Got a video game enjoyer in your life? Want to get them something a little more specific than a gift card? Well, I’ve got you covered! We’ll go over if and how you can gift a digital game on four major platforms (Playstation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam), followed by my recommendations for games. Spoiler: some platforms make gifting digital copies much harder than it has to be.
Related: All of the Game Awards Announcements (2023)
Important Notes Before You Start
- Make sure your loved one doesn’t already own the game. Ask family, or even the gamer themselves if you’re not worried about surprise gifts.
- If a digital copy isn’t available for the game in question, check that their console has a disc drive.
- If possible, install the game ahead of time. Modern games, even those on disc, require hefty downloads to work properly on modern systems. If you want your loved one to enjoy their present day-of, work with them, a family member, or a friend to get it preinstalled. Console marketplaces have histories of holiday outages, so try to sidestep that possibility altogether.
How to Gift A PlayStation 5 Game
Can I send someone a digital game directly through the PlayStation store?
Nope. I don’t understand why.
Is there a way to get some sort of physical version of most games?
Yes! This is your most reliable gift option on PlayStation 5. Lots of stores carry physical PS5 games, but before you buy one, make sure your loved one can actually play discs. There’s a version of the PlayStation 5 that’s digital-only (unless they want to pony up for an attachable disc drive, of course). Other retailers may have cards with a digital code for the game on them.
Taylor’s Recommendation
Teardown: Deluxe Edition. Plan and execute a series of heists using a mix of proper planning and goofy tools. It’s in voxels—you know, the cute little Minecraft blocks—but with an incredibly detailed physics system that can go from precise to slapstick in a matter of seconds. Physical copy available via Amazon, Gamestop, Target, and Best Buy, MSRP $35.99.
How to Gift an Xbox Series S/X Game
Can I send someone a digital game directly through the Xbox store?
Yes! Here’s a guide on how to do that. PlayStation, take notes.
Is there a way to get some sort of physical version of most games?
Yes! Most stores will carry disc copies of major games, but smaller ones (like my recommendation below) may get smaller releases, or no physical copies at all. Other retailers may have cards with a digital code for the game on them. Before you buy one, make sure your loved one can actually play discs. The Xbox Series S is digital only, and doesn’t have a built-in disc drive.
Taylor’s Recommendation
Born of Bread. A Mario-and-Luigi inspired RPG that shines despite some rough edges. You play as Loaf, a bread boy brought to life, and his friends. Writing is irreverent but family-friendly, characters are sympathetic, and the turn based combat rarely outstays its welcome.
While this might seem like an oddball pick for Xbox, longer games with fixed save points are the best place to use the Xbox’s Quick Resume feature, which lets you put multiple games on pause while you do other things. The increased performance compared to Nintendo Switch might avoid some of the minor performance issues, too.
How to Gift A Steam Game
Can I send someone a digital game directly through the Steam store?
Yes! Here’s how to do that.
Is there a way to get some sort of physical version of most games?
No. Steam is a digital-only storefront, so the closest you could get is a download code from a third party store. Games in early access don’t usually offer those, but you might have success with other major titles.
Taylor’s Recommendation
The Coin Game. A faithful simulation of ticket-based arcades like the ones at fairgrounds and Chuck E. Cheese, but with enough bizarre details to stay compelling. There’s a fully featured bus system, optional career mode, and the world is populated with eccentric robots. The game is still in Early Access, which means it’s not yet considered complete, but fully featured enough to garner my recommendation. $13.99 via Steam.
How to Gift A Nintendo Switch Game
Can I send someone a digital game directly through the Nintendo eShop?
Sadly, no.
Is there a way to get some sort of physical version of most games?
Yes! Most stores will carry cartridge copies of major games, but smaller ones (like my recommendation below) may get smaller physical releases, or no physical copies at all. Other retailers may have cards with a digital code for the game on them.
Taylor’s Recommendation
Tetris Effect: Connected. The definitive version of Tetris is more than simple block-placing. The campaign mode takes you on a metaphysical globe-trotting journey, with a soundtrack that adapts to your play.
Multiplayer options make this a perfect game for the switch. If my family’s indication, you might find a Tetris master in an unexpected place—my Aunt Marni absolutely kills. Limited edition physical copy via Walmart, MSRP $54.99. Digital code available via Humble Store, Amazon, Target, Gamestop, and Best Buy, MSRP $39.99.
