It's that time of year again. The holiday season has arrived, and that means it's time not only to stock up on gifts for others, but to treat yourself. In the world of Xbox One there are a ton of options ranging from games that are the best in their category to high-value console bundles and even alluring accessories. Here are the items you should consider when heading out to buy gifts.
Xbox One 1TB Holiday Bundle
Price: $399.99
Equipped with a 1TB Xbox One and three games, this bundle is the premier way to jump into the next generation of Xbox. It includes three of this year's most well-received games, including the highest-rated new indie title in Ori and the Blind Forest, as well as the unmistakable nostalgia of Gears of War Ultimate Edition and Rare Replay's 30 included games. This package includes well over 100 hours of entertainment to get your giftee started with his or her new console.
Xbox One 500GB Gears of War: Ultimate Edition Bundle
Price: $349.99
This bundle trims down the hard drive size of the previous bundle in addition to tossing out a couple games, but also saves you a few dollars. Gears of War: Ultimate Edition is included so that your giftee has both single-player and multiplayer options to enjoy the moment they unbox the console, but beyond that, it'll be up to them which games they want to buy and play on their new Xbox One.
Rise of the Tomb Raider
Price: $59.99
Review: 5/5 – "The Lara Croft we need, now more than ever."
Sequel to 2013's popular Tomb Raider, Rise of the Tomb Raider is this year's best action-adventure game. In this title the famous Lara Croft embarks on her most daring adventure yet, but is equipped with new weapons and a better sense of survival. Its open-world elements and great exploration mechanics come together to deliver something unforgettable that is much more content-rich and lengthy than the competition.
Halo 5: Guardians
Price: $59.99
Review: 4.5/5 – "Class-leading gameplay"
This year's Halo is a smash hit. It has more multiplayer options than any Halo before it, with both highly competitive Arena and large-scale Warzone game modes. It also has a campaign that serves as a great way to enjoy the thrilling new gameplay mechanics that have earned it high regard with fans. There's a ton of value included, and more is being added for free in the coming months to keep players coming back for more.
Forza Motorsport 6
Price: $59.99
It's been several years since there was a racing game as refined as Forza Motorsport 6. It's a game that is the product of years of trial, polish, and improvement. With several hundred cars, a high-level of difficulty customization, tons of game modes, all-new rain and puddle effects, and by far the best handling model in the franchise to date, it's as memorable of a racing game as you'll see.
Rare Replay
Price: $29.99
It's been 30 years since Rare released its first game. Since then it's had a profound impact on the gaming industry with titles such as Banjo-Kazooie and Perfect Dark. 30 of its best games are included in this package, which is budget priced at $30. This is a prime gift choice for anyone shopping for an Xbox gamer on a budget.
Xbox One Controller
Price: $59.99
It's fun to play video games, but even more fun to play them with someone. Since most Xbox One bundles don't include a second controller, buying one for your giftee isn't a bad idea. There are a variety of options, from the regular black controller, to limited-edition Halo 5: Guardians controllers, white ones, and even the premium Elite Controller. Show your friend or family member that you want to play games with them and understand their tastes.
Xbox One Chatpad
Price: $34.99
Xbox Live is a highly social environment where it's common to exchange messages with others. When such an occasion arises, typing with a regular controller is a lengthy affair. The Xbox One Chatpad is a solution for the every day situation, allowing your giftee to type to friends with ease, enter search strings in apps, as well as enter product codes all with a dedicated keyboard that snaps right into the bottom of the Xbox One Controller.
Xbox Live 12-Month Gold Membership
Price: $59.99
Most functionality on Xbox requires a Gold Membership, such as online multiplayer and access to some apps. With this gift you can ensure that your giftee has access to all Xbox Live features for the next year, as well as allowing them to receive several free games every month as part of the subscription.
Xbox Gift Card
Price: $10 to $70
Sometimes it's best to leave the purchasing decision up to your giftee, especially when they have special taste. Xbox Gift Cards are sold in many denominations that allow you to present your giftees with the excitement of making their own game, movie, TV, or music purchase.
