Gift Guide for Gamers on Your Holiday List

All prices listed here are the manufacturer's suggested retail price, but there are plenty of Black Friday sales to help your wallet

This holiday season, the ghosts of video games past, present and future will be visiting the gift lists of players everywhere, and we've rounded up some hot items to make everyone happy. All prices listed below are the manufacturer's suggested retail price, but there are plenty of Black Friday sales to help your wallet.

Venture back to the 1980s with the NES Classic Console ($59.99) from Nintendo. This small replica of the original Nintendo Entertainment System console can fit in the palm of your hand but contains 30 classic games from the past.

The controllers are the original size, yet significantly smaller than today’s gaming controllers. Pick up an extra controller and watch the entire family try to set high scores on games like "Donkey Kong," "Super Mario Bros." and many others.

The console is a popular item this season, so call ahead for availability in stores or order early online. 

Looking for something a bit more current with a lot more power? The PlayStation 4 Slim ($299.99) version packs today’s technology into a smaller, trimmer console. Bundle it up with a hit like “Uncharted 4” and enjoy a quieter, cooler gaming experience with a better High Dynamic Range look.

Perhaps something stronger is on your gaming list. The Xbox One S ($299.99) features built-in 4K Ultra Blu-ray for movies and streaming video in 4K. Just be sure your television or monitor can handle the upgraded visual experience.

The PlayStation VR, named one of this year’s best inventions by Time magazine, is a glimpse into the future. The headset attaches to the PlayStation 4 console for an intense and immersive visual gaming adventure like no other. But what about that sound?

The Turtle Beach Stealth 350VR headphones ($79.95) have clearance for the VR headset and cables, while providing amazing high and booming lows from the VR games. With over the ear cushions, the headset is comfortable and provides amplification to make any VR scene more vibrant.

When you decide to take a break from all the gaming, PowerA’s Charge and Display Station for PSVR ($49.99) can charge up one DualShock4 controller and two PlayStation Move controllers while also elegantly displaying the PSVR headset, keeping it off the floor and away from tripping or stepping hazards.

If you're looking for better sound in Xbox or Windows 10 gaming, the Astro A50 ($300) is a wireless headset that delivers up to 15 hours of battery life while letting players hear enemies from every angle with Dolby 7.1 surround sound. An optional mod kit includes synthetic leather headband and ear cushions for improved comfort while cutting down on extraneous (re: non-gaming, real world) noise.

But what if your gift receiver has all the hardware they need? Not to fear, because some of the top games of the year are out, just in time for the holidays.

For those looking for something nostalgic, “Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration” ($59.99) not only includes the latest release, but also offers a glimpse at Lara Croft’s 20 years as one of the most iconic video game characters of all time. Outfits, weapons, skins and more span her travels as an amazing adventurer. Plus, the game also features new modes, including a VR mode and story in stately, but crumbling, Croft Manor.

More interested in shooting games rather than discovering lost artifacts? “Titanfall 2” ($59.99) offers a brand-new single player campaign along with new abilities and Titans for a fast-paced, explosive multiplayer challenge that will have any player calling for their favorite mech.

Rather sneak around than blow stuff up? “Dishonored 2” ($59.99) returns players to the court at Dunwall, where they discover a plot to overthrow the Empress. As Emily, or her father, Corvo, sneak your way past enemies and traps to regain the throne with as little bloodshed as possible. Of course, you can always just shoot your way back to power, but where is the fun in that?

If gaming on the go is more your gift recipient’s style, “Pokémon Sun” and “Pokémon Moon” ($39.99 each) for the portable Nintendo 3DS console is the perfect way to go. Trainers head to the Aloha Islands to discover and catch new Pokémon, including new Legendary creatures. Dozens of new Pokémon friends and challenges await on each of the Aloha Islands.

PC gamers will be challenged over and over again with “Civilization VI” ($59.99). Build a lasting civilization that can stand the test of time in a new turn-based strategy game re-built from the ground up. Visually, the expansion of how cities are represented will amaze and perplex your games, while new leaders and gameplay changes will test how they want to use their “one more turn.”

If tabletop gaming is more the speed of your gift recipient, consider something from the “Dungeons and Dragons” line. A new release, “Volo’s Guide to Monsters,” ($49.99) is more than just another book of creatures. It takes a deep dive into monster lore and is a launching point of imagination for any D&D game. There are also some new adventures available, so your Dungeon Master can use their new knowledge.

For the Twitch or YouTube streamer in your life, Blue’s Raspberry microphone ($199.99) provides 24-bit studio-quality sound in a form that is smaller than most smartphones. It is perfect for in home studio use or when they decide to take their show on the road. A simple USB plug connects the Raspberry to any PC, Mac, Windows tablet, iPhone or iPad for an instant podcast or recording session.

Whatever they want, hardware or software, there are plenty of choices and deals out there to satisfy the player on your gift list. A few things to keep in mind: Know what console or computer they play their games on and what kinds of experiences they enjoy. There is nothing worse than unwrapping a new game and discovering it is for the wrong platform.

Or you could just buy them a new console with the game so you will never have to run into that issue.

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