If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the gamer on your Holiday shopping list this year, the Cinelinx crew has you covered!
It’s that time of year again when the weather gets cold, and the Christmas decorating/shopping has begun. If you have movie lovers, gamers, or nerds in general, on your shopping list the Cinelinx team is here to help you find the perfect gift with our annual gift guides.
Don’t miss out on our previously released Movie Gift Guide, and be sure to check out our Geek Pick of the Week features for even more ideas. Now, let’s get to the games!
Action/Adventure
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (Becky) – Just because I still have Legend of Zelda things on the brain, I have to suggest the upcoming Age of Imprisonment game as a gift. I have fallen in love with the Hyrule Warriors series as it combines the beautiful art of Breath of the Wild/Tears of the Kingdom but with a totally different style of gameplay. Plus, the game lets us play out the pivotal Imprisoning War, that has to be awesome!
Slay The Princess Collectors Edition (Dustin) – This game is very interesting to play, but it obviously isn’t for everyone. However people that do like the game (like myself) LOVE the game. So the collectors edition honestly makes it one of the best editions available because of how iconic it is to the story. It’s very similar to the Martha is Dead collectors edition, which will have a lot more meaning if you played and enjoyed the game.
Little Nightmares III (Dustin) – Little Nightmares continues to be one of my favorite franchises ever created, and while this one is led by a new creative team it still has that same similar spark. The best thing about Little Nightmares 3 is the fact you can play the whole campaign with a co-op partner. This makes it an absolutely perfect holiday gift idea because you’re not only sharing a game with someone you love, but asking them to enjoy it together with you.
Mortal Kombat: Legacy Collection (s0leb) – Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection is not just a massive collection of games, but a historic gallery of days past! This is ultimately one of the best video game collections I have seen created. With unlocked secrets, new behind-the-scenes footage, twenty three playable games, and more. At only $49.99 this is a steal and a must have this holiday!
South of Midnight (Kiera) – This game was a beautiful telling of breaking generational curses, the love of family, mixed in with immersive southern lore! It was delightful. Having cute moments that I was not expecting and some of the most intense lock in needed moments of the year! Everyone should play this game. It’s a great gift for the gamer in your life.
DOOM: The Dark Ages – Bethesda’s latest DOOM game takes players to a new era, but retains all the fun and gory goodness the revamped franchise is known for. The different setting/time period allows for a wealth of new weapons and gameplay options for fans to enjoy while still feeling like the FPS we all know and love.
The Outer Worlds 2 (Dustin) – I am not a Fallout fan, every time I say that I think the offices of Cinelinx might burn down. However, there is just something about The Outer Worlds that seems different, but not enough for me to buy in just yet. That being said my spouse absolutely loves Fallout, probably one of her top 5 games ever, and with that she was hooked instantly on The Outer Worlds. Once she saw the second game her face glowed with excitement. So while I can’t personally put my take on the game itself, I think you would know if someone you love is this type of person and I can say that this is a perfect game for them. It might even be a secret surprise gift for a Fallout fan that isn’t entirely aware that they’d fall in love with a new game.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate – Pipin’ Hot Collector’s Edition (Jordan) – Not only is Splintered Fate a great game, but this fancy new collector’s edition they’ve launched for the holiday season is something for every TMNT fan to love. There’s a whole lot of goodies packed into this (dice, posters, booklets, lots more) that could easily make this someone’s favorite gift this Christmas.
Donkey Kong Bananza (Katy) – We got a treat with Donkey Kong Bananza and it makes the perfect addition to your favorite gamer’s Nintendo Switch if they haven’t picked it up yet.
The Lies of P – A new take on the Pinocchio story, combined with the action, thrills, and aesthetics of the Souls games makes for a pretty impressive combination. It sounds like something that wouldn’t work (probably shouldn’t) but it does. If you’ve got a gamer who enjoys punishing games and fun action, Lies of P is a great choice.
