If there are any gifts that most are going to be asking for this holiday season, it's the PS5, Xbox Series X, and Switch OLED. Unfortunately, all three of those have had massive stock issues ever since release and aren't easy to find.
Luckily, even if those three new-gen consoles aren't readily available, there are a ton of gift ideas for the PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch that not only work of their own accord, but can also carry over when those consoles are easier to find. Think of them not just as great gifts, but as great investments.
PlayStation Plus/ Xbox Game Pass/ Nintendo Switch Online
One of the smartest gifts for anyone struggling to find a new-gen console is online service cards. Not only do they come in a variety of timings and prices to give you plenty of options for how much you want to spend, but they work across generations, meaning that they'll carry over to a new console when you get one.
Special mention has to go towards Xbox Game Pass, which will you give you access to hundreds of Xbox games under a subscription service, including big releases on day one. That means all you need is an Xbox and Game Pass and you'll have access to its whole library.
Forza Horizon 5 Xbox Controller
The new range of Xbox controllers was introduced alongside the Xbox Series, but the great thing about them is that they'll work no matter which Xbox console you're playing on. The new controllers have also introduced an instant screenshot button, which is a big plus.
Although the Xbox Elite controllers are fantastic, they're a bit pricey, so for a specific recommendation, we're pointing to the Forza Horizon 5 Xbox Controller. It's one of the snazziest controllers out there and goes well with another item further down the list. You can also make custom controllers through the Xbox Design Lab, if you're looking for a personal touch.
The Forza Horizon 5 Xbox Controller retails for $74.99 and can be bought from the Microsoft Store.
Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons
Speaking of controllers that carry over, new Joy-Cons do just that. The OLED might come with a brand new set of Joy-Cons, but it never hurts to have an extra pair, especially when they're as colourful as this.
There are a few options to pick from when buying new Joy-Cons, but the main thing to remember is that all Joy-Cons will work with all Switches, besides the Lite. It's really up to you what colour you go for, but the purple and orange combo above is a stand-out choice.
Oculus Quest 2
Although the PS5, Xbox Series, and OLED Switch are all going to be very difficult to find, there are some new console experiences that are more readily in stock. One great example of this is the Oculus Quest 2.
The Oculus Quest 2 stands as one of the better ways to experience hands-on virtual reality, as well as being one of the more reasonably priced headsets out there. Games like the recently released Resident Evil 4 VR and classics like Beat Saber are sure to show off what VR can do, and stop the new-gen desire for a good while.
Pulse Midnight Black 3D Audio Headset
Although the Pulse headset is meant to be used alongside a PS5, it also stands on its own as a comfortable headset that can also be used with the PS4 and PC.
Some of the headset's perks, like its 3D audio, only work with the PS5, but even without that feature, you've got a lightweight and affordable wireless headset. The Pulse headset comes in black and white colours, and has previously sold out pretty quickly thanks to the PS5's popularity, so it's a good idea to get on it whilst stock lasts.
Fortnite: Minty Legends
Plenty of you already had this one in mind, but Fortnite is a game that works across all platforms and only needs one account to be linked to. This also applies to generations, so content bought and owned on the PS4 will transfer to the PS5, and the same for the Xbox and Switch.
Although Fortnite is free-to-play, many of its players spend money on alternate outfits and the Minty Legends bundle comes with exclusive costumes, back blings, gliders, and 1000 V-bucks for the player to spend. It's a great stocking filler for anyone interested in Fortnite, no matter the console.
Forza Horizon 5
Forza Horizon 5 currently stands as 2021's highest-rated game and would make an excellent choice for anyone this Christmas, as it's available on all Xbox consoles and even on PCs as well.
Not only that but Forza Horizon 5 is also available through Game Pass, which means there's a ton of different ways to access it this Christmas, and so much content that you might not need another game this season.
Guardians Of The Galaxy
Another one of 2021's best titles, Guardians of the Galaxy is also available on pretty much every console out there and has minimal differences between them. You can also get a free upgrade to the next-generation version on both PlayStation and Xbox, meaning that it'll carry over when you eventually get the new-gen console.
Beyond that, Guardians of the Galaxy has one of the best stories of 2021 and features a loveable and recognisable cast that makes it a perfect gift this Christmas.
Life Is Strange: True Colors
What's that, you want another great game choice? Well, not only is Life is Strange: True Colors one of the best games of the year but it's also available on pretty much every console, making it a great gift for any gamer this Christmas.
The differences between the current-gen version of True Colors and the new-gen are very minimal, meaning you're really not missing anything by choosing Xbox One, Switch, or PS4.
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