Xbox One

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 6 Gift Ideas for People Who Own a Xbox One in 2024

Top Gifts for Xbox One Owners

Top Gifts for Xbox One OwnersShopping to buy someone a gift for their birthday or during the holidays can be quite stressful. Unless they give you a wish list of things that they want buying that perfect gift can feel like an impossible task.

However, if the person you are shopping for plays video games and you happen to know which gaming system they use this information might provide you with the opportunity to get them the perfect gift.

If the person you are shopping for has an Xbox One there are a multitude of gift options that are available to you. In an effort to help make your shopping easier we have created a list of our top gift ideas for Xbox One owners along with some information and links for each idea so that you can find the perfect one.

Here is Our Countdown of the Top 6 Gifts for Xbox One Owners:

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Which Xbox One Console Should You Buy? Xbox One X vs Xbox One S. 500GB vs. 1TB & 2TB models.

Updated December 5, 2022

When you are trying to purchase many types of electronics finding the model that meets your needs the best isn’t always a straightforward process. Too often there isn’t a one size fits all option, which leaves you having to sort through all the different available options and features as you figure out which ones are most important to you. Unfortunately, buying an Xbox One console isn’t much different, but we have you covered. Let us help simplify things and lead you through this technological wilderness of video game consoles.

Microsoft made the following versions of the Xbox One console:

Xbox One S 

Xbox One S

 

The Xbox One S was the most popular version of the Xbox console and comes with a 1TB hard drive. Microsoft is still making the Xbox One S. However, you might see some older versions of this console still out there and available for purchase. Over the course of time, the hard drives on Xbox One S consoles came in 500GB, 1TB (current option), and 2TB sizes.

Sale
Xbox One S
Xbox One S
$160.00
Buy on Amazon

Xbox One S All-Digital EditionXbox One S 1TB All-Digital Edition Console (Disc-Free Gaming) - [DISCONTINUED]

The Xbox One S All-Digital Edition is an excellent option for people who prefer buying digital copies of their games and would rather not have a bunch of game discs cluttering up their home. With a 1TB hard drive the All-Digital Edition was priced less than the Xbox One S since it didn’t have an included optical drive.  However, Microsoft stopped producing the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition in 2020. You can still find it available for purchase in new, used, and refurbished options.

Sale
Xbox One S 1TB All-Digital Edition Console (Disc-Free Gaming)
Xbox One S 1TB All-Digital Edition Console (Disc-Free Gaming)
$164.00
Buy on Amazon

Xbox One X

Microsoft Xbox One X 1Tb Console With Wireless Controller: Enhanced, Hdr, Native 4K, Ultra Hd (Discontinued)

The Xbox One X is the most powerful version of the Xbox One console that Microsoft released and comes with a 1TB hard drive. Unfortunately, Microsoft stopped production on the Xbox One X in 2020. However, the good news is that you can still find buy Xbox One X with new, used, and refurbished options available for purchase.

Sale
Microsoft Xbox One X 1Tb Console With Wireless Controller: Xbox One X Enhanced, Hdr, Native 4K, Ultra Hd
Microsoft Xbox One X 1Tb Console With Wireless Controller: Xbox One X Enhanced, Hdr, Native 4K, Ultra Hd
$210.95
Buy on Amazon

You will be able to find each of these consoles available for purchase both by itself or as part of a bundle. Other than a couple of extras that might come with some console bundles, each of these consoles come with the same basic accessories to get you up and running. So how can you decide which bundle and which version of the console are best for you or the person you are shopping for? To answer that question we need to cover a couple of the main differences between the different options you will have to choose from.

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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 w/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
Buy Now
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Console

Nintendo Switch – OLED

Nintendo Switch – OLED Model w/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
Buy Now
Buy on Amazon
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
Buy on Amazon
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
Buy on Amazon
Console

Xbox Series X

Xbox Series S

Xbox One S

Xbox Series X 1TB SSD Console - Includes Xbox Wireless Controller - Up to 120 frames per second - 16 GB RAM - 1 TB SSD Storage - Experience True 4K Gaming - Xbox Velocity Architecture
Xbox Microsoft Series S 512GB SSD Console - Includes Wireless Controller - Up to 120 frames per second - 10GB RAM 512GB SSD - Experience high dynamic range 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.
Buy Now
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Console

Xbox Series X

Xbox Series X 1TB SSD Console - Includes Xbox Wireless Controller - Up to 120 frames per second - 16 GB RAM - 1 TB SSD Storage - Experience True 4K Gaming - 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
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
Buy on Amazon
Console

