15 Must-Have Gifts for Gamers

The Meta Quest 2 headset might just be the best way to experience virtual reality. The stand-alone model is completely wireless, and its image quality is sharp. Its library features an array of games like Resident Evil 4, Little Cities, and Beat Saber—which CR tech reporter Nicholas De Leon describes as a cross between Guitar Hero or Rock Band and the popular mobile game Fruit Ninja. And then there’s the opportunity to hop into Horizon Worlds, Meta’s version of the metaverse, which is a term that refers to the virtual world. Last but not least, the controllers are shaped to all but melt into your hands while you’re using them, De Leon says.

This is a wired model with cables that descend from both ear cups, as a user in our study noted, which can be a nuisance. Inline controls let you adjust the volume and mute the mic. The mic can also be removed if you’d like to use the headphones to listen to music and movie soundtracks. The included PC splitter cable provides access to headphone and mic jacks on computers. The headset is compatible with Mac and PC; PS5 and PS4; Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One; and mobile devices that accept a 3.5-mm audio plug, but you have to choose the correct model for your computer or console.

This is a 2.4-gigahertz wireless model with DTS Headphone:X v2.0 surround sound technology and a claimed battery life of 24 hours. It has an LED light indicator for monitoring the battery level. On-ear controls let you adjust the volume, mute the mic, and tweak the balance between game and chat audio. The mic retracts into an ear cup. A user in our study mentioned that the headset comes with software that allows you to put more emphasis on footsteps or fire. Another admired the ski-goggle-style headband that keeps the plastic headband off your head. The manufacturer also includes a 3.5-mm audio cord for wired use with mobile devices. The headset is compatible with Mac and PC, Nintendo Switch, and PS. (The PS 4 doesn’t support the surround sound feature.)

For more options: How to Choose a Gaming Headset

Beyond the subtle wings at the top of the backrest, the Staples Emerge Vortex generally sidesteps the bucket-seat design. It’s very budget-friendly, too. You can flip the armrests up and out of the way and control the height of the seat to a certain degree (maybe not as low as some would like), and that’s about it. The model locks in the upright position or releases into a recline. Its relatively open design makes this one of the more comfortable chairs we’ve tested. The armrests are set fairly far apart, offering generous clearance. And while the fabric on the model might be less breathable than that on others, the seat pan is pleasant to sit on. The backrest is fixed to the seat pan at an angle greater than 90 degrees, too, which allows for good posture.

Here’s another chair with an open seat design. It’s widely adjustable, too. With the Mavix M9, you can control the height of the armrests and the lumbar support (with the backrest), plus the depth of the seat pan (though the minimum setting might not be short enough for some). The backrest reclines separately from the seat pan and armrests, making it easier to maintain good posture when leaning back. We found the lumbar support to be comfortable, though, and less pronounced than that on other chairs. And overall, the Mavix M9 is one of the more comfortable chairs we reviewed.

For more options: Best Gaming Chairs

The Logitech Ergo K860 is a Bluetooth keyboard featuring a tented, split design, effectively reducing ulnar deviation and wrist pronation. The model has a comfortable palm rest and legs up front to adjust the tilt angle, allowing the wrists to rest in a neutral position while typing. The membrane keys—which aren’t intended for anything heavy-duty and can work for light gaming—are easy to activate and include a number pad, shortcut/media control options, and programmable functions. It’s compatible with Mac and Windows.

For more options: Best Ergonomic Keyboard for You

Available in a wired or wireless configuration, the Kinesis Freestyle2 features a fully split design. That means each half of the keyboard can be positioned directly in line with the user’s shoulders, effectively reducing internal shoulder rotation and ulnar deviation of the wrist. The membrane keys are easy to activate and include options for shortcuts and media controls. The palm rests, adjustable legs, and number pad are sold separately ($35 to $50). It’s compatible with Android, Chrome, iOS, Linux, Mac, and Windows. While this model isn’t intended for long stretches, it may be a good option for light gaming.

For more options: Best Ergonomic Keyboards

This mouse places the forearm, wrist, and hand in a “handshake” position, greatly reducing stress on the forearm. When properly oriented, it reduces wrist extension, too. Note, however, that the natural position with the front facing forward requires slight extension. This model features 11 programmable buttons, five dpi settings, and a matte finish that feels comfortable under the fingers and palm. On top, you’ll find a mini joystick, handy for gamers but potentially annoying for others because it springs into action with a slight bump. There’s no left-handed option.

The unique shape and pronounced thumb rest of this mouse reduce forearm stress while preserving elements of the traditional horizontal form. Because of that orientation and the bulky form factor, however, the model does little to reduce wrist strain. The model features five programmable buttons, a four-way scroll wheel, and a glossy finish that picks up fingerprints and may make the palm and fingers feel sweaty. It lacks dpi settings and a forward button for navigating the web, opting instead for a Windows Start button. The USB dongle provided for a wired connection can be safely stowed inside the mouse when not in use. There’s no left-handed option.

This mouse places the forearm, wrist, and hand in a handshake position, greatly reducing forearm stress. When properly oriented, it also reduces wrist strain. Note, however, that the natural position with the front facing forward requires slight wrist extension. The model features six programmable buttons, a rechargeable battery, a four-way scroll wheel, and a textured finish on the thumb rest that makes it comfortable to grip. The dpi button allows you to toggle through a range of settings from 400 to 4000. The mouse can be connected to a computer via Bluetooth, a USB dongle, or the USB-C to USB charging cable. There’s no left-handed option.

For more options: Best Ergonomic Mice