For gaming, 2018 has been a pretty epic year. We’ve seen some truly incredible games and hardware be released and it’s often been hard to choose which game or device you’d purchase.
With Christmas just around the corner, plenty of people might be wondering what to get for their gamer friends and family. Luckily, we’re here to help and have put together a list of all the best and most sought-after stuff in the world of gaming.
If you have someone who’s unsure of what to get you, maybe show them this article to give them inspiration. Or just tell them exactly what you want, though that’s a little more awkward.
Anyway, let’s dive in with our Christmas Gift Guide 2018.
Christmas Gift Guide 2018
NVIDIA Shield
The NVIDIA Shield is a great piece of kit. The Android-based streaming box nearly does everything. TV, Movies, (some) gaming and the ability to stream your NVIDIA PC games to your TV make it a mighty impressive machine.
When I reviewed it, I wrote;
Overall, the NVIDIA Shield TV is an amazing device. It’s easily the best media streamer I’ve used and the inclusion of Chromecast and Google Assistant really puts it over the top of other devices. Couple this with the wealth of gaming options and NVIDIA really has created an all-in-one device.
Even better is the fact that it’s now on sale. Until November 26, the NVIDIA Shield TV is available for $197.95 AUD and the SHIELD TV Gaming Edition is $267.95 AUD. That’s $52 AUD and $62 AUD off respectively.
Retailers: Harvey Norman, Kogan, KS Computers, PLE computers, Scorptec Computers, PC Byte and more.
Sennheiser
Sennheiser is a trusted name in audio and this year there are some great products available for discerning audiophiles.
Amongst the headsets and earbuds available from Sennheiser this year are the Momentum True Wireless, Ambeo Smart Headset and CX Sport.
Momentum True Wireless
The Momentum True Wireless features;
- Audiophile 7mm dynamic drivers
- 4-hour battery life that can be extended to up to 12 hours via the compact case with integrated power bank
- A pure design featuring metallic details on the outer face and a fabric-wrapped case
- Transparent Hearing feature for optional improved situational awareness
- Intuitive touch interface and direct access to smart assistants
The Momentum True Wireless retails for $499.95 AUD.
Ambeo Smart Headset
The Ambeo Smart Headset is perfect for those who want to create 3D audio. They feature;
- Earphones featuring microphones for 3D audio recording
- Lets you create iPhone videos with stunning, immersive 3D sound
- Perfect for capturing memories
- 3D audio can be played back on any stereo headphones
- ANC and Transparent Hearing
- Available in black and white
The Ambeo Smart Headset retails for $469.95 AUD.
CX Sport
Everyone wants to create New Year’s Resolutions and actually stick to them. Plenty of New Year’s Resolutions involve getting into shape, Sennheiser’s CX Sport earbuds are here to help you do just that.
Featuring;
- In-ear Bluetooth sports headphones
- Clear, detailed sound with powerful bass that will get you moving
- Ergonomic ear fins keep the earbuds comfortably secure during any workout
- Splash- and sweat-resistant
- Six-hour battery life
CX Sport retails for $199.95 AUD.
Gaming Hardware
There are all sorts of gamers with some preferring the traditional PC and others enjoying console gaming. Whatever you prefer, there is a solution for everyone and games for every solution.
This year, both the Xbox One X and PlayStation 4 Pro have been available for some time so you should be able to find decent deals. PC hardware is also bound to be on sale. Below is some of the most sought-after pieces of gaming hardware in our Christmas Gift Guide 2018.
Microsoft
The Xbox One X is the most powerful home console available. According to Microsoft;
With 40% more power than any other console, the Xbox One X allows you to experience immersive true 4K, high-dynamic range (HDR) gaming and entertainment.
This year has also seen some great exclusive games released for the Xbox One and more are coming in 2019 These include;
- Forza Horizon 4
- Sea of Thieves
- Crackdown 3
- Ori and the Will of the Wisps
- Gears of War 5
These are all in addition to the great library of games available on Xbox One and the Xbox Game Pass which provides an instant library of games for a monthly fee.
An Xbox One X will set you back $649 AUD while an Xbox One S costs $349 AUD.
Xbox Game Pass subscriptions can be purchased as follows;
- One Month – $10.95 AUD
- Three Months – $32.85 AUD
- Six Months – $65.70 AUD
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PlayStation
PlayStation has had an absolutely massive 2018 with console sales continuing to climb and the release of some hugely popular and high profile exclusive titles. PlayStation’s more powerful console, the PS4 Pro, is not as powerful as the Xbox One X, but it still features 4K and plays some of the best games available today and those coming soon.
These games include;
- God of War
- Spider-man
- Detroit: Become Human
- Uncharted 4
- Left Alive
- Days Gone
- Ghost of Tsushima
- The Last of Us 2
- Death Stranding
Also coming to stores this year is the PlayStation Classic. A mini version of the PSOne, it includes 20 classic PlayStation games and will be available from December 3 for $149.99 AUD.
A PS4 Pro will cost $559.95 AUD, additional DualShock 4 controllers are $99.95 AUD and a PSVR headset is $419.95 AUD.
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HyperX
HyperX is one of the best peripheral and audio manufacturers working in gaming. In 2018 it released some great products which cater to console and PC players alike.
HyperX Cloud Earbuds
The HyperX Cloud Earbuds have been designed with the Nintendo Switch in mind;
- Optimised for Handheld Mode
- In-Line mic for game chat
- Immersive in-game audio
HyperX Cloud Earbuds retail for $79 AUD.
HyperX Cloud Gaming Headset for PS4
Officially licensed by Sony for use with the PS4, the HyperX Cloud is a great headset.
In my review I wrote;
It’s not just the looks that make the HyperX Cloud for PS4 a viable choice for sound on the go, it’s the sound quality also.
The sound quality of this headset is top-notch and while not as loud as other, more expensive, headsets, it’s more than loud enough for any gaming session or listening to music.
Featuring;
- Signature HyperX comfort
- Detachable noise-cancellation microphone
- Durable aluminium frame
HyperX Cloud Gaming Headset for PS4 retails for $129 AUD
Alloy FPS RGB
This high-performance keyboard has been designed for use with esports and maximum comfort.
Features;
- RGB backlit keys with radiant lighting effects
- Kailh Silver Speed mechanical keyswitches
- Compact, ultra-portable design with detachable cable
Alloy FPS RGB retails for $189 AUD.
Pulsefire FPS Pro
Like the Alloy FPS RGB, the Pulsefire FPS Pro has been designed with precision and comfort in mind.
Features;
- Pixart 3389 sensor with native DPI up to 16,000
- Comfortable ergonomic design
- Six programmable buttons
Pulsfire FPS Pro retails for $89 AUD.
Games
The real meat of gaming is the games and this year there have been so many awesome games that it’s hard to even know where to begin. However, we’ll try. Here are our top picks and best games for gifts in our Christmas Gift Guide 2018.
- Destiny 2 Forsaken
- Spider-man
- Spyro Reignited Trilogy
- Forza Horizon 4
- Pokémon Let’s GO Eevee/Pikachu
- Diablo 3 Eternal Collection
- Super Smash Bros Ultimate
- God of War
- Call of Duty Black Ops 4
- Red Dead Redemption 2
- Soul Calibur VI
- Dark Souls Remastered
- Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
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There you have it. PowerUp!’s Christmas Gift Guide 2018.
Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
