The holiday season can be an especially tricky proposition when it comes to buying gamers gifts they will love. Here's our 10 must-have PS4 items to make shopping easier.
When it comes to the holiday season, every video game fan has a story of a gift with the best intentions that fell flat. Sometimes it's a video game they already own, or one they have no interest in, while other times it's the entirely wrong video game system waiting for a baffled fan under the wrapping paper. While it's relatively easy to figure out the hottest games for the 2016 holiday season, it can be an incredibly difficult task to purchase for someone who has already picked up the biggest releases in the past few months.
Game Rant has already compiled a list of must-have gifts for Xbox One gamers, but if you have a PlayStation 4 fanatic to buy for instead, this list has you covered. We've put together a comprehensive Top 10 Must-Have Gifts for PlayStation 4 Gamers just in time for the holiday rush, and we're confident any of the gifts on this list will make PS4 fans quite happy.
10 PlayStation Gold Wireless Stereo Headset ($69.99)
While many veteran gamers swear by the Turtle Beach brand of audio hi-fidelity, Sony has quietly produced one of the best wireless gaming headsets in recent memory exclusively for the PS4. The PlayStation Gold Wireless Headset comes with a built-in microphone for late night Destiny raid cohesion, 7.1 audio surround sound to ensure no distractions during intense multiplayer gaming sessions, and the ability to wireless connect with any PS4, PS3, or home computer. At just $69.99 currently, the PlayStation Gold Wireless Headset is an affordable high-end product for dedicated PS4 gamers.
PlayStation Gold Wireless Headset by Sony $69.99.
9 DualShock 4 Wireless Controller 20th Anniversary Edition ($110)
Another official Sony product, the DualShock 4 Wireless Controller 20th Anniversary Edition is a must-have for old-school fans of the PlayStation console family. It's a flawless reproduction of the PlayStation One's controller that retains the functionality and comfort of the DualShock 4, and it's a limited edition product meant to celebrate the PlayStation's 20th anniversary. Luckily, there are still a few of these in stock, and although the price tag might be a little steep, this nostalgia-inducing controller is a perfect holiday gift for the PS4 fan who always reminisces about the good ol' days.
DualShock 4 Wireless Controller 20th Anniversary Edition by Sony $110.
8 Zacro 13ft DualShock 4 Controller Charging Cable ($14.99)
Perhaps one of the most frustrating design flaws in Sony history, the PS4's DualShock 4 controller comes equipped with an almost comically short USB charging cable that makes it impossible to game a comfortable distance away from the television while also charging the controller. Many gamers don't realize what an easy fix this is, however, and Zacro's 13 foot charging cable means that fans will be able to sit in their favorite piece of living room furniture no matter the battery status of their DualShock 4. Zacro's offering also includes a portable wall charger, meaning gamers can charge their DualShock 4 at friend's houses even when it isn't their turn on the PS4.
Zacro 13ft DualShock 4 Controller Charging Cable by Zacro $14.99.
7 RDS Industries PS4 Travel Case ($41.90)
For PS4 fans on the go, RDS Industries' PS4 Travel Case represents the best affordable option for easy transportation of the PS4 console. The case acts as a messenger bag that doesn't look too bulky while being worn, and it is a sturdy, well-made bag that offers a fair bit of protection for the PS4 without looking like gamers are lugging around a giant plastic brick. This case is a must-have for gamers who frequently travel out of town and want to keep up with the latest gaming releases.
RDS Industries PS4 Travel Case by RDS Industries, Inc. $41.90.
6 Ortz PS4 Vertical Stand with Cooling Fan/Controller Charging Station ($29.99)
The Ortz PS4 Vertical Stand offers the kind of functionality that often comes at a premium for a reasonable price. The stand is stylish, keeping the PS4 vertical while matching the traditional version of the console's sleek black aesthetic, but it is also multi-purpose, with a charging station for two controllers off to one side and a cooling fan built in to the vertical base to keep the PS4 at peak performance. For those looking for an all-in-one kind of holiday surprise, the Ortz PS4 Vertical Stand fits the bill without breaking the bank.
Ortz PS4 Vertical Stand with Cooling Fan and Charging Station by Ortz $29.99.
5 PowerA DualShock 4 Controller Charging Station ($21.71)
Those looking for a premium charging station, however, should look no further than the PowerA DualShock 4 Controller Charging Station. This device has won many review awards for its sleek design, efficiency, and price, and there's no reason that any passionate PS4 gamer wouldn't be happy to own one of these - if purchasing a gift for a PS4 fan is a terrifying prospect and you don't know much about what they like, there is likely no safer bet than the PowerA DualShock 4 Controller Charging Station.
PowerA DualShock 4 Controller Charging Station by PowerA $21.71.
4 Forza Designs PS4 Wall Mount ($39.99)
For gamers who don't have the luxury of an entertainment center, the Forza Designs PS4 Wall Mount is both a stylish and smart way to circumvent any space issues in smaller gaming areas. The PS4 wall mount allows gamers to securely attach their console to any wall, allowing for easy access when it comes to swapping game discs and creating a very unique look that will certainly be a talking point for visitors. Keep in mind, however, that the Forza Designs PS4 Wall Mount only works with the older models of the PS4, and that PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro owners will have to look elsewhere.
Forza Designs PS4 Wall Mount by Forza Designs $39.99.
3 Kontrol Freek PS4 Thumb Grips ($16.99)
While Kontrol Freek offers a number of different options for PS4 thumb grips, we've chosen to highlight the Kontrol Freek FPS Vortex version because of its superior comfort and quality in competitive FPS multiplayer environments. They might be a bit loud aesthetically, but Kontrol Freek thumb grips offer an incredible amount of control over the PS4's thumbsticks, which are, without modification, naturally prone to become slippery while gaming. For the PS4 gamer in your life who won't stop talking about their kill/death ratio, the Kontrol Freek FPS Vortex thumb grips are the perfect holiday gift.
Kontrol Freek PS4 Thumb Grips by Kontrol Freek $16.99.
2 Uncharted 4: A Thief's End ($48.70)
To round out the list, we're making two suggestions on PS4 exclusive titles that every PS4 owner should have in their library. First, there is Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, which we gave a perfect score, calling it "one of the best games of this generation". Uncharted 4: A Thief's End is the culmination of Nathan Drake's many treasure-seeking journeys, and it is easily one of the best blends of action-movie cinematics and gripping gameplay ever created. If the PS4 fan in your life doesn't own this game yet, it's a slam-dunk holiday gift - and if you're concerned they might not be familiar with the series, there's always the Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection to help them catch up.
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End by Sony $48.70.
1 Bloodborne: Game of the Year Edition ($39.99)
Last but certainly not least comes From Software's Bloodborne: Game of the Year Edition, an action-RPG inspired heavily by the Dark Souls series. It's one of the most challenging gaming experiences available and it is exclusive to the PS4, and with a Game of the Year edition that includes some of its best DLC, any PS4 fan that likes a challenge will be pleased to finally get their hands on one of 2015's best games.
Bloodborne: Game of the Year Edition by Sony $39.99.