Xbox Series S

Xbox Microsoft Series S 512GB SSD Console - Includes Wireless Controller - Up to 120 frames per second - 10GB RAM 512GB SSD - Experience high dynamic range 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
Buy on Amazon
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
Buy on Amazon
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
Buy Now
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Console

PlayStation 5

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

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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 Xbox Live Gold? | What You Need To Know

Xbox Live Gold

Xbox Live GoldIf you have gotten an Xbox video game console recently, you have most likely gotten notifications about Xbox Live Gold. For those who are new to the Xbox consoles, Xbox Live Gold is a paid subscription service for the Xbox One and Xbox 360 as well as the new Xbox Series X and Series S. Many people already feel bogged down with other subscription services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Apple Music, and might be wondering if Xbox Live Gold is necessary or worth the money.

A subscription to Xbox Live Gold is probably the one thing that most Xbox owners feel that they can’t do without since the  Xbox has limitations on what you can do with it unless you have a subscription. This might sound like a letdown, but your money is not being wasted. Xbox Live Gold provides great value for the amount you pay. Let’s dive in and review everything you need to know about Xbox Live Gold.

What Do You Get With Xbox Live Gold?

Online Gaming

Xbox Live Gold allows you to connect online with other Xbox owners by offering multiplayer gaming. Not only will you be able to play with your friends and family members, but when they aren’t online the fun doesn’t end, you can have fun competing and playing with other players from around the world.

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Which Video Game Consoles are Backwards Compatible? Compare Wii U, Xbox One and PlayStation 4.

There has been a lot of talk lately about backward compatibility with video game consoles. So what does it mean when a video game system is backward compatible and how does backward compatibility impact which of the big three video game consoles (Wii U, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4) you should buy?

What does it mean if a video game console is backward compatible?

If a video game console is backward compatible it can play video games that were developed for the previous version of that console.

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Top 8 Best Accessories for Your Xbox One

Top Xbox One Accessories

Top Xbox One AccessoriesSo you just bought an Xbox One, or perhaps you gave it as a gift to someone. Either way the shopping isn’t over yet. Now you need to figure out what are the best games to buy. You also need to figure out what accessories you want or need as well.

Regardless of what Xbox One console or bundle you purchased you will have what you need to get started. That being said, there are still going to be some “must have” accessories that most people will want to have, but which ones are best for you?

Our following list of top accessories for Xbox One consoles should help you navigate these waters if you are a new Xbox One owner, or if you want to buy a gift for someone with an Xbox One.

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What Are Video Game Pre-Orders?

New video games are constantly being introduced. Prior to the release of new games, they are promoted in an effort to create excitement and demand much in the same way new movies are promoted.

Similar to how you can purchase tickets ahead of time for a big movie opening you can purchase video games before they are released as well. Purchasing a video game before it is released is called pre-ordering.

If you are excited about an upcoming new video game pre-ordering is a great way to ensure that you will be able to play that game as soon as it is released.

Ways to Pre-Order New Video Games

If you think you are interested in pre-ordering a game you should know that there are two ways to do it.

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Star Wars Battlefront – Review Game Editions and Options to Buy

Star Wars: Battlefront - Deluxe Edition - PlayStation 4

As most people are aware the new Star Wars movie, The Force Awakens, comes out on December 18th, 2015. Along with the new movie there will be a flood of new Star Wars goodies hitting store shelves including the new highly anticipated Star Wars Battlefront video game.

Many video game fans have been waiting a long time for this game, which is going to be released on November 17, 2015. This will be the third major release in the Star Wars Battlefront series. However, this new Battlefront game is not a sequel to the previous games, but rather a reboot.

When the game was first announced we knew it was pretty clear that it wasn’t going to be available for the WiiU.

We knew that the new Star Wars Battlefront was going to be available for the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 so many people were also hoping that it might be released for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 as well, but that didn’t happen.  So if you want the new Star Wars Battlefront video game you need to have a PlayStation 4 or Xbox One – unless you plan on getting the PC version.

Which Edition of Star Wars Battlefront do you want?

Star Wars: Battlefront - Standard Edition - Xbox One Star Wars: Battlefront - Deluxe Edition - PlayStation 4

The first thing you need to know is that there are two versions of the Star Wars Battlefront video game for both the Xbox One and the PlayStation 4. There is the Star Wars Battlefront Standard Edition and the Star Wars Battlefront Deluxe Edition. The difference between the Standard Edition and the Deluxe Edition is

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