Looking for the perfect gamer gifts for the holidays? Look no further than this guide to the best video game gifts of 2016!
Let's face it: gaming is an expensive hobby. But you have to get your fix, right? If you've been holding off until the holidays to get the latest games or console bundles, then now's the time to start shopping. Den of Geek has created a list of this year's best holiday gaming deals as well as some items that are just too good to miss if you're a hardcore gamer. We've even included a link (in orange) below each item that takes you straight to its Amazon page. Convenient, yeah?
Without further ado, here are the must-have gaming gifts of Holiday 2016:
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NES Classic Edition
The Nintendo Switch is coming out next year, looking to be the next step in the evolution of the venerable gaming juggernaut. So we have to wonder, aren't they doing their forthcoming product a huge disservice by announcing it around the same time that their retro-themed NES Classic Edition hits stores? It seems like a bit of a marketing blunder, as all Nintendo coverage quickly went from being about how the Switch was a thing to how impossible it is to buy the NES Classic Edition.
Friends, without any hyperbole we can say that the NES Classic Edition is the hottest item of the holiday season. The main reason why is simple really: The NES was, and remains, amazing. Who wouldn't want to shell out a mere $60 for 30 classic games (including the first three Super Mario Bros. games and The Legend of Zelda, among many others)?
This release appeals to casual gamers and hardcore NES fans alike, which, when coupled with the incredibly low price point, makes it a must have this Christmas. Any Christmas, for that matter.
Buy the NES Classic Edition right here!
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End
Know someone who is getting a PS4 this Christmas? Then hook them up with a copy of Uncharted 4: A Thief's End and watch the gratitude roll in. This sequel is on a lot of Game of the Year lists, and it's very well-deserved, as Uncharted 4 takes everything that's always been great about this third-person action-adventure series, including the platforming, combat, and compelling story, and improves on it with the power of the PS4. Oh, and with enhanced visuals, Uncharted 4is also a gorgeous game.
And if you want to get your hands on this game, but don't own a PS4...
Buy Uncharted 4: A Thief's End right here!
PlayStation 4 Slim 500GB Console - Uncharted 4 Bundle
...check out this PlayStation 4 Slim bundle that includes a copy of Uncharted 4 in the box. This is a perfect starter bundle for anyone who hasn't made the jump to current-gen consoles. While you're at it, you can pick up some of the great exclusives PlayStation 4 has to offer, such as Bloodborne, Until Dawn, Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collecton, and The Last of Us Remastered. If you're interested in VR, the PlayStation 4 also has its own virtual reality headset.
Buy this PlayStation 4 bundle right here!
Hyperkin Supaboy S
We've already talked about the NES Classic Edition and how it's the darling of retro consoles this year, but you shouldn't overlook the Supaboy S, which lets you take SNES games on the go like never before. The Supaboy even emulates the feeling of having the original SNES controller, with the almost exact button layout of the original. If you're not into the 3DS or PS Vita and are looking for some nostalgia on that long train ride to work, this is the handheld for you.
Buy the Hyperkin SupaBoy S right here!
Sega Genesis Arcade Ultimate Portable 2016
Unless you're a Sega person, which means you want this Genesis handheld that comes with many of the console's greatest hits already built in. Its library of games includes Sonic the Hedgehogand its Genesis sequels, the first three Mortal Kombatgames, and plenty more. And if you want to play this baby on your TV, you can plug it into your HD display with an AV cable. This is a must have for hardcore Genesis fans.
Buy the Sega Genesis Arcade Ultimate Portable right here!
DOOM
You've probably heard of DOOM one way or another, even if you've never played a first-person shooter before. This is one of the franchises that put the genre on the map, and after a long absence, the series finally has a new installment. This year's DOOM is a reimagining of the original's fast-paced demon-killing carnage, right down to the classic double-barreled shotgun that will provide you with hours upon hours of gore. With a very loud, high-energy soundtrack and the fastest FPS multiplayer gameplay you've ever experienced, DOOM is an absolute winner. This one's a Game of the Year contender, and it's easy to see why once you've picked up the controller and blasted through the first wave of demons.
