Best gaming gifts for teens
Nintendo Switch 2 The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 was released in June, and after massive restock shortages, now you can finally get your hands on one. The Switch 2 offers a nice-sized 7.9-inch screen, cool magnetic attaching controllers, and better graphics than previous generations. Sure, you could pay less for the stripped-down Switch Lite, but you won't be getting the versatility and premium build of the Switch 2. Read our Nintendo Switch OLED review. $499 at Amazon Close
What is this? Featured Deal iBUYPOWER RDY Y70 B01 Gaming Computer Treat yourself to iBUYPOWER’s RDY Y70 B01, a powerhouse desktop system that makes PC gaming easier than ever, no assembly required. Equipped with an Intel i9-14900KF CPU, 32GB of DDR5RAM, an RTX 5070 TI 16GB GPU and 2TB of NVME Gen 4 storage (all encased in HYTE’s Y70 Modern Aesthetic Case), all you need to do is plug it in, connect your monitor, and you’re ready to game out of the box. Any iBuyPower system is backed by a warranty of three years’ labor and two years’ parts for extra peace of mind during the holidays. See at iBUYPOWER Close
SteelSeries Rival 3 Gaming Mouse A decent gaming mouse for the money, the SteelSeries Rival 3 is surprisingly comfortable and ambidextrous. It has six programmable buttons and three zones of RGB LED lights for a great gaming experience. $27 at Walmart $20 at Best Buy $22 at Amazon Close
HyperX Cloud Alpha wireless gaming headset Any PC gamer will tell you: A high-quality headset is essential for a totally immersive gaming experience. CNET gaming expert Lori Grunin tested a number of headsets, and the HyperX Cloud Alpha wireless gaming headset came out a clear winner, thanks to its long battery life and superb comfort. $126 at Amazon Close
Meta Quest 3 The Meta Quest 3 is our top pick for the best VR headset of 2025 and won a CNET Editors' Choice Award. This headset is a step up from the Quest 2, allowing for more-intuitive interactions and realistic sensations. It plays a wide variety of games, from shooters and puzzles to aircraft simulation. Plus, you can do more than just play games, like go to concerts, attend workout classes and more. $499 at Amazon $500 at Best Buy $500 at Target Close
Best tech gifts for teens
Bose SoundLink Plus A portable Bluetooth speaker will let your teen take their music with them wherever they go, whether it's a pre-game tailgate, a bonfire at the beach or just hanging out in the backyard. The Bose SoundLink Plus offers impressive sound for its compact size and is CNET's top choice for the best Bluetooth speaker. Available in three colors -- black, blue dusk and citrus yellow -- CNET audio expert David Carnoy says it "strikes the right balance of performance and price." Read our review. $199 at Amazon Close
Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air portable projector Yes, it's pricey, but this portable projector from Anker is worth it for teens who love movies, TV shows or video games (which is pretty much all teens) and want to enjoy their entertainment anywhere. Despite its compact size, the Nebula Mars 3 Air delivers strong audio and a bright picture, giving your teen an impressive big-screen experience, even if they're outside. It tops our list of the best portable projectors of 2025 and is the recipient of a CNET Editors' Choice Award. $420 at Amazon Close
Hatch Restore 3 Waking up in the morning is hard. But it's especially hard when you're a growing teen and you need more hours of rest. A sunrise alarm clock makes for more peaceful mornings by mimicking the natural light of dawn. No more anxiety-inducing shrill beeps. Read more about why the Hatch Restore 3 is CNET's pick for the best sunrise alarm clock of 2025 and a CNET Editors' Choice Award winner. Right now you can take advantage of an on-page coupon that will save you $25. $170 at Amazon Close
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