It's a great way to blow off steam after a hard day at work, even if they're out of college. We rounded up some of our favorite gaming items that will upgrade their experience, and a few hot titles that will give them plenty to do this summer.
Your grad is out in the adult world now, so they really deserve a pro-level controller for their gaming activities, which is flexible for all their needs, be it mobile or console gaming. The Pro 2 is one of the best solutions that 8BitDo has to offer. The controller is compatible with a wide range of devices, from Windows and macOS machines to the Nintendo Switch, and is comfortable to hold. The Pro 2 will work with the Raspberry Pi if your grad is a tinkerer. The Swiss Army knife of game controllers is here.
Buy 8BitDo Pro 2 at Amazon - $50If you want the best game audio, a headset is a must-have, but being tethered to a computer or console is not as enjoyable. Unless you like red and black all the time, the selection of colors for most headsets is not available. The wireless headset from Logitech is around $80. The G435 can connect to a computer via a Lightspeed dongle, so it won't have to worry about an unreliable connection. It comes in bright colors like blue or lilac, and the padded ear cups and headband will keep a head cool while not messing up their hair.
Buy Logitech G435 at Amazon - $80The proper equipment is required for a career in streaming. The Stream Deck Mini is a great way to start out small. The six buttons on the deck give budding streamers access to popular functions. Drop and drag in the software to set it up. The Stream Deck makes it easier to become a famous streamer.
Buy Stream Deck Mini at Amazon - $80The lighting is a key part of a successful career in streaming. Someone can't be an on-camera personality if you can't see them on camera. Ring lights can be difficult to set up. The Litra Glow is a streaming light. This light is small enough to fit on the top of a laptop for on-the-go streaming while also providing soft all-over illumination.
Buy Litra Glow at Amazon - $60The backpack department is where your grad can slim down. They are still going to need something with lots of pockets to store their cables and cards if they are a game player. SteelSeries and Timbuk2 have collaborated on a pair of bags made for the gaming lifestyle, and the smaller one is perfect for carrying around a Nintendo Switch, headphones and other mobile gaming accessories. This crossbody bag has more pockets for cords and game cards, and a padded lining to keep delicate screens safe from scratches, which may remind you of a fanny pack.
Buy Timbuk2 CS03 crossbody at Amazon - $80If your grad doesn't already have a gaming mouse, why not upgrade them to the Rival 5, which is great for school and work? It feels great in the hand and the lighting isn't too flashy so it works for both home and office. The array of nine buttons that fit all genres of gaming will be appreciated by players.
Buy Rival 5 mouse at Amazon - $60The keyboard that came with the laptop shouldn't be the only one used by your player. They shouldn't have to settle for anything less than a premium mechanical keyboard, and you don't have to break the bank to get them one. The mini deck has optical switches. That's not a word salad, it's a smaller keyboard without a number pad or arrows, and it uses lasers under each key for a super fast response time. It's a great keyboard to have in a gaming arsenal for travel purposes, but it's good enough to be a full-time accessory.
Buy Huntsman Mini at Amazon - $120With the school year over and done with, grads have a bit of time on their hands, so why not give them a game to kick back and relax with? This new game takes place in the distant past of the Sinnoh region from Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, and will appeal to players who grew up with the Pokémon franchise. If they haven't played a PokE9'mon game before, it's a good way to get ready for the new generation of creatures in this fall's game.
Buy Pokémon Arceus Legends at Amazon - $60Kirby titles have gotten a lot easier over the years, but Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a game for old-school players who like more of a challenge. Kirby is exploring a post- apocalyptic world, battling enemies and gaining new abilities. If your grad has ever wondered if Kirby could eat a car, this is the game to get them. It is the best Kirby game since the 90s, so it is sure to keep your loved one busy over the summer.
Buy Kirby and the Forgotten Land at Amazon - $60Your grad is studying for finals and getting ready for graduation. It's likely they haven't dipped their toe into the massive, immersive experience that is Elden Ring. The title is difficult for casual players because of the large learning curve, and it is even more difficult for players who have a lot of time on their hands. Give them this soon-to-be-classic while they can fully enjoy it, because soon enough they will be slammed with job offers.
Buy Elden Ring at Amazon - $60