurts after an hour all have easy fixes, and those fixes make great gifts.
Consider a console
If you're buying a console, consider which one their friends play on, since online play is a big part of the fun. Also check whether the console you're buying has a disc drive if they own physical games. Pre-owned consoles can be good value. Check the condition and what's included on the product listing.
Quick guide: gaming gifts by platform
Use this table to narrow things down quickly before you browse.
| Platform | Gift ideas | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 5 | DualSense controller, charging station, headset | Headset wireless connection type |
| Xbox Series X|S | Wireless controller, storage expansion, headset | Storage format specific to Xbox |
| Nintendo Switch / Switch 2 | Pro controller, carry case, screen protector | Original Switch vs Switch 2 support |
| PC | Gaming mouse, keyboard, monitor, headset | Ports, desk space, refresh rate |
| Handheld PC | Case, dock, fast storage | Exact device model |
Things to check before you buy
Compatibility
Read the product title and description carefully. "Wireless" headsets may use Bluetooth, a USB dongle, or both, and not every connection type works with every console. Controllers are almost always platform-specific.
Age ratings
For younger players, check PEGI age ratings on games and set up the console's family controls before Christmas Day. Our kids and teens tech guide has more on this.
Budget
Gaming gifts span a huge range. Accessories often fit within our Under £50 collection, and premium controllers and headsets often fall into Under £100. Small extras like charging cables and thumb grips make good stocking fillers.
Gift ideas by type of gamer
The online squad player
A comfortable headset with a good microphone, plus a charging dock so their controller is always ready.
The story-game fan
Extra storage for big game installs, or a quality pair of headphones for immersive sound.
The on-the-go player
A handheld console, a protective case and a power bank strong enough to top up a handheld.
The PC enthusiast
A gaming mouse, a mechanical keyboard or a monitor upgrade. Ask about their current setup so you match connection types and desk space.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best gift for a gamer who has everything?
Try an upgrade to the accessories they use most, such as a premium controller or a better headset. Practical fixes like extra storage or a charging station also work well.
Do PS5 controllers work on PC?
Many PlayStation controllers can connect to a PC, but support depends on the game and software. If PC play is the main use, look for accessories that list PC compatibility.
Are pre-owned consoles a good Christmas gift?
They can be great value. Check the condition and included accessories described on the listing. Products include a 12-month warranty unless the listing states otherwise. See our Warranty page.
Which headset works with both PS5 and Xbox?
Some headsets are multi-platform, often via a 3.5mm cable, but wireless versions are usually platform-specific. Check the compatibility list on the product page before buying.
Level up their Christmas
Gamers are some of the easiest people to buy for once you know their platform and play style. For more ideas, see our gifts for music lovers guide or browse the Christmas Gift Ideas 2026 hub.
Ready to shop? Browse Christmas Gifts for Gamers.
