With the holiday gift-giving season upon us, it’s time to think about the gaming fans in your life and find the ideal present to brighten their day. And if you’re the gamer in the family, we always encourage you to circle relevant items in the coming pages and leave your magazine open in hard-to-miss locations around the house. We’ve scoured dozens of tech products, tabletop games, collectibles, and more to select and highlight some of the coolest items we found this year.
The Board
We recommended the Board shortly after its launch, but with its expanded game library and lower price than first-adopter rates, this holiday season is an ideal time to make the leap. This family-friendly platform features original games that sit comfortably between the digital and physical divide. The horizontally placed screen shows the backdrop of one of the several included games, or the sold-separately add-on games that have popped in since launch. Each game has its own real physical play pieces that interact with the action onscreen, often in innovative and charming ways. Think of it as the best of both worlds between board games and video games, and you’ll get what they’re shooting for here. $399
Purchase
D&D: Arcana Unleashed
Few additions to the latest Dungeons & Dragons rules pack as much punch and value as this new expansion, focusing on ways to develop further and evolve the use of magic across your tabletop gaming sessions. New subclasses, spells, creatures, magical items, and factions add thoughtful, intriguing options for both players looking to play someone new and DMs hunting for new story hooks and challenges. $50
Purchase
Tomb Raider: Lara Croft – Classic Motorbike Premium Statue
If you’re as excited as we are about this month’s celebration of the Tomb Raider legacy (see p. 40), this centerpiece statue is an ideal fit for your collection. Standing roughly nine inches in height, Lara is poised for exploration in her original classic garb. The sculpt strikes a perfect balance between crisp detail and stylistic presentation, in line with that early version of the character; the metallic blue motorcycle paint is especially striking. $250
Purchase
OutRun Supreme Series Arcade Machine
For players longing for the glory days of stand-up arcade games, it’s hard to beat Arcade 1Up’s approach. The team’s sturdy cabinets look and sound great as a marquee feature of your game room. The new Outrun machine features much of the original display art, a bright 19-inch screen, and responsive gas and brake pedals as you steer around those tight corners. Sega has packed in OutRun, Turbo OutRun, OutRunners, and Power Drift. If old-school racing isn’t your thing, look for cabinets that run the gamut from Pac-Man to Joust to Claw Machines. $629.99
Purchase
Genshin Impact Nendoroid Kaeya
The long-running Nendoroid figures continue to be an attractive but still affordable choice for building collections across numerous fan-favorite series. There are somewhere around 2000 characters at this point! New entries like the Genshin Impact collection make a strong case for the line. The look is chibi, the quality is excellent, poseability is high, and customizable face and accessory parts let you change up your display over time. $46
Purchase
Libernovo Maxis
We’ve previously sung the praises of Libernovo’s versatile approach to an ergonomic gaming chair, which includes a lumbar stretch functionality, a steady recline option for comfortable pushback without sudden shifts, and dynamically adjusting parts as you move through your day. The Maxis line does all that, but addresses one of the fundamental problems for at least some users with the original – it wasn’t big enough. With features like a wider base and longer headrest reach, the Maxis aims to provide the same comfort to the players who are tall or wide enough to need the extra breathing room. $1119
Purchase
Even G2 Smart Glasses
Privacy around smart glasses has been a major point of contention as wearable tech continues to expand. Even G2s have a clear answer to that issue by consciously leaving out a camera. Instead, these glasses focus on productivity and specific tasks, like real-time translation into 35 languages, in-lens teleprompters for presentations, and calendar notifications – all presented in a readable display that is largely invisible from the outside. $600
Purchase
Voicemod Key Pocket
If you’re the player on your team who likes to have easy access to soundboards and real-time voice changing, the Key Pocket could be just the ticket. This small device straps onto your phone for mobile play, but it’s also compatible with consoles, Discord, Twitch, or just about any place you want to tweak audio on the fly. A free tier gives you access to some voice-changing and sounds, while a separate subscription opens up hundreds of thousands of additional options. But be warned: we can’t help you after your friends abandon you for that baby voice you won’t stop using. $99
Purchase
PlayStation 5 Pro
The question of the best bang for your buck in modern consoles has become extraordinarily complicated, especially as tech prices have soared in recent years. There’s no right answer, but Sony’s high-end machine walks the line of offering extremely high-tier performance without escalating to even higher-priced gaming PCs. Higher and more consistent frame rates than on standard PS5, advanced ray tracing, and an increasing number of games that feature enhanced PSSR image options all add up to a better gaming experience, if you’re ready to make the significant price jump. $900