RPGs
Stocking Stuffers
Kontrolfreek Call of Duty Black Ops 7 Performance ThumbsticksColorCoral Keyboard Cleaning Gel
TOMY’s Club Mocchi- Mocchi Video Game Plushies
Dune: Awakening (Jordan) – I’m not sure I even want to admit how much Dune: Awakening has come to consume my gaming time since it first launched. I mean, seriously, unless it’s been a game I needed to review, I’ve pretty much only been playing Funcom’s survival MMO. It’s incredibly addictive and brings together the Dune lore in some fun, fresh ways that gives even diehard fans some surprises. Plus, they’ve already launched Chapter 2 of the story missions, along with the first DLC, so there’s no better time to get into it.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows (Ryan) – Apart from the obvious choice for gamers who wanted to play Ghost of Yotei but don’t have a PS5, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a fantastic offering on its own merits, too. With multiple protagonists featuring wildly different playstyles as well as a multitude of weapons and ways to engage, action-RPG fans are likely to find something to love here. Ubisoft has been tweaking the ‘new Assassin’s Creed’ formula in slightly better directions for basically every release since Origins, and Shadows represents the pinnacle of their efforts thus far.
2025 Holiday Gift Guide: Perfect Presents for the Movie and TV Fan in Your Life
Borderlands 4 (Kiera) – After playing Tiny Tina’s Wonderland I wasn’t sure that Borderlands could get much better, but then Borderlands 4 came out and I fell in love with the franchise again! The game with its new features and story has been an absolute delight. It’s a great addition to any gamers catalog.
Digimon Story: Time Stranger (Dustin) – This is a game I haven’t had time to dive fully into yet, but it looks incredible. I packed up my Nintendo Switch the day I got my Steam Deck, so playing Pokemon hasn’t been a real option for me lately, and this game feels like it kind of slides into that realm. I’ve grown to become a sucker for the cheesy anime style graphics too, but the story itself drew me in with the trailers. I think this is a good option for a wider audience of family members compared to other games on this list, potentially something more geared towards the younger ones.
Dragon Quest I and II HD-2D Remake (Katy) – Square Enix’s latest remake brings the classic Dragon Quest games to a new generation. With stunning pixel art, some quality of life upgrades, and more, there’s a lot to love here for both fans and newcomers. Hard to beat getting two beloved RPGs in one set.
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles (Jordan) – Easily one of the best Final Fantasy games around (I said what I said), The Ivalice Chronicles masterfully brings the game to modern platforms with great quality of life improvements. Even if you played this when it first launched, it gives you plenty of reason to revisit while feeling completely modern for all new gamers to be able to enjoy as well.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (Dustin) – This game is the most recent game that totally flew under peoples noses. It might sweep GOTY award shows, it might go down in history as one of the best games ever made. But leading up to release everyone ignored it. You could tell your friends “hey, you’ll want this” and they still didn’t pre-order it. This made the game extremely hard to find, which makes it a perfect gift for a gamer. If you could find one of the initial launch versions of the game, you might make someone cry when you give it to them because of how collectable it is. That being said, there are now several re-release versions coming out that are just as cool, including a new steelbook version on Amazon coming out just in time. Literally nobody would be anything but excited to see this game in their unwrapped gifts.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: The Order of Giants (Jordan) – I guess this could be considered under the “action/adventure” genre, but that’s getting pretty full and there are some neat RPG elements implemented in the gameplay that makes it a whole lot of fun. The Great Circle is such a damn fun game, and its major DLC expansion only adds to the experience. The new story is a blast and offers plenty of extra meat to feel like more than just another sidequest. If you’ve got someone who has the base game, this DLC would make a great gift option.
LUNAR Remastered Collection (Katy) – The Lunar series were a core memory for me in the early 2000s. Both games originally launched on the SEGA Saturn, but I didn’t get a chance to play them until they were ported to the PlayStation.
So getting the chance to pick then back up decades later was a dream when the LUNAR Remastered Collection dropped earlier this year, featuring LUNAR: Silver Star Story Complete and LUNAR 2: Eternal Blue Complete. The RPG features fully animated cutscenes that captured my heart all over again and the series is worth a play, especially if the RPG fan in your life has never had a chance to give them a shot.
Casual/Co-Op
Books for Gamers
Play Nice: The Rise, Fall, and Future Of Blizzard Entertainment
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds (S0LEB) – Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds invites players to embark on an exhilarating adventure across a variety of vibrant and imaginative worlds. This exciting title boasts an impressive array of customization options right from the start, allowing players to tailor their racing experience to their liking. With a diverse roster of beloved characters, five engaging game modes, and a plethora of unlockable gadgets, this game is filled with endless fun and excitement. SEGA and Team Sonic have truly outdone themselves, crafting what could very well be the best racing experience of 2025!
