The GAMBIT team is back for another gift guide for 2021. This year we decided to keep things small, but also with a focus on affordability. It’s been a rough year on many of us and this holiday season marks the first in which many of us will be together once again. That said, money has been tight and we figured a gaming related list focused on affordability would be best.
There is nothing on this list that’s over $100 with most items sitting around the $25 mark. Also, everything featured is own, has been used, or was gifted to someone on the writing staff. This means it’s more than a list of cool kit and a list of things we actually like and enjoy. And, as always, there are zero affiliate links here and we don’t make a dollar off of any purchases you might make.
With that said, let’s get onto the Gambit 2021 Holiday Gamer Gift Guide!
- . Tilted Nation ROGUE MOBA Mouse
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If you are a MOBA fan, and who isn’t in this day and age, you are going to need yourself a good mouse that can handle all that clicking that you are going to be doing. I mean, have you ever watched someone play a MOBA? Those guys and gals click their mice more times in one game than I do in a weeks worth of work. This means you are going to need something designed for all that action, something that most normal mice just can’t handle. The Rogue is rated for over 10 million clicks and features ultra responsive touch for more precise movement and better gameplay. It also has a nice rounded design for comfort, a braided cable, and a PixArt sensor allowing for 400 to 10,000 DPI. This is everything you need in a good MOBA-focused mouse that also works great for general use thanks to it’s design, something I know well as it’s my general use mouse, especially when on the go for work. – $19.99
- . PXN Arcade Fight Stick
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I am lucky enough to have a Neo Geo machine out in the garage that is pretty popular during get-togethers, especially over the holidays, and while it’s cool, it isn’t practical. There are times that I want to play some classic arcade games via emulation at the comfort of my desk. The PXN arcade stick fits the bill for all my needs. Not only is it perfect for a small desk setup, it also works with all the major consoles making playing fighting games and the various Shmups I own on different consoles much more fun. So, if you are a fighting game fan and want to try out playing with a stick like the pros, but don’t want to spend hundreds for the pleasure, this stick is for you. Likewise, if you remember the arcade days and want to experience those games in the most authentic manner, this one is for you. Funny enough, I have a few other sticks I’ve been sent over the years but I keep coming back to this one because of the size and the comfort aspect. I’m not going to be taking it to EVO, but for playing arcade games at home it’s pretty perfect. – $39.99
- . Bugha LED Gaming Headset Stand w/ 4 USB Ports
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If you are going to be spending some money on a nice headset, then you better have a nice place to keep them so they don’t get wrecked before the end of January. The Bugha stand is just about perfect, and at only $10, it’s the most affordable headset stand on the market that includes RGB and a whopping 4 USB ports. Not only can you charge your headset (if its wireless), but you can charge your phone and keep on the stand thanks to the little smartphone lip to keep it secure. As a PC gamer it’s great having what also doubles as a USB dock on the other end of my desk. This one is a must! – $9.99
- . OIVO Switch Grip w/Stand & Cartridge Dock
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The Nintendo Switch is a fantastic piece of kit, but one thing that always keeps me from playing it more is that fact that it’s not very comfortable in the hand. I cramp easily when gaming at home or on the go which forced me to keep the portable console in docked mode and a Pro Controller. But ever since I scored a slip-on hand grip everything changed. I can now play for hours in comfort and this little device has become an essential piece of kit for my Switch. In fact, I don’t know how Nintendo didn’t use this design, or, at the very least, sell an accessory like it. Oh, well, that just means opportunity for small companies. You will never play the Switch without it again, and the built-in stand and cartridge dock makes it even better. – $16.99
- . Yao L1 PRO Mobile Game Controller Joystick
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My girlfriend loves her Switch and loves playing any co-op title that drops on the Xbox (we recently just replayed through every Halo game heading into Halo Infinite), but she loves to really play on her iPhone because it’s always around. It’s simple to boot up some Genshin Impact and kill some downtime, even while at home. Add in some MOBA’s and she games more often than I do. That said, even she isn’t a huge fan of touchscreen controls and ordered this little controller to make her gaming life a little better. And she loves it! Having your main motion done with an actual joystick gives you an edge and makes playing much more comfortable with all the games she plays. After seeing it in action I know need to order one and I’m sure you have someone in your life that would love this cute little controller for their occasional gaming sessions. $23.99
- . Logitech G230 Gaming Headset
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I consider the Logitech G332 headphones as the base standard for quality when you, or someone you know, are getting into the gaming scene. These over-hear headphones have everything you need and, most importantly, feature a decent quality mic, something that most headphones, even those that cost an arm and a leg, don’t feature. The Logitech G332 are comfortable, feature 50 mm audio drivers, and work with all your PCs and consoles. Not only that, but the look slick as hell and you can often find them on sale for around $25 at various online retailers. – $29.99
- . RG280M Retro Handheld Console
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If you have a person in the family that loves playing old retro video games, then this gorgeous little device is a must have. Not only that, but just look at the thing; it’s downright beautiful with it’s gradient color scheme on it all metal casing. This is the perfect way to enjoy all your classic games on the go when away from your collection and it’s small size means it perfectly fits in your pocket or handbag. This little bugger plays just about everything, from arcade systems like the CPS1 & 2, the Neo Geo, and everything all the way through the original PlayStation. You have no idea who great this little thing is on the go and being about to play some serious RPG titles on the plane. I love my Switch, but when this thing is loaded you have a near endless amount of games to enjoy. $79.99
- . Bugha Large LED Gaming Mousepad
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I have no idea who Bugha is, but I fully support him releases quality gaming accessories at an insanely low price as it allows everyone to have a great gaming experience. I remember the days when the stuff his line offers was well outside my price range, especially as a young kid and with a family on a tight budget. I love this thing so much that it’s sitting under my keyboard as I type this and has stood up over the last year without any problems. If you have a kid, or someone you know that want one of those fancy RGB mousepads but don’t have a ton to spend, this is the perfect gift. I’ve had more expensive mousepads that haven’t lasted this long. A must have for RGB fans. – $9.99
- . Paladone Xbox Logo Light
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We have feature a PlayStation light in last year’s list, so it only makes sense to complete the setup by including an Xbox themed light this year. This officially licensed light looks great and any Microsoft fan in your life will love having this thing light up their late-night gaming sessions. That said, if you are a PlayStation fan you can score the icon light we have featured before for about the same price. Now we just have to sit back and wait for Nintendo to release a night so we can feature it on a list for next year and complete the trifecta. $24.99
- . ANYLUV Blue Light Blocking Glasses
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Blue light blocking glasses are pretty common nowadays. Where there were initially these gross yellow-tinted things that sort of ruin the visual experience making those fancy graphics look like pee, they are now much, much better. These frames look trendy as heck and you can easily wear them around and not just in front of the TV or monitor. The reviews for these glasses are glowing and have a rating that most other gadgets wished they had. A product that works is one thing, but a product that works and looks great is quite another. I’m a fan of these as I’m wearing a pair right now while putting this list together. $19.99