X
CNET logo Why You Can Trust CNET

Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement

The best gaming gear to give

You need the right hardware to play the right games. Here's a list of our top picks for the holiday season.

Jeff Bakalar
Jeff is CNET Editor at Large and a host for CNET video. He's regularly featured on CBS and CBSN. He founded the site's longest-running podcast, The 404 Show, which ran for 10 years. He's currently featured on Giant Bomb's Giant Beastcast podcast and has an unhealthy obsession with ice hockey and pinball.
Jeff Bakalar
Super_Slim_PS3_35454664_35454666_35454667_35454668_04.jpg
1 of 9 CNET

Super Slim PlayStation 3

You need the right hardware to play the best games. Here are our top picks for the holiday season.

The latest PS3 slims down to its smallest size ever while retaining everything we like -- and a few things we don't -- about the PlayStation 3 gaming console. First available bundled with Uncharted 3 or Assassin's Creed III, look for Sony to sell the slimmed-down console alone down the road. ($270, available now)
original_610x322.jpg
2 of 9 Nintendo

Nintendo Wii U (Deluxe Set)

While we've yet to fully review the Wii U, we've had enough hands-on time to know that this console's potential has been under-emphasized. From unique dual-screen games to what seems like the best universal remote on paper, the Wii U will be this holiday season's most interesting product. ($350, November 18)
xbox360-4gb-kinect-bundleanrhi.jpg
3 of 9 Microsoft

Xbox 360 with Kinect

For those who've yet to jump into what the Xbox 360 has to offer, the Kinect bundle might be the best way to go. ($300, available now)
35335413.jpg
4 of 9 CNET

Nintendo 3DS XL

The supersize Nintendo 3DS XL is a solid portable gaming device and is mostly everything the original 3DS should have been. ($200, available now)
VITA_02.jpg
5 of 9 Sarah Tew/CNET

Sony PlayStation Vita

The Vita had a fantastic launch with a handful of games available on the first day. While it's been a while since then, we're finally starting to see a few must-have titles pop up. ($250, available now)
Kinect_Sensor_1_copy.jpg
6 of 9 Sarah Tew/CNET

Microsoft Kinect

Easily the most popular motion-controlled gaming interface currently on the market, Kinect uses no controllers whatsoever and puts you in total control. While it may not have resonated well with core gamers, Kinect has been a hit with dance games like the Dance Central series. ($100, available now)
MarioWii.jpg
7 of 9 Nintendo

Nintendo Wii Bundle with Mario Kart Wii

Yes, we know. The Wii is most certainly on its way out. But that doesn't mean it's lost all of the great games. If upgrading to the Wii U is not on the table, this Wii bundle may be the way to go, not to mention it can be had for half the price of the entry-level Wii U. ($150, available now)
Astro_A50_35411020_12.jpg
8 of 9 Sarah Tew/CNET

Astro A50 Wireless Gaming Headset

The Astro A50 is hands down one of the best wireless gaming headsets on the market today. While we wish it supported multiple consoles at once, the A50 system will have you fragging away with surround sound in no time. ($300, available now)
xp400.jpg
9 of 9 Turtle Beach

Turtle Beach XP400

The XP400s are another pair of wireless gaming headphones that deliver fantastic surround sound and work with either the Xbox 360 or the PlayStation 3. The best part? They're the only headset that can allow for wireless Xbox 360 chat. (around $200, available now)

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos