The Tears of the Kingdom: The Nintendo’s Best Video Game of the Year 1977 – 2023 ($gamma vs. Xbox)
Chances are it’s going to be in you when you die a fourth time. The game is reminiscent of the Casetlevania-like graphics, soundtrack, and casino-like rewards that you receive from killing scores of monsters. The free add-ons and co-op keeps you coming back for more. Price: $4.99
Jordan Minor’s recent book represents a fresh take on video game history and the concept of “GOTY” lists. The author highlights a single video game that defined each year between 1977 through 2022, often focusing on the most culturally significant game as opposed to the “best” of the year. Along with excellent art throughout Minor’s essays are guest write-ups from top-class game critics and journalists. Price: $20.80
There is no arguing that Tears of the Kingdom is the best video game of the year. The Nintendo title blends the open world of Hyrule with a unique crafting mechanic that provides an infinite number of ways to solve puzzles and fight monsters.
Source: The Verge’s 2023 gaming and entertainment holiday gift guide
The FunKey and Steam Deck: A Cool, Darling, Efficient, High-Capacity, Low-Power, Retro-Gaming PC
It’s okay to be awestruck by the lovingly detailed nostalgia beaming from this Pac-Man Lego set. The colorful, 2,651-piece building kit is a faithful recreation of a timeless arcade cabinet, complete with a light-up coin slot and a mechanical crank that moves Pac-Man and his ghostly pursuers around around the maze. $2699.99 is the price
Valve’s newly launching Steam Deck OLED is sure to be a hot commodity this holiday season. While the original Deck with a standard LCD screen is still a great handheld gaming PC, the new model sports a slightly larger, higher-quality OLED panel with a higher refresh rate and increased battery life, improving the overall look and experience of games. A price of $549+ is included.
Logitech’s G Pro X Superlight 2 may have a super long name, but it’s super short on heft, weighing in at just 60 grams. The new mouse is a little thin and lacks the frills of a full-time keyboard, but it can help you land those perfect no-scopes in Counter-Strike 2 by night. You can pay $159.99.
The FunKey is possibly the coolest, most darling handheld ever made. The console is a lot like the Game Boy AdvanceSP that plays retro games. The screen is 1.54 inches, so it is more of a novelty than something to play Super Mario World on in it, but hey, why not?
Source: The Verge’s 2023 gaming and entertainment holiday gift guide
The Art of Baldur’s Gate 3 in the Sega-Verse: A Gift for the G-Paint Webheads
The Spider-Verse movies are a great depiction of comic book stories but it’s the unique artwork and visual style that sets them apart from other superhero flicks. Any webhead fan who likes a good hardcover will love the official art book for the most recent Spider-man issue. Price: $23.48
Although console makers sell controllers in a fun range of colors, gifting a custom gamepad goes above and beyond to create something truly unique. Microsoft offers a design lab for tweaking its standard controllers, and third-party shops such as BattleBeaver and AimControllers also offer hardware modifications for both the PS and Xbox. Price: $150+
Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of the best games of all time, even if you are a hardcore pencil-and-paperRPG Veteran or a complete newcomer. The combat is amazing, but the interaction with the character is the true hallmark of the game. The branching path of the story gives hundreds of hours of playtime, with great voice acting making the characters both memorable and endearing. Price: $59.99
Source: The Verge’s 2023 gaming and entertainment holiday gift guide
The New Hybrid Xbox Wireless Controller: A New Kind of Bluetooth Accessoires for High-Dimensional PC/PC/Console Games
While some criticize that the standard Xbox Wireless Controller ships with basic AA batteries, one advantage is that you can easily replace them with good old-fashioned rechargeable cells. The dual charging cradle from Hori includes two long lasting batteries, four battery covers, and a controller that will allow you to drop a controller or two and start charging immediately. The price is $27.46
If you subscribe to Apple Arcade, you will find that the Apple TV 4K is one of the best streaming devices on the market and double as a mini gaming console. With it, you can connect a Bluetooth controller like the PlayStation 5’s DualSense, thus allowing games that were initially developed for PC / consoles to be played on the big screen for which they were designed. It’s $129+.
The second-gen Sonos Beam is a terrific sound bar with big sound for its small footprint. It uses eARC for less noise, so that games do not have the annoying audio delay that can ruin home theater setup. If you want to listen to music in multiple rooms it will work with the rest of the system. Price: $499
Source: The Verge’s 2023 gaming and entertainment holiday gift guide
Love Letter: A plush test dummy from Skelly and other supergiant games, and an inexpensive, non-perturbatively fun card game
“Hey-a there, boy-o!” It is a plush version of the test dummy from Supergiant Games, Skelly. The trash-talking plush features poseable arms and legs, and he sounds off with various one-liners when you rough him up or squeeze him. Just keep in mind that plush Skelly won’t magically re-form when cut into pieces like his in-game version. Price: $9
If you are a fan of both From Software and records, then you should get the Elden Ring Standard Edition Vinyl. The soundtrack for The Lands Between features 17 tracks from the game and includes a beautiful artwork of the game’s symbol, the Erdtree. $34.99 is the price.
