Hip-Hop Wired's 2020 Tech & Gamer Gift Guide

Christmas is going to feel a hell of a lot different this time around thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring that traditional holiday cheer to your loved ones, especially the techie or gamers in your life. There is no better time than Christmas to get your bae, son, daughter, mom, dad, sister, brother, and anyone else worthy of a present from you, more specifically that hot tech item they always wanted. Whether it be a new smartwatch, smartphone, video game console, video game accessory, or smart speaker, we are here to give you some great gift suggestions to help you get a smile out of that geek, blerd, or tech enthusiast in your life. Step into our list below.

1. PS5, Xbox Series X & Nintendo Switch

Yes, we know how hard it is trying to find an Xbox Series S ($299), Series X ($499), or PS5 ($499 disc, $399 all-digital), but we would be crazy not to include Sony and Microsoft’s next-gen consoles being that each console is on the top of everyone’s list. If you do manage to nail one down, at retail price, of course, you will be considered the hero of Christmas for years to come. Another hot item is the Nintendo Switch ($299.99), which is also proving to be rather difficult to nail down, and its cheaper alternative, the Nintendo Switch Lite ($199.99), which is still quite easy to find.

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You’re going to have to be very vigilant in your quest for any of these consoles and constantly check either Best Buy, Target, Walmart, or GameStop for restocks.

2. Games, Games & More Games

Now you know when you cop that new console, you’re going to need some new games..duh. Thankfully there have been some solid releases this year, and you don’t have to worry about the games being sold out either. Here are some of the titles available for PS4 and Xbox One owners. Some will allow you to upgrade to next-gen consoles for free that should be on your radar during your search.

• Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales (PS4 $49.99) (PS5 $49.99)
• NBA 2K21 (PS4/ Xbox One X|S/Nintendo Switch $27.99) (PS5/Xbox Series X $69.99)
• Demon’s Souls (PS5 $69.99)
• Watch Dogs Legion (PS4/Xbox One $59.99) (PS5/Xbox Series X $59.99)
• Final Fantasy VII Remake (PS4 $59.99)
• Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (PS4/Xbox One $59.99) (PS5/Xbox Series X $59.99)
• Madden NFL 21 (PS4/Xbox One $27.99)
• Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (PS4/Xbox One $49.99) (PS5/Xbox Series X $59.99)
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (PS4/Xbox One Digital Version $59.99)
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Nintendo Switch $44.99)
• Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Nintendo Switch $59.99)
• Tony Hawks Pro Skater 1+2 (PS4/Xbox One $39.99)
• Immortals Fenyx Rising (PS4/Nintendo Switch/Xbox One $59.99) (PS5/Xbox Series X $59.99)
• The Last of Us Part II (PS4 $29.99)
• Pokemon: Let’s Go Pikachu/ Eevee (Nintendo Switch $59.99)
• Super Mario 3D All-Stars (Nintendo Switch $59.99)
• Mortal Kombat 11: UItimate  (PS4/Xbox One $59.99) (PS5/Xbox Series X $59.99)

If you can’t narrow down the selections yourself, either a PS Store or Microsoft Store gift card is a perfect idea and will allow them to buy whatever game they want.

3. Secret Lab Gaming Chairs

When you’re gaming, you need to be comfortable. It’s honestly essential and is an important factor that will determine how good your performance will be. That’s where a good gaming chair comes in, and Secret Lab is the best when it comes to that department. Secret Lab’s gaming chairs come in three different sizes to accommodate all gamers, big or small, and come in a range of different designs.

The chairs start at $379, with the most expensive costing $539. Put your order in now becuase the company is experiencing a high volume of orders this holiday season. You can begin your selection process by going here.

4. Turtle Beach Gaming Headsets

A gaming headset is gonna be crucial for your gamer, and Turtle Beach has a wide range of them for you to choose from at various prices. Whether you know a  casual gamer, a budding pro-gamer, or a PC gaming enthusiast, Turtle Beach has the perfect headset for each of them. Head to Turtle Beach’s website to scoop a pair right now. 

