Buying gifts for an esports expert or Mario master can be daunting. What do you get for someone who’s already equipped to tackle the latest and greatest releases as and when they arrive? Fret not, we can help. Our holiday gift guide for veteran gamers will pick out presents including games, gaming gear, and accessories which are perfect for the engaged gamer in your life.
Holiday gift guide for veteran gamers
We’ve split our veteran gamer gift suggestions based on the console platforms they are suitable for. So long as you know whether they own a PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, or Xbox, you’re good to go. Oh, and if you're shopping for newbie gamers too? Check out our beginner gamers holiday gift guide too!
Xbox or PC: A HyperX Clutch Gladiate controller
If the experienced gamer you’re buying for is still using the default Xbox controller or they lack a gamepad entirely on PC, then it’s time to upgrade their inputs. The HyperX Clutch Gladiate is an officially licensed Xbox controller with some added extras. Programmable rear buttons make irritating inputs more readily available, while dual trigger locks can be adjusted between two lengths to suit the game in question.
Buying for an RGB fanatic? Consider the Clutch Gladiate RGB instead. Its clear shell shows off all the inner workings, including RGB lights which can be swapped between three different patterns and seven different colors. It also features Impulse Triggers to add an extra level of immersion while they game.
Get the HyperX Clutch Gladiate here.
Get the HyperX Clutch Gladiate RGB here.
All Platforms: The HyperX Cloud III gaming headset
Looking to treat someone special? The Cloud III is the latest in HyperX’s signature line of headsets, delivering top-notch audio to ears while keeping them in comfort to match. It boasts angled 53mm drivers tuned specifically for gaming, an upgraded noise-canceling mic, and memory foam in both the earcups and headband.
Crucially, the Cloud III is also multi-platform compatible (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch), with the option to connect via 3.5mm, USB-C, and USB-A. No experienced gamer will turn down an audio upgrade, and as an added bonus, you might be able to inherit their old headset!
If you’re buying for a PC or PS5, or Switch owner who loathes cables, consider grabbing the Cloud III Wireless instead. The same stellar audio, and no risk of tangles.
Get the HyperX Cloud III here.
Get the HyperX Cloud III Wireless here.
PC: HX3D keycaps and headset toppers
Add a dash of fun into their gaming setup with 3D printed keycaps and headset toppers from the HX3D line. Custom keycaps for mechanical keyboards can add fun characters to like Sally the Succulent to lesser used keys or prove practical with custom keycaps for FPS fanatics or ability icons for RPG and MMO lovers.
If they’d rather keep their keyboard clean but still want extra entertainment, then headset toppers are a fantastic alternative. Want your gaming partner to look cuter while they play? Stick a pair of bear ears on their headset! Know a gamer infatuated with fantasy? Dragon wings will be their go-to choice. Diablo IV lovers meanwhile are sure to appreciate a set of devil horns.
Check out the full HX3D collection here.
PC: HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless gaming mouse
Does your gift target fancy themself a Valorant or CS2 pro? If their mouse is looking a little tired, you can step up their headshot percentage by picking up a HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless. This ultra-lightweight mouse is designed for speed above all else. It weighs in at just 61g and uses a 26K sensor. Paired with low-friction skates, it glides across mousemats with ease and precision.
And once again, no wires! The Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless can connect via 2.4GHz wireless or Bluetooth depending on your needs. There’s also a wired version available for those who prefer their mice on a leash.
Get the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless here.
Get the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 here.
PC: Armada gaming monitor
If your other half is a PC gamer and you really want to impress them, then an Armada monitor will more than do the trick. Available in 25-inch and 27-inch versions, HyperX Armada monitors are built for competitive play. They sport 240Hz and 165Hz refresh rates respectively, with 1ms response times. High speeds that’ll suit FPS gamer especially, but also improve the experience for fans of all genres.
One of the coolest features of the Armada monitors is that they come with arm mounts included. Clamp one onto the edge of a desk you can adjust the monitor to your ideal viewing position while saving plenty of desk space. No more bulky desk stands!
Get the Armada 25 FHD gaming monitor here.
Get the Armada 27 QHD gaming monitor here.
All platforms: Interesting games they may have missed
Choosing games for the consummate gamer can be scary, but we’ve picked out a selection of interesting newer releases below that they might have missed.
Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon (PC, PlayStation, Xbox)
© Fromsoftware
Ideal for gamers who love a challenge, Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is a challenging mech-based action-combat game from the studio behind Elden Ring and the Dark Souls series. Even Soulsborne fans may have missed this one due to the sci-fi setting, but it offers a fantastic challenge paired with gorgeous visuals and a plethora of customizable and surprisingly zippy mechs to play with.
Viewfinder (PC, PS5)
Plenty of puzzle games have made the headlines in 2023, including Cocoon and The Talos Principle 2 (great choices if you know your gift target doesn’t have them) but Viewfinder’s novel mechanic will definitely put a smile on their face while they mull over its mysteries. In it, 2D photos can be implanted into the world to create 3D environments, a trick that doesn’t get old no matter how many times you see it. Early levels provide the photos for you, but later stages ask you to take the photos yourself before using them to craft solutions.
Sea of Stars (PC, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox)
© Sabotage Studio
Blending modern systems with plenty of old-school, pixel-art nostalgia, turn-based RPG Sea of Stars will appeal to anyone who grew up on games like Chrono Trigger and Golden Sun. The story sees two leads combining magic from the moon and sun to protect their world from the monstrous creations of a villainous alchemist.
RoboCop: Rogue City (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S)
We didn’t expect to get a tie-in for RoboCop in 2023, nor did we imagine it’d be quite so entertaining. If your partner is a fan of the classic 1987 film then they’re bound to love this gorey power fantasy starring the part-man, part-machine police officer. They’ll have the chance to clear the streets of criminals and conduct investigations in this gorey FPS set in a dystopian near-future Detroit. All without questioning their directives, of course.
Turbo Overkill (PC, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox)
© Trigger Happy Interactive
Fans of old-school shooters like Quake (now known as boomer shooters) have had plenty to celebrate in 2023, and Turbo Overkill sits at the top of the pack. This outrageously gorey retro-styled cyberpunk FPS is filled with ridiculous gun and chainsaws aplenty. It’s highly likely to leave your gift recipient grinning with glee as they cut a red swathe through their enemies.
That's all on our holiday gift guide for veteran gamers, but you can also find loads more gaming gift ideas including a beginner gamers gift guide by heading over to our holiday gift guide hub!
