2016 Holiday Gamer Gift Guide: Computers, controllers, headphones, and accessories

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Our 2016 Holiday Gift Guides are nearing an end. If you’re looking for a gamer gift outside of the usual video games or Xbox Live cards, our Gamer Gift Guide has a few suggestions for gaming gear we’ve recently reviewed or will be reviewing soon.

Systems

Lenovo ideapad Y900

lenovo-ideapad-y900

From powerful processor, graphics, and audio to ultra-responsive backlit keyboard, turbo boost, and thermal cooling, the ideapad Y900 gives you epic gaming performance – in a laptop. With extra memory and super-fast storage options, you’ll have the extra muscle to outperform anyone, anywhere.

Check out our full review.

MSRP: $1,999+ USD

[button link=”http://amzn.to/2fJM9hh” icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from Amazon[/button][button link=”http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/ideapad/y900-series/y900-17/” icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from Lenovo[/button]

Lenovo ideacentre Y900

lenovo-ideacentre-y900-gtx-1080

With its looks, power, and capacity, this ultimate gaming tower will have your enemies running for cover. Built for hardcore gamers, the Lenovo Ideacentre Y900 is powered by Intel® Core™ i7-6700K (4.00GHz 2133MHz 8MB) Processor and up to NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1080 8GB graphics. So go ahead and crank up every setting to the max – and take your gaming to new levels.

Check out our full review of this Top Pick of 2016.

MSRP: $1,499+ USD

[button link=”http://amzn.to/2eS8J48″ icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from Amazon[/button][button link=”http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/desktops/ideacentre/y900-series/?menu-id=y900_series” icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from Lenovo[/button]

Monitors

Lenovo Y27G Curved Gaming Monitor

lenovo-y27g-curved-gaming-monitor-review

Take your gaming to a new level of totally immersive, life-like action. The Lenovo Y27g Curved Gaming Monitor gives you 27″ of high-contrast, wide-angle viewing on a unique R1800 curved panel optimized for gaming – the most extreme curve panel available today! NVIDIA G-SYNC display technology synchronizes the refresh rate to the GPU to eliminate screen tearing while minimizing display stutter and input lag. It’s a display that’s designed to up your game.

Check out our full review.

MSRP: $599.99USD (currently $549.99USD on Amazon)

[button link=”http://amzn.to/2dlb1dJ” icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from Amazon[/button][button link=”http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/itemdetails/65BEGCC1US/460/202AF4280F534EBA8E923DE37D954D31″ icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from Lenovo[/button]

Headsets

Fatal1ty by Monster FXM 200

Fatal1ty by Monster FXM200 FI

Monster, the world leader in high-performance headphones, and Fatal1ty Gaming Gear, founded by 12x World Champion gamer Johnathan ‘Fatal1ty’ Wendel, unleashed their first two Fatal1ty by Monster gaming headsets. The game-changing FXM 200 is built from the ground-up for those who play to win. The FXM200 gives gamers the edge they need in hearing every sound – from the quietest foot step to discerning an opponent’s weapon of choice. Now you can have the edge to drive your scores to new levels.

Check out our full review.

MSRP: $99.95USD

[button link=”http://amzn.to/2gvjWKS” icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from Amazon[/button]

Sound BlasterX H7

sound-blasterx-h7-review

Games today are advancing not only with graphics, but also with more complex and immersive sound design. And to fully harness all the aural goodness, Sound BlasterX Pro-Gaming Series introduces it’s most advanced surround sound headset yet – the Sound BlasterX H7 professional ultimate 7.1 HD surround USB circumaural gaming headset. Built with the powerful and versatile BlasterX Acoustic Engine, the Sound BlasterX H7 combines large, responsive 50mm Full Spectrum drivers to offer customizable, best-in-class 7.1 surround sound audio for absolute gaming immersion. Forged with a reinforced steel and aluminium architecture, and a lightweight, ergonomically tested design, the Sound BlasterX H7 promises not only comfort during long gaming sessions, but also the durability to withstand abuse. The headset also features dual-mode USB/analog functionality, a detachable noise reduction microphone and comfortable memory foam leatherette ear cushions for ultimate versatility. Step it up with the Sound BlasterX H7 – gaming will never sound the same again.