5. A New 5G Smartphone

5G is here, and no, it’s not the reason for Rona. Finally, smartphones are being released to take advantage of the new mobile network technology. Samsung has been at the forefront, making sure it’s flagship models like Galaxy Note20 Ultra were 5G ready. Apple recently just hopped in the 5G game with its range of iPhone 12 models. 

Christmas is the perfect time to splurge on a new smartphone with the Galaxy Note20 Ultra now starting at $749.99 and Apple’s iPhone 12 starting at $699. Keep in mind you can purchase both models through your cellphone service provider and set up a payment plan. 

6. adidas iPhone 11/12 Cases

You can’t be out in the wild without protection for your new or current iPhone smartphone. For the stylish techie who lights to coordinate with their devices with their fits, adidas has a full line of iPhone cases ranging from $30-$35 that works with the iPhone 11 Pro and recently released iPhone 12 models. 

7. Oculus Quest 2

VR headsets are gaining traction in the tech world as the latest wave in entertainment as more content and features roll out for an immersive experience. You can sit courtside an NBA game without even physically being there, head to a galaxy far, far, far away, and much more with the Oculus Quest 2. 

You can now head over to Oculus’ website to pick up the hottest VR headset on the market for $299

8. Peloton Exercise Bike

Exercise equipment has been one of the hot items during the pandemic, which makes sense because gyms were closed. Business is currently booming for Pelaton and its exercise bikes. Equipped with a video monitor to partake in workouts with the companies instructors, you can get that workout you have been missing while remaining safe indoors. The original Peloton Bike starts at $1,859, with financing options available when you head to Peloton’s website.

9. Smartwatches

Smartwatches have become an essential tool during this pandemic. The devices not only send you notifications from your smartphone, but they also help you monitor your health, most importantly. Apple’s latest iteration of its Apple Watch, the Series 6, not only has a handwashing feature to help you wash away those rona germs but like Samsung’s Galaxy Watch3, you now monitor your blood oxygen levels as well take EKGs. 

The Apple Watch Series 6 starts at $399, and Samsungs Galaxy Watch3 is currently on sale starting at $349.99.

10. Mario Kart Live

Nintendo can’t really compete with Sony and Microsoft’s next-gen consoles, but the company does know to push the innovation button. Mario Kart Live is a gift both adults and kids can enjoy and brings the popular racer to life in the real world, utilizing AR technology paired with the Nintendo Switch. 

You can pick up a Mario Kart Live kit at Best Buy for $129.99. Hurry up because the kits sell out quickly. 

11. Google Nest Audio

Smart speakers are essential during this pandemic. Google’s latest offering the Google Nest Audio is the perfect gift for the music lover/techie. For just $99, the Nest Audio offers room-filling sound, allows you to control your smart home, and provide information like the weather and more with just the command of your voice.

12. Skullcandy Crusher Evo

Skullcandy is no stranger in the headphone game, but with Beats and Apple getting all of the attention, the company has quietly provided audiophiles with great wireless headphone options. The company’s latest model, the Crusher Evo, is an exceptional pair of wireless headphones that provided the user with superb sound thanks to a personalized listening experience catered just to your ears. 

You can head over to Skullcandy’s website right now to get a pair for $199.99

13. Logitech POWERED 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Dock

So you got a new iPhone 12, the latest AirPods, aka CloutPods, and the latest Apple Watch, so that means cords every damn where when it’s time to juice up. You can negate that issue with Logitech’s POWERED 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Dock. 

Not only is it stylish, but it charges all three of those devices at the same damn time, eliminates all of those white Apple charging cables around your workspace. It’s the perfect gift costing only costing $129.99. Be sure to keep checking back with either Dell or Logitech for stock refreshes.