Holiday Gaming Gift Guide 2024

by

As someone who has been around gaming since the days of Pong and Space Invaders, I must say that this list is quite impressive! It’s like a trip down memory lane with some new additions that are sure to make any gamer’s heart skip a beat.

It may only come once a year, but the holidays can be a stressful time, which is why we’ve put together a Gaming Gift Guide to help you buy for your loved ones. From titles we recommend to cool things that we like, or have enjoyed throughout this year, our Gaming Gift Guide aims to offer something for most budgets, from stocking fillers to the premium gifts for that extra special person.

Take a moment to relax with your preferred drink – may it be hot cocoa or something else – and leisurely browse through exciting items that could make someone’s Christmas special. Let us present our 2024 Holiday Gaming Gift Guide.

Gaming Gift Guide – The Spectrum: £89.99

This retro console will be a significant throwback for those belonging to a specific generation, as it may have sparked a lifelong passion for gaming. Unlike other vintage consoles, this one stands out due to its historical significance. Equipped with authentic-feel rubberized keys and 48 pre-installed games (including Skool Daze, Auf Widersehen Monty, The Hobbit, Horace Goes Skiing), it’s a straightforward plug-and-play device. You can even purchase a joystick to connect via one of its four USB ports. With features like progress saving, rewind mode, and the ability to load games with the familiar cassette loading effect, this device serves as a nostalgic trip for many, reminding us where our gaming journey began.

Super Mario Party Jamboree: £49.99

From our review: “This is the Mario Kart Deluxe of the Super Mario Party series. There are so many modes and ways to play, and the inclusion of Pro Rules means you can even eliminate chance and get seriously competitive. The mini-games are pretty much universally great, the boards are enjoyable, it’s a laugh with friends and family: what more could you want? Super Mario Party Jamboree is the biggest and best in the series to date, and it’ll be staying on my Switch for a very long time indeed.” A fun present easily added to anyone’s gaming gift guide.

FUSION Pro Wireless Controller for Xbox Series X|S with Lumectra: $149.99

Currently, third-party controllers are facing challenges due to strong competition from in-house options like the Xbox Series S|X controller. However, when considering an “Elite” model, cost becomes a significant factor. The PowerA Fusion Pro Controller stands out with its exceptional quality and added features. It not only performs well but also boasts an attractive design thanks to customizable RGB lighting that can be turned on or off at will. Moreover, it’s equipped with a built-in rechargeable battery, eliminating the need for constant AA battery purchases. Although it’s not a Microsoft product, it requires a small USB adapter (which the Series S|X has room for). Despite its higher price tag, this controller offers locks, changeable thumbsticks, RGB lighting, and four back-mappable buttons, making it a premium choice that would be an excellent addition to any gaming gift guide.

Gaming Gift Guide – Asus Rog Ally: £399.99

As a gaming enthusiast, I must say the Asus ROG Ally brings back nostalgic vibes of the golden era of PC gaming. It’s not that it requires excessive tweaking for optimal performance (though some customization does add a fun challenge), but what truly captivates me is its potential to continually improve and evolve. In essence, I find myself developing an endearing affection for this device.

Indeed, it matches up well in design with other devices in its class, and the software has been refined, positioning it as the top Windows-handheld on the market. For those seeking additional power, there’s an option to upgrade to the latest model, X, which comes at a premium price due to its increased performance.

Game Pass Ultimate: Various Prices

It’s been a fantastic year for people who have already subscribed to Game Pass. But if you’ve gone all out and grabbed a new Xbox Series S or X for a loved one this year, Game Pass is the easiest way to make the console even better. Where we used to have to pick a console and a game for Christmas, now you can get a subscription and have access to a plethora of titles. This year, Xbox has seen the likes of Indiana Jones and the Lost Circle, STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, and Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II all hit the service. But there so many hidden gems and indies also on there, that if you’re getting a new console for Christmas, you have to grab a Game Pass sub, even if it’s just for a few months to try it out.

8bitdo Retro Mechanical Keyboard, £84.99

8bitdo’s Retro mechanical keyboard is an exceptional piece of hardware that not only boasts a sleek design and affordable price tag, but also offers unparalleled quality and fun features. Its unique selling point lies in the two large NES-style buttons that can be customized to perform any shortcut you desire. Though it’s already visually appealing, this keyboard stands out from the rest with its distinctive gaming-inspired aesthetic. In essence, while it might seem unusual to develop feelings for an inanimate object like a keyboard, 8bitdo has truly outdone themselves with this creation, making it one of their most impressive products yet.

Displate: Various Prices

“I’d never ordered a Displate before, but once I got one, I can’t imagine hanging anything else on my walls. The quality of their metal posters is amazing, and there are so many designs to choose from. If you’re looking for high-quality, long-lasting decorations for your home, give Displate a try. I highly recommend them.

UFO 50: £20.99

Based on our assessment: “UFO 50 stands out as one of the most distinctive video games I’ve experienced, and not only is it enjoyable to play, but it’s packed with a plethora of clever concepts across the fifty games included. It’s highly likely that you’ll discover numerous games you’ll love in this delightful compilation. I find myself wishing that UFOSoft were a genuine developer, as after UFO 50, I yearn to play more creations from their team.

The Meta Quest 3 (512GB): £469

Regarding value, it’s likely that the Meta Quest 3 stands out as the top home VR system in its class. Compared to the Meta Quest 2, the Quest 3 is both lighter and more potent, providing enhanced comfort for gaming or fitness activities. It requires no wires, only a spacious area and enthusiasm. Additionally, if you buy the 512GB model from the Meta store before April 2025, you’ll receive Batman: Arkham Shadow at no extra cost, along with a complimentary three-month subscription to Meta+.

Warhammer 40,000 – The Ultimate Guide: £26.99

Any Warhammer 40K fan would be thrilled with this sacred dataslate, featuring a full comprehensive history of the Citadel Miniatures line from its inception 40 years ago to present day. With full chapters dedicated to every faction of this wartorn, grimdark universe, it has beautiful, detailed images of some of the earliest miniatures, now largely lost to history, as well as a mountain of lore and extra information for the discerning fan. DK Book’s Warhammer 40,000 – The Ultimate Guide is a great resource for veteran painters and newcomers alike.

Read More

2024-12-17 12:17