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Gifts · 4 compared

Best Christmas Gifts for Gamers of 2026: 4 Compared for Any Console & Easy Setup

By Best Pick Guide Editorial Team · Updated

Photo: @joshuakettle on Unsplash

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SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming Headset
Similar model shown
Our top pick SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming Headset
  • Works on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch
  • No charging or batteries
  • Also works with a phone
See it on AmazonOpens Amazon.com in a new tab

Someone on your list plays games every night, and you'd love to get them something they'll use. The problem is you don't know much about gaming. Is it a PlayStation or an Xbox? A PC? Does it even matter?

It matters a lot. Most gaming gear only works with some systems, and the box doesn't always make that clear. A controller made for PC won't pair with a PlayStation. A wireless headset may skip Xbox. And some gifts need an app or a charge before they do anything.

We compared four popular gamer gifts: two headsets, a controller and a mouse. One stood out because it plugs into almost anything with a headphone jack, needs no charging, and works on a phone too. It's the safest pick when you're not sure what they play on.

Not sure? Let us pick for you

How does your gamer play?

Which one is right for you?

How we compared the Christmas gifts for gamers

Christmas gifts for gamers compared at a glance

ProductWorks on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and SwitchNo charging or batteriesAlso works with a phoneLink
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming HeadsetSee it✓✓✓See it
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3P Wireless Multi-Platform Gaming HeadsetSee it✗✗✓See it
8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller with Charging DockSee it✗✗✓See it
Logitech G305 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming MouseSee it✗✗✗See it

Tick Compare on any two to see them side by side.

See the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming Headset in action

Video: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Unboxing and Setup by SteelSeries on YouTube. We didn't make this video.

Best Overall
#1
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming Headset

Similar model shown. Photo: Dudkaa ss, CC BY-SA 3.0

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming Headset

  • Works on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch
  • No charging or batteries
  • Also works with a phone

A wired over-ear gaming headset that plugs into a 3.5mm headphone jack. SteelSeries lists PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch, and says it works with phones too. The earcups adjust for height and rotate, with memory foam cushions and a stretchy band. Volume and mic mute are on the headset itself.

  • Plugs into any system with a 3.5mm jack: PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch and phones
  • Wired, so there's nothing to charge and no batteries to buy
  • Volume and mute controls right on the headset
  • Height-adjusting, rotating earcups with memory foam cushions
  • It's wired, and the AI noise-cancelling mic feature needs SteelSeries' free Sonar software on a PC
See it on Amazon
Best Wireless Headset
#2
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3P Wireless Multi-Platform Gaming Headset

Similar model shown. Photo: Dudkaa ss, CC BY-SA 3.0

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3P Wireless Multi-Platform Gaming Headset

  • Also works with a phone

A wireless gaming headset that connects with a USB-C dongle. The listing names PC, PlayStation, Switch, handhelds, phones and tablets. SteelSeries says a full charge lasts up to 40 hours, and 15 minutes of fast charging gives up to 9 hours. It weighs 260 grams, and the Arctis Companion app has 200+ game presets.

  • No cable to the console or PC, through a multi-platform USB-C dongle
  • Up to 40 hours on a full charge, per the listing
  • 15 minutes of fast charging gives up to 9 hours
  • 260 grams with a stretchy headband
  • The listing doesn't name Xbox: it lists PC, PlayStation, Switch, handhelds and phones
  • Has to be charged, and the game presets need the mobile app
See it on Amazon
Best for PC Controller Players
#3
8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller with Charging Dock

Similar model shown. Photo: A particle for world to form, CC BY 4.0

8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller with Charging Dock

  • Also works with a phone

A wireless game controller for people who play PC games with a controller instead of a keyboard. It connects to a Windows PC by 2.4G wireless or a cable, and to Android by Bluetooth. It has TMR joysticks, triggers that switch between Hall effect and tactile, 2 back buttons, motion control and a charging dock in the box.

  • Charging dock in the box: it sits on the dock between games
  • Triggers switch between Hall effect and tactile modes
  • 2 extra back buttons, turbo, vibration and 6-axis motion control
  • Connects by 2.4G wireless, a cable or Bluetooth
  • Works with Windows PC and Android only, per the listing, so it's not for PlayStation, Xbox or Switch
  • Wireless with a charging dock, so it needs charging
See it on Amazon
Best for PC Gamers
#4
Logitech G305 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Mouse

Photo: Julien Sinan, CC BY-SA 4.0

Logitech G305 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Mouse

A light wireless gaming mouse for computer gamers. Logitech says it runs up to 250 hours on 1 AA battery and weighs 3.4 ounces. It has a HERO sensor up to 12,000 DPI, 6 programmable buttons, on-board memory and a slot inside to store the tiny USB receiver.

  • Up to 250 hours of play on 1 AA battery, per the listing
  • 3.4 ounces, with a built-in slot to store the USB receiver
  • 6 programmable buttons and on-board memory
  • HERO sensor up to 12,000 DPI
  • Made for PC and Mac, not consoles or phones
  • Runs on an AA battery, and Endurance mode needs Logitech G HUB software
See it on Amazon

Deep dive: why SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming Headset is our #1 pick

By Best Pick Guide Editorial Team · Updated

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming Headset

Similar model shown. Photo: Dudkaa ss, CC BY-SA 3.0

1. Works on whatever they play

It plugs into a 3.5mm headphone jack, and SteelSeries lists PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch. You don't need to know their console to get it right.

2. Nothing to charge

It's wired, so it's ready the moment it's plugged in on Christmas morning, and it never dies halfway through a game.

3. Works on their phone too

The listing says it works with mobile devices as well, so it's also a pair of headphones for music, videos and calls.

The honest trade-off

How it did on what we compared

See SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming Headset on AmazonOpens Amazon.com in a new tab

What to look for in Christmas gifts for gamers

Find out what they play on

Gaming gear is often made for one system. If you can't ask, look at what's by their TV or desk. If you still don't know, pick something that plugs into a standard headphone jack, which most systems have.

Read the compatibility line

Every listing names the systems it works with. Check for their exact one. "Multi-platform" doesn't always mean every console; some leave out Xbox.

Wired or wireless

Wireless is tidy but needs charging and sometimes a dongle. Wired works the second it's plugged in and never runs out of battery.

Watch for apps and software

Some features only work with an app or PC software. That's fine for a tech-savvy gamer, but a gift that works out of the box is the safer bet.

Questions about Christmas gifts for gamers

What do you get a gamer who has everything?

Gear wears out, so a better headset, controller or mouse is always welcome. Pick something that works with the system they use most.

Will a gaming headset work on PlayStation and Xbox?

A wired headset with a 3.5mm plug usually works on both through the controller's headphone jack. Wireless headsets vary, so check the listing for each system.

Is a controller a good gift if I don't know their console?

It's risky. Most controllers only work with certain systems. A headset with a standard headphone plug is a safer choice.

Do these need to be set up before Christmas?

The wired headset just plugs in. The wireless headset and controller need a charge, so charge them before you wrap them. The mouse needs one AA battery.

Bottom line: the best Christmas gifts for gamers

If you're not sure what they play on, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 is the safest gamer gift: it works on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch, needs no charging, and works with a phone too. Pick the Arctis Nova 3P for a PlayStation, PC or Switch player who wants wireless, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 for someone who plays PC games with a controller, and the Logitech G305 for a computer gamer who wants a lighter wireless mouse.

Get SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming Headset on AmazonOpens Amazon.com in a new tab

Also consider

  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3P Wireless Multi-Platform Gaming Headset Best Wireless HeadsetSee it
  • 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller with Charging Dock Best for PC Controller PlayersSee it

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