6 gifts for gamers in 2023: from PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch controllers to the Meta Quest 3 VR headset to a joystick for playing Mortal Kombat

Video game enthusiasts are always on the lookout for new equipment that can enhance their gaming experience, whether it's to defeat a formidable boss or to gain an edge in online competition. However, for those looking to buy gifts for gamers, the vast array of controllers, headsets, and gadgets available can be quite daunting. This guide aims to help you navigate through the extensive options and find the perfect gift for the gamer in your life.

The first item on our list is the DualSense Edge controller by Sony. This year, Sony joined the elite-style controller trend and introduced the DualSense Edge. The controller has a luxurious feel to it, with a sturdy weight and inner grips that are reminiscent of the leather on a new basketball. The device has two major selling points. Firstly, the analogue sticks can be replaced if they break, saving you from having to purchase a new controller. Secondly, the controller features two back paddle buttons that can be programmed to act as other inputs. For instance, if you frequently hit the L3 button by mistake, you can simply map it to a back button and remove it from the analogue stick. The DualSense Edge is integrated into the PlayStation 5 operating system, making this process straightforward. The controller also comes with a carrying case and other customisable options, making it a good value for US$199.

Next up is the Victrix Pro FS Arcade Fight Stick. The fighting game genre has seen a resurgence this year with the releases of Street Fighter 6 and Mortal Kombat 1, and with Tekken 8 set to launch on January 26, 2024, there's no better time to invest in an arcade stick. The Victrix Pro FS Arcade Fight Stick, built for serious gamers, is one of the best on the market. Although it's pricey at US$399. 99, the quality is undeniable, with Sanwa Denshi parts and a body constructed from aircraft-grade aluminium. This stick is designed to withstand heavy use and is ideal for serious fighting-game players who travel to tournaments.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X is a great headset option. Headsets have become a necessity for gamers, particularly for streamers who live with others. The right headset can immerse players deeper into the game and enhance performance in a competitive setting by providing audio cues about incoming attacks. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X is lightweight and comfortable, making it suitable for extended gaming sessions, and it delivers excellent sound quality. It's wireless and can connect to several devices including Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, and it also has Bluetooth connectivity for those who want to play music from their phone while gaming. At US$199. 99, it's a reasonably priced option.

For younger gamers, the PDP Realmz wired controllers are a good choice. To prevent children from mishandling expensive controllers, it might be a good idea to get them their own, more affordable one. The PDP Realmz wired controllers are a suitable option. These controllers feature non-removable action figures encased in a clear shell, a feature that's sure to delight kids. The Xbox version has programmable paddles in the back, while the Nintendo Switch version has a headphone jack, built-in volume controllers and LED lights similar to other PDP products. The wired Nintendo versions are priced at US$39. 99 and US$59. 99, while the Xbox version is US$49. 99.

The Epomaker EK75 is a mechanical keyboard housed in an aluminium case. This 75 per cent gasket-mounted keyboard is hefty and can be connected to devices via Bluetooth, USB dongle, or wire. However, it comes as a kit that users have to assemble themselves. For US$149. 99, users get a basic kit, but they may incur additional costs if they wish to purchase more switches and keycaps. Despite this, assembling the keyboard can provide gamers with a sense of satisfaction, akin to a Jedi building their own lightsabre.

Lastly, the Meta Quest 3 headset is pushing virtual reality technology towards mainstream use. The device has a clearer screen than previous models and offers a mixed-reality experience that combines the real world with the virtual. The headset can be used to provide a virtual display while working and can be worn around the house, with its colour cameras offering views of the surroundings. This feature reduces the likelihood of users bumping into walls or feeling vulnerable while wearing it. The device automatically scans a room, allowing players to enter a VR space they can move around in. The Meta Quest is easy to pick up and play without worrying about injury, marking a significant advancement for the medium. However, the device is expensive, starting at US$499. 99.