Our Xbox Series X|S gift guide for 2020 will show you the perfect Holiday present for the Xbox lover in your life. Whether you’re clueless or a life-long gamer, our list will give you some great ideas for what to put under the tree for Christmas. From Microsoft’s latest consoles to game suggestions, we have you covered for the holidays.
Xbox Series X|S Gift Guide 2020 | Consoles
Xbox Series X
Microsoft continues to provide the most powerful console on the market with the launch of the Xbox Series X. This system allows for true 4K gaming with all the bells and whistles. Variable Refresh Rate, Automatic Low Lag Mode, and eARC are made available via HDMI 2.1, and players can enjoy raytracing and framerates up to 120Hz.
In addition to Optimized for Xbox Series X|S releases, the Xbox Series X provides value with its impressive backward compatibility. Players can enjoy the entirety of the Xbox One library (often with better loading times), as well as a multitude of original Xbox and Xbox 360 titles.
Buy the Xbox Series X on Amazon
Xbox Series S
The Xbox Series S is the value model of Microsoft’s latest console generation, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less feature-rich. It has the same type of high-speed solid-state drive that loads games super quick and allows players to enjoy Xbox Series X|S Optimized titles at resolutions up to 1440p.
The Series S is perfect for those who want to experience the newest generation but aren’t concerned about upgrading to a 4K TV yet. It can also serve as a great all-in-one media device because, in addition to gaming, it supports all the major streaming services.
Buy the Xbox Series S on Amazon
Xbox Gift Guide 2020 | Games
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
This gift isn’t a game in the traditional sense. Instead, for $14.99, you can give a loved one access to hundreds of games via Xbox Game Pass and EA Play. Additionally, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes Xbox Live Gold, which is required for multiplayer in many titles and allows players to access Game Pass on both Xbox and PC.
One of Microsoft’s most significant successes over the last few years has been developing Game Pass, and the service makes Xbox the best bang for your buck overall. There’s a wide variety of games, and new titles are continually being added. So, instead of giving the Xbox lover in your life one game, give them the gift of hundreds with a subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Buy Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: 1-month membership [Digital Code] on Amazon
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time
Crash is back in this return to form for the series. Following up on the success of the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time offers the platforming action of classic Crash games while serving up some new elements. Players can use Quantum Masks to access special powers like slowing down time or phasing objects in and out of existence, and there are alternate levels featuring Dr. Neo Cortex, Dingodile, and Tawna, who all have unique playstyles.
Our reviewer, Michael Leri, loved his time with Crash 4 and gave it one of our coveted perfect scores. With a recommendation like that, you can’t go wrong spending the holidays with Crash.
Buy Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time on Amazon
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2
The Tony Hawk series ate some pavement with the release of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 in 2015. With how badly players and critics received that title, things didn’t look good for the iconic franchise. However, Vicarious Visions recaptured the magic that launched a million skateboards with its remake of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2.
Few remakes are as equally adept at satiating long-time fans and winning new ones as Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2. The tight, addicting gameplay is just as relevant today as when the first title in the series released in 1999, and the addition of online multiplayer is the cherry on top of this very satisfying cake.
Buy Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 on Amazon
Xbox Gift Guide 2020 | Accessories and Peripherals
Xbox Core Controller
The new Xbox Core Controller that launched with the Xbox Series X|S consoles is very similar to the Xbox One Wireless Controller. However, it’s got some key differences that make it appealing. The grips now feature a textured coating, and the bumpers and triggers also have had subtle texturing added to prevent slippage. Additionally, the D-pad has been redesigned, and Microsoft added a new Capture Button. It’s an excellent refresh of a great controller and also works great on PC with the addition of a wireless dongle.
Buy the Xbox Core Controller on Amazon
Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S
If you want to upgrade your Xbox Series X|S console’s internal storage, there’s only one solution. The Seagate Storage Expansion Card slots into the back of the two consoles and adds 1 TB of space that performs to the same specifications as the stock hard drive. Xbox Series X|S Optimized games are required to be installed on an SSD, and backward compatible games can benefit from it as well. That means the Seagate Storage Expansion Card is an essential purchase for those with big libraries who like to keep a large selection of games installed.
Buy Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S on Amazon
KontrolFreek FPS Freek Performance Thumbsticks
KontrolFreek’s performance thumbstick covers protect your controllers while providing excellent grip. These covers are great for those who find their thumbs slipping on the stock thumbsticks and can provide increased accuracy for players who feel the thumbsticks are too short.
Buy KontrolFreek FPS Freek Performance Thumbsticks on Amazon
Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 Wireless Gaming Headset for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S
The Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 headset provides an excellent balance of functionality and value. It has a flip-to-mute mic, which is much more reliable than inline controls, and the Superhuman Hearing sound setting means you’ll hear your opponent’s footsteps loud and clear. The Stealth 600 is compatible with both Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles and provides crystal clear audio over a wireless USB transmitter.
Buy the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 Wireless Gaming Headset on Amazon
SteelSeries Arctis 9X Wireless Gaming Headset
Versatile and well-built, the SteelSeries Arctis 9X has built-in Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth support. This means you don’t have to keep up with dongles and can seamlessly switch from Xbox to PC or any other device that allows Bluetooth audio. You can even pair them to multiple devices at once so you can play Xbox and not worry about missing alerts on your phone, for example. Pair excellent functionality with a 20-hour battery life, and you have a winning combination for a gaming headset.
Buy the SteelSeries Arctis 9X Wireless Gaming Headset on Amazon
