Shopping for a gift for a gamer is a double-edged Master Sword. On the one hand, there are so many cool games, consoles, and accessories to choose from — especially in a year like 2023, where every other release is a Game of the Year contender. But there’s also just so much to choose from, to the point where you might feel underleveled for the “simple” task of picking one just-right gift.

Further complicating things is the fact that gaming is not a one-note hobby: You’ve got gamers who pledge allegiance to the PC, PlayStation purists, Xbox disciples, Nintendo devotees, and VR enthusiasts. If you personally aren’t familiar with your giftee’s favorite platforms and genres, it can be tempting to just rage-quit.

That’s where we come in. To help you on your side quest to find the perfect present for a gamer friend or loved one, we’ve compiled a massive list of more than 40 gamer gift ideas for the 2023 holiday season — including a bunch of games we’ve played and products we’ve tested ourselves.

If you’re gifting on a budget, you’ll do well with a new accessory for your recipient’s existing setup, a few months’ worth of their favorite video game subscription service, or a copy of a popular game from the past few months. Leveling up over the $ 100 mark expands your options to high-end peripherals, while $ 200 and above unlocks current-gen consoles, bundles, and gaming laptops. We’ve peppered in a few limited-edition collectibles at different price points, too.

Keep reading to check out our picks:

Mashable