Buy Doom right here!
Xbox One S 500 GB Console - Halo Collection Bundle
The Xbox One also has a great starter bundle that includes SIX Halo games in the box, including the latest action-packed installment, Halo 5: Guardians. Play through all of the sci-fi shooter's story campaigns or hop online for some competitive multiplayer. This is a perfect gift for the Halo junkie who hasn't upgraded to Microsoft's newest console.
Buy this Xbox One bundle right here!
Hyperkin RetroN 3 Video Game System for NES/SNES/GENESIS Cartridges
Last but not least in the retro console category is Hyperkin's RetroN 3, which allows you to play all of your NES, SNES, and Genesis cartridges on your big screen TV. So if your 8-bit and 16-bit consoles are getting up there in years but you don't want to leave your Mario or Sonic cartridges behind, get this retro console for a reasonable price. It even has ports for classic controllers, so you're not sacrificing too much of the original experience.
Buy the RetroN 3 right here!
Overwatch
It's been a great year for first-person shooters. While DOOM is a much darker title, Overwatch is a very bright and colorful shooter with Pixar-like graphics and an emphasis on teamwork. Overwatch doesn't have a single-player campaign, instead focusing on multiplayer, as two teams clash in a variety of maps all over the world. If multiplayer gaming is what you're into, this is one of the year's best.
Buy Overwatch right here!
Metal Gear Solid V: The Definitive Experience
While Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain came out last year and Ground Zeroes arrived in 2014, Konami's newly-released The Definitive Experience combines both games in one box. This collection doesn't really add much in terms of new content, but this is still a good excuse to buy these fantastic games if you missed them the first time around!
Buy Metal Gear Solid V: The Definitive Experience right here!
Pokemon Sun and Moon Dual Pack
If you're planning on getting the new Pokemon games, remember that if you actually wanna catch 'em all, you'll need to have access to both Sun and Moon since each version of the game has its own exclusive Pokemon. This steelbook dual pack includes both games in a very nice case.
Buy Pokemon Sun and Moon right here!
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
One of the year's quieter hits, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is a fantastic new installment in the RPG series that's all about secret government conspiracies, transhumanism, and a web of lies that becomes so tangled by the end that you might never find the right answers. Seriously, if you love science fiction and good writing in your video games, look no further than Deus Ex: Mankind Divided. Plus the combat and special abilities are bonkers!
Buy Deus Ex: Mankind Divided right here!
Nintendo New 3DS XL Special Edition w/ Super Mario World
We reckon the Nintendo 3DS is reaching the end of its life at this point, especially since the Nintendo Switch will effectively become the Big N's new handheld next year, but that's no reason to ignore this fantastic deal that not only guarantees you a limited edition version of the console but Super Mario World, a platforming classic that your kids will surely enjoy as much as you did. Even if it's in the twilight of its life, the 3DS has a great library of games to catch up on.
Buy this Nintendo New 3DS Super Mario World bundle right here!
Killing Floor 2
This multiplayer shooter has you team up with five other players to take down wave after wave of the Zed horde. It's non-stop gory carnage that culminates in a tough boss battle that you'll struggle to survive. With new and improved visuals and tons of new weapons and characters, this sequel to the fantastic PC title is a great way to spend your winter break. And if you don't have a gaming PC, it just launched on the PS4 as well!
Buy Killing Floor 2 right here!
Assassin's Creed: The Ezio Collection
Here's another series of games you might have missed. This collection includes Assassin's Creed II, Brotherhood, and Revelations - three of the best installments in the franchise. They all star an assassin named Ezio, who must fight against a Templar conspiracy to take over Rome and travel to Constantinople to discover the secrets of his ancient order. These three action-adventure titles are beyond satisfying. They're absolutely excellent and deserve your time.
Buy Assassin's Creed: The Ezio Collection right here!
BioShock: The Collection
Speaking of great collections, this one features all three BioShock games. This first-person shooter trilogy mixes great gunplay with lots of horror and twisting stories that will keep you up at night. Because you won't want to put your controller down.