Elden Ring Nightreign (Jordan) – Okay, this might not fit the “casual” description (it’s Elden Ring after all), but its emphasis on co-op play as you have to work together to strategize and take down deadly bosses definitely fits the bill. If you’ve got a buddy you want to share in your misery with—I mean, have fun times with—this guarantees plenty of hours of play together.
LEGO Party (S0LEB) – LEGO Party! lives up to its promise of delivering a fun and engaging gaming experience, highlighting SMG Studios’ commitment to meaningful couch co-op play. With a fantastic variety of game modes, impressive customization options, and memorable moments unlocked during gameplay, it offers endless enjoyment. This title has quickly become one of our favorite family games this year, making it a perfect addition to your holiday gift guide!
Nex Playground (Jordan) – Imagine the active/fun minigames from the Wii and combine with the motion capabilities of the Xbox Kinect and you’ve got an idea of what the Nex Playground is all about. It’s a “game console” but built entirely around the concept of getting players active. The games available aren’t just simple edu-tainment games either (though there are plenty of those), it has fun options that everyone can enjoy. If you’ve got younger kids on your shopping list, or want to get something gaming related for the family, this could be a whole lot of fun.
Split Fiction (Dustin) – Split Fiction is the absolute best gift you could get a spouse or significant other this holiday, if you haven’t already explored it with them. This game was incredible from beginning to end, but the idea of playing and relying on your partner so heavily really creates a unique bonding experience. I say this is perfect because, similar to Little Nightmares 3, you’re asking them to enjoy something together with you. This game, if I remember correctly, can’t be played alone so this is literally you saying “come spend time with me!” As a game, it is by far one of the best experiences you’ll have.
Hello Kitty Island Adventure Gift Box – It doesn’t get much cozier than Hello Kitty Island Adventure. On top of being a surprisingly solid game for all ages to enjoy, this holiday season they even have a special physical “gift box” release that includes the game, some posters, a critter guide, and more. If you’ve got kiddos who love Hello Kitty and gaming, this is a pretty neat option.
LEGO Voyagers (S0LEB) – LEGO Voyagers is a beautifully designed game that brings joy and creativity to players of all ages. Engaging with young children during gameplay resulted in a delightful experience full of laughter and imaginative exploration. The vibrant graphics and soothing melodies create an immersive atmosphere, making the game feel enchanting and heartfelt. We highly recommend it for families and anyone looking to enjoy the fun of playing together.
Tiny Bookshop (Katy) – Tiny Bookshop captured my heart when it released in August, making me fall in love Bookstonbury-by-the-Sea and its cast of characters. It’s perfect for the avid reader, for the management sim fan, and the cozy gamer. You can pick up Tiny Bookshop on PC and Nintendo Switch.
Sports, Strategy, and Sim
Two Point Museum (Dustin) – Two Point Museum feels like it traveled back in time and took the best parts of classic games like EA’s Theme Park and Roller Coaster Tycoon. I say that because the game does a great job of presenting itself in a fun and artistic way upfront, but underneath it all is a really in-depth micro-managing game that gets more complex as you play. The expansions add even more fun to an already beefy experience, and this game will keep whoever you gift it to occupied for days to weeks on end. It’s probably the best value per dollar item on this whole list.
WWE 2K25 (Ryan) – Pro Wrestling has never been as popular as it is again today, and when it comes to celebrating your love of sports entertainment in gaming form, it’s hard to go wrong with the flagship title. WWE 2K25 is chock-full of your favorite performers across Raw, Smackdown, NXT, and even wrestling history, including over 300 characters in the base game alone. Current-gen console gamers also get access to The Island, an interactive quest-based silo of content that lets you build a custom wrestler up from scratch through a series of wrestling-based adventures.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 (Jordan) – The Tony Hawk remakes continued to impress this year with the arrival of 3 + 4. Taking all the great updates from the previous remake and applying them to the already improved gameplay of these sequels makes for a potent combination. It’s just a lot of fun and for old gamers like me, feels like when we played it for the first time (even though things have been updated significantly). As a general sports title, it’s easy to pick up and play while offering plenty of challenges that’ll keep players happy long after the wrapping paper has been thrown out.
