This festive season, Santa's workshop appears to have been busy crafting some of the most exciting tech and accessories for gamers in the UK. Leading the charge is a handheld gaming PC that blends formidable power with impressive portability, redefining what's possible for play on the move.
The Portable Powerhouse: Rog Xbox Ally X Leads the Charge
While it might not boast the intuitive ease of a Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch 2, the Rog Xbox Ally X (£799) stands out as an extraordinarily powerful portable device. It's also remarkably portable for a machine with its capabilities. For those seeking a slightly less muscular option, the 'X'-less Rog Xbox Ally is available for £499, still delivering access to games that were once strictly confined to the living room TV.
To complete the mobile setup, a pair of SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds (£150, often on sale for £100) proves to be a stellar companion. The audio quality is excellent, but the true value lies in their noise-cancelling prowess. They create a private gaming bubble, effectively muting the chaos of a loud train commute or a yapping pet at home.
Controllers, Guitars & Building Blocks: Gifts for Every Gamer
For rhythm game enthusiasts, the CRKD Gibson Les Paul Guitar controller (£119) offers a stylish and substantial half-size replica. Designed for titles like Guitar Hero and Fortnite, its new sunburst variant is particularly eye-catching and is arguably the highest-quality guitar peripheral ever made.
In the realm of more traditional pads, two controllers offer excellent value. The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 (£50) has features that rival pricier competitors: customisable buttons, durable thumbsticks, a charging dock, and snazzy LED lighting. For a more basic but effective option, the Hyperkin Competitor (£39.99) provides a wired controller with the classic PlayStation-style layout, appealing to Xbox and PC gamers who prefer that stick arrangement.
When controllers are set aside, the Lego Game Boy (£54.99) offers a brilliant, nostalgic build. This full-size, pressable replica of the iconic brick-like console comes with replica game cartridges, including one for The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening.
From Page to Miniature: Literary Treats for Gamers
For the reader on your list, several lavish books bridge video games and other hobbies. The Art of Warhammer Video Games (£40) is a hardback tome that includes download codes for three PC games, including the excellent Vermintide. Similarly, the Warhammer 40,000 Character Encyclopaedia (£25) comes with a plastic miniature of Lieutenant Titus from Space Marine 2.
Another standout is The Art And Making Of Sniper Elite (£60), which delves into the wartime detail and development of the first five games, offering far more than just the famous X-ray kill cams. And for a dose of festive cynicism, the 2000 AD Annual 2026 (£25) features a story where Judge Dredd cancels Christmas, providing a perfect 'Bah! Humbug!' counterpoint to the season's cheer.
This year's top gaming gifts prove that whether someone seeks raw portable power, immersive accessories, or thoughtful collectibles, there's something under the tree to revolutionise their play.