Purchase
Anicorn PlayStation Play Symbol Watch
If the gamer in your life is looking for a stylish, understated way to express their love of the hobby, Anicorn’s designer watch collaboration with PlayStation could be a standout option. Available in black and a slick silver/white combo, the minimalist timepiece includes the familiar face buttons of Sony’s controller encased in an oil-injection display so they slowly and freely float across the watch as you move. $250
Purchase
Shashibo Battle Shapes
It’s a safe bet you’ve at least seen the popular Shashibo puzzle cubes by this point. We’ve been fans of their brain-teasing, fidgety fun for some time. Battle Shapes takes the core concept – reshaping the box into various distinct magnetically-locked shapes – and extends it into a timed game experience, playable solo or head-to-head. By targeting specific shapes, you significantly improve your speed with the toy, and scannable QR codes on the cards offer clear tutorials for each shape so you can prep for competition. $50
Purchase
Arc 5 Gaming Open-Ear Gaming Earbuds
While the vast majority of gamers looking for good personal audio are going to be okay with a larger set of cans over their ears, We know more than a few players for whom that’s a definite no – for comfort, awareness of surrounding sounds, or other reasons. The Arc 5 earbuds aim to solve for that, with an over-ear design that feels extremely comfortable. And because they sit on the ear, you can still hear what’s going on around you. While that limits some aspects of the final sound quality, the inclusion of THX certification, Dolby Atmos optimization, and Dynamic Bass Enhancement helps to ensure audio is still very strong. $230
Purchase
Lego The Lord of the Rings: Minas Tirith
Across Lego’s many recent themes, Tolkien’s legendarium has offered some stellar sets. The largest yet is the capital of Gondor, with an astonishing 8,278 pieces and a height of roughly two feet. The castle/city build is impressive, featuring tons of interesting angles and turns. The finished product aims to offer the best of both worlds in presentation – a microscale representation of the front façade and a reverse minifigure-scale Hall of Kings. We especially like the inclusion of Denethor’s cherry tomatoes. $650
Purchase
Azul Kids
The original Azul is often cited as a foundational entry in modern board gaming. The “Kids” versions of celebrated titles aren’t always a sure bet, but this one holds up to scrutiny. Azul Kids lowers the complexity threshold but keeps the foundational strategic thinking. Players lay out uniquely shaped tiles into mosaic frameworks in colorful, appealing patterns; the basic concept of the original inspiration is clear, and kids as young as five can grasp and enjoy the fun. $25
Purchase
Evangelion Blind Box Figures (Vol. 2)
Many corners of the collecting world have embraced the fun (and frequent despair) of blind boxes, where you never know exactly who you’ll get in a given series. Funism has a strong track record for quality, offering adorable smaller figures like their latest line of Evangelion collectibles. Each figure stands nearly four inches and features both human characters and mecha. You can buy singles and roll the dice, or purchase larger sets with a no-duplicates guarantee, which can save a lot of heartache if you’re trying to line your whole shelf. $21
Purchase
BlackWidow Pro 75% Wireless Gaming Keyboard
If you’re going to spring for a high-end keyboard for PC gaming, it’s important that you like the feel of the keys. The slightly smaller overall 75% size profile of this Blackwidow has no impact on the great feel of typing – a clear highlight for the unit. The customizable, colored backlights are also a big selling point, as is the side command dial and built-in OLED display, which can be tweaked to show PC performance, GIFs, lighting brightness, and more. It’s a strong contender in a crowded field, and justifies its price with both comfort and customizability. $300
Purchase
Wroth
Beautiful, vibrant art and a refreshing take on the classic area-control board game genre are the two strongest reasons to take a close look at Wroth. Players control one of five races vying for supremacy across a conflict-ridden peninsula. Factions are asymmetric, so everyone has unique capabilities, and that adds significant replayability. Players roll and draft dice, allowing distinct actions that move the game forward. And move it does; unlike many games of this ilk, Wroth can be learned quickly and played to completion in a little over an hour. $65
Purchase
Evercade Nexus
Console and computer hardware prices are skyrocketing with no sign of slowing, and perhaps as a result, retro gaming handhelds are gaining popularity. Many quality devices are available, but what sets the Evercade Nexus apart is its officially licensed game cartridges. Imagine the nostalgic joy of a Game Boy, but with a cartridge that includes both Banjo-Kazooie and Tooie. The cartridge boxes even include manuals. For fans of physical media, Evercade Nexus is a great option. $199
Purchase
QCC Dongle Pro2 Bluetooth Transmitter
