Over 70% of serious PC gamers say the right controller can make or break the experience—and anyone who’s ever rage-quit a boss fight because of sticky buttons knows the pain is real. But with more options than a Netflix menu, how do you pick a winner? The specs, button feel, and “does this thing actually work?” factor separate the legends from the landfill. This gear transforms digital dreams into reality, from tactile feedback to customizable controls and battery life that outlasts your gaming binges.
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28. EasySMX D10
Hall Effect sensors eliminate stick drift using magnets instead of physical contacts.
No one wants to buy a controller that starts acting up faster than your last Tinder date, making the EasySMX D10 a solid choice for PC, Switch, Android, and iOS. A 1000 hertz polling rate means this controller responds faster than your teenager to the Wi-Fi password. With up to 15 hours of battery life, this thing outlasts even the most epic gaming sessions. The magnetic charging dock is a nice touch; it’s like a little throne for your controller. For around $59.99, you’re getting premium features without the premium price tag.
27. Razer Wolverine V3 Pro
Four mouse-click back buttons and two claw bumpers deliver lightning-fast response.
About 30% of pro gamers blame their gear for choking in clutch moments—as if blaming the controller will un-tilt you from going negative. Razer’s Wolverine V3 Pro aims to eliminate that excuse with hyper triggers that respond more reliably than basic controllers. Hall Effect thumb sticks, an eight-way D-pad, and tactile buttons round out the package. No one wants to futz with controller settings mid-match, which is why its customization options through Razer Synapse let you tweak everything from button mapping to RGB lighting—because nothing screams “pro gamer” like a disco in your hands.
26. 8BitDo Ultimate 2
RGB fire rings and ultra-precise TMR joysticks ensure every move registers.
Fighting game enthusiast who constantly battle unresponsive hardware during crucial matches will love discovering the 8BitDo Ultimate 2. This controller steps in to end the suffering with wear-proof construction and next-gen personalization. Those crucial combos don’t get lost in the digital ether, so you get home before sunrise. Tactile triggers with Hall Effect tech provide superior responsiveness, while an integrated magnetic dock keeps it charged. With premium responsiveness and seamless customization, this controller saves you from digital rage quits for under $60.
25. Flydigi Vader 4 Pro
Four-zone stereo vibration and 1,000 Hz polling rate deliver immersive precision.
Some gamers treat controller customization like choosing a Street Fighter character: gotta find the one that fits just right. Unlike those basic gamepads collecting dust in your drawer, the Flydigi Vader 4 Pro hands you the keys to the kingdom. You’re setting up unique profiles for Fortnite, Rocket League, and maybe even convincing Elden Ring to play nice. Most controllers vibrate like a cheap motel bed, but this one offers four-zone stereo vibration for more immersive feel. With force adjustable joysticks, switchable haul, and micro triggers, this could be the most intense workout your fingers have ever had.
24. Gamesir G7 SE
Hall effect sticks and triggers give you laser-pointer accuracy.
The Gamesir G7 SE adapts to your gaming ADHD with precision that makes headshots feel almost unfair. An instant USB connection provides dual rumble motors and pulse trigger feedback, because feeling every explosion is crucial. Remappable back buttons turn you into a multitasking god, while the 3.5 mm headset connector ensures your trash talk is crystal clear. Laser-textured grips mean no slipping, even when your palms are sweating from that clutch moment. It’s not wireless, but if precision and customizability are your jam, you could do worse for about $50.
23. Victrix Pro BFG
Hot-swap sticks, D-pads, and buttons faster than deciding what to stream on Netflix.
Over 60% of esports pros tweak their controllers, but before the Victrix Pro BFG, that meant voiding warranties and MacGyvering solutions with questionable results. Want a six-button fight pad? Slap it in. Need remappable back buttons? You’ve got four, ready for your custom layouts. That clutch-style trigger with a hair-trigger mode is like going from dial-up to fiber optic. Plus, with a 2,000 milliamp hour battery, you can game longer than it takes Congress to pass a bill. This controller isn’t just “tournament ready”—it’s practically begging to be on stage.