MCU movie fatigue may be a very real thing for many of us, but Loki remains a high point for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Disney Plus series, which stars Tom Hiddleston as the antihero, is different from other superhero films because of its design and fun time paradoxes. The price was $39.96
Love Letter is the perfect ice breaker for a group of up to six people. The deduction-based card game is a great on-ramp to more involved and unique “designer” tabletop games, though it’s so much fun on its own that I wouldn’t be particularly shocked if you ended up playing this inexpensive, travel-friendly game all night. $11.98 is the price.
Source: The Verge’s 2023 gaming and entertainment holiday gift guide
Hounded: A Game-theoretic Alternative to a Single HDMI 2.1 Dual-Port PlayStation/Xbox/PSS/XBox Splitter
Your ability to get the most out of current consoles is hampered by your TV that has only oneHDMI 2.1 port. A two-by-one splitter like this option from Jsaux allows both a PlayStation 5 and an Xbox Series X to share the same port, so both consoles can reach 4K resolution / 120Hz on supported sets. price is $18
A night out with your friends is incomplete without a competition, and Hounded is a great way to test your wits against one another. One player plays as The Fox, trying to outsmart and outrun the other player’s Master of Hounds. It takes less than an hour to play, which means it works well to a lot of repeat games. Price: $16.67
The animated Star Wars Visions series was very popular with Star Wars fans, and they are likely to like the novel, called Ronin: A Visions Novel. “The Duel” is an original book that was inspired by a Visions video and depicts a story of a wandering Sith who struggles to escape his past. Price: $15.92
Source: The Verge’s 2023 gaming and entertainment holiday gift guide
Nerf Weapons for Mecha Genomics: Casetify’s Neon Genesis Evangelion Phone Cases and AirPod Cases
The Nerf weapon is a foam dart blaster. It’s a recreation of the needler in theHalo franchise, with light up needles. When you play Nerf on a shelf, you can use the motorized drum to rattle off up to 10 darts. It is best used at the birthday party of your choosing.
Casetify’s Neon Genesis Evangelion line of phone cases, AirPod cases, and other accessories are sure to be a hit with fans of the classic mecha anime. Many of the designs prominently feature the iconic characters and EVA units of the show and rebuild movies, including some of that classic NERV and SEELE typography. Price: $72
Sony’s single-purpose gadgets include the PS Portal, which offers a solution to streaming games off your PS 5 via remote play. You can play your games on its eight-inch screen without taking up the family TV, or simply take your games with you to bed — trusting you have good Wi-Fi, that is. The price is $199.99.
Many of the best TVs for gaming right now are super-pricey OLEDs, but the TCL QM8 is a 4K panel that offers a lot at a much lower price tag. The MiniLED TV has great black levels, and supports a 120Hz refresh rate via a pair of HDMI 2.1 ports, which can be used to connect a PS5 and Xbox Series X.
Source: The Verge’s 2023 gaming and entertainment holiday gift guide
Game Pass for XBOX ONE: a gift for a day’s play on a gaming laptop with all-sky gaming experience
It is possible to give a gift of a few months of Game Pass for the XBOX ONE, which allows you to play hundreds of quality titles for the console. It’s quite thecurated collection of games, having hit titles such as Lies of P and Cocoon. Price: $16.99+
Few gaming laptops are as svelte and enjoyable to use for actual laptop duties as the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14. The excellent 14-incher can handle high-fidelity games on its 165Hz QHD screen, but unlike other gaming laptops, it’s actually designed to leave your desk and do the everyday computing thing — without leaving you feeling like you’re toting around a boat anchor everywhere you go. It was $1,699.99.
The hallmark console of the new era was the Xbox 360, it ushered in HD graphics and online play. This building set by Mega will give you the nostalgia for the old console. The model recreates the unique shaped console, its wireless gamepad, and even the physical case of the game.
