Best gaming consoles and VR
Sony PlayStation 5 For popular exclusive games like Astro Bot, the PS5 is the way to go (although many of these games eventually make it to PCs much later on). The PS5's big advantage is its modernized, redesigned controller, which gives better haptic feedback. The PS Plus subscription service offers a big, Netflix-like catalog of monthly games, although mostly older ones. The model without a DVD drive (aka the Digital Edition) costs $50 less than the model that includes one; if your recipient wants to play older games or just likes physical copies, they can always attach a drive later. Read our PS5 review and slim PS5 hands-on. $499 at Amazon $500 at Best Buy Close
Xbox Series S The smaller, cheaper Series S version of the Xbox plays all the same games as its bigger, pricier brother, the Xbox Series X, but does so at 1440p resolution, which lies somewhere between traditional HD and 4K. More importantly, it's great for downloading and playing the huge catalog of Xbox Game Pass games or for free-to-play online games like Fortnite. There's a black model with twice the storage, the Xbox Series S 1TB, for about $50 more, but it's not necessary unless you specifically want to gift the black one or you know your gamer keeps having to delete games because storage is tight. If you want to give the white model, you can always spring for a plug-in drive to go with it. Read our Xbox Series S and Series S 1TB reviews. $400 at Best Buy Close
Meta Quest 3S VR headset The Editors' Choice-winning Meta Quest 3S is currently VR pro Scott Stein's pick for the best entry-level VR headset. Replacing the Quest 2, it's got improved graphics over that model, and is compatible with Quest 3 games and uses the same controllers as the Quest 3. Its primary drawback compared to the Quest 3 is the lower quality displays, which remain the same as the Quest 2's. The Quest 3 is still a better headset, but the $300 price tag on the 3S makes it a more attractive gift option than the $500 Quest 3 and a nice choice for first-time VR players. Read our Meta Quest 3S review. $300 at Meta Close
Nintendo Switch 2 handheld game console It's not worth it for a giftee who already owns a Switch, but for first timers the $449 Switch 2 is kind of a no-brainer. Almost all existing Switch games play on it, and many older games are playing better on it than on the older model; it's got the biggest, highest-resolution screen to date and more power, among other things. Read our Nintendo Switch 2 review. $449 at Amazon Close
Valve Steam Deck OLED I've got a hoard of gaming laptops, a powerful desktop and more, but the Steam Deck OLED is still my go-to gaming device. It's not for everyone -- really just gamers who have large libraries of games from the popular Steam store and whose games are listed as at least playable on the Steam Deck, if not on the Great on Deck list. The more expensive OLED version is worth the extra cost over the older LCD model -- it starts at $549 versus $399 -- for the bigger, better screen, twice as much storage, faster Wi-Fi and longer battery life. But make sure that your giftee wants one, because once it's opened it can't be returned. Read our OLED Steam Deck review. $649 at Steam Close
Analogue Pocket For anyone with a pile of old Game Boy games, the Analogue Pocket is a Game Boy revival dream come true. The Pocket plays Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance cartridges, as well as other retro handheld games, like the Sega Game Gear, with separately sold adapters. A sharp color screen and a battery with USB-C recharging mean games look and play fantastically. A separately sold dock can play games on a TV screen too. The Analogue Pocket is currently listed as out of stock, but if you want to buy something right now, check out the Analogue Duo, which is available. Read our Analogue Pocket review. $220 at Analogue Close
PlayStation VR 2 Scott Stein says of the PSVR 2, "While the PSVR 2 does need to be tethered, it's quite possibly the best luxury home VR experience that exists right now." That was two years ago, but it's still the only game in town for PlayStation VR gaming. It's got OLED screens, excellent haptic controllers and works with Coke-bottle glasses. All in all, a great addition to anyone's PS5 setup. Read our PSVR 2 review. $399 at Amazon $350 at Best Buy $400 at Target Close
Even more console recommendations
Meta Quest 3: With better displays than the cheaper 3S in exchange for the higher $500 price tag, the Quest 3 is a better option for more experienced VR players who can appreciate the better graphics.
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