Budget Holiday Gaming Gift Ideas

‘Tis the season of giving and spreading love, but that can drain your wallet out, which isn’t the best way to end the year. Fortunately, thoughtful and trendy gifts are always exorbitantly priced as companies fight against each other for your wallet share. The gamer in your family or your close circle will definitely love a new gaming peripheral, and our picks won’t cost you an arm or a leg.

We’ve picked a handful of gaming-related products that are all set at affordable prices and make for great gifts. If you find a deal worth snagging, then don’t sleep on it as those will likely sell out before you know it.

6 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller

Budget gaming controllers, aka joysticks, have come a long way and now give the more expensive Sony DualShock and Xbox controllers a run for their money. The 8Bitdo Ultimate 2C wireless controller boasts a 1000Hz polling rate along with hall effect keys and triggers from under $30. The package contains a 2.4GHz USB dongle for connectivity with PC and Android devices, making the deal even sweeter. Some other refinements include a redesigned D-pad and extra bumpers (R4 and L4) which are remappable without the need for any software.

The controller supports all devices running on Windows 10 and Android 9.0 and above. The controller comes in six different colors and combinations rather than the mainstream black and white controllers, giving it a modern aesthetic look. The controller has a stupidly low input latency compared to the likes of those from Sony and Microsoft. This is a solid gifting option for someone looking to try out a wireless controller for the first time or even a seasoned campaigner who is fed up with paying big bucks to giant corporations.

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5 MageGee Portable 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

While the custom keyboard scene can be too expensive to experiment with, companies like MageGee make it possible for the average gamer who wants to try something different from their usual mechanical keyboards. The MageGee Portable 60% mechanical gaming keyboard features linear red switches, ABS injection keycaps, a blue LED backlight, and 68 anti-ghosting keys to deliver a modest gaming experience without breaking the bank.

Weighing 1.26 lbs, this lightweight compact keyboard connects to devices with a detachable USB-C wire for minimized input latency. The keyboard is fully customizable, so the user can modify the keycaps, switches, and PCB for a more personalized end product. The keys are on the louder side, so it isn’t the wisest choice for quiet office situations. Overall, you can’t go wrong with this $30 wired gaming keyboard, and it can be an excellent holiday gift for your loved one.

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4 Turtle Beach Recon Spark Gaming Headset

This tried-and-tested gaming headset from Turtle Beach: The Recon Spark is compatible with almost any device you can think of. This makes it a great gift choice as the user can jump from one device to another without needing a different audio headset every time. This $35 wired headset has 40mm neodymium drivers, delivering a bass-heavy sound with decently clear lows. The headset also has an adjustable mic on the side which provides crystal clear and precise audio.

Although the construction is mostly made of plastic, the headband is reinforced with metal, making it last longer than its predecessors. The company also provides a PC splitter cable which allows the user to connect the shorter cable to the PC and not have to deal with long ones for consoles. The earpiece cushions are memory foam-like and are heavy-duty to withstand long gaming sessions. The fact that this one headset can connect to every console out there and even to PCs is a game-changer and a safe gift purchase.

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3 Logitech G203 Mouse

Logitech makes some of the best gaming mice and the G203 is no exception. This wired gaming mouse is super-affordable and accurate with a maximum responsiveness of 8000 DPI. Pair it with 1000Hz of maximum polling rate, and you’ve got yourself a compelling gaming mouse for under $20. It has two macro buttons on the left side and a DPI switch below the scroll wheel to toggle between 5 DPI settings. The mouse uses Logitech’s Mercury sensor, which is decent for its price, and Omron switches, which are known for their satisfying clicks and longevity.

The mouse is offered in four color variants and has lighting accents around the edges which are controllable through their Logitech G HUB app. Outside the US and EU, this mouse is called the Logitech G102, so that’s something to keep in mind. The rubber-coated USB cable is surprisingly long-lasting and the plastic build feels sturdy and comfortable even after prolonged gaming sessions. The Logitech G203 is a superbly wired gaming mouse for someone who doesn’t need the absolute best features and specs.

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2 GIM Wireless Charging RGB Gaming Mouse Pad

The GIM wireless charging RGB gaming mouse pad can be a great stocking stuffer for a gamer in your family. The elongated mouse pad measures 800mm x 300mm and is suitable for an open desk setup. The LED lighting from the sides is the showstopper and the addition of 15W Qi wireless charging is the icing on the cake. The wireless charging pad can deliver juice to Qi-enabled phones and earbuds.

The mouse pad has seven different static light modes and three dynamic ones for an elevated and flashy look. With over 3800 4.5-star reviews on Amazon, this is a safe recommendation for anyone looking to spice up their desk setup. The non-slip rubber mat is easy to clean and provides a smooth gliding surface for mice, making it also suitable for enthusiastic gamers.

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1 PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller

Pokémon lovers who game on a Nintendo Switch need this in their collection, and it could be a great gift. This skin features the crowd-favorite Pikachu and a vibrant color scheme which looks the part. The wireless controller can run for 30 hours on a single charge due to its 900mAh battery and is rechargeable via a 10ft USB-C cable. The back side contains two programmable buttons and the top has a low-battery indicator.

As an official Nintendo licensed product, it comes with a 2-year warranty, ensuring peace of mind while gaming for extended sessions. Currently, PowerA offers the Enhanced Wireless Controller in three other Pokemon-themed variants and a bunch of other designs based on Super Mario, Fortnite, and Zelda. This wireless controller is a perfect gift for Nintendo fans who want something quirky and can be a part of their collection.

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FAQ

Q: What to look for in a gaming mouse?

Gaming mice give you an edge over regular office-use ones as they have higher responsiveness, lower input latency, and extra customizable macro buttons for quick actions. While choosing a gaming mouse, make sure you are comfortable with wires or not. Wireless mice are more convenient but at the expense of swapping AA batteries every couple of months. Also, do some research and choose a mouse with a reputed sensor and switches for improved accuracy and longevity.

Q: Are wireless gaming headsets worth it?

Unless you are competing against other gamers at a gaming convention, you will be fine with a good pair of wireless headsets as they have improved over the years in terms of latency and audio fidelity. Plus, they are portable and less cumbersome to deal with when sitting at a distance from the screen.

Q: Should I get a monitor with an IPS panel or a VA panel?

VA panels are usually cheaper than IPS ones, which makes them prevalent in budget gaming monitors. IPS monitors are the go-to choice for professionals in video and photo editing for their color accuracy. VA panels have a higher contrast ratio than IPS panels, making them more suitable for content consumption. Overall, a VA panel will get the job done on a budget monitor, but at the higher end of the market, IPS and OLEDs are the clear choice.