The comfort and performance of the new Meta’squest 3 have improved greatly, with snappier performance and better displays than the Quest 2. It is the best headset for virtual reality that is currently on the market, it plays fitness games like Supernatural and Resident Evil 4, and is capable of playing other video games as well. Price: $499
The Broad Band Honors Your Mother for Giving: $299+ Personalized Smart Glasses and Amazon Echo Dots with a Free Mother’s Day
Did you know a woman published the first computer program back in the Victorian ages? In Broad Band, Claire Evans pays tribute to the female pioneers behind the development of the internet. She also shares their stories, painting a picture of real women with their own fair share of flaws, pain, and failures, who changed the world regardless. Price: $12.29+
Amazon’s latest Echo Dot is the perfect little helper. The fifth-gen smart speaker can play music for your mom when she wants to relax as well as send her reminders regarding upcoming deadlines. She can also use her hands-free control over her lights, and other smart home devices, if she is on an Eero network. Price: $22.99+
The Aura Carver is a cloud- connected frame which can help bridge the distance for mom who lives far away. She could put landscape and side by side portraits of her grandkids on the display, which would only take a few minutes, and she could also use it as a way to display her other gadgets, such as her phone. And who knows? Maybe she’ll put a photo of you on there. There is a price for $149+.
You could always gift a set of regular sunglasses, though we have a feeling they’d pale in comparison to the recently launched Ray-Ban Meta. You can take photos and video, make phone calls, and even live stream your adventures on social media with the unique smart glasses. $299 is the price
Source: The Verge’s 2023 holiday gift guide for moms
Chi Original: A New Tech Gadget for Moms? The Secret of Flip Phones: Getting Your Mom Up Quick and Easy with Google Pixel Watch 2
We’ll let you in on a secret for mothers who’ve been longing for the days of flip phones. The 6.7-inch Android phone flips shut like many of the most memorable phones from the ‘90s, except it also includes modern touches like a dual-camera setup, IPX8 water resistance, and a 3.4-inch front cover screen. You can get it for $999.99.
Moms who have trouble getting out the door in the morning should look into a flat iron that is quick and easy to use. Not only is the Chi Original fast but the high-heat flat iron also features ceramic plates that allow it to safely straighten even the frizziest of hair. If your mom is feeling excited, she can use it to create flips or add beach waves. Price: $85.99
TheGooglePixel Watch 2 is the only one of the few that can match it. Better health and fitness tracking can be achieved with the second-gen model, which offers all day battery life and faster charging. It also features a nightly SpO2 and automatic workout tracking for seven activity types. $343.99 is the price
Source: The Verge’s 2023 holiday gift guide for moms
The JewelMango One-touch Nespresso Inissia Necklace: Fashionable and Practical Jewelry for Moms with Glasses
Coffee is essential to life because most people wouldn’t function without it. Frequent trips to the shop can get expensive, however, which is why the one-touch Nespresso Inissia is both helpful and economical. The compact machine can brew delicious espresso faster than it takes to order one, often at a fraction of the price. The price is $117+.
It’s true, we all need glasses sooner or later. Fortunately, this ring-equipped necklace from JewelMango is both fashionable and practical, as it allows your mom to wear her glasses around her neck so they’re never far from reach. You can also choose the color of the suede cord and the style of the ring, letting you add a personal touch only your mom would appreciate. The price is $18.
Source: The Verge’s 2023 holiday gift guide for moms
Beauty of Joseon’s Relief Sun, TikTok, and Wireless Ear Candies – A Mother-sized Robot Vacuum for Moms and Dads
While robot vacuums are easy to clean up, the Roborock S8 is nearly effortless. Not only does therobovac clean carpets. Well. but it’s also capable of lifting its own mop, allowing it to tackle your entire home in a single go. It’s a good upgrade from the preceding model because of it’sAI powered obstacle avoidance and dual rubber roller brushes. Price: $599.99+
If sunscreen isn’t already a part of your mom’s daily skincare routine, it really should be. Beauty of Joseon’s Relief Sun offers excellent SPF 50 protection, thus shielding your mom from sunburns and cancer-causing agents. The sunscreen used by TikTok is made from various ingredients which are rich in minerals to make the skin more supple and smooth. Price is $12.60
The Beats Studio Buds Plus sound great and come in a nice semi translucent shell that makes them a delight for both eyes and ears. The wireless ear candies — err, earbuds — are also great at tuning out noise and work with both Apple and Android devices so you can tap into Apple’s Find My network or the Google equivalent. $133.99+ is the price
Source: The Verge’s 2023 holiday gift guide for moms
The Kindle Paperwhite: A Gift for Mom-Inspired Ideas for 2023 Technology Gadgets (The Verge’s 2023 Gift Guide for Moms)
When it’s freezing outside, nothing beats a hot bath and a good book. With its IPX8 waterproofing and monthslong battery life, the latest Kindle Paperwhite makes relaxing in the tub for hours on end even more relaxing. You can set the lights to dim with the e-reader’s sharp 300ppi display. Price: $139.99
Buy your mom an iPad if you can’t decide on a gift. The versatile gadget can function as an ad hoc TV, e-reader, notebook, and even a canvas, letting your mom entertain herself in a number of different ways. The budget model to buy is the 2021 model that is cheaper than the 10th-gen iPad. $249+ is the price
Do you know if your mom still drives from the early aughts? If it’s true she’ll be helped tomodernize it slightly by using theBluetooth Aux Receiver. You can pair your phone with the battery-operated accessory to listen to music and directions on your car’s stereo system instead of using the phone as a speaker. Price: $16.99
Source: The Verge’s 2023 holiday gift guide for moms
The New Instax Mini 12 and the New Apple TV 4K as Essentials for a Mother-Inspired Future Self-Transporter
Any mom who has a soft spot for nostalgia will appreciate Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 12. The latest camera from Fujifilm required her to only point and shoot, like the instant cameras from the Polaroid era. It is a fun gift that she can use to help her connect with her inner child. Price: $69.95+
Moms have enough on their plates to take care of as is, which is why gifting a low-maintenance plant like a succulent is always a wise decision. This set of plants can add beauty and life to any living space without you having to babysit, and is a great alternative to the roses and other plants that have a short shelf life. The price is $48.
