It's the holidays, and that means it's time to think about gifts. Chances are you know someone who loves Xbox, and they want some games this season. Well, they're fortunate that 2016 was a great year for gaming, providing an incredible number of recommendable gift choices across many genres.
Below are great gift ideas for Xbox gamers.
Xbox One S 500GB Battlefield 1 Bundle
Price: $299.99
The Xbox One S has been heating up the sales charts since it debuted earlier this year. This slick revision of the original Xbox One is incredibly sophisticated and beautiful. It also comes with some neat perks, such as 4K video support. This particular bundle includes one of the most well-rated games of the year. If you shop around, you might even be able to find one for $249.99. Alternatively, you can look for the Minecraft bundle at the same price.
Forza Horizon 3
Price: $39.99
Review: 4.5/5 – "A wealth of racing content"
Racing games rarely make our gift guide lists, but this one is something special. Holding one of the highest average ratings of the year, Forza Horizon 3 is an arcade racer with a ton of heart and content. Learning from the successes and failures or prior games, its huge world invites exploration and collection. This game lasts a while, and makes good use of your time.
Madden NFL 17
Price: $39.99
Many sports fans gravitate toward the Xbox making this a safe purchase for anyone with a love for American football. This particular release is considered to be the best in recent years, with an all new Ball-Carrier Feedback System that brings the intensity of running a football to the controller. It's also paid a ton of attention to the Defensive side of the sport, something fans have been requesting for years.
Overwatch
Price: $39.99
Review: 4.5/5 – "Blizzard Has Done It Again"
Chances are your giftee already has Overwatch, but it doesn't hurt to ask. Many anticipate that it will walk away with most of the Game of the Year awards in 2016, and for good reason. It's charming, competitive, and full of reasons to keep playing. This caliber of game only comes out once in a while, and frankly it's a must have.
Final Fantasy XV
Price: $59.99
Review: 4.0/5 – "Final Fantasy Can Still Execute Greatness While Taking Risks"
Here's the big kahuna. You aren't just giving any ordinary game with this one. Final Fantasy XV is a massive RPG that requires dozens of hours to complete. It's even an exciting game for that matter, meaning that you don't necessarily have to be an RPG fan to get a whole lot out of it. This is a gift that can last for weeks, if not months, ensuring that you stay in the mind of your giftee well beyond the New Year.
Dishonored 2
Price: $39.99
Review: 4.5/5 – "Almost Impossible To Put Down"
Is your giftee the busy type? You know, not a lot of time to play games, but dabbles to get away from the craziness of life every few days? This is the perfect game for that kind of person. It's story driven, but emphasizes gameplay to keep the player hooked. It's single-player only, focused, and extremely entertaining. It will give back a lot more than your giftee puts in, that's for sure.
Gears of War 4
Price: 39.99
Review: 4.0/5 – "A Surprisingly Successful Continuation of the Franchise"
For the gamer who enjoys big guns and explosions, it doesn't get much better than Gears of War 4. Equipped with one of the best multi-player experiences of the year, this title is a great option for anyone you know who enjoys Gears of War. It's loud, exciting, and knows how to get a reaction from anyone who plays it.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition
Price: $39.99
Review: 4.5/5 – "The Premier Console MMO"
Can you think of anyone who doesn't enjoy Skyrim? We can't. This package is a modern redux of what was one of last generation's best games. It has better graphics, all DLC included, as well as mod support. The mod support in particular is a huge deal as it provides easy access to some neat alterations that give the game more replay value.
Xbox One Wireless Controller
Price: $44.99
You can never have too many controllers. Very few Xbox One owners have more than two controllers, which means that if they have more than one person over, someone has to sit out. This is a purchase that will contribute to healthy social interactions in the living room, which is perfect for the Holidays.
Xbox Live 12 Month Gold Membership
Price: $59.99
When you aren't sure what game to purchase for your giftee, Xbox Live Gold is the best option. Every Xbox gamer needs it, but they all dread having to pay for it. This will provide access to free games every month, online game access, as well as some neat perks.