Gaming in 2025 is less about whether you game and more about how you flex your personal style. The right accessories aren’t just practical upgrades; they’re extensions of your identity, transforming a basic setup into a statement. Whether you’re chasing a competitive edge or decking out a retro corner, the goal is immersion and personalization. From collectibles celebrating gaming history to controllers that feel like extensions of your own hands, there’s something for every type of gamer, at accessible and premium price points.
22. LEGO Game Boy Set (72046)
This 421-piece set pays homage to the OG handheld console with brick cartridges and lenticular screens.
Want to drop a gift that screams “I know you better than you know yourself?” This isn’t just another brick in the wall—it’s a fully-fledged adult collectible. Complete with brick cartridges themed after Super Mario Land and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, plus tactile brick buttons and display options, it will have them reliving their pixelated glory days in style. As a display piece, it’s practically a conversation starter. Nostalgia is a hell of a drug, and this set is pure uncut bliss for gaming and LEGO fans alike.
21. Belkin Switch 2 Charging Case
This clever case packs a hefty 10,000 milliamp battery plus storage for 12 game cartridges.
Running out of juice mid-boss battle is the gamer’s equivalent of a flat tire on prom night. For $70, this charging case ensures your console stays powered up like a portable pit stop. This case doesn’t just offer extra charge—it keeps game cartridges organized. Forget digging through your backpack; now you have a sleek, all-in-one solution. There’s even a hidden compartment for an AirTag, because losing your Switch is as tragic as spilling a beer at a concert.
20. Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
Unmatched ergonomics and precise controls make those generic third-party options feel like toys.
The wrong controller can turn your gaming session into a thumb-cramping nightmare. Unlike those joy-cons that feel like holding a newborn hamster, this Pro Controller offers comfort for marathon gaming. For about $90, you’re getting a top-tier build with precise controls and Bluetooth support that means less lag and more frags. Great battery life ensures you won’t be scrambling for a charger mid-boss battle. Buying a second Pro Controller as a gift is like gifting someone a first-class ticket to gaming nirvana.
19. Backbone Pro Controller
Snaps onto your phone and instantly turns it into a mini-console with Bluetooth connectivity.
Before this controller, mobile gamers were stuck with greasy phone screens and thumbs cramping faster than a freshman cramming for finals. For $170, you can kiss those awkward touch controls goodbye and start playing over Bluetooth on other devices too. It’s like going from a tricycle to a tricked-out Tesla—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
18. DualSense Charging Station
This dedicated dock juices up to two controllers simultaneously while keeping your setup organized.
For anyone who’s ever tripped over a charging cable, you know organization is sexy. This dock keeps your setup looking cleaner than a Kardashian’s closet—all for around $30. Frankly, if you own a PS5, this should be mandatory, not optional. The fact that it’s so easy to use makes it an excellent gift that eliminates the hassle of controller charging while maintaining that sleek aesthetic.
17. EXG Pro Cable Guy
These collectible figures from a huge range of franchises organize your gear while adding personality.
Ever get the feeling your desk is judging you? For just $30, these cable guys offer some emotional support and organization. Picture finally having a place for your controller or smartphone that isn’t precariously balanced on a stack of textbooks. Cable guys keep your gear organized and charged, turning your messy desk into a personalized shrine to your favorite fandom. Why settle for boring when you can add a dash of personality and maybe fool your boss into thinking you’re organized?
16. Power A Controllers
These gamepads start as low as $40 for wired and $70 for wireless, perfect for families and kids.
Some gamers drop upwards of $200 on pro controllers that promise esports domination. For the rest of us, Power A offers a sweet reality check. If the official options are like dating a supermodel, these are the cool, reliable friends who bring beer to game night. Family game night gets chaotic, and nobody wants to hand over their precious gear. Power A controllers in Legend of Zelda or Mario designs handle the button-mashing chaos, and when your little cousin inevitably rage-quits, you’re not out a car payment.