Check out our full review of this Top Pick of 2016.

MSRP: $129.99USD (currently $109.99USD on Amazon)

[button link=”http://amzn.to/2cEY8qH” icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from Amazon[/button][button link=”http://us.creative.com/p/gaming-headsets/sound-blasterx-h7″ icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from Creative[/button]

HyperX CloudX Pro

hyperx-cloudx-pro-gaming-headset-review

The HyperX CloudX™ Pro Gaming Headset is designed for Xbox and tested and approved by Microsoft. It works with the Xbox Elite Wireless controller and other Xbox One controllers with a 3.5mm stereo headset jack and provides connectivity from the headset to console and mobile devices. With additional Windows compatibility, it comes with a 2M PC extension cable with stereo and mic plugs. HyperX CloudX features immersive in-game audio so you can lose yourself in the game while you’re winning.

Check out our full review of this Top Pick of 2016.

MSRP: $99.99USD

[button link=”http://amzn.to/2gL0kDN” icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from Amazon[/button]

SteelSeries Arctis 7

SteelSeries Arctis FI

The SteelSeries Arctis 7 challenges everything you know about gaming headsets with completely overhauled audio, a new mic design with unmatched clarity, and improved comfort with materials inspired by athletic clothing. Arctis 7 features lag-free wireless audio, 15-hour battery life, a premium steel headband, on-ear Game/Chat audio balance, and DTS Headphone:X 7.1 Surround Sound.

Check back soon for our full review.

MSRP: $149.99USD

[button link=”http://amzn.to/2gIFXUp” icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from Amazon[/button][button link=”https://steelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-7″ icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from SteelSeries[/button]

Thrustmaster Y-350X 7.1 DOOM Edition

Thrustmaster-Y-350X-7.1-DOOM-Edition-Review

The Thrustmaster Y-350X is a New Audio Generation Headset Delivering the Most Powerful Bass on Console Ever! It’s Officially Licensed by Microsoft for Xbox One and Windows 10 and offers DOOM unique cosmetics. 60mm drivers offer the most powerful bass for gaming and the ultimate comfort is assured with 100% memory foam cushions. The Y Sound Commander control panel is a unique instrument panel that plugs into your Xbox One gamepad. It offers backlighted volume status, adjustable master volume, adjustable bass volume and adjustable game/chat balance. The Thrustmaster Y-350X offers “powered” 7.1 Virtual Surround sound with bass-boosted performance. DOOM 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound allows players to know exactly where their opponents/team members are located (thanks to 7.1 positioning).

Check out our full review.

MSRP: $159.99USD

[button link=”http://amzn.to/2h3B3RZ” icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from Amazon[/button]

Viper V360 7.1 Virtual Surround

Viper-V360-7.1-Virtual-Surround-Headset-Review-Top-Pick-2016

The Patriot V360 7.1 virtual surround sound gaming headset is designed to provide an extremely immersive PC gaming experience. Engineered with a closed back and ergonomic ear cups, the V360 blocks out environmental noise and fits comfortably over the ears, while keeping you relaxed and focused to game longer. The built-in microphone with noise cancellation delivers crystal clear sound and folds away while not in use. LED lights, bass and volume controls are conveniently located on the left ear cup eliminating the need for an awkward and heavy audio controller on the cord. Experience Patriot’s revolutionary Ultra Bass Response (UBR) system; simply flip a switch to enable two powerful subwoofers and feel the boom of you games. Backed by Patriot’s full service customer support and a two year warranty, the V360 is compatible with nearly every Windows operating system, including Windows 10 and Mac OS X, or higher.

Check out our full review of this Top Pick of 2016.

