Joystiq
Joystiq News
I’ve never been a fan of Valentine’s Day. Or rather, I’m not a fan of the traditional gifts given on Valentine’s Day, like chocolates and flowers. Flowers die, and you may get sick of yet another box of so-so candy from Russell Stover or Whitman’s. And I’m not alone; lots of people would prefer a PlayStation 5 to a parcel of purple pansies. If your loved one is a gamer, why not show them your affection with something that actually makes their hobby more enjoyable (and won’t need to be watered)?
Mat Smith, Engadget
Maybe you love playing games together on a Nintendo Switch, but you’re far less fond about having to split the teeny tiny Joy-Con controllers. Why not upgrade the experience with controller, shaped to fit comfortably in most hands, highly customizable and available in a few colors to fit a few gamer styles. It with PC, macOS and even the Raspberry Pi if your gamer likes to tinker.
Microsoft
When you really want to pamper your Xbox player, why not upgrade them from the standard gamepad to the ? This premium accessory looks classy and feels great in the hand, thanks to its rubberized grips and interchangeable thumbsticks. The paddles on the back add yet another control scheme for your player to take advantage of, and the dual triggers are even adjustable for the type of game being played.
Kris Naudus / Engadget
If you’re not a fan of the paddle style of the Elite Controller, know that the offers a lot of the same features with a different twist. The back features two horizontal paddles that fit nicely under the fingers, and the hex pattern on the grips is away sweat. Pro gamers will especially love the Instant Triggers, which can switch to a mouse-like click at the flip of a switch.
SteelSeries
Wireless headsets are a dime a dozen these days, but one that can work seamlessly with the Nintendo Switch and Android phones are still somewhat rare. Of those, the is probably still the best. It’s sleek, comfortable and highly portable, connecting to devices via the easy USB-C dongle. Even if your loved one already has a wireless gaming headset in their arsenal, this is one that’s made to travel and makes a great buy.
Razer
Not every gamer accessory has to be intimidating and hardcore. Razer makes a great line of products aimed at gamers who don’t want all-black everything – or those that really like pink – and they don’t compromise on quality. The is famous for its kawaii design that looks great and feels great, making it ideal for long hours streaming on Twitch or YouTube. If you’re not into the cotton candy look, the headset is for a grimmer style.
Mark Anthony Reyes/Logitech
Streaming is the hot thing for a lot of players right now, whether they do it for fun or profit. But it can take a bit of an investment to get started, so gifting them some of that gear is a great idea. Sure, a camera is an obvious necessity, but good lighting is also key and will create bright, even light that’s easy to hook up thanks to the company’s expertise and software.
Valentina Palladino / Engadget
If your gamer is in the market for a new webcam, preferably one that can stream for both PC and mobile, the is right up their alley. It’s easy to use, sure, but the real appeal is that it can film in either landscape or portrait mode, making it ideal to create content for not just YouTube and Twitch, but also TikTok and Instagram.
Elgato
Beyond a webcam and a mic, one tool that’s becoming increasingly common for streamers is an Elgato Stream Deck. The sheer amount of customization options might seem a bit intimidating at first, but the company makes a with six buttons for triggering various actions, set up via the incredibly easy software. If your gamer is already streaming with ease, you can step up to the larger and more expensive instead, which features more buttons and a customizable faceplate.
GameStop
Not every gamer gift has to be one used to play games with — some can just be an expression of style, like this adorable . For only $40, your player gets an adorable winter-themed tote bag, a heat-reactive mug and coasters for their favorite hot drink and, of course, a fuzzy blanket for curling up on the couch.
Danielle Nicole / GameStop
Forget the expensive jewelry, give your gamer a bit of Zelda bling this Valentine’s Day with this new from Danielle Nicole. The bag features 12 card slots, a coin purse and plenty of room for cash as well. Best of all is how subtle it is in gold and white, so your player can get their geek on even at the fanciest functions.
Console Bang News!
8BitDo Pro 2
Mat Smith, Engadget
Maybe you love playing games together on a Nintendo Switch, but you’re far less fond about having to split the teeny tiny Joy-Con controllers. Why not upgrade the experience with controller, shaped to fit comfortably in most hands, highly customizable and available in a few colors to fit a few gamer styles. It with PC, macOS and even the Raspberry Pi if your gamer likes to tinker.
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
Microsoft
When you really want to pamper your Xbox player, why not upgrade them from the standard gamepad to the ? This premium accessory looks classy and feels great in the hand, thanks to its rubberized grips and interchangeable thumbsticks. The paddles on the back add yet another control scheme for your player to take advantage of, and the dual triggers are even adjustable for the type of game being played.
Scuf Instinct Pro
Kris Naudus / Engadget
If you’re not a fan of the paddle style of the Elite Controller, know that the offers a lot of the same features with a different twist. The back features two horizontal paddles that fit nicely under the fingers, and the hex pattern on the grips is away sweat. Pro gamers will especially love the Instant Triggers, which can switch to a mouse-like click at the flip of a switch.
SteelSeries Arctis 1
SteelSeries
Wireless headsets are a dime a dozen these days, but one that can work seamlessly with the Nintendo Switch and Android phones are still somewhat rare. Of those, the is probably still the best. It’s sleek, comfortable and highly portable, connecting to devices via the easy USB-C dongle. Even if your loved one already has a wireless gaming headset in their arsenal, this is one that’s made to travel and makes a great buy.
Razer Kraken Kitty
Razer
Not every gamer accessory has to be intimidating and hardcore. Razer makes a great line of products aimed at gamers who don’t want all-black everything – or those that really like pink – and they don’t compromise on quality. The is famous for its kawaii design that looks great and feels great, making it ideal for long hours streaming on Twitch or YouTube. If you’re not into the cotton candy look, the headset is for a grimmer style.
Logitech Litra Glow
Mark Anthony Reyes/Logitech
Streaming is the hot thing for a lot of players right now, whether they do it for fun or profit. But it can take a bit of an investment to get started, so gifting them some of that gear is a great idea. Sure, a camera is an obvious necessity, but good lighting is also key and will create bright, even light that’s easy to hook up thanks to the company’s expertise and software.
Logitech StreamCam
Valentina Palladino / Engadget
If your gamer is in the market for a new webcam, preferably one that can stream for both PC and mobile, the is right up their alley. It’s easy to use, sure, but the real appeal is that it can film in either landscape or portrait mode, making it ideal to create content for not just YouTube and Twitch, but also TikTok and Instagram.
Elgato Stream Deck Mini
Elgato
Beyond a webcam and a mic, one tool that’s becoming increasingly common for streamers is an Elgato Stream Deck. The sheer amount of customization options might seem a bit intimidating at first, but the company makes a with six buttons for triggering various actions, set up via the incredibly easy software. If your gamer is already streaming with ease, you can step up to the larger and more expensive instead, which features more buttons and a customizable faceplate.
Animal Crossing Winter Collector’s Box
GameStop
Not every gamer gift has to be one used to play games with — some can just be an expression of style, like this adorable . For only $40, your player gets an adorable winter-themed tote bag, a heat-reactive mug and coasters for their favorite hot drink and, of course, a fuzzy blanket for curling up on the couch.
Danielle Nicole Zelda Wallet
Danielle Nicole / GameStop
Forget the expensive jewelry, give your gamer a bit of Zelda bling this Valentine’s Day with this new from Danielle Nicole. The bag features 12 card slots, a coin purse and plenty of room for cash as well. Best of all is how subtle it is in gold and white, so your player can get their geek on even at the fanciest functions.
Console Bang News!