The Best Gaming Gifts for Graduates

Whatever career your graduate chooses, chances are good that they will spend a lot of time in front of the camera in our new hybrid work world. You can help them look their best with this easy-to-use and affordable USB light from Logitech. The flattering, soft light will impress employees and livestream audiences alike, while its small size means it can be taken anywhere. And your graduate will appreciate the ease of use and extensive customization options in the app, ensuring they always look their best on camera.

No matter whether he owns a console, a PC or a mobile device, there is one thing a gamer can always use in his life: a good gamepad. And no matter what device they play on, 8BitDo offers them the solution with its Pro 2 controller. It works with Windows and PC, iOS and Android and even the Nintendo Switch. And thanks to its plethora of buttons, it can handle all types of games, from old-school classics to the latest AAA titles.

With all exams and assignments completed and behind them, your graduate will likely have a lot more time on their hands. If you’re dabbling in game streaming, you can get started right away with this full-featured control panel from Elgato, which makes it easy to adjust audio and video settings, control lighting, and trigger on-screen graphics. Its buttons can also be repurposed for things like video editing and calls, so it also has a place in the work setup.

Your graduate will never have to worry about being muted on their next video call with the SteelSeries Alias, as there is a clearly visible red “X” on the front of these cases. But that’s not the only cool feature this microphone has to offer – it’s also easy to set up for programs like Discord and Zoom and it sounds fantastic. This is a “gaming” accessory that is commonly used in both playthroughs and business conference calls

A dock isn’t the most exciting gift, but this model from Razer is great for the gamer in your life and will catch their attention with its RGB lighting. Your graduate will also appreciate how, thanks to its three USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, four Thunderbolt 4 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, a 3.5mm audio combo jack, and a UHS-II SD card slot practical it is. It is a Swiss Army Knife accessory that will help you use all your computer accessories efficiently and in the most stylish way.

When it comes to gaming keyboards, Corsair offers a ton of popular options that many of us at Engadget love, although admittedly they’re usually pretty big and loud. The K100 Air eliminates the standard complaints of mechanical keyboards thanks to its ultra-thin frame and low-profile keys, while retaining popular features such as dedicated media keys and RGB lighting. And thanks to the 50-hour battery life, your gamer won’t have to plug it in often.

Sure, your grad’s laptop has a trackpad or maybe even a touchscreen, but even in 2024, it’s best to use a mouse when it’s time to focus and get things done. You’ll appreciate the Aerox 3 Wireless’ light weight when competing in tough gaming matches, as well as the mouse’s ability to utilize 2.4GHz for the fastest connection. It also uses Bluetooth, making it a great option for gaming laptops and other devices too. And those holes? Don’t worry, they don’t affect the Aerox 3’s IP54 waterproof rating.

If your gamer is constantly on the move or frequently switches between devices like consoles, PC, and mobile devices, a good wireless headset is the right choice. Razer’s Barracuda is perfect for the task thanks to its choice of Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity, and its simple design and variety of colors mean it will also suit most outfits or gaming setups. It all adds up to a headset that you can take anywhere, and don’t worry – it sounds and feels amazing.

The last few months of school can be a real stress between homework, assignments and exams. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel – not just a diploma, but also some free time to finally sit back and relax. And what better way to unwind and reconnect with pop culture than by kicking back with one of the hottest games of the year? Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on the PlayStation 5 is a remake of a treasured classic, so your graduate may find it a welcome throwback to a childhood memory or an exciting introduction to a monumental chapter in video gaming history.

If your new graduate is planning on going to law school, they’re sure to have a blast watching the adventures of budding lawyer Apollo Justice on his Nintendo Switch. Sure, the actual legal system isn’t comparable to the one in the game – you don’t have the benefit of psychic powers to question witnesses, for example – but the investigation and cross-examination mechanics will keep players engaged, even if they don’t plan on becoming a lawyer become. And since the package includes three full games, there’s plenty of content to keep graduates busy while they look for work.