Gaming gifts, compared and ranked
The Best Gifts for Gamers in the UK for 2026
Buying for a gamer is easy to get wrong: the wrong platform, a controller they already own, or a headset that sounds great in the marketing but disappoints in reviews. To find the best gifts for gamers in the UK, we compared the gaming gifts most often recommended across expert and retailer round-ups, then ranked five that suit different budgets, platforms and playstyles. Prices below are indicative and move with sales, so treat them as a guide rather than a fixed figure.
Our top picks
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Gen 2)
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller
Researched by WATTB
- Published
- 13 September 2026
- Updated
- 13 September 2026
- Last verified
- 13 September 2026
- Sources
- 8 sources
We research and rank options from public data, official information and published reviews. How we research →
Written by
Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page may be affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Affiliate relationships do not influence our rankings or WATTB Scores. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. How we rank.
How we picked · We drew on manufacturer specifications, current pricing checked across several UK retailers, and aggregated professional and customer reviews, then applied editorial judgement to weigh how well each item works as a gift across platforms and budgets. Read our full method →The top 5 Gifts for Gamers in the UK for 2026
- Rank 1SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Gen 2)WATTB Pick— Best overall gaming giftWATTB92/100From £150 (indicative; RRP £179.99)
- Rank 2Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2— Best premium gift for console gamersWATTB91/100From £145 (full edition, indicative; RRP £159.99; Core version around £105)
- Rank 38BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller— Best value giftWATTB89/100From £45 (indicative)
- Rank 4Elgato Stream Deck MK.2— Best gift for streamers and creatorsWATTB87/100From £120 (indicative)
- Rank 5Backbone One (USB-C, 2nd Gen)— Best gift for mobile gamersWATTB84/100From £80 (indicative; RRP around £100)
The WATTB Score is our own research-based editorial assessment out of 100 — not a customer-review average.
How to choose a good gift
What actually makes a gift land for this person — beyond the price tag.
- Which platform?Matters most
- The easiest way to get it wrong: controllers and some headsets are platform-specific (Xbox vs PlayStation vs PC/Android). Check what they play on before anything else.
- Player, streamer or mobile?Matters most
- A pure player wants a headset or controller; a streamer wants a Stream Deck; a mobile/cloud gamer wants a phone controller. Match the gift to how they actually play.
- Will they already own it?Worth weighing
- Gamers often own a headset or a standard controller, so a mid-to-high-end upgrade they may not have bought themselves is less likely to duplicate what they own.
- Budget bandWorth weighing
- There's a strong gift from ~£45 to ~£150; spend to match how seriously they play and how well you know their setup.
The picks in depth
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Gen 2)
Why it won
The safest crowd-pleaser: a multi-platform wireless headset that suits almost any gamer.
Dual 2.4GHz plus Bluetooth lets them mix game audio and phone in one headset
Platform-specific editions cover PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Switch and mobile
Reviewers consistently praise comfort, mic clarity and battery life
Trade-off: One of the pricier gifts here at an indicative £150-plus
Why it ranks here
It tops the list as the safe crowd-pleaser: a multi-platform wireless headset with simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth, platform-specific editions, and reviewers' consistent praise for comfort, mic clarity and battery.
Give it if
- You want one gift that works across PC, PlayStation, Switch or mobile
- You don't want to know their exact setup (beyond the console)
Skip it if
- They already own a mid-to-high-end headset
- Your budget is firmly under £100
Where it's the better gift
- Dual 2.4GHz + Bluetooth mixes game audio and phone in one headset
- Platform-specific editions and widely praised comfort and battery
Where another pick wins
- One of the pricier gifts here
- The full software feature set really needs a PC
Closest alternative: 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller — Choose the 8BitDo controller for a cheaper gift for a PC/Android player.
Already owns it? A quality headset upgrade many gamers won't have bought themselves; check they don't already own a good one.
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
Why we recommend it
A statement upgrade for a dedicated Xbox or PC player who wants adjustable, pro-style controls.
Swappable sticks and paddles plus adjustable trigger tension for serious players
Comes with a carrying case and charging dock in the full edition
Multiple saved profiles switch on the controller itself
Trade-off: Owner reviews over time have flagged stick and bumper durability
Why it ranks here
The premium console-gamer upgrade: swappable sticks and paddles, adjustable trigger tension and hair-trigger locks, with a case and charging dock in the full edition — a statement gift for a dedicated Xbox or PC player.