MSRP: $39.99USD (currently $34.99USD on Amazon)

[button link=”http://amzn.to/1S8e4Cn” icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from Amazon[/button][button link=”https://patriotmemory.com/product/viper-v360-7-1-virtual-surround-headset/” icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from Patriot[/button]

Audio

Sound BlasterX G5

sound-blasterx-g5-review

The pocket-sized Sound Blaster G5 delivers massively superior gaming audio performance in a compellingly tiny form-factor. This virtual 7.1 24-bit/192kHz, 120dB USB Digital Audio Converter (DAC) and headphone amplifier delivers for the ultimate headphone gaming audio experience – whether it is for your PC or for your gaming console.

Check out our full review (of this Top Pick of 2016).

MSRP: $149.99USD (currently $118.93USD on Amazon)

[button link=”http://amzn.to/2dAweyj” icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from Amazon[/button][button link=”http://us.creative.com/p/sound-blaster/sound-blasterx-g5″ icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from Creative[/button]

Sound BlasterX Katana

BlasterX-Katana

In a league of its own, the Katana fits right under your monitor with a slimness that’s unmatched by other so-called gaming “sound bars”, and is powered and enhanced by Creative’s award-winning multi-core audio DSP making it the world’s first true Under Monitor Audio System (UMAS). In addition, the Sound BlasterX features the Aurora Reactive lighting system, a series of 49 programmable LED lights lined from edge to edge of the Katana chassis, making it the perfect addition to fully optimize and customize your PC and desktop setup.

The Katana gives you an immersive audio experience for your games and movies with the BlasterX Acoustic Engine and Dolby Digital 5.1 Decoder. This audio system embodies the perfect combination of our most powerful 24-bit high-resolution DAC and sophisticated 5-driver system. Housing a tri-amplified design where the 5 drivers are individually powered by DSP-controlled amplifiers, the Katana delivers ultra-precise audio at each part of the audio spectrum. Equipped with a plethora of connectivity options, you can trust the Katana to be one of the most versatile and most powerful speakers to ever grace your desktop.

Check back soon for our full review.

MSRP: $299.99USD

[button link=”http://us.creative.com/p/speakers/sound-blasterx-katana” icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from Creative[/button]

Controllers, Keyboards, & Mice

SCUF Controllers

SCUF-Infinity1-review

Scuf Gaming is a Global Leader and Innovator in eSports, providing Tactical Gear for Elite Gamers – over 90% of the top professional gamers in the world use SCUF. Selling high-end accessories and professional, handcrafted gaming controllers for PC and Console, SCUF offers a number of functional and design features custom built to increase hand use and improve gameplay. Built to specification, SCUF controllers cater to professional and hardcore gamers who recognize that one size does not fit all.

Check out our full review.

MSRP: $119.95+ USD

[button link=”https://scufgaming.com/” icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from SCUF[/button]

Logitech G920 Racing Wheel

Logitech-G920-review

The definitive sim racing wheel for Xbox One and PC. Driving Force is designed for the latest racing game titles for your Xbox One console, plus select titles on your PC. Add Driving Force to your controller selection and you may never want to race with a regular controller again. With dual-motor force feedback, on-wheel controls and responsive pedals, G920 makes racing feel like the real deal.

Check out our full review of this Top Pick of 2016.

MSRP: $399.99USD (currently $319.97USD on Amazon)

[button link=”http://amzn.to/2aVk7t8″ icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from Amazon[/button][button link=”http://gaming.logitech.com/en-us/product/g920-driving-force” icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from Logitech[/button]

Thrustmaster TMX Racing Wheel

Thrustmaster-TMX

Official Racing Simulator for Xbox One and Windows. 900 Degree Force Feedback racing wheel. Realistic 11”/28 cm wheel. Large pedal set included. With its official embedded software, this racing wheel is automatically recognized by the Xbox One console and is compatible with the console’s menus. PC compatibility (Windows 10/8/7/Vista) is ensured thanks to the Thrustmaster drivers available for download from our website. The drive system with adjustable Force Feedback lets you feel every detail while you’re racing (the road or track’s relief, loss of tire grip, braking, bumps and impacts, and more). Rotation angle is adjustable from 270 to 900 degrees. A mixed belt-pulley and gears system is smoother, more fluid and less noisy than helical gears, with a metal ball-bearing axle for enhanced sturdiness. The Thrustmaster TMX comes alongside some very impressive technical specs: the end result is a high-performance wheel that is both solidly-built and precise, delivering unrivalled flexibility for gamers of all levels – from beginners to experienced racers – and on all types of racing circuits.

