Gifts for Gamers With a New Console

Why lots of people are setting up consoles right now

GTA 6 releases on November 19, 2026 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, so plenty of people are buying or dusting off a console this month. Whether the person you’re shopping for is getting ready for that or for anything else, the gifts below are the ones that solve everyday console annoyances.

First, find out which console

This matters more than anything else on this list. Before buying, find out:

• PlayStation or Xbox? Controllers, headsets and storage are often platform specific.
• Which model? For PS5, there are standard, digital and Pro models. For Xbox, the Series X and the smaller Series S have different built-in storage.
• Disc drive or not? Digital-only owners download everything, which makes storage gifts more useful.

If you can’t ask directly, a quick look at the box or the console itself will tell you.

Storage

Modern games are big, and console storage fills up quickly. Exact file sizes for upcoming games, including GTA 6, aren’t confirmed, so rather than buying for one game, think about general headroom.

For PS5

• Internal M.2 SSD: the PS5 has an expansion slot for an M.2 NVMe SSD, and games can be played directly from it. Sony publishes the requirements (interface type, speed and size, including a heatsink). Check the drive’s listing against PlayStation’s official support page before buying.
• External USB drive: cheaper and simpler. Useful for storing games and playing older PS4 titles, but PS5 games generally need to be moved back to internal storage to play.

For Xbox Series X|S

• Official expansion card: plugs into the back and lets you play Series X|S games from it, just like internal storage. Only specific licensed cards work in that slot.
• External USB drive: good for storing games and playing older Xbox titles. Series X|S games are typically stored there and moved back to play.

Installing an internal drive is a small job but may not suit everyone. If the recipient isn’t comfortable with it, an expansion card (Xbox) or an external drive is the easier gift.

A second controller

A second controller means couch co-op, a backup when the battery runs out, and someone else can play without swapping. Look for:

• First-party controllers for full feature support, including things like adaptive triggers on PS5.
• Colorways: both platforms sell controllers in various colors, which makes a nice personal touch.
• Licensed third-party options if budget is tight. Check whether they’re wired or wireless and what features they skip.

A headset

A headset keeps late-night sessions quiet for everyone else and makes online chat clearer.

• Wired headsets that plug into the controller work on most consoles and are the safest bet.
• Wireless headsets are more convenient, but many use a USB dongle that only supports one console family. Check that the listing names the exact console.
• Comfort matters: look for listings that mention padded headbands, breathable ear cushions and a lightweight build, especially for glasses wearers.

Charging

Controller batteries don’t last forever, and a charging spot keeps them ready.

• Charging docks hold one or two controllers and keep them topped up. Make sure the dock is made for the exact controller model, as connector positions differ.
• Rechargeable battery packs suit Xbox controllers, which use swappable batteries.
• A long, good-quality USB-C cable is a small but genuinely useful stocking stuffer.

Lighting

If the console lives under a TV, a simple bias-light strip behind the screen makes the setup look finished and is easier on the eyes in a dark room.

• Bias lighting: a USB-powered strip around the back of the TV. Many will turn on and off with the TV when plugged into its USB port.
• Screen-sync kits: more expensive, they make the light follow what’s on screen. Check they support the TV size and the console as a source.
• Colors: a soft single color like cool blue or teal works best behind a screen. Keep it dim.

Smaller gifts

• Thumb grips and a controller stand for a tidier, comfier setup.
• A vertical stand or wall mount for the console, if it fits the space. Check it’s made for that exact model.
• Cable ties and a small cable kit to tidy up the area behind the TV.
• Gift cards or digital store credit if you’re unsure what they already own. It’s never the wrong platform if you pick their store.

Setup tips you can pass along

• Keep the console somewhere with airflow, not shut inside a closed cabinet.
• Leave space around vents, and don’t stack things on top of it.
• Use a surge-protected power bar for the console, TV and any lighting.
• Turn on automatic updates and download big games overnight so they’re ready to play.
• Wrap the gift with a note on which console it fits, so it’s easy to exchange if they already have one.