The 27 Best Gaming Gifts of 2026
Key takeaways
- Nintendo Switch 2 handheld game console It's not worth it for a giftee who already owns a Switch, but for first-time buyers, the $449 Switch 2 is a no-brainer.
- 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.
- 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.
Nintendo Switch 2 handheld game console It's not worth it for a giftee who already owns a Switch, but for first-time buyers, the $449 Switch 2 is a no-brainer. Almost all existing Switch games play on it, and many older games play better on it than on the older model; it's got the biggest, highest-resolution screen to date and more power, among other things.
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 those of the Quest 2. The Quest 3 is still a better headset, but the $350 price tag on the 3S makes it a more attractive gift option than the $600 Quest 3 and a nice choice for first-time VR players.
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.