Games & Puzzles
Home game consoles
7 kinds worth knowing, 19 picks, and what to check before you buy.
Home consoles usually go to someone who already games a little or a household that wants to play together. The gifts that get used most fit how people play now: a handheld that streams games from the console in the living room, or a motion-based system that gets the whole family up and moving on a winter evening. Before you pick, find out what the person already owns and where they play: on the couch, in bed, or across the room from the TV. Then check which games they care about. A console only matters as much as the games it can run, so compatibility and the library count for more than specs on the box.
Kind 1 of 7
A handheld screen for the console at home
This is a handheld that plays games by streaming them from a home console over Wi-Fi. It doesn't run games itself. It suits someone who already owns the matching console and keeps losing the TV to the rest of the family, or who wants to play in another room. Before you buy, confirm the person owns the right console and has a strong, steady home internet connection, because a weak signal causes lag. It's a companion device, not a standalone system, so it makes a poor gift for someone starting from scratch.
Kind 2 of 7
Motion games that get everyone moving
This is a small camera-based system that plugs into the TV and tracks body movement, so nobody needs a controller. Games are short and active, which suits younger kids, mixed-age families and relatives who don't usually play video games. Check that there's enough open floor space in front of the TV and decent lighting in the room. It also helps to find out whether the game library comes with a subscription, so the gift keeps working after Christmas morning.
Interactive family gaming console
Designed to bring families together with active, engaging games that encourage movement and friendly competition.
Immersive virtual reality console system
Offers a groundbreaking and deeply engaging gaming experience, transporting players into interactive virtual worlds.
Kind 3 of 7
A handheld computer for PC games
This is a handheld gaming PC that runs a large library of computer games on its own screen and can also connect to a TV. It suits someone who already buys games on their computer, or anyone who wants to keep playing while travelling. Before buying, check that the games they care about run well on it, and choose enough storage for large modern games. Some setup and tinkering come with it, which many owners enjoy but a casual player might not.
Hybrid portable gaming console
Perfect for players who desire the flexibility to game on a TV at home or take their adventures on the go.
Premium performance gaming console
Tailored for serious gamers who demand the highest graphical fidelity and fastest load times for an uncompromised experience.
Kind 4 of 7
Small consoles loaded with classic games
A mini console is a compact system that comes with a set of older games already installed, and it usually ships with one or two controllers. It suits parents who want to share the games they grew up with, or anyone who likes quick, simple play. Look at the actual game list before you buy, since that's the whole appeal. Also check how it connects to the TV, whether it includes a second controller, and whether the controllers are wired and long enough to reach the couch.
Retro Mini Game Console
A palm-sized time machine loaded with pixel classics — unwrap, plug in, turn twelve again.
Dedicated mini classic console
A charming gift for fans of a specific iconic console, pre-loaded with a curated selection of its most beloved games.
Kind 5 of 7
An arcade cabinet for the basement
A home arcade cabinet recreates the upright machines from old arcades, with a joystick, buttons and a built-in screen, and it comes loaded with classic titles. It suits a rec room, basement or man cave, and someone who remembers arcades fondly. Measure the space first, including ceiling height and doorways, and plan for assembly. Check the included game list, whether two people can play side by side, and whether it needs a riser to sit at a comfortable height.
Home arcade cabinet
Brings the authentic arcade experience into any home, providing unique entertainment and a nostalgic focal point.
Kind 6 of 7
Retro systems for the collector
Retro systems go beyond a fixed set of preloaded games. Some play original cartridges, and others are open platforms that let a hobbyist organize and run their own legally owned library. They suit someone who collects older games or enjoys setting things up. Before buying, check which formats and older systems it supports, how it outputs video to a modern TV, and how much setup it needs. A plug-and-play mini console is often the better choice for someone who just wants to play.
Open-platform retro gaming system
Ideal for enthusiasts looking to relive or discover classic games from various past console generations.
Kind 7 of 7
One main console for the whole household
A family gaming system is the main console under the TV that everyone shares. Some also work as handhelds, and some focus on digital games and streaming. These suit households with kids, couples who play together, and anyone replacing an older machine. Check whether the family's favourite games and existing accessories carry over, how many controllers come in the box, and whether games will be bought on disc or downloaded. Also look at parental controls and how much storage comes built in.
Standard home gaming console
A popular choice for general entertainment, offering a wide array of games and multimedia functions for the living room.
How to choose home game consoles as a gift
- Find out which console the person already owns before buying anything, since accessories and streaming handhelds only work with specific systems.
- Choose based on the games they actually want to play, not on the hardware specs printed on the box.
- Count the players in the house and check how many controllers are included, so nobody sits out on Christmas morning.
- Think about where the person plays. The TV, the couch, the bedroom and travel each point to a different kind of console.
- Check storage space and internet needs, because large downloads and streaming both depend on them.
Usually safe to skip
- A streaming handheld for someone without the matching home console, since it can't play games on its own.
- A second main console that duplicates what the household already owns, unless the old one is failing or there's a real reason for two.
- A hobbyist retro system for a casual player who just wants to press start and play.
Questions people ask about home game consoles
- Does a remote play handheld work without a console?
- No. It streams games from a home console over Wi-Fi, so the person needs to own the matching console and have a steady home internet connection. Without both, it can't play anything.
- What is a good gaming system for a family with young kids?
- Look for a system with easy local multiplayer, simple controls and good parental controls. Motion-based systems work well for kids who have trouble with controllers, and a shared console under the TV suits households where everyone takes turns.
- Are mini retro consoles worth giving as a gift?
- They work well for someone who loves the classic games already installed, especially parents sharing old favourites with their kids. Check the game list first, and make sure there are enough controllers for two players.
Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.
Everything else
All home game consoles picks
Showing 1–19 of 19
Logitech G923 (PlayStation)
TRUEFORCE rumble puts engine notes and kerb strikes right in their hands.
