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Xbox is kinda cool again. Microsoft’s gaming console saw the release of some big games this year, the addition of massive new gaming studios with the acquisition of Call of Duty company Activision Blizzard, and its Netflix-like subscription service Game Pass remains one of the most killer deals in gaming. It’s a good year to be an Xbox fan, but what’s the perfect gift for them?
As a frequent Xbox player myself, I have some ideas. Whether they love Halo Infinite’s multiplayer or checking out Game Pass for new free games every week, here are the best gift ideas for the person you know who bleeds green and isn’t above quoting Master Chief from time to time.
Cloud gaming is actually good now. At least good enough that I can safely recommend that anyone who regularly plays console games should think about investing in a way to play them on the go via their phone. There are lots of different accessories that will get the job done. The Backbone One for Android and iOS remains a decent option at $100 (and is currently 30 percent off for Black Friday). Razer, however, recently released the Razer Kishi V2 Pro (Xbox Edition), and while it’s a little more expensive the rumble it comes with is a nice upgrade. It also comes with a free month of Game Pass.
The Mega Blocks Xbox 360 replica is 1,342 off-brand Lego bricks worth of 2000s nostalgia. The set includes a console, controller, and case for Halo 3 you can build by yourself or with the next generation of Xbox fans (your kids). It’s a bit pricey at $150, but the perfect showpiece for a gaming shelf or display case. Its insides even lights up and has a few interactive easter eggs.
Forza Motorsport might have been a bit content-light at launch but its fundamentals still feel incredible and there’s no better way to experience the racing sim than with an actual racing wheel and peddle. Of course, there are a lot of options and most of them depend on how much you’re willing to spend. An entry-level Thrustmaster set will run you just $130. Upgrading to a good Logitech set will take you closer to $500. And if you want to go all out a Fanatec readymade set will take you north of $700.
Whether you’re playing games online or just want to chat over Discord with buddies while playing solo, you need a good set of headphones and a mic that won’t make you sound like a supermarket clerk on the loudspeaker circa 1995. While there are dozens of options out there, you can’t go wrong with the wired Xbox Stereo Headset at the cheaper end ($60), or the wireless option if you’re willing to spend a bit more ($100). If you want an even more lux option, however, your best bet is the Arctis Nova Pro ($350). The sound quality is great and AI-noise canceling for both headphones and mic adds an extra layer of clearness.
Speaking of bespoke art pieces, gaming vinyl is also a great holiday gift. Even if you’re not always inclined to spin-up thirty minutes of battle music, the packaging often doubles as a nice display piece. The Halo Infinite soundtrack ($35) on vinyl from Mondo serves both purposes. So does the Psychonauts 2 vinyl soundtrack ($42) from iam8bit. And while composer Inon Zur’s Starfield soundtrack isn’t yet on vinyl, his Fallout 76 music is. The full, colorful six LP set ($120) will let you experience the best part about that game without having to actually play it.
A fresh gamepad never goes to waste. Say goodbye to the bad losses and hand gunk with a clean paddle. There are a few different ways to go with that on Xbox: The Elite Series 2 ($180) with all the bells and whistles is the best experience, while the Core version in White ($120) is a more affordable option but equally solid. Or you can go the custom route and choose all of the colors and get it custom engraved via the Xbox Design Lab ($70-$200).
Xbox controllers don’t come with rechargeable batteries built in, which is great for being able to quickly swap them out, but it also means you need some extra accessories to not make gaming a pain in the ass. The Insignia side dock ($20) is cheap, lowkey, and inconspicuous. The PowerA Single and Dual Charging Stations ($55) require the controller to be docked but are a little nicer looking. Or you can always go no-frills and just get the official Xbox Play and Charge Kit USB ($40).
You don’t need to have finished or even played Obsidian’s critically-acclaimed story-driven Renaissance RPG Pentiment to appreciate the gorgeous art on these playing cards. They are only $15 and great whether you’re playing Texas Hold’em with friends or Go Fish with the kids.
When I was young I used to think branded mugs, water glasses, and other cups were just the sign of failed gift-giving. Now that I’m older I always appreciate the mix of kitsch and practicality. There are not a ton of great Xbox-inspired drinkware options, but I do have a soft spot for these laser-engraved stainless steel Master Chief tumblers. They come in 20 oz. ($30) and 30 oz. ($35) versions and the white looks especially crips. It’s no 40 oz. Stanley cup but it can house more than enough coffee or booze to finish whichever fight you’re about to start.
So far we’ve talked about a lot of gift ideas and I still haven’t mentioned any actual games. Starfield is the clear front-runner. Despite plenty of issues and criticisms, Bethesda’s latest open world sci-fi RPG is still a sprawling space adventure perfect for sinking dozens of hours into for years to come. When it comes to first-party exclusives, Hi-Fi Rush, Pentiment, Grounded, and Forza Horizon 5 are other strong contenders from 2023 and before. On the third-party blockbuster front, Diablo 4, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, and Street Fighter VI are also great picks.
If you can’t settle on any one game to get, a new Game Pass subscription or extra months tacked onto an existing one will give someone temporary access to hundreds of new and old games at no additional cost. There’s no discount pricing so the per-month cost will be the same whether you buy a one-off or in bulk.
It’s not exciting or sexy, but expandable storage is something every Xbox player needs and doesn’t like to buy for themselves. Western Digital 1TB expansion cards ($150) are the best option and always come in handy. Or if price is no object you can go the Seagate route for a 2TB expansion card ($280)
Xbox players are weird, and if there’s one thing they won’t give up on it’s the utility of a spare, fully-charged pack of double AA batteries. They always come in handy whether the person just hasn’t upgraded to a rechargeable battery pack yet or the pack isn’t charged and they don’t want to wait. And if you want to get really fancy with it you can get a pack of reachable AA EBLs and the charging bay ($40).
When in doubt, turn that cash into a shiny, branded gift card. The money will work on everything from games and monthly subscriptions to in-game skins and items. Plus you can usually find them discounted from the official retail price at various online outlets.
Are there any Xbox-related gifts you think we’ve missed? Let us know in the comments below.
