The holidays are closing in, which means it’s time to panic about getting gifts for your gamer relatives that you don’t know very well. Fear not, as MonsterVine is here with a list to guide you through this tumultuous time!
Excellent Accessories
Astro C40 TR Controller – $200
The C40 TR is a wonderful controller which will take over as the only controller I use for PS4, even if it is lacking the DS4’s lightbar. The modular design makes easy to swap things around, as long as the screwdriver was put back into the case after use. The more I use the C40 TR the more I wish I could use it on Switch and Xbox as well. Hopefully a future iteration will enable that type of functionality, but in the meantime It will be the only device I use to play games on my PS4.
E-winracing Gaming Chair: Champion Series – $289 (10% off with coupon code “MonsterVine” on E-winracing)
If you do any kind of sitting for prolonged periods of time, your body deserves the comfort of a quality chair. The solid built frame with a premium feeling padding and cover make the champion series gaming chairs from E-winracing a strong choice. The subtle color accents would be just my style if it wasn’t for the loud logo placement at every corner, which feels like design took the back seat to marketing. Time will tell how I configure the height, armrests, pillows and angle to optimize my performance and comfort, but I don’t think I will get tired of sitting anytime soon.
BenQ Monitor – $600 (25% off with coupon code “25EX2780Q1” Save $150 on Amazon)
The EX2780Q is a reason to be excited about monitors again. The slew of advanced, cutting edge features might seem overwhelming at first, but the proof is in the picture. Superb image quality right out of the box with plenty of deep customization settings to tweak things just right for each game. The ability to play without headphones and still have a quality audio experience makes coming home from work to play a game, that much more relaxing. Monitor upgrades are an important component to maintaining an optimal gaming experience and it doesn’t get more optimal than upgrading to the EX2780Q.
Lexip Pro Pu94 Mouse – $145
The Lexip Pro Pu94 Mouse is a smooth and incredibly comfortable mouse that features ceramic pads on the bottom, 360° joystick motion control, and a small joystick for your thumb. To hear more about the mouse, check out our podcast below:
Headphones
Astro A50 Wireless – $300
Astro’s A50 Wireless headset is well worth the asking price for enthusiasts looking to upgrade their equipment with a cordless touch. The docking station is accessible, easy to set up and comes with a number of different audio options (optical/USB) with a PC or console (PS4/Xbox One) toggle. The headset features a 7.1 Dolby Surround Sound and noise cancellation offer crisp, clear sounds and is perfect for anyone that enjoys the little details in their video game. Additionally, a swappable head and ear-rest allow for both customization and comfort, inviting longer duration play sessions as a result. The flip-mic to mute is a real nice touch to boot. Anyone looking for a significant auditory upgrade to their gaming setup, the Astro A50 headset comes highly recommended.
Great Budget Games (<$20)
The Last of Us: Remastered (PS4) – $20
Often hailed as one of the greatest games of the last generation, the PS4 remaster of The Last of Us is part of the Playstation Hits collection, meaning it’s new permanent price is a cool $20. With a gripping and intense story, haunting atmosphere, and brutal but satisfying gameplay, it’s the perfect game to buy someone who likes serious stories in their games. And with the much-anticipated sequel on the way, you’ll be prepping them for what will likely be one of the biggest releases of 2020.
Team Sonic Racing (Nintendo Switch) – $20
If Mario Kart isn’t quite your style, or if you’re just looking for a fun 1-4 player co-op racer to play with family over the holidays, look no further than Team Sonic Racing. With plenty of characters from across the Sonic franchise, creative racetracks based on iconic Sonic stages, and some of the best music in a racing game, Team Sonic Racing is a light and fun way to create grudges between family members.
Best Gift for Aspiring Content Creators
AverMedia Live Gamer Mini – $130
The Live Gamer Mini is a decent first capture card for anyone with a budget and content-creating aspirations. It’s well-designed and easy to use, though anyone with a weaker computer will have to settle for lower video quality. Overall, the Live Gamer Mini is a good first step for fledgling streamers or video producers.
And that’s our gift guide. Let us know what you’re grabbing, or what you’re hoping to get, and stick around for more holiday content.
