Xbox Series S

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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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
Buy Now
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon
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
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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