With the pandemic keeping everyone indoors, many turned to video games to pass the time. Then there were those that chose the gamer life long before. When you’re trying to buy gifts for people in either of those camps, it can be rather easy to get the wrong thing. That’s why we’ve put together this list to give you a helping hand when you’re gift shopping for everyone from a casual tabletop gamer, to a professional esport athlete.
Sony PlayStation 5
R14,000 / wootware.co.za
This is undeniably the hottest console on the planet right now. The PS5 is the first console to support 8K gaming, but you’ll need an 8K TV for that. If you only have a measly 4K TV, the PS5 supports a stunning 120Hz refresh rate. That, together with the super-fast NVMe SSD, means you’ll spend less time staring at a loading screen and more time waiting to respawn. Unless that’s just us?
Bigger
The PS5 is one of the biggest consoles ever made, so make sure you have enough space near your TV.
Larger
If the included 825 GB NVMe SSD isn’t large enough for you, there’s an internal slot for another, expensive one.
Hotter
While the PS5 does get hot, we’re talking about availability. You’ll need a fast trigger finger in order to you find one.
PlayStation Classic Console
R3,500 / takealot.com
If you can’t get your hands on a PS5 or just feel like a trip down nostalgia avenue, then the PlayStation Classic might be for you. It’s a slightly smaller, modernised version of the OG console complete with HDMI and two controllers. It also comes with 20 pre-loaded games including the first GTA and Resident Evil.
Sparkfox PlayStation 5 Silicone FPS Grip Pack
R160 / takealot.com
If you manage to find a PS5 congratulations. Now you need to git gud. That could require you to sweat a bit to get those Ws. Sweaty hands and controllers don’t mix, so rather wrap it in a rubber. Or silicone, in this case.
Playseat Evolution Gaming Chair
R9,000 / evetech.co.za
If you fancy yourself a bit of a speed freak but prefer to speed about in the comfort of your own home, then your setup isn’t complete until you’re sitting like a racer. This one has space for a wheel, pedals, and a gear shifter.
Warp AMD Upgrade Kit
R13,100 / dreamwaretech.co.za
Whether you’re a console gamer and want to join the PC Master Race or you just need an upgrade, picking the right parts, making sure they’re compatible and not killing your wallet is difficult. That’s why these kits exist. Get one and leave that stress to the professionals.
Palit GeForce RTX 3090 GamingPro OC
R52,000 / wootware.co.za
If you’re looking for a new GPU for your rig and money is of little concern, then this is the best card on the market right now. Any game at pretty much any resolution is butter smooth on the highest settings. Better grab it quick, before the next chip shortage.
KBD67 LITE R3 DIY KIT
R2,100 / ctrlshiftesc.co.za
One of the most overlooked peripherals is the keyboard. Do your fingers, and the rest of your setup, a favour and build a custom keyboard. With this kit, you have a choice over every piece of the board so you can really make it your own.
Detachable Aviator USB cable (coiled)
R550 / beyondcustoms.net
If you’ve already upgraded all the other components and peripherals in your PC there’s one you’ve probably forgotten about. If you’re still using the stock cable that your keyboard came with, are you even a gamer?
Nintendo Switch – OLED
R8,000 / store.nintendo.co.za
If you’ve already got the previous Nintendo Switch model, there isn’t really a reason to upgrade to the new OLED version. But if you don’t have one and feel like wrecking some friendships on Mario Kart, might as well make it this one.
Dune – Adventures in the Imperium
R5,400 / modiphius.net
If you, like us, saw Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune and can’t get enough of the sandy universe then this tabletop RPG might tide you over until the next film comes out in 2023. You could be the next Mahdi.
Nubia Red Magic 6 Pro
R23,000 / zeekonline.co.za
If you’re looking for a mobile device to play some games that isn’t an iPhone, the Red Magic 6 is one of the most powerful Android devices on the market. With the Snapdragon 888 SoC and 16GB of RAM, every game will run smooth as cream.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate – 3-months
R450 / xbox.com
Finding the right game to buy someone as a gift can be a tough time. Will they like it? Do they have it already? Play it safe and snag them a few months of Xbox Game Pass. It covers games on PC, console and even streaming games from the cloud to your phone or tablet.
