The best Christmas gifts for mobile gamers

The best Christmas gifts for mobile gamers
Mobile gamers are a special breed, they play everywhere and everywhere with all kinds of phones. For the smartphone gaming fanatic in your life, here are the best Christmas gifts we've found. If you're starting from scratch, we've got plenty of gamer phones to recommend at many price points, from high-end to budget options. Our other gift options run the gamut, from controllers to peripherals to batteries, so gaming sessions can keep going all night long, whether you're at home or on the road. Whether you're shopping for the gamer in your life, or yourself, we've got the best Christmas gifts and holiday items for mobile gaming fans here.

The Asus ROG Phone 2 is designed for gamers

The Asus ROG Phone 2 is designed for gamers (Image credit: TechRadar)

Asus ROG Phone 2

Designed from the ground up for gamers

Release date: September 2019 | Weight: 240g | Dimensions: 171 x 77,6 x 9,5mm | Operating system: Android 9 Pie | Screen size: 6.59 inches | Resolution: 1080 x 2340 | CPU: Snapdragon 855 Plus | RAM: 12GB | Storage: 512GB / 1TB | Battery: 6000mAh | Rear camera: 48MP + 13MP | Front camera: 24MP Fantastic 120Hz AMOLED display Excellent battery life No watertight No wireless charging If you wanted the best phone designed for gamers with the latest and greatest specs, the Asus ROG Phone 2 is for you. Note that it's not first on our list of the best gaming smartphones – you'll get more value in other areas of phone ownership with the new, cheaper iPhone 11 Pro Max or OnePlus 7 Pro in our professional opinion, but if you wanted a phone for gamers, the Asus ROG Phone 2 is the choice. Its specs are impressive, with a Snapdragon 855 chipset paired with 12GB of RAM, a whopping 512GB of storage, an incredibly large 6000mAh battery (for extended gaming sessions), and a sleek 120Hz AMOLED display in a large 6.59-inch size. . It is a great beast. Designed specifically for gamers, it also has features and external peripherals you won't find on most other phones, like a clip-on fan, which is generously included in the box, and a range of other features. Other accessories (such as a joystick) you will need to purchase separately. There's also built-in software to help you customize your gaming experience, for example by overclocking the already meaty processor and adjusting the fan speed. There are a few issues with the Asus ROG Phone 2, but most of them don't affect gameplay, there's no wireless charging and no stamina. 39, water for example, and the design is sure to split (read: very "gamer chic" with sharp angles and RGB). If all you want for your phone is gaming, and you like this design or you don't care, then the Asus ROG Phone 2 is hard to beat. Last note: if you want an even cheaper phone gamer and don't care about 2018 specs, the Razer Phone 2 has been scaled down considerably of late. Read our review: Asus ROG Phone 2

(Image credit: Epic Games)

Fortnite V-Bucks

In-game currency – Best addition to a free game Cheaper than a new game Useful for ANY platform – mobile, console or PC Sold only in large denominations €25 and up The undisputed king of battle royale games is Fortnite, and the mobile gamer in your life is probably already playing it. Fortunately, you can participate by purchasing an in-game currency called V-Bucks, essentially picking up a gift card to use in the game. This motto buys weapon skins, character outfits, and multi-month season passes – all the items (or passes to items) that customize your character. This deal above is for platform-independent V-Bucks, which means it can be used on mobile, console, or PC.

