The best new consoles and games to gift every gamer

Video game expert Ajay Fry shares his top picks for everyone from the casual user to the dedicated gamer.
November 18, 2020 10:35 a.m. EST
November 18, 2020 10:35 a.m. EST
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The holidays are right around the corner, and this is year is a special one for gamers! There are a host of new consoles that have just been released that every gamer is definitely itching to get their hands on. Whether they're an experienced virtual warrior or the casual user, there's a console out there for everybody. Gaming expert Ajay Fry revealed the top five consoles to gift this year, along with his picks of the hottest games everyone wants to play!

XBOX SERIES X|S

For dedicated gamers

The most powerful video game console ever created - the Series X might have you considering a new TV too just to get the full bang for your buck. Unfortunately, the new Halo game has been postponed so there’s currently no ‘game’ driving consoles sales and the head of Xbox, Phil Spencer has promised that for the first year any game released for the Series X will also be made available for the Xbox one X. With almost no load times, 4k gaming at 120fps, new controllers, and backwards compatibility, this console is great for your passionate gamer.Best Buy | $600

PLAYSTATION 5

For dedicated gamers

While technically not as robust as the Xbox Series X, the Playstation 5 is only fractionally behind, and as often is the case with Sony systems, a bit ahead with exclusive games. The haptic feedback in the new DualSense controller is a literal game-changer with more than just rumbles, games provide feedback that can change with your environment. With 4k gaming at 120 fps, new controllers with longer battery life, and exclusive games like Spider-Man: Miles Morales, this console has been flying off the shelves!Best Buy | $630

OCULUS QUEST 2 64GB

For anyone desperate to escape isolation

The Oculus Quest 2 might be fondly remembered by the kids of today in the way my generation looks back on the SNES or N64. Finally, Virtually Reality is here and as a standalone system. With the Quest 2, you don’t need a computer (though it can work with them) and there’s a huge library of games, experiences and demos ready to enjoy on your own, or in virtual multiplayer environments. It's fully independent VR - no PC/Console required, and it's cable-free.Amazon | $550

GAMES

Along with the new consoles, there are plenty of new games out this year that your resident game can't wait to get their hands on. Check them out below!

MARIO KART LIVE: HOME CIRCUIT

Mario Kart has been around for nearly 30 years, and now you can enjoy it from the floor of your own home. Using your Nintendo switch and included physical racing kart and materials you transform your home into various Mario kart circuits and then race through it alone or with your family! It's classic Mario Kart Gameplay in an entirely new way! You can have up to 4 players (with individual systems and karts). The game requires a Nintendo Switch!EB Games | $130

SPIDER-MAN: MILES MORALES

For Playstation 4 and Playstation 5, this is an action-adventure game featuring your friendly neighbourhood web-slinger!Amazon | $65

CALL OF DUTY: COLD WAR

For PC, Xbox One + Series, Playstation 4 and Playstation 5! This game features the COD gameplay you know and love, set during the Cold War.EB Games | $80

WATCH DOGS LEGION

For PC, Xbox One + Series, Playstation 4 and 5. Set in a dystopic post-Brexit London, this action-adventure game for grown-ups is extremely timely given the current state of the world.Amazon | $80

AMONG US

Available on PC and Mobile, Among Us is a social game that’s blown up on Twitch. Join a Zoom call and play with your friends. Then kill one in the game, and blame it on another friend!Google Play | $6[video_embed id='2030335']BEFORE YOU GO: Cat attempts daily hilarious attack on mail carrier[/video_embed]

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