The latest Apple TV 4K is a gift that’ll help your mom take a much-deserved break. It’s more affordable than the prior model, yet it’s also faster and touts comprehensive support for Dolby Vision / Atmos. She can even use the streaming box to enjoy add-on subscriptions if she’s embedded in the Apple ecosystem or connect her AirPods for private listening. Price: $129.99
Stylish and multifunctional, Ecosusi’s vintage-inspired bag features gold embellishments for an elegant vibe that’s perfect for work or play. The attractive bag is also available in an array of color combos and comes with detachable shoulder straps so your mom can turn it into a handbag for after-work cocktails or even use it as a backpack while traveling. You can get a price of $52+.
Source: The Verge’s 2023 holiday gift guide for moms
Populating Your Mom with a Kickstand, or What Happens When You Become a Mom: Lego’s New Insect Kit
If you can get a kickstand, then why not buy a boring charge? Belkin’s BoostCharge Pro with MagSafe can quickly supply MagSafe-compatible iPhones with up to 15W of power. Best of all, it can take advantage of iOS 17’s StandBy mode, letting you turn your phone into a desk-friendly calendar, clock, or photo frame. Price: $19.49+
Your mom can wear pantyhose whenever she pleases. You can easily dress them up with a skirt for parties or tone them down with a pair of jeans, and they work great during both the warmer and cooler months with a bit of layering. The options of this long-sleeved option are pretty nondescript but are also available in a lot of different colors. A price of $21.98 and above.
A fun way to pass the time on rainy days, Lego’s new insect kit is designed to bring a bit of the great outdoors inside. The 1,111-piece set lets you build life-size, posable replicas of several insects — a Chinese mantis, a Hercules beetle, and a blue morpho butterfly — all three of which can be displayed as beautiful home decor upon completion. Price: $79.99
Source: The Verge’s 2023 holiday gift guide for moms
Stardew Valley: A cozy sim with Bluetooth tracking and Bluetooth tracking for moms to take care of her suitcase. Price: $13.99+. Christmas gifts from moms unique ideas 2023 tech gadgets
If your mom has been a Nintendo Switch user, chances are she will fall in love with Stardew Valley again. You can build farms, spelunking, and even raise a family with it, but instead of playing a game for hours on end it is more like a cozy sim. It is $14.99+.
luggage can get lost in airports during the season, as they can be overwhelming. Thankfully, the latest Tile Mate can help your mom keep a closer tab on her suitcase, purse, and even her keys from up to 250 feet away. The handy Bluetooth trackers work with both iOS and Android so she can rest easy no matter what phone she uses. Price: $17.99+
Olive oil is a key ingredient in many a Mediterranean dish, from pasta and pesto to hummus and even salad. Unlike most olive oils in the US, which are sold in a bottle, the Sizzle Extra Virgin Olive Oil comes in a nifty squeeze bottle that makes it more convenient to cook with. Price: $13.99
Source: The Verge’s 2023 holiday gift guide for moms
Umbra’s clever lamp — a smart lamp for pen and pencils, styluses, and other paper-age related gadgets
Even in a digital age, handwriting has its benefits. It adds a personal touch to letters and it helps us retain information better. Paperage has notebooks with a pocket and stickers that allow mom to put pen to paper with a little style. The price is $19.95
It is a cup. It is a smart lamp. Is it a cup smart lamp? Uncreative name aside, Umbra’s clever piece of lighting is actually a pretty cool lamp that can display millions of colors while housing pens, pencils, styluses, and other desktop accessories. Your mom can use her voice to control it with a host of assistants if it supports the new Matter standard. Price: $130
