A gaming brother can be wonderfully easy to shop for—right up until you discover that there are three consoles, two nearly identical headset boxes, and a controller he has very particular feelings about. I would start with one question: what does he actually play on most?
These are different routes through the gift list, not a shopping list he needs in full. I would choose one useful addition to his favorite setup, then make time to play something with him. That is a better Christmas plan than buying an accessory because the packaging says ‘pro.’
For the brother who is mostly on Xbox
Xbox Wireless Controller
An official Xbox Wireless Controller is a straightforward choice when his current controller is worn out or he could use a second one for local multiplayer. I would choose a color he would actually enjoy, rather than assuming the most expensive limited edition is automatically the best gift.
Check whether he already has a preferred rechargeable battery setup. The controller and the battery solution are separate decisions, and a spare controller is much more welcome when it fits the way he already plays.
View on AmazonFor the Switch player: the official Pro controller
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
An official Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (model HAC-013) is an easy recommendation for anyone whose docked Switch sessions currently rely on Joy-Cons or a tired gamepad. The full-size ergonomic grips, responsive D-pad, and 40-hour rechargeable battery make longer gaming sessions noticeably more comfortable.
Confirm what controllers he already owns before ordering. Buying the official first-party gamepad is a reliable choice that fits right into his existing setup, and pairing it with an evening to play together makes it feel like a proper holiday gift.
View on AmazonFor the PS5 player who would appreciate a fresh controller
DualSense Wireless Controller
A DualSense is worth putting on the list for a PS5-owning brother whose main controller has seen a lot of use. A color he would not ordinarily buy himself can make a familiar, useful item feel like a proper present.
I would check what he already has before wrapping a second controller. Also, this is the PS5 controller choice; a brother still playing on PS4 needs a different recommendation. Buying the right generation beats finding the prettiest holiday bundle.
View on AmazonA wired headset when you want fewer platform surprises
HyperX Cloud III Wired Gaming Headset
The wired Cloud III is an option when he wants a headset for more than one supported system. HyperX lists compatibility with Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch, among other platforms. I would still look at how he connects his current headset and which console he uses most.
Choose the wired version deliberately. Cloud III Wireless and other similarly named versions are different products, and I would not assume they work the same way on every console. If he already loves his headset, skip this category rather than buying a sideways upgrade.
View on AmazonFor the brother who takes his gaming bag everywhere
Anker Prime 20,000mAh 200W
A power bank is less glamorous than a new game, but it can be a useful gift for someone who travels with a phone, headphones, and other USB-powered gear. The Anker Prime belongs on the list if he needs more portable charging than a tiny phone-only battery can offer.
I would include a suitable cable and check the charging requirements of his particular handheld before promising console use. It is also a fairly substantial item to carry. If his gaming never leaves the couch, one of the controller choices is probably a better fit.
View on AmazonMy extra would be an invitation, not another accessory: ‘Pick a co-op game and an evening. I’m in.’ And if he already has a carefully chosen setup, I would ask for his exact game wish list. Buying the game he wants on the platform he owns is a thoughtful gift, even if it removes the surprise.