Best Last Minute Gifts for Gamers in 2024

Last minute shopping panic.

Last minute shopping panic.

The clock is ticking, and you need the perfect Christmas or birthday gift for the gamer in your life—fast. Life’s commitments be it work, family engagements, or the whirlwind of social events can often leave us scrambling for presents as the eleventh-hour approaches. But don’t worry, your gamer’s delight doesn’t hinge on a timely delivery truck. This guide is your lifeline for snagging the “Best Last Minute Gifts for Gamers” without the stress of shipping deadlines.

The key to success is to embrace the digital age where instant gratification reigns supreme. Whether they’re a console loyalist or a PC enthusiast, we’ve curated a treasure trove of digital gifts that cater to any platform preference. These gifts don’t just save you time; they’re a thoughtful nod to your gamer’s digital lifestyle. From game codes to online memberships, our recommendations come with the ease and speed of a few clicks—no packaging, no waiting.

Dive in as we guide you through an array of last-minute digital gift ideas that are guaranteed to be a hit with any gamer—be they console warriors or PC aficionados. Plus, we’ve organized our top picks by console for effortless navigation, ensuring you find the perfect match, no matter their gaming allegiance.

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Top 14 Gift Ideas for People Who Own a PlayStation 5 in 2024

PlayStation 5

PlayStation 5

Getting the perfect gift for a friend or loved one for their birthday or during the holidays can be challenging. Unless they tell you what they would like you often have to dig through several gifts before you find the most suitable option. If the person in question is a gamer and you know their preferred console, then you might have an easy task ahead.

A thing to know about avid gamers is that they really appreciate their games and anything that will enhance their gaming experience is more than welcome. If the person you are shopping for has a PlayStation 5 there are a ton of great gift options that you can get for them (even if they have told you what they would like).

To help you decide what to buy we have come up with our list of top 5 gift ideas for people who own a PlayStation 5. For each item in our list, we have provided you with important information and links for each item to help you find the perfect gift.

Here is Our Countdown of the 14 Best Gifts for PlayStation 5 Owners in 2024:

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PS5 vs PS5 Digital Edition – Which One Should You Buy?

PlayStation 5

PlayStation 5

Gamers looked forward to 2020 for a long time as 2020 was the year of new video game consoles and much of the excitement was for the release of the highly anticipated Playstation 5 consoles. In this article, we’ll be comparing the PS5 vs PS5 Digital Edition by Sony to find out which one is better for you.

Both the PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition are amazing gaming consoles. However, there are a few key differences between these two versions, which impact what each console can do and how you can play on them. By comparing these differences we will help you decide which one is best for your needs.

PlayStation 5 Console
  • Lightning Speed - Harness the power of a custom CPU, GPU, and SSD with Integrated I/O that rewrite the rules of what a PlayStation console can do.
  • Stunning Games - Marvel at incredible graphics and experience new PS5 features.
  • Breathtaking Immersion - Discover a deeper gaming experience with support for haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and 3D Audio technology.
Sale
PlayStation 5 Digital Edition
  • Lightning Speed - Harness the power of a custom CPU, GPU, and SSD with Integrated I/O that rewrite the rules of what a PlayStation console can do.
  • Stunning Games - Marvel at incredible graphics and experience new PS5 features.
  • Breathtaking Immersion - Discover a deeper gaming experience with support for haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and 3D Audio technology.

As part of this comparison, we will address several common questions including:

  • How many versions of the console are there to choose from?
  • What are the specs of the PS5 consoles?
  • Does the PS5 have backward compatibility?
  • What is the price?
  • What else do I need to know?
  • Which version of the console is best for me?

So let’s get started!

PS5 Release Date

November 12, 2020, is the first date that the PlayStation 5 was available for purchase. The timing of the release date is early enough to make sure that it will be available for the 2020 holiday shopping season.

Given the release date and the history of other PlayStation console releases, expect that the PlayStation 5 will a very popular.  As with most new game consoles it is expected to sell very quickly and could even be out of stock for periods of time at both brick and motor as well as online retailers. So once they become available you might want to act quickly to ensure that you get the model or bundle that you are looking for.

PlayStation 5 Specs

The PlayStation 5 is a big step up in terms of power and performance when compared to the PlayStation 4 Slim and even the more powerful PlayStation 4 Pro.

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What is the Best Video Game Console for Families?