This tiny USB-C plug-in (with included USB-A adapter) solves a bunch of audio challenges in one uniform device. It offers high-resolution Bluetooth transmission on iPhone, high-bitrate audio transmission to compatible LDAC headphones, enables high-quality Bluetooth output from your PC, and even low-latency Bluetooth audio on PS5 and Switch. In short, it takes a huge number of products with a USB port and ensures a dynamic Bluetooth audio connection with relative ease. $99
Purchase
MV6 USB Gaming Microphone Gen 2
The original MV6 is a familiar sight on streams thanks to its clear voice reproduction and overall ease of use. Shure has built on that success with the Gen 2, offering an excellent standalone mic that doesn’t break the bank. Available in black or white, the Gen 2 features a handy auto-level mode that keeps volume even as you adjust your own amplitude, an adjustable denoiser for your space, a longer cable for out-of-the-box convenience, and three presets for plug-and-play use. In short, it’s an excellent choice if you want great performance without needing an audio engineering degree. $169
Purchase
Viture Pro 2 XR Glasses
XR Glasses are still fighting for awareness, but once you try them, it’s easy to see why the concept is on the rise. Viture’s Pro 2 makes an impressive case for adoption, with a competitive price point, comfortable wear, and a giant 146-inch screen that floats in front of your face for gaming or work on your PC or phone. The display is crisp, bright, and impressive, even as the glasses are light and easy to use. With a mobile dock mini (sold separately), you can even snap onto a Switch 2 with ease and start playing instantly. $299
Purchase
Cypher Character Rulebook
Role-playing gamers have several excellent universal systems to pick between when considering a story or campaign idea that might fall outside traditional genre staples. Among many good options, Cypher stands out as one of the very best. The system uses a rules-light, narrative-focused approach that prioritizes player-driven storytelling across everything from hard sci-fi to superheroes to intrigue- driven espionage. This is the corebook that’s needed to run and play the full system; additional books only add options. $50
Purchase
Stealth Pro II Headset
As gamers have continually migrated toward personal audio that can rock amazing sound without disturbing the whole house, high-end premium headphones have become a dangerously competitive space. Turtle Beach meets that challenge head-on, with a robust option that sounds beautiful in use. The Stealth Pro II boasts the slick ability to wirelessly switch between different devices, which is awesome if you’re one of those players who regularly jumps between platforms to play your favorite titles. Like the whole category, it’s a lot to spend on a headset, but Dolby Atmos, active noise cancellation, and 60mm dual drivers all add up to a powerful argument. $300
Purchase
iPhone 18 Pro Max
With an increasing number of top-tier console and PC games like Resident Evil Village, No Man’s Sky, and Dead Cells now available on iOS, not to mention the consistent quality of Apple Arcade, Apple phones remain the best mobile platform for gaming. The 18 Pro Max phone has implemented a number of tweaks that strengthen the platform, including higher memory, much faster graphics processing, impressive HDR performance, and notably improved battery life, all adding up to a gaming experience that is working hard to justify your playtime when away from home. Starting at $1299
Purchase
SteelSeries Aeon Pro Xbox Controller
SteelSeries is best known for its strong audio line-up, but its push into premium-tier controllers exhibits a similar flair for quality and usability. The new Aeon Pro has a lot to recommend it as your go-to Xbox, PC, or mobile choice. The two included batteries (one of which can always be charging in the dock) ensure essentially unlimited playtime. The full-pull or hair triggers and buttons are clicky and satisfying, and the Hall Effect thumbsticks are built to minimize any drift. Textured handgrips and overall heft are ideal. And an onboard OLED lets you adjust profiles and button assignments, switch between platforms, and check battery at a glance. $260
Purchase
Steam Frame
Valve’s pricey VR headset isn’t a revolution in the medium, but the company has been invested in the technology since its inception. As a result, the Steam Frame is a very good, very comfortable headset. Like its competition, the Quest, its best use is playing games locally on the headset, and Steam’s library is vast and interesting. Wireless connected play to a powerful PC is also well done, but currently the included Wireless Adapter is not fully compatible with the Steam Machine – a baffling limitation we were shocked to confirm. VR is an expensive sub-hobby within video games, but Steam Frame is among the best ways to explore and enjoy it. $1059
Purchase
Nanoleaf Elements
Many of the coolest “gaming lights” focus on the flexibility and fun of bright RGB customization. While we’re fans of that aesthetic, it leaves others out in the cold who might want something a bit more natural. The Elements hex panels feature a natural wood-inspired panel, customizable “scenes” like a campfire glow, and can react to both music and touch, with adjustable ambient white light to keep the vibe relaxed. $200
Purchase