This holiday season is a little different from usual, and with us now spending more time at home, there's no better opportunity for gaming. And while the new Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S have proven near-impossible to find, there are some unmissable Xbox gaming gifts this year, while also surprisingly affordable. These are the best holiday gifts for Xbox gamers in 2020, all available below $100.
New Xbox Wireless Controller
The best controller
Microsoft launched Xbox Series X with an all-new controller, boasting improved ergonomics and a dedicated share button. It even works with older Xbox One systems and earning our best Xbox controller award in 2020; it's the one to buy this holiday.
PowerA MOGA Mobile Gaming Clip for Xbox
Xbox on your phone
With Xbox cloud gaming finally a reality, including remote play to iOS and Android devices, it's now possible to bring full-fledged console games on the move. This officially licensed mount is a must-buy accessory, affixing directly to your Xbox One controller and smartphone.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 1 Month Membership
Incredible value
Microsoft's all-inclusive Xbox Game Pass subscription service is one of the best gifts for gamers, with this one-month code unlocking over 300 games on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PCs. It also includes Xbox Live Gold benefits and 100 additional titles on phones through xCloud game streaming.
Razer Kishi Controller
Handheld Xbox gaming
The Razer Kishi is the closest you'll get to an Xbox-branded Nintendo Switch, coupling perfectly with mobile games or Microsoft's xCloud game streaming suite. It has the same button and thumbstick layout as the Xbox controller, with a simple clip-on design for most phones.
HyperX CloudX
No-compromise audio
The HyperX CloudX is one of the best cheaper headsets we'd recommend gifting, especially for those looking for impressive audio quality and a robust design for less. This wired setup punches far above its price point, designed to work with Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 Wireless Headset
Cable-free listening
Turtle Beach revised its Stealth 600 headset this year, once again delivering insane value and a popular choice for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S this holiday. You get the same excellent sound quality and microphone, now offering bolstered build quality and more features.
PowerA Dual Charging Station for Xbox
Stay topped up
Juice up your Xbox controllers with this dual charging station from PowerA, featuring two sets of rechargeable cells, and battery doors compatible with both Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S controllers. It adds huge convenience to everyday gaming.
Logitech MK270 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo
Pinpoint precision
Logitech bundles a wireless keyboard and mouse combo for $25, pairing perfectly with native support on select Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S titles. Experience Fortnite, Minecraft, Warframe, and more with the unbeaten precision of cursor aiming.
Amazon Echo Dot (4th Gen)
Easy voice control
Xbox consoles come with hassle-free voice commands through Amazon Alexa-enabled speakers, and the latest Echo Dot provides one of the best ways to upgrade. You can remotely power your console, boot applications, and control media, all with the dulcet tones of your voice.
Give the gift of gaming
These gaming gifts all help upgrade your Xbox experience, with many handpicked as the most affordable in their class, without compromising features or quality. Accessories like the PowerA MOGA Mobile Gaming Clip (opens in new tab) for Xbox provide incredible long-term value, as one of the best cloud gaming experiences. The clip easily mounts your smartphone and Xbox One controller into a single unit, making it possible to play your Xbox games throughout the house or anywhere in the world with a stable internet connection. We even named this the best Xbox accessory back in 2019, and it's an ideal stocking stuffer too.
But this holiday is a little different from past years, and the digital gift of an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (opens in new tab) subscription provides value you won't find elsewhere. Microsoft's Xbox gaming subscription continues to gain traction, with a Netflix-style library of over 300 games available across Xbox consoles and Windows 10 PCs. It includes top in-house releases like Halo Infinite and Forza Motorsport on day one, alongside an extensive back-catalog of previous hits. The all-inclusive Ultimate tier now combines Xbox Live Gold for multiplayer too, alongside access to its xCloud game streaming platform on Android devices. There's something available for everyone here, and it's rapidly becoming the must-have for anyone who likes games.
Matt Brown is Windows Central's Senior Games Editor, Xbox & PC, at Future. Following over seven years of professional consumer technology and gaming coverage, he’s focused on the world of Microsoft's gaming efforts. You can follow him on Twitter @mattjbrown.