What is the Best Video Game Console for Families?

What is the Best Gaming System for Kids?

Unless they were a gamer themselves, it is doubtful that very many parents have ever said, “What this family really needs is a video game system.” But even if you have never uttered those words your kids probably have. So what video game console is best for families the Playstation, Xbox, or the Nintendo Switch console?

Console

Nintendo Switch – OLED

Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Switch Lite

Nintendo Switch (OLED model) with White Joy-Con
Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy‑Con
Nintendo Switch Lite - Turquoise
Play on TV
Play as Handheld
Screen Size
7 inch OLED Touch Screen
6.2 inch Touch Screen
5.5 inch Touch Screen
Battery Life
4.5-9 hours
4.5-9 hours
3-7 hours
Can Play Physical Games
Can Play Digital Games
Console

Nintendo Switch – OLED

Nintendo Switch (OLED model) with White Joy-Con
Play on TV
Play as Handheld
Screen Size
7 inch OLED Touch Screen
Battery Life
4.5-9 hours
Can Play Physical Games
Can Play Digital Games
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Console

Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy‑Con
Play on TV
Play as Handheld
Screen Size
6.2 inch Touch Screen
Battery Life
4.5-9 hours
Can Play Physical Games
Can Play Digital Games
Buy Now
Console

Nintendo Switch Lite

Nintendo Switch Lite - Turquoise
Play on TV
Play as Handheld
Screen Size
5.5 inch Touch Screen
Battery Life
3-7 hours
Can Play Physical Games
Can Play Digital Games
Buy Now
Console

Xbox Series X

Xbox Series S

Xbox One S

Xbox Series X 1TB SSD Console - Includes Wireless Controller - Up to 120 frames per second - 16GB RAM 1TB SSD - Experience True 4K Gaming Velocity Architecture [video game] [video game] [video game] [video game] [video game] [video game] [video game] [vide
Microsoft Xbox Series S 512GB SSD Console - Includes Xbox Wireless Controller - Up to 120 frames per second - 10GB RAM 512GB SSD - Experience high dynamic range - Xbox Velocity Architecture
Microsoft Xbox One S 1Tb Console - White [Discontinued]
Play on TV
Play as Handheld
Exclusive Games

Although there are still some exclusive games for the Xbox like Forza Horizon 5, Sea of Thieves, Microsoft Flight Simulator, and the Halo Series, Microsoft has opened up many of its games, like Minecraft, to other consoles.

Xbox owners may not have as many exclusives as they used to, but there is still plenty of current and previous kid- and family-friendly games to choose from like Lego Star Wars, Plants vs. Zombies, Rocket League, sports games like NBA 2K, and games with characters like Spyro, Sonic the Hedgehog.

Although there are still some exclusive games for the Xbox like Forza Horizon 5, Sea of Thieves, Microsoft Flight Simulator, and the Halo Series, Microsoft has opened up many of its games, like Minecraft, to other consoles.

Xbox owners may not have as many exclusives as they used to, but there is still plenty of current and previous kid- and family-friendly games to choose from like Lego Star Wars, Plants vs. Zombies, Rocket League, sports games like NBA 2K, and games with characters like Spyro, Sonic the Hedgehog.

Although there are still some exclusive games for the Xbox like Forza Horizon 5, Sea of Thieves, and the Halo Series, Microsoft has opened up many of its games, like Minecraft, to other consoles.

Xbox owners may not have as many exclusives as they used to, but there is still plenty of current and previous kid- and family-friendly games to choose from like Lego Star Wars, Plants vs. Zombies, Rocket League, sports games like NBA 2K, and games with characters like Spyro, Sonic the Hedgehog.

Can Play Physical Games
Can Play Digital Games
Best For
The Xbox Series X is a powerful console that allows you to play games in 4K, making it a great choice for serious gamers. Plus, it gives you the flexibility to buy both digital and physical game copies as well as take advantage of the backward compatibility that is built into the Xbox Series X.
This digital console is perfect for those who like to buy digital copies of games to avoid the clutter of physical games. With the Series S, you can enjoy games at up to 1440p resolution. It's not quite as powerful as the Series X, but it's more affordable. Plus, you can enjoy a huge library of older digital games on your Xbox Series S thanks to its backward compatibility feature.
The Xbox One S, which is not as powerful as the Xbox One X or S, has been officially discontinued. However, you can still find both new and used versions of this console for a reasonable price. The Xbox One S can be a great option for those who are new to gaming, as it is compatible with most new games as well as the long list of backward-compatible titles.
Console