(Photo credit: DELAM)

DELAM mobile game controller

100% knit Available in eight sizes. Literally nothing. We're still in the early days of gaming peripherals, so we can't say for sure that it's the de facto best mobile game controller, but the DELAM mobile game controller has the design and feature advantages compared to its competitors (although it won't work with tablets for obvious reasons). Also it's very cheap. This is partly because, unlike other mobile game controllers, this device is not powered. It's really more of a frame with clever internal levers that combine trigger buttons on the back with touch pads that hang over your phone. You'll have to customize your layout and play around with which buttons (shoot, reload, tilt, etc.) correspond to one of the four triggers, but it works in theory. This could mean that the DELAM may not be as fast as controllers connected via Bluetooth or via cable, but it also doesn't need to be connected to your phone to work, so it's theoretically compatible with n & # 39; any phone, or at least those that fit. The controller is expanding to accommodate phones that are 2.75 inches to 3.75 inches wide and 4.7 inches to 6.5 inches long, depending on its specifications (which is most phones today). If you want to try a mobile controller but don't want to risk big expenses, DELAM is a decent good option.

(Image credit: SteelSeries)

SteelSeries Nimbus

A good game controller. Familiar button layout. Up to 40 hours of gameplay Not compatible with phone or tablet If you're buying for a more serious gamer, the SteelSeries Nimbus is a decent option for a completely separate controller (assuming they don't already have a PS4 or Xbox One controller, which are compatible with the latest iOS and Android). You'll need to find a way to support your smartphone or tablet and, an even bigger caveat, the Nimbus only works with iOS and Mac devices. If you're an Android mainstay, there's the less expensive SteelSeries Stratus, though this model runs on AA batteries and requires a discreet Bluetooth adapter (sold separately). The Nimbus packs everything into a familiar DualShock-style controller (the two joysticks in the bottom center), with 4 LEDs that display your player status during multiplayer gameplay. - an unclear designation - but they will display the upload progress in blocks of 25% while the controller is connected. Fortunately, it's a lightning port, so iOS enthusiasts won't have to buy a new cable.

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Poké Ball Plus Pack

Catch real Pokémon (kind of) Works on Android and iPhone Catch Pokémon without using a phone Everyone knows who's still playing Pokémon Go. The hit game from 2017 is still going strong more than two years later, and for Poké hunting enthusiasts, the Poké Ball Plus is a must-have accessory. It can be combined with Android phones and iPhones, it allows you to play Pokémon Go without checking your smartphone. When a Pokémon appears nearby, the ball lights up and vibrates. Pressing a button lets you launch a virtual Poké Ball, and different LED lighting patterns will let you know if you've caught the Pokémon. Also, if you have a Nintendo Switch, the Poké Ball Plus is also compatible with their latest games; Pokémon: Let's go, Pikachu! (and Pokémon: Let's Go Evoli!).

Image Credit: Anker

Image Credit: Anker

Anker PowerCore II 10,000 mAh Power Bank

The one that slips into your pocket Ultra slim design Highly portable No cables in the box. If you play games on the go, you probably use your device's battery faster than normal. This is where the Anker PowerCore II packs 10,000 mAh of extra juice into an extremely compact casing that's easy to slip into a pocket. We love this little boy. The Anker PowerCore II 10,000 Power Bank is perhaps the most portable option on this list, allowing you to keep at least two full charges for your phone in your back pocket ready to go. 39; employment. At just 209g and 1,5cm thin, you'll be able to take this with you and not feel weighed down while still having 10,000mAh of extra power for any of your devices. Plus, it comes with Anker's own fast charging technology, which should mean you won't be plugged in for too long. Like most of the chargers on this list, it doesn't come with a cable, so you'll need to bring your own, but that means it works with both iOS and Android phones.

(Photo credit: future)

Money for games

Gift cards for the App Store and Google Play Store make great gifts Different values ​​available Let them choose their gift Offer new games, unlimited life, or a variety of in-app purchases and upgrades with a gift card to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store this Christmas. Any mobile gamer will appreciate extra funds to add to their game library or inventory on a particular title. These gift cards can be purchased at different prices, and all you need to know is what device the person you're shopping for has. If they have an iPhone (or an iPad or an iPod Touch), they'll need an Apple App Store Gift Card, while those with phones and Android phones (including Samsung phones), Huawei, Sony, HTC, LG, OnePlus, Oppo , Motorola and Nokia) will require a Google Play Store gift card.