Last minute PC gamer deals that should arrive before Christmas
Just in time for the festivities? That still counts as 'in time'. Just do your wrapping on Christmas eve like everyone else!
The holidays are looming, and Christmas deals are thin on the ground, but that doesn't mean that you can't nab a deal before Christmas comes around.
I refuse to apologise for my accidental Christmas rhyme there, because I need all the fun I can get after trawling around for this final haul of holiday deals. I've put myself through this so you don't have to, because that's the kind of jolly, selfless hardware writer I am.