Xbox Series X

Xbox Series X 1TB SSD Console - Includes Wireless Controller - Up to 120 frames per second - 16GB RAM 1TB SSD - Experience True 4K Gaming Velocity Architecture [video game] [video game] [video game] [video game] [video game] [video game] [video game] [vide
Play on TV
Play as Handheld
Exclusive Games

Although there are still some exclusive games for the Xbox like Forza Horizon 5, Sea of Thieves, Microsoft Flight Simulator, and the Halo Series, Microsoft has opened up many of its games, like Minecraft, to other consoles.

Xbox owners may not have as many exclusives as they used to, but there is still plenty of current and previous kid- and family-friendly games to choose from like Lego Star Wars, Plants vs. Zombies, Rocket League, sports games like NBA 2K, and games with characters like Spyro, Sonic the Hedgehog.

Can Play Physical Games
Can Play Digital Games
Best For
The Xbox Series X is a powerful console that allows you to play games in 4K, making it a great choice for serious gamers. Plus, it gives you the flexibility to buy both digital and physical game copies as well as take advantage of the backward compatibility that is built into the Xbox Series X.
Buy Now
Console

Xbox Series S

Microsoft Xbox Series S 512GB SSD Console - Includes Xbox Wireless Controller - Up to 120 frames per second - 10GB RAM 512GB SSD - Experience high dynamic range - Xbox Velocity Architecture
Play on TV
Play as Handheld
Exclusive Games

Although there are still some exclusive games for the Xbox like Forza Horizon 5, Sea of Thieves, Microsoft Flight Simulator, and the Halo Series, Microsoft has opened up many of its games, like Minecraft, to other consoles.

Xbox owners may not have as many exclusives as they used to, but there is still plenty of current and previous kid- and family-friendly games to choose from like Lego Star Wars, Plants vs. Zombies, Rocket League, sports games like NBA 2K, and games with characters like Spyro, Sonic the Hedgehog.

Can Play Physical Games
Can Play Digital Games
Best For
This digital console is perfect for those who like to buy digital copies of games to avoid the clutter of physical games. With the Series S, you can enjoy games at up to 1440p resolution. It's not quite as powerful as the Series X, but it's more affordable. Plus, you can enjoy a huge library of older digital games on your Xbox Series S thanks to its backward compatibility feature.
Buy Now
Console

Xbox One S

Microsoft Xbox One S 1Tb Console - White [Discontinued]
Play on TV
Play as Handheld
Exclusive Games

Although there are still some exclusive games for the Xbox like Forza Horizon 5, Sea of Thieves, and the Halo Series, Microsoft has opened up many of its games, like Minecraft, to other consoles.

Xbox owners may not have as many exclusives as they used to, but there is still plenty of current and previous kid- and family-friendly games to choose from like Lego Star Wars, Plants vs. Zombies, Rocket League, sports games like NBA 2K, and games with characters like Spyro, Sonic the Hedgehog.

Can Play Physical Games
Can Play Digital Games
Best For
The Xbox One S, which is not as powerful as the Xbox One X or S, has been officially discontinued. However, you can still find both new and used versions of this console for a reasonable price. The Xbox One S can be a great option for those who are new to gaming, as it is compatible with most new games as well as the long list of backward-compatible titles.
Buy Now
Console

PlayStation 5

PlayStation 5 Digital Edition

PlayStation 4 Slim

PlayStation 5 Console
PlayStation 5 Digital Edition
PlayStation 4 Slim 1TB Console
Play on TV
Play as Handheld
Can Play Physical Games
Can Play Digital Games
Console

PlayStation 5

PlayStation 5 Console
Play on TV
Play as Handheld
Can Play Physical Games
Can Play Digital Games
Buy Now
Console

PlayStation 5 Digital Edition

PlayStation 5 Digital Edition
Play on TV
Play as Handheld
Can Play Physical Games
Can Play Digital Games
Buy Now
Console

PlayStation 4 Slim

PlayStation 4 Slim 1TB Console
Play on TV
Play as Handheld
Can Play Physical Games
Can Play Digital Games
Buy Now

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Physical Video Game Copies vs. Digital Copies – Which is Better?

