Gaming

  1. Electronics
  2. Gaming
Our experts have spent hundreds of hours playing games (it’s a really hard job) to find the best gaming gear. We’ve picked the best peripherals for gaming—including mice, keyboards, and controllers, as well as VR headsets for your computer or smartphone—and the best laptops and computers to play on, no matter your budget.
  • Four handheld gaming consoles sitting amongst each other.

    The Best Handheld Gaming Console

    by Arthur Gies

    If you want to play great games away from your couch or desk, handheld consoles are finally worth buying. The Steam Deck is our favorite on-the-go gaming device.

  • Three headsets lying on a pink surface next to a white keyboard.

    The Best Gaming Headsets

    by Haley Perry

    The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 offers better sound than many more-expensive gaming headsets, has an excellent onboard microphone, and is comfortable enough to wear for hours.

  • Five of our top gaming keyboards, a cable and a mechanical switch puller on a red background.

    The Best Gaming Keyboards

    by Haley Perry

    With features like game-specific settings, higher sensitivity, and programmable RGB lighting, a gaming-specific keyboard will elevate your gaming experience.

  • A pair of mechanical keyboards that have had a couple of their keys and switches pulled out by a keycap puller.

    How to Shop for a Mechanical Keyboard

    by Kimber Streams

    Most keyboards suck. Upgrading to a mechanical one might be the right move. Here’s how to find the perfect mechanical keyboard for your needs.

  • A gaming monitor together with a mechanical keyboard, a controller, and a mouse.

    The Best Gaming Monitors

    by Dave Gershgorn

    Some monitors are better suited for gaming than others, and the MSI MAG 274QRF QD E2 offers the best combination of performance and price we’ve found.

  • An ultrawide monitor with a keyboard, a mouse, and a notepad.

    The Best Ultrawide Monitors

    by Dave Gershgorn

    Ultrawide monitors are appealing for viewing documents or browser windows side by side, and they make video games more immersive.

  • Our top three PC gaming controllers, the Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller, the 8BitDo Ultimate C 2.4G, and the 8BitDo Ultimate 2.4G, shown side by side.

    The Best PC Gaming Controller

    by Haley Perry

    Many PC games are best played with a controller, and the Xbox Series X|S controller is the best one to buy.

  • A Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite, shown with SD cards and an extra Joy-Con controller.

    The Best Nintendo Switch for You: Original, Lite, or OLED

    by Andrew Cunningham, Arthur Gies, and Haley Perry

    For Nintendo fans and gamers on the go, the Switch is a no-brainer, and we’re here to help you figure out which version to get—for yourself or someone else.

  • A small robot in a field of flowers, in front of a huge tree with glowing blue eyes.

    The Best Video Games of 2024

    by Arthur Gies and Haley Perry

    2024 saw some great video games, but these are the best of the best.

  • A gaming laptop showing an abstract background.

    Gear and Peripherals for PC Gaming

    by Ivy Liscomb

    We’ve tested hundreds of gaming laptops, keyboards, mice, and other essentials to make your PC gaming experience even more immersive and enjoyable.

  • Four gaming consoles lined up next to each other.

    The Best Game Consoles

    by Arthur Gies and Haley Perry

    Video game consoles are more popular than ever, but it can be hard to figure out the right one to buy. We’re here to help.

  • Five different gaming mouses pictured together.

    The Best Gaming Mouse

    by Haley Perry

    After testing 37 models this year—in addition to dozens in years past—we’ve found the best wired and wireless gaming mice for every budget.

  • Two Playstation 5 consoles and a controller sitting on a light blue surface.

    Choosing the Right PlayStation 5

    by Arthur Gies and Haley Perry

    The new PlayStation 5 launched on November 12, 2020. We break down the differences that matter and consider whether it’s worth the upgrade.

  • The Secret Titan Evo and the Mavix M9 gaming chair with two game controllers on display in front of a beige background.

    The Best Gaming Chair

    by Haley Perry

    Gaming chairs can be cheap and uncomfortable. The Secretlab Titan Evo lets you play for hours without getting sore.

  • A Meta Quest 3S headset and two controllers sitting on a blue surface.

    The Best VR Headset

    by Signe Brewster

    Our pick pairs great performance with a very low cost of entry.

  • Two Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controllers sitting one in front of the other, one in light pink and blue, one in dark pink and blue

    The 20 Best Gifts for Gamers

    by Wirecutter Staff

    Knowing what to get the avid gamer in your life can be tricky, but we’ve got you covered with the newest and best picks from our gaming team.

  • A screenshot of a spooky video game.

    13 Spooky Video Games We Love for Halloween

    by Wirecutter Staff

    Whether you’re in the mood for something scary, spooky, or just seasonally themed, we have more than a dozen games perfect for the month of October.

  • A screenshot of the video game Mario Party Superstars.

    These Video Games Are Fun for the Whole Family

    by Haley Perry

    Whether you’re playing over the summer or on a weeknight during the school year, we have games for family members of all ages and skill levels to enjoy together.

  • A screenshot from the game, Moss & Moss: Book II.

    Our 8 Favorite VR Games for Beginners

    by Signe Brewster

    The best virtual reality games are immersive in a way that makes you feel like you’re there. We have recommendations for everything from puzzlers to shooters.

  • Several microSD cards next to a black Nintendo Switch.

    The Best microSD Cards

    by Joel Santo Domingo

    Most microSD cards are good enough, but if you know what to look for, it’s not hard to get one that’s great.

  • A screenshot from the video game "Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden."

    Video Games to Ride Out the End of Winter

    by Wirecutter Staff

    Winter isn’t done yet, but there’s good news: These video games are ready to hang out with you inside until it warms up out there.

  • Screenshot of many Mario Bros. characters looking up in fear of a huge green Bowser-shaped ship above them in the sky.

    The 5 Best Video Games of 2023

    by Wirecutter Staff

    Wirecutter’s favorite games of 2023 include family favorites and new adventures.