Check back soon for our full review.

MSRP: $199.99USD

[button link=”http://amzn.to/2gV1ITz” icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from Amazon[/button]

HyperX Alloy Mechanical Keyboard

HyperX-Alloy-FPS

The HyperX Alloy FPS mechanical gaming keyboard features a minimalistic, compact design that’s ideal for FPS gameplay. Its space-saving layout maximizes desktop space for FPS mouse movement. Ultra-portable, HyperX Alloy FPS comes complete with a high-quality mesh travel pouch to store and protect the keyboard and accessories, and the detachable, mini-USB braided power cord reduces storage bulk and potential cable damage. For high-precision, gaming-grade key contact and reliability, it features Cherry MX mechanical keys.

Check back soon for our full review.

MSRP: $99.99USD

[button link=”http://amzn.to/2h6Dl3h” icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from Amazon[/button]

Rival 500 Gaming Mouse

steelseries-rival-500-review-tp

The Rival 500 is the first mouse designed to function with the natural movements of your hand. The side button layout is engineered to the natural contours of your thumb to react accurately and fluidly. With tactile alerts, you can feel in-game events. Everything comes together to create the most dynamic gaming experience possible for the sole purpose of helping you play better. Armed with gaming’s first flick down switches that are extremely easy to distinguish. It’s more ergonomic and gives gamers the fastest reaction time because your thumb moves faster when you flick down opposed to pressing in. When the battle is the most intense you can always find the key you need.

Check out our full review of this Top Pick of 2016.

MSRP: $79.99USD

[button link=”http://amzn.to/2h6OkvQ” icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from Amazon[/button][button link=”https://steelseries.com/gaming-mice/rival-500″ icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from SteelSeries[/button]

Satechi Edge Mouse

Satechi Edge Review FI

The Satechi Edge Wireless Gaming Mouse gives you an advantage over the competition. With 7 buttons at your fingertips, become quick and efficient for high-speed gaming, as well as casual browsing, working, and studying. The combination of 98-foot wireless range, optical sensor, up to 4000 DPI, up to 500Hz polling rate, 20G of acceleration, 7 high-functioning buttons, and comfortable grooved grip results in smooth and precise control of minimal mouse movement, as well as high-velocity movement and mouse commands.

Check out our full review.

MSRP: $24.99USD

[button link=”http://amzn.to/2egRyef” icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from Amazon[/button][button link=”http://www.satechi.net/index.php/computer/control/mice/satechi-edge-gaming-mouse” icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from Satechi[/button]

Viper V560 Laser Gaming Mouse

Viper-V560-Laser-Gaming-Mouse

The Patriot V560 gaming mouse is one of the most customizable mice on the market with up to 29.4g of adjustable weight and five onboard profiles. Nine programmable buttons are easily accessible during intense gaming sessions allowing users to switch profiles quickly to fit personal gaming preferences. The V560 is also equipped with an Xtreme precision laser sensor, with up to 8200 DPI for accuracy and speed while maneuvering through the most demanding games. Conveniently located DPI LED lights indicate the current DPI level and can be modified via the include software application. Two interchangeable grips offer the user customization along with an ergonomic design. The ceramic footpads allow for maximum performance and speed on any surface. Backed by Patriot’s full service customer support and a two year warranty, the V560 is compatible with nearly every Windows operating system, including Windows 10 and later, and Mac OS X, or higher.

Check out our full review (of this Top Pick of 2016).