15. PlayStation Portal
This handheld streams your PS5 games over Wi-Fi with an 8-inch screen and full DualSense features.
One in five gamers have faked a sickness to stay home and binge their favorite titles, but who can fake sickness when you’re on vacation? Sony’s PlayStation Portal, priced around $200, lets you keep those PS5 gaming sessions alive anywhere with Wi-Fi. This handheld packs every bit of the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Picture yourself on a train through Tuscany, finally beating that boss level with real-world gelato dripping down your hand.
14. Meta Quest 3S
High-quality VR experience for $300 without needing a PC or console—no wires, no fuss.
Virtual reality without maxing out your credit card? Groundbreaking. This isn’t screwing around: it offers wireless VR without needing additional hardware. Think of it as the gateway drug to the metaverse for the whole family. Access to the massive library of Quest games, fitness apps, and “experiences”—because apparently, we’re too good for just calling them “games” anymore. Picture the kids battling zombies while you’re off doing a digital yoga class.
13. DualSense Wireless Controller
Haptic feedback mimics everything from gritty reloads to spiders crawling, starting at $75.
Anyone who’s rage-quit knows even the best controller can feel like a brick. This controller is different. Its haptic feedback responds to your actions in ways previously unimagined, while adaptive triggers create realistic resistance. This controller comes in a huge variety of cool colors. Instead of the same old black or white, you could spice things up with wild berry or cobalt blue. Why settle for vanilla when you can have rainbow sherbet?
12. DualSense Edge
Customize everything from stick sensitivity to trigger dead zones, or swap stick modules completely.
Most controllers treat customization like a bad Tinder bio—promises galore, but the reality’s always disappointing. For around $200, you ditch the tyranny of fixed controls and tweak everything granularly. Anyone who’s tried mastering Elden Ring with default settings knows suffering. This controller’s back paddles turn jump-rolls into second nature, while trigger adjustments let you feather that bow like a zen master. Whether you’re dominating Call of Duty or finally acing that Final Fantasy superboss, this controller’s customizability is like having cheat codes built right in.
11. Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller
Adjustable tension thumbsticks and hair trigger locks turn button-mashing into an art form.
Picture your fingers gliding over textured grips, settling onto paddles that respond to your every whim. For the hardcore Xbox gamer, this controller, priced at $150, isn’t just an accessory—it’s an extension of your very being. This isn’t your kid brother’s gamepad; it’s packed with pro features. Hair trigger locks mean quicker shots, less travel time, and more satisfying frags. Customizable paddles shift your gameplay from novice to ninja, all while feeling like pure luxury in your hands.
10. Art of the Box
This beautiful $45 hardcover showcases iconic video game box art history.
Consider a museum where every exhibit sparks pure joy. This coffee table book is an ode to a bygone era. Forget NFTs—this showcases the history of video game box art, a thoughtful gift for the gamer who appreciates analog beauty in their digital lives. Think of it as a portal back to when box art promised worlds your graphics card couldn’t deliver. Packed with high-quality images and background stories, it’s like Netflix for your eyeballs, only without the endless scrolling.
9. PlayStation 5 Custom Plates
Swapping standard white plates for bold colors takes seconds and costs about $60.
Every PS5 looks identical, but imagine yours rocking a chroma indigo vibe that screams “you.” These aren’t just faceplates; they’re like slapping a personalized skin on your console. They come in vibrant colors like chroma teal that can really make your console stand out—basically the gaming equivalent of finally hanging art in your otherwise sterile apartment. For PS5 owners looking to inject some personality into their setup, this is money well spent.
8. Pokémon Plush
Super soft, well-made plushes designed to sit on your wrist or shoulder while gaming.
Ever attend a Pokémon Go raid with a Pikachu chilling on his shoulder? These plushes aren’t just collectibles—they’re statements. Several Pokémon are available, but Pikachu is the true OG and looks pretty sweet perched anywhere. Wearing one of these, you can become the Pokémon trainer you always dreamed of. Just make sure your friends don’t get jealous when you’re out there trying to catch ’em all.
7. Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2
Over 50 hours of battery life with wireless, Bluetooth, and USB-C connectivity options.
Retailing at $200 and coming in black, white, and magenta, this headset is perfect for marathon gaming sessions. You can use wireless, Bluetooth, or even USB-C wired for gaming and more. Think of it as the Swiss Army knife of headsets. The extended battery life means you can listen to every tune and hear every nuance during those epic all-night sessions. Just remember to blink once in a while, or you might end up seeing Tetris blocks when you close your eyes.
6. Pokémon Trainer Guessing Game
Face-to-face gameplay for two to four players featuring the original 151 Pokémon.
Unlike modern video games that require a screen, this Pokémon trainer guessing game gives you a nostalgic face-to-face experience. The goal is being the first to guess your opponent’s Pokémon with as few clues as possible. At only $35, it’s a gateway drug to Pokémon obsession that’s easy on the wallet. Parents can initiate their kids into the fandom, teaching them about the original monsters and their unique characteristics.
5. Legend of Zelda Encyclopedia
Looking like the classic gold NES cartridge, this $90 encyclopedia is a portal to Hyrule history.
This Legend of Zelda encyclopedia is more than just a coffee table book—it’s an invitation to geek out over everything Zelda. From learning about various creatures and characters to Link’s arsenal and the art styles of the games, it’s the kind of deep dive that makes you feel like you’ve found the Konami code to unlocking the series’ secrets. It’s more than just a book; it’s a chance to relive those pixelated adventures and maybe feel like you know more than the casual player.
4. Atari GameStation Go
Pocket-sized portal to simpler times featuring over 200 built-in games and 4-5 hours battery life.
Around 72% of gamers over 40 admit their reflexes peaked in the ’80s—perfect timing for a nostalgia trip, sans quarters. The Atari GameStation Go, priced at $180, isn’t just a flashback; it’s a digital chill pill for anyone who’s ever blown on a cartridge to make it work. It boasts Wi-Fi for easy updates and can even connect to a display with HDMI, so you can make the games larger than life. The retro design and extensive game library make this the ultimate throwback gift.
3. Turtle Beach Atlas 200
A no-nonsense, plug-and-play gaming headset built for long sessions and crisp, boosted audio.
Roughly 68% of everyday players admit they don’t need spaceship tech—just comfort, clarity, and a mic that doesn’t make them sound like they’re calling from 1999. I wholeheartedly agree. Enter the Turtle Beach Atlas 200, a $50 wired workhorse that feels like a cheat code for budget-conscious gamers. With amplified audio for stronger highs, a surprisingly plush fit, and a detachable boom mic that punches well above its price, it’s the kind of headset you grab when you just want to play without fuss. I found the lightweight build and reliable performance make it an easy, crowd-pleasing gift for anyone who logs on nightly.
2. Turtle Beach Stealth 700
A premium wireless headset built for serious players who want booming sound, plush comfort, and zero cable clutter.
For gamers like me, convenience is king—and the Stealth 700 treats that like gospel. This $150 powerhouse delivers rich 3D audio, active noise cancellation, and Bluetooth so you can take calls mid-match without missing a beat. The memory-foam earcups stay cozy through marathon sessions, while the flip-to-mute mic keeps chatter clean and crisp. With its rock-solid wireless range and customizable sound via the mobile app, the Stealth 700 feels less like a headset and more like an all-day gaming upgrade disguised as gear.
1. Turtle Beach Pro BFG Reloaded Controller
A modular, pro-grade gamepad built for players who want elite precision without losing that familiar, comfortable feel.
Nearly 70% of competitive gamers swear their edge comes from customization—and the Pro BFG Reloaded leans all the way in. It has become my go-to controller for PS5. This $180 controller lets you swap modules, reposition sticks, and fine-tune triggers until it feels like an extension of your reflexes. The textured grips and ultra-responsive buttons make long sessions feel effortless, while multi-platform support means one controller truly rules them all. Add in a travel-ready build and rock-solid wireless performance, and you’ve got a do-it-all upgrade that turns every match into an advantage.