In previous years there was only one way to purchase video games. You went to your local store and bought the video game which was on a disc or cartridge.

Now video game systems along with the technology that supports them have advanced to the point where we have another option – Digital Copies. These digital copies are downloaded directly to your video game console and allow you to play the game just as you would with a physical copy of the game.

So what type of copy (physical or digital) should you buy when you purchase your next video game? Is one type better than the other?

Physical copies and digital copies both have their own advantages and drawbacks. So we decided to examine this topic by taking a look at the pros and cons of each option. As part of this examination, we are taking a look at this issue from the perspective of someone who wants to pre-order a video game that hasn’t been released yet.

If you are new to the world of gaming you might not be familiar with the concept of pre-ordering games. You can read more about what pre-ordering of video games is here.

So let’s begin.

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What is PlayStation Plus? | Everything You Need To Know

PlayStation Plus

PlayStation Plus

PlayStation Plus is a Sony’s subscription service that is required to play games online for PS4 and the just-released PS5. You’ll need it to play a multiplayer game with people you’ve never met from around the world as well as to play co-op games with your friends and family who live nearby. With this service, individuals can access free games every month along with incredible discounts on games they buy on the PlayStation store. This service is available for purchase in all countries. Here is everything you should know about PlayStation Plus.

What Do You Get With PlayStation Plus?

PlayStation Plus comes with various incredible features that allow one to discover great games, new ways of playing, and connecting to friends.

The main reason that most people want a PlayStation Plus membership is that it gives them the option to participate in online multiplayer play (for games that have it) that lets gamers play online with friends and participate in tournaments. This allows them to join an international community of online players. Not only is there a very high number of games that have an online multiplayer mode, but gaming these days is very social and the ability to play with and talk to family and friends is very important to a lot of gamers.

Related the option for online multiplayer play PS Plus also has Share Play, which allows you to play multiplayer and co-op games with a friend or even hand control of single-player adventures over to them, even if they don’t own the game.

In addition to giving users access to online gameplay, a PS Plus membership also comes with two free PS4 games included every month which only members can play. You can therefore expand your game collection with indie games, multiplayer games, and blockbuster titles.

PlayStation Plus also includes incredible member discounts on pre-orders, games, and add-ons. Therefore, apart from the regular PS store promotional prices, beta trials as well as early access to demos, one can save on exclusive rewards reserved for members of this subscription.

Users also get 100GB of cloud storage space for saving games, meaning they can still recover their data that was stored on their PS4. Also, if you have a second PS4 and you want to play the same games on both consoles, you can transfer your progress from one machine to the next.

Finally, for certain games, PS Plus will give you exclusive game content like members-only skins, cosmetics, weapons, and more. How valuable these exclusives are to you really depends on if they are for games that you like to play.

What Does PlayStation Plus Cost & What Are the Subscription Lengths?

PlayStation Plus Memberships are sold in three different subscription lengths: monthly, quarterly, and yearly. As you might expect memberships for longer time periods will offer you the best value. When you do the math you will see that the monthly cost for PlayStation Plus is very affordable when you purchase the 12-month membership.

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What is PlayStation Now? | What You Need To Know

PlayStation Now

PlayStation Now

PlayStation Now is a video game subscription service from Sony. Users pay for a subscription to access a Netflix-style game library of PS2, PS3, and PS4 games. You can then choose your favorite game to play over the internet instead of needing to use a game disc to run each game title on your console like normally is the case. In this article, we will look at everything you need to know about PlayStation Now.

What Games Are On PlayStation Now?

Between the PS2, PS3, and PS4 titles, PlayStation Now gives you access to stream and play more than 800 games. Now, you can also download PS2 games and over 300 PS4 games onto your console to play locally.

These games range in prestige and value from the must-play games of the previous decade like The Last of Us, Red Dead Redemption, and unforgettable bargain bin titles. The games offered have improved over time to include anticipated games and those just about to get outdated.

You can see the entire list of games that are available on PS Now here.

Subscription Length & Cost

All PlayStation Now games are available on a monthly subscription-style similar to that available on Netflix. First-time subscribers have access to a seven-day free trial. To access the service after the free trial, they will need to buy a subscription.

PlayStation Now subscriptions can be purchased for different durations of time. It shouldn’t be a surprise that the longer subscription durations will offer the best values. Here are the 3 different subscription lengths you can currently choose from:

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