MSRP: $39.99USD (currently $29.99USD on Amazon)

[button link=”http://amzn.to/1pAsxgw” icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from Amazon[/button][button link=”https://patriotmemory.com/product/viper-v560-laser-gaming-mouse/” icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from Patriot[/button]

UTechSmart Venus MMO Gaming Mouse

UTechSmart Venus MMO Gaming Mouse Top Pick FI

The UtechSmart Venus MMO Gaming Mouse is outfitted with 16400DPI High Precision Laser Sensor that shifts the balance between the keyboard and mouse with its 19 MMO-optimized buttons, as well as 5 Savable Memory Profiles & 8-Piece Weight Tuning Set. Combine the programmable buttons with standard left and right mouse buttons and it all adds up to 19 buttons with which you can punish your competition. The UtechSmart Venus MMO Gaming mouse’s driver software allows you to easily organize your key binds and character abilities for any game by enabling you to fully remap and assign macros to all 19 buttons.

Check out our full review of this Top Pick of 2016.

MSRP: $38.99USD

[button link=”http://amzn.to/2b8wG4b” icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from Amazon[/button]

Accessories

Wheel Stand Pro

wheel-stand-pro-review

The Wheel Stand Pro is a wheel stand for your racing wheels. Wheel, pedals, and shifter (not included) bolt securely to the wheelstand. Built to last a lifetime, the stand comes fully assembled; just attach your gear. In addition, the Wheel Stand Pro is collapsible for easy storage.

Check out our full review.

MSRP: $141.99+ USD

[button link=”http://amzn.to/2fCut32″ icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from Amazon (US)[/button][button link=”http://amzn.to/2gw11QS” icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from Amazon (CA)[/button][button link=”http://www.wheelstandpro.us/” icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from Wheel Stand Pro[/button]

Seagate HDD/SSD Game Drive for Xbox One

seagate-game-drive-for-xbox-ssd

Nothing says “Game Over” for the Xbox One experience like an overloaded hard drive. Boost your console’s storage capacity with the Seagate Game Drive for Xbox, the only external drive designed exclusively for Xbox One and Xbox 360. In a slim size that fits in your pocket, you can store your substantial game collection with tons of space left over for videos and music. With 512GB (SSD), 2TB (HDD), or 4TB (HDD) of additional storage for your Xbox One, you can save the world – or even the galaxy – and all the games that are worth keeping. Free up space on your console’s internal drive while consolidating up to 50 Xbox One games1 into a single location. Plug-and-play functionality gives you instant power up. Xbox automatically detects your drive and walks you through a hassle-free setup process that will have your drive game-ready in minutes. Unplug the Seagate Game Drive and take your entire game library to a friend’s house.2 It’s small enough to slip into your backpack and doesn’t need a separate power cord, so you can play your games but eat their snacks. Game Drive for Xbox is compatible with both Xbox One and Xbox 360, and plugs directly into any USB port in your console.

Check back soon for our full review of the 2TB HDD and 512GB SSD Game Drives for Xbox One.

MSRP: $99.99+ USD

[button link=”http://amzn.to/2gUVVgC” icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from Amazon[/button][button link=”http://www.seagate.com/ca/en/search/?keyword=game%20drive%20for%20xbox” icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from Seagate[/button]

NYKO Charger

Nyko-Charger

Conveniently store and charge two Xbox One Wireless Controllers with Nyko’s Charge Base. The Charge Base comes with two NiMH rechargeable batteries that feature special contact points allowing for an easy drop in and charge power solution for your wireless controllers. The dual port recharging dock is AC powered, and plugs into any standard outlet, requiring no cables back to the console.

Check back soon for our full review.

MSRP: $25.90USD

[button link=”http://amzn.to/2gl3Rad” icon=”fa-shopping-cart” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Purchase from Amazon[/button]

That about does it for our 2016 Holiday Gamer Gift Guide, hopefully you’ve found something that will suit that hard-to-get gamer! If nothing here does the trick, you can always check out our Gaming section for more ideas.

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