Give it if
- They play a lot on Xbox Series X|S or PC
- They'd appreciate adjustable, pro-style controls
Skip it if
- They mainly game on PlayStation, Switch or mobile
- You want a controller for under £60
Where it's the better gift
- Swappable sticks/paddles and adjustable trigger tension
- Case and charging dock in the full edition, with on-controller profiles
Where another pick wins
- Owner reviews have flagged stick and bumper durability over time
- Expensive, and best value only for committed Xbox/PC gamers
Closest alternative: 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller — Choose the 8BitDo for pro-style features at a fraction of the price on PC/Android.
Already owns it? Platform-specific to Xbox/PC — the wrong controller for a PlayStation player; duplication risk if they already have a pro pad.
8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller
Why we recommend it
Pro-style features at a mid-budget price, the standout choice when money is tight.
Drift-resistant TMR sticks and switchable trigger types at a mid-budget price
Includes a charging dock, so it doubles as a desk stand
Strong customer feedback for features relative to cost
Trade-off: This model targets Windows and Android, not PlayStation, Xbox or Switch
Why it ranks here
The value pick: drift-resistant TMR sticks, switchable trigger types and rear buttons with a charging dock, at a mid-budget price — the standout when money is tight for a PC or Android player.
Give it if
- They game on PC or Android
- You want drift-resistant sticks and back buttons without premium money
Skip it if
- They play primarily on PlayStation, Xbox or Switch consoles
- They want a first-party pad's software and build
Where it's the better gift
- Drift-resistant sticks and switchable triggers at a mid price
- Includes a charging dock that doubles as a desk stand
Where another pick wins
- This model targets Windows and Android, not the consoles
- Software and build a notch below premium first-party pads
Closest alternative: Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 — Step up to the Elite for a console-grade pro controller if they're on Xbox/PC.
Already owns it? Check the exact model's platform icons — several similarly named pads exist; low duplication risk at this price.
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2
Why we recommend it
The obvious upgrade for anyone who streams or records, one-tap control of scenes, clips and apps.
15 customisable LCD keys for scenes, clips, macros and app launches
Mature, widely supported software with lots of plug-ins
Removable faceplate and adjustable stand for personalisation
Trade-off: Of little use to gamers who do not stream or create content
Why it ranks here
The streamer's pick: 15 customisable LCD keys for scenes, clips, macros and app launches, with mature, widely supported software — a natural upgrade for people who stream or record.
Give it if
- They stream on Twitch or YouTube, or record content
- They want physical shortcut keys instead of alt-tabbing mid-session
Skip it if
- They only play games and never stream or create
- You want a gift a pure player will use
Where it's the better gift
- 15 customisable LCD keys with mature, plug-in-rich software
- Removable faceplate and adjustable stand for personalisation
Where another pick wins
- Of little use to gamers who don't stream or create
- A big spend for a niche need
Closest alternative: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Gen 2) — For a pure player, put the money toward the headset instead.
Already owns it? Only useful if they actually stream — for a pure player it would go unused rather than duplicate anything.
Backbone One (USB-C, 2nd Gen)
Why we recommend it
Turns a phone into a proper handheld for mobile, cloud and remote-play gamers.
Adds physical controls to a phone for mobile, cloud and remote play
Pass-through charging and a companion app that ties services together
Compact and portable, easy to slip in a bag
Trade-off: Only worthwhile for people who game on their phone
Why it ranks here
The mobile-gamer pick: a clamp-style controller that adds physical controls to a phone for native, cloud and remote play, with pass-through charging and a companion app.
Give it if
- They game on their phone, or use cloud/remote play
- They want real controls instead of a touchscreen
Skip it if
- They only game on a console, PC or handheld
- They rarely play on their phone
Where it's the better gift
- Adds physical controls for mobile, cloud and remote play
- Pass-through charging and a services-tying companion app
Where another pick wins
- Only worthwhile for people who game on their phone
- You must match the connector (USB-C) and check case compatibility
Closest alternative: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Gen 2) — Choose the headset for a broader gift if they don't game much on their phone.
Already owns it? Only lands for a phone gamer; confirm their phone is USB-C, as a mismatched connector makes it unusable.
How to choose
Confirm the platform first
A headset like the Arctis Nova 7 is the safest cross-platform gift (just match the console variant). A premium controller must match their platform — Xbox Elite for Xbox/PC, not PlayStation. When unsure of platform, the multi-platform headset is the low-risk pick.
