Skip the novelty socks. From the VR headset that finally makes sense to the chair that won’t ruin your back, this is the gear worth your wallet’s attention.
If your holiday shopping strategy usually involves panic-buying gift cards on Christmas Eve, consider this your intervention. We’ve curated the definitive list of 12 gaming essentials that strike the perfect balance between performance and price. Whether you are shopping for a Call of Duty devotee, a sim-racing rookie, or just treating yourself (we won’t tell), this is the hardware that actually matters right now.
The Heavy Hitters
Meta Quest 3S (256GB)
Virtual reality has arguably finally hit its “iPhone moment” with the Quest 3S. It replaces the ageing Quest 2, bringing the mixed-reality superpowers of its more expensive sibling (the Quest 3) down to a price that doesn’t make you wince. It’s wireless, fast, and the pass-through cameras let you see your living room so you don’t punch a hole in the TV.
Best for: The person who wants to try VR without selling a kidney.
Xbox Series X
The fridge-shaped monolith is still the most powerful console on the market. If you want native 4K gaming, blistering load times, and access to Game Pass (aka the “Netflix of games”), this is the machine to get. It’s whisper-quiet and looks surprisingly chic next to a TV.
Best for: The pixel peepers who demand the highest graphical fidelity.
Nintendo Switch + Mario Kart Bundle
Until Nintendo officially unveils its next-gen console, the OG Switch remains the undisputed king of local multiplayer. This bundle throws in Mario Kart, which is legally required owning for any household. It’s the only console that bridges the gap between 7-year-olds and 70-year-olds.
Best for: Family gatherings and ruining friendships on Rainbow Road.
The Peripherals
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
This is widely considered the best gaming headset money can buy, period. The killer feature? It comes with two batteries. One charges in the base station while you use the other, meaning you literally never have to plug the headset in. Add in active noise cancellation and simultaneous Bluetooth (take calls while gaming), and it’s a game-changer.
Best for: The gamer who hates wires and loves winning.
Backbone One PlayStation Edition
Mobile gaming used to be awful. The Backbone fixed it. This controller snaps onto your phone, instantly turning it into a legitimate handheld console. This “PlayStation Edition” mimics the look of the PS5 DualSense and is perfect for streaming games from your console via Remote Play.
Best for: Commuters and anyone trying to finish Final Fantasy in bed.
Razer Huntsman V2 TKL (Red Switch)
Big keyboards are out; TKL (Tenkeyless) is in. By chopping off the number pad, you get more room for mouse movement. The Huntsman V2 uses optical switches—meaning they register key presses via light beams rather than physical contact. It’s absurdly fast, quieter than standard mechanical keys, and built like a tank.
Best for: FPS players who need twitch reflexes.
Sony DualSense Wireless Controller
Every PS5 owner eventually needs a second controller (or a replacement for the one they wore out). The DualSense is still a marvel of engineering, with haptic feedback that lets you feel rain droplets and trigger resistance that mimics the tension of a bowstring.
Best for: Player Two.
Logitech G29 Driving Force Racing Wheel
Playing Gran Turismo or F1 with a controller is fine. Playing it with a force-feedback wheel is a religious experience. The G29 is the gold standard for entry-level sim racing, offering genuine leather stitching, steel pedals, and strong feedback that lets you feel the road.
Best for: The person who insists they are a better driver than Lewis Hamilton.
PlayStation Pulse Explore Wireless Earbuds
Sony’s first foray into planar magnetic drivers for earbuds results in incredible, audiophile-grade sound. They connect seamlessly to the PS5 and the PlayStation Portal without lag. They look strange, yes, but the audio clarity is unmatched in the earbud form factor.
Best for: PS Portal owners who don’t want to wear a bulky headset.
The Setup Upgrades
Corsair T3 RUSH Fabric Gaming Chair
Most “gaming chairs” are gaudy PU leather nightmares that peel after a year. The Corsair T3 RUSH uses a soft, breathable fabric that looks like grown-up furniture and doesn’t trap heat. It’s ergonomic, understated, and won’t leave you sweating during a summer marathon session.
Best for: Gamers who care about interior design (and their posture).
Eureka Ergonomic Aero Gaming Desk (182cm)
You can’t put a triple-monitor setup on a flimsy flat-pack table. The Aero is a beast—nearly 2 meters wide with a wing-shaped design that wraps around you. It’s essentially the aircraft carrier of desks, giving you enough surface area for your PC, consoles, and probably a small pizza.
Best for: The “Battle Station” builder.
Eureka Ergonomic Electric Standing Desk
Sitting is the new smoking, apparently. This electric desk lets you switch between sitting and standing with a button press, saving your lower back from inevitable ruin. It’s sturdy, dual-motored, and spacious enough to double as a serious work desk by day and gaming rig by night.
Best for: Remote workers who game on their lunch break.
Ultimately, the best gift you can give a gamer isn’t just high-end hardware—it’s the blissful silence that comes with them being completely absorbed in a virtual world for eight hours straight. Whether you’re upgrading your own setup or securing your status as the undisputed favourite relative, these picks are the real deal. Just remember: inventory levels fluctuate faster than a frame rate drop in Cyberpunk, so if you see something you like, we suggest hitting checkout before the shipping deadlines decide it’s game over. Happy gaming.
By: Ackley Wyndam
