The best gifts for gamers buy them what they actually want

We don't quite know why Microsoft is offering its best, most premium games for 'free' through the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate service but that is what is happening and if you have an Xbox console, or are buying for someone that does, then you need to take advantage of this subscription now.

Pricey, yes, but the DualSense Edge Wireless Controller will give any PS gamer the edge, with its precision controls and customisation. Also, having a second DualSense PS5 controller is essential for anyone who is lucky enough to have a PS5. The amount of multiplayer games on the system is increasing and if you have siblings then getting one of these mat cause some squabbles but the winner will be very happy!

Chunkier than the Nintendo Switch but oh-so more powerful, the Steam Deck is like having a portable PC, with the handheld your portal to, well, Portal and thousands more amazing games. Like a Switch, you can take it travelling with you then dock the thing and play on your TV or computer monitor. This really is a fantastic device, especially if you are already a Steam user.

It's hard but not impossible to get a Nintendo Switch OLED - more so than its PS5 and Xbox bedfellows. That's not the main reason to get this handheld, though. It's a decent upgrade from the original Switch and proves that this is one of the best consoles around right now. If you are looking for something that can be taken on your travels - that new OLED screen is stunning and is backed by a better battery - and then plugged into the home for some gaming goodness this is for you.

If you have a gaming setup, then these are essential. Nanoleaf is the king of smart lighting and these 90-degree shaped lights give you freedom to create your own geometri shapes and sync up to whatever game you are playing. They make any room look cool but will make your gaming room look exceptionally cool.

The Backbone is an incredibly nifty accessory that enables you to transform your iPhone into a gaming console, just snap it in and any game that you play will then be supported by those cute controllers on either side. Sure, most gamers will already have their own games console at home. But we like the Backbone as it enables them to game on-the-move and try out some mobile games they might not have got the chance to take for a spin yet.

If you're looking for a gift for a PC gamer, it doesn't get better than the SteelSeries Rival 5 gaming mouse. This accessory is crafted to be ergonomic and comfortable to use for long gaming sessions with nine programmable buttons and five side buttons for quick actions. At 85g, this mouse is incredibly lightweight, but durable enough to be put through its paces. In short, it's one of the best gaming mouse options around right now.

Retro handhelds have become a mini industry of their own. This is one of our favourite affordable models. It's shaped like a Gameboy, but supports a slew of classic systems, not just the Gameboy. The 3.5in screen is great and there's enough power on tap to play everything up to the first PlayStation generation of consoles. This little guy lets you relive generations of gaming.

If you find yourself arguing with the gamer in your life over who gets to use the TV, a PlayStation Portal could be the solution to recurring strife. It's a handheld that links up to a PS5 to let them play games on the small screen, wirelessly streaming footage from the console. As it doesn't actually run the games itself, the battery lasts for 7-9 hours.

If you are a PC gamer and fancy taking your gaming with you, streaming whatever you are playing on pretty much any device you have at your disposal, then NVIDIA GeForce Now is for you. The way it works is (fairly) simple. GeForce Now hooks up to PC games stores, so any membership you already have can be used, and unlocks your games to play in the cloud. There are three tiers to choose from: the first is free and allows you limited gaming time through the service; Priority (£44.99 for six months) gives you more hours and a better 'rig' experience; the new RTX 3080 tier (£89.99 for 6 months) offers exclusive access to RTX 3080 servers, eight hours of gaming at a time and up to 120fps. The top tier has just been greenlit for the Google Pixel 6 Pro, too, which means you can stream in 120fps and 1080p on that device.

If you have an older phone, though, then the experience is still decent. We know as NVIDIA sent over a 2017 Samsung and an Xbox controller for us to test. Within minutes we were streaming the likes of Far Cry 6 and Tomb Raider through the service and it's a lot of fun. You can also stream through compatible browsers, MacOS and even AndroidTV.

The best gifts for gamers aren't necessarily games or gaming accessories. If you're buying for a Mario fan who happens to like LEGO there are some brilliant kits available these days. We particularly love this huge Bowser 3D modelling kit. The best thing about this big Bowser is he won't just stand there static once you're done. He has jointed arms, hands, legs and tail, as well as a rotating head and eyes.

If you don't have the cash to buy the gamer in your life a new game, accessory or anything else, then we highly recommend you get them this retro gaming gift instead. Tamagotchis may have been big back in the 90s, but they've made a huge comeback recently, which means there are all kinds of styles and types to choose from. We like this multi-coloured rainbow one, which is guaranteed to put a smile on any gamer's face. Whether they have the patience to look after their virtual pet is a whole other story.

It's not the newest gadget but we can't get enough of the Nintendo Game and Watch. You get two Super Mario Bros game on the tiny handheld, as well as it doubling up as a clock for your kids' room. This is a fantastic nostalgia blast and we have been playing the thing for months now and still not bored.

With over 200 games and more added all the time, if you have an iOS device then Apple Arcade is a no brainer. There are all types of games available, from Football Manager Touch to Jetpack Joyride 2, and is ideal for someone who is racking up the money buying mobile games adhoc. It is also part of the Apple One sub, which gives you access to Magazines and more

Turtle Beach has done it again, creating a wired headset that's a brilliant budget purchase for those who want to drown the world out and immerse themselves in a game. Athletic fabric and softer memory foam ear cushions mean you can keep these things on for hours and there's a 12-hour battery on board that will give you stunning amplified audio. These are compatible with: Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One, PS5 and PS4, and Nintendo Switch.