Match the gift to how they play
For a dedicated Xbox/PC player, the Elite controller is a statement upgrade; for a value pick on PC/Android, the 8BitDo delivers pro features cheaply; for a streamer, the Stream Deck; for a phone/cloud gamer, the Backbone turns a phone into a handheld.
How we ranked this list
We drew on manufacturer specifications, current pricing checked across several UK retailers, and aggregated professional and customer reviews, then applied editorial judgement to weigh how well each item works as a gift across platforms and budgets. We have not personally tested these products; sensory and performance points are attributed to published reviews or stated as manufacturer specifications.
Prices and availability last checked September 2026; these change, so confirm current details with the provider before buying.
Read our full ranking methodWhy you can trust WATTB
Independent & unbiased
We rank on merit. Commercial links never change which picks make a guide or where they rank.
In-depth research
Official information, specifications and aggregated expert and user reviews — compared, not guessed.
Clear pros & cons
Every pick gets its real advantages and at least one honest trade-off, so you can weigh it.
Transparent sourcing
We show how we rank and the sources behind each guide, and re-check them as things change.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best gift for a gamer in the UK in 2026?
For most people, our top pick is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Gen 2) headset, because it works across PlayStation, Xbox (via the X variant), PC, Switch and mobile, and reviewers rate its comfort and mic. If you know they mainly play on Xbox or PC and want a controller instead, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is the standout premium choice. The right gift really depends on their platform and whether they also stream.
How much should I spend on a gaming gift?
Our picks span roughly £45 to £180 indicatively, so you can pitch to almost any budget. Around £45 gets a feature-rich controller like the 8BitDo Ultimate 2; £80 to £120 covers a Backbone One mobile controller or an Elgato Stream Deck; and £145 to £180 buys a premium Xbox Elite Series 2 (full edition, RRP £159.99) or a flagship multi-platform headset. If the Elite is the goal but the budget is tighter, its Core version is around £105. Prices move with sales, so these are guides rather than fixed figures.
What is a good gaming gift for under £50?
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller is our value pick at an indicative £45 or so, offering drift-resistant TMR sticks, switchable triggers, rear buttons and a charging dock, mostly for PC and Android players. It is the closest thing here to premium-controller features at a mid-budget price. Just check the platform icons on the box, as 8BitDo sells several similarly named versions with different console support.
Which gaming gift works across PlayStation, Xbox and PC?
For genuine cross-platform use, a headset is the safest bet: the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless comes in variants covering PC, PlayStation, Switch and mobile, with an X edition for Xbox. Controllers tend to be tied to an ecosystem, the Xbox Elite Series 2 targets Xbox and PC, while the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 model we recommend is for Windows and Android, so match the controller to their main platform.
What the evidence shows
Rankings draw on brand and manufacturer information, indicative UK pricing and aggregated reviews, plus our editorial view of platform fit and duplication risk. We have not tested these items ourselves.
Limitations
- Prices are indicative and change; controller/headset editions are platform-specific.
- Confirm the recipient's platform and connector before buying to avoid a return.
Sources & further reading
8The information and claims in this guide draw on the references below. We check these when a guide is published or updated.
- Product informationPrimary source
Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 (official product page) (opens in a new tab) — SteelSeries
Supports: Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 dual wireless, ClearCast mic, up to 54h battery and platform variants
- Product informationPrimary source
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Microsoft Store UK) (opens in a new tab) — Microsoft
Supports: Xbox Elite Series 2 full-edition features, customisation and UK pricing (RRP £159.99)
- Product informationPrimary source
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core (Microsoft Store UK) (opens in a new tab) — Microsoft
Supports: Elite Series 2 Core edition contents and UK pricing (around £105)
- Product informationPrimary source
Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller (official product page) (opens in a new tab) — 8BitDo
Supports: 8BitDo Ultimate 2 TMR sticks, switchable triggers, charging dock and Windows/Android platform support
- Product informationPrimary source
Backbone One USB-C mobile gaming controller (official) (opens in a new tab) — Backbone
Supports: Backbone One USB-C compatibility, pass-through charging and app/cloud support
- Customer & expert reviews
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2 review (opens in a new tab) — KitGuru
Supports: Independent review of Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 comfort, mic, battery and RRP
- Pricing
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 (retailer listing and price) (opens in a new tab) — Currys
Supports: Stream Deck MK.2 15-key spec and current UK indicative pricing (~£119)
- Related analysis
Best gifts for gamers (opens in a new tab) — Which?
Supports: Category context on popular gaming gift types for UK buyers
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