Best Video Games, Consoles, and Accessories 2017 Gift Guide
The 19 Best Gifts For the Gamer in Your Life
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Finding the perfect gift for the video-game enthusiast in your life can feel daunting, especially if you don't play games yourself. With the choices as numerous as they are, it's hard to know exactly what to buy — Nintendo, Xbox, or PlayStation? Classic handheld console or hyperfuturistic virtual-reality headset? It can be an overwhelming undertaking to even crack the surface of all the gaming tech that's out there right now.
It's for this very reason that we've gone through all of the hottest consoles, accessories, and games of the year to make your decision just that teensy bit easier. Ahead, you'll find 19 of the must-have gamer gadgets that made waves in 2017, all of which are sure to please.
Xbox One S 1TB Minecraft Limited Edition Bundle
The Xbox One S 1TB Minecraft Limited Edition Bundle ($350) is the ultimate collector gift to give this holiday season. Don't know what Minecraft is or why this is a huge deal? Check out our rundown of the game and the console right here.
Destiny 2
The mind-blowingly popular Destiny series got a sequel this year, Destiny 2 ($30) — and let's just say that any gamer will be thanking you all the way through to the new year if you pick this up for them.
Nintendo Switch Super Mario Odyssey Edition
The Switch is the best console that Nintendo has released in years, and with the Nintendo Switch Super Mario Odyssey Edition ($380), you get the added bonus of the best Mario game that Nintendo has released in years, too.
Forza Motorsport 7 Ultimate Edition
The 10th entry in the Forza series, Forza Motorsport 7 Ultimate Edition ($90) was only launched on Xbox One and Microsoft gaming systems — so it's got a bit of a cult following, as one might imagine. It's also the most innovative, graphically driven game yet.
Nintendo 2DS XL
The Nintendo 2DS XL in Black and Turquoise ($150) is a gloriously portable way for your loved one to catch up on all their favorite Nintendo games. Not only does it now come in the sexiest color combo yet, but it's also the size of a makeup compact and easily fits in any pocket or bag.
Just Dance 2018
The Just Dance series has been around forever. But with Just Dance 2018 ($30), you can now get the full experience on the Nintendo Switch. And yes, it's just as much fun as you'd think it might be.
Samsung HMD Odyssey Mixed Reality Headset
For the loved one who's always looking to ride the next big trend, you'll do them a huge solid by gifting them a Samsung HMD Odyssey Windows Mixed Reality Headset ($500) and giving them entry to the world of mixed reality. Mixed reality is just what it sounds like: a combination of VR, AR, and reality. And yes, it's amazing.
L.A. Noire
Rockstar Games' classic L.A. Noire ($40) was rereleased in November, and I can tell you unequivocally that it holds up in a way that makes you want to play it for hours on end. Oh, and it came out on the Switch, too — so it's available for any platform that your loved one might have.
SCUF Xbox Controller
The SCUF Elite Wireless Xbox Controller in Gotham ($180) takes gaming to a whole new level. With customizable buttons and controls that do away with sore fingers, it's the perfect luxury gift for even the most casual video game player.
Custom Xbox Controller
The Custom Xbox Controller from Xbox Design Lab ($65 and up) is always a winner around the holidays, as it lets you choose the color of every single part of each controller and, bonus, add an engraved message at the bottom so nobody ever forgets where it came from — or, more importantly, whose controller it is when you all sit down to play together.
Sega Genesis Flashback HD 2017 Console
You can never go wrong with nostalgia, and the Sega Genesis Flashback HD 2017 Console ($70) is everything that the Genesis always was (and clearly still appears to be). And it's not just Sonic you'd be giving this holiday — there are a whole lot of other games that come preloaded in the system and ready to play.
Nyko Charge Block
Give the gift of never, ever having to play hot potato with Switch controllers with the Nyko Charge Block for Joy-Con ($20), which lets you charge up to four Joy-Con controllers without even having to dock them on the Switch base.
Fortnite
Fortnite ($55) made waves when it was in beta testing this Summer, and now that it's fully available, it's one of the hottest games on the market today. Think Minecraft meets The Walking Dead meets some sort of high-stakes capture the flag — all with the graphics of a high-budget film in the theater.
Nyko Docking Kit
The coolest gift that I'll be giving this year is the Nyko Portable Docking Kit for Nintendo Switch ($50). The docking kit lets you have a second, portable base for the Switch — and makes it so that you can play your console in any room, at any time, and take it wherever you go.
EUKYMR Headset
The EUKYMR Gaming Headset ($46) is the perfect gift for any hardcore gamer — it works on all devices and has been met with some of the most universally positive feedback of any device on the market today.
HTC Vive
The HTC Vive ($599) is the market leader in VR gaming — and it's with good reason. The system has an unparalleled experience that will leave anyone who's given the headset as a gift thanking you for months (if not years) to come.
Segate Xbox Hard Drive
Who doesn't need more space on their devices? With the Seagate Portable 2TB Hard Drive for Xbox ($90), you'll be doubling (or tripling!) the amount of space your favorite gamer has — and that means all the more fun will be had in 2018 once the holidays are through.
SCUF PlayStation 4 Controller
I'm in love with the SCUF Infinity PS4 PRO Custom Controller in Nebula ($150) because not only is it super sexy, but it's also got the most comfy joysticks I've ever felt in my life. 10/10 would gift (and you should, too).
ROCCAT Sova Gaming Lapboard
Give your loved one the ultimate gaming experience this holiday season with the ROCCAT Sova Gaming Lapboard ($149), which gives them the power to hook up their whole rig from the comfort of their living room couch. Oh, and bonus: it's a damn good tool for working from home, too.