Anno 117: Pax Romana (Jordan) – Ubisoft’s Anno franchise is one of the best strategy/sim games around, and its return with Pax Romana looks to keep the good times rolling. I haven’t had a chance to check it out myself yet, but as someone who loves these kinds of games, I’d be happy to find it under my Christmas tree this year.
College Football 26 (S0LEB) – EA Sports has proven to gamers that this isn’t just a return to years past, this is the best premium College Football experience year to date. With amazing visuals, highly improved gameplay mechanics, and the best environmental update we have seen, College Football 26 has proved why they are the Big Dog on Campus and is a must buy for all football fans!
Balatro (Katy) – Balatro came out last year, but it’s remained a fixture in my household. You can play it on any platform, including mobile, and the poker roguelike is a game that can have you hooked for hours. Developed by a single dev, LocalThunk, the game earned a wide variety of awards, including the best independent game at The Game Awards and Best Debut Game by BAFTA.
Accessories and Collectibles
Metal Gear Solid Delta Shadow Box (Dustin) – Look I don’t know who was in charge of the merchandise for MGS Delta, but it all kinda sucked. And for some reason all the gaming peripherals were for PC, which again, kinda sucked. That being said, I’m still a sucker for something MGS and the coolest release, besides the collectors edition in Europe, was this shadow box. I’d gladly display it alongside my Metal Gear stuff.
Quick Pick Games
Silent Hill F Vinyl Soundtrack (Dustin) – One of the absolute best games that was released this year (obviously my opinion), should be complimented with some unique merchandise. Check out this vinyl record with the games original soundtrack, which is quite good, and decorative art inside.
And if that doesn’t get you then this Silent Hill 2 replica absolutely will. It’s a set of 3 coins, replicas of the coins you need to find in the game, which unlocks room 105. It’s lore in real life!
A big bad dog hoodie (Dustin) – As mentioned by now, Indika is by far one of my favorite gaming experiences ever. If your gamer has a Switch, the game is releasing just in time for the holidays. If you already played and enjoyed the game, or know someone that does, this hoodie is absolutely iconic. It probably won’t mean much for people that didn’t play the game, for those that did oh man is it friggin awesome!
Martha Is Dead T-Shirt (Dustin) – Have I talked about this game enough? No? Okay cool, because I still love this simplistic shirt that nobody except fans of the game will get!
Dragon Quest Illustrations: 30th Anniversary Edition (Becky) – Dragon Quest has been one of my favorite gaming series for a while now and with Dragon Quest VII Remake on the way, this seemed like a good time to list this book as a gift option. Akira Toriyama created some amazing art for this series and this book lets you take it all in at your leisure.
The Legend of Zelda Chess Set (Becky) – What can I say, I’m an old fashioned type when it comes to gift giving. I love themed chess sets and this Legend of Zelda chess set from GameStop looks really cool. Even if someone isn’t a big fan of chess, it’s a neat piece a Legend of Zelda collector can display.
Metroid Prime 1–3: A Visual Retrospective: The Official Art and Making of Metroid Prime 1–3 (Becky) – With Metroid Prime 4 releasing in December, this seemed like a great time to take a look back at the previous Metroid Prime games which is why I recommend picking up this book as a gift. The Metroid Prime games had such a distinctive look to them (since they’re all played in first person), it’ll be fun to see how the art changed over the course of the trilogy.
Maliketh, the Black Blade Knitted Blanket – If you’ve got an Elden Ring fan on your shopping list, Bandai has this great blanket in their shop. I love things like this as they offer something decidedly different, but still in line with someone’s nerdy passions. This is set to launch on December 18th, so it’ll be cutting it close to Christmas, which means you should probably get your pre-orders in now.
Atari 2600 Plus Pac-Man Edition (s0leb) – Though most of us will be buying gaming gifts for our children, sometimes we have to remember the gamers of the past. The Atari 2600+ Pac Man Edition console is a great gift for those gamers who love pure nostalgia and classic games.
This pack comes with a PacMan themed Atari, themed CX-40 Wireless Joystick, PAC-MAN: Double Feature 2-in-1 game cartridge. Featuring an all-new, arcade-style version, PAC-MAN 7800 and the very first home version of the game, PAC-MAN 2600. The console is also Backwards and Forwards compatible, meaning you can play both Atari 2600 and 7800 game cartridges!
