The big all-rounder games console this year is
Nintendo’s brilliant Switch which, depending upon the
model you opt for, can be played both attached to a TV
or on the go.
There are three models, starting with the
portable-only Switch Lite, moving onto the original TV/
portable combo and then the recently released OLED
version, which totes all the bells and whistles.
jb's top tips
If buying a console as a gift, always make sure to
include a game so the lucky recipient has something to
play on it straight away.
Calling all Superstars! Mario Party™ is back with 5 classic boards from the Nintendo 64 Mario Party games.
Mariokart 8 Deluxe
Hit the road with the definitive version of Mario Kart 8 and play anytime, anywhere!
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond
Experience the nostalgic story from the Pokémon Diamond Version game in a reimagined adventure, Pokémon™ Brilliant Diamond, now on the Nintendo Switch™ system!
Pokémon Shining Pearl
Experience the nostalgic story from the Pokémon Pearl Version game in a reimagined adventure, Pokémon™ Shining Pearl, now on the Nintendo Switch™ system!
RingFit Adventure
Traverse grass-swept plains by jogging in place, attack enemies with overhead shoulder presses, and refill your health meter by striking some yoga poses.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
If the hustle and bustle of modern life’s got you down, Tom Nook has a new business venture up his sleeve that he knows you’ll adore.
While you want the gamer in your life to have fun,
you don’t always want to hear every beep, bloop or
gunshot that they fire. Then there’s multiplayer games
where they can talk to their teammates. Kill two birds
with one stone with a top-quality microphone-packing
headset, with choices often featuring surround audio
so players will know when somebody’s creeping up
sneakily from behind.
jb's top tips
If you come across “open back” and “closed
back” headsets, the difference is an easy one –
the former lets some real-world sound in (like,
“Dinner’s ready!”), while the latter isolate the user
into their own ambient noise-free sonic bubble.
Get In Control
Ask any gamer and they’ll tell you that a spare
controller never goes astray, especially with so
many top couch multiplayer games available.
Whether your particular gamer is of the PS5,
Xbox, Switch, PS4 or PC persuasion, there are
top options from both original and third-party
manufacturers.
jb's top tips
Make sure that you know which system your recipient has, to ensure that what you get works
with what they’ve got. This also applies to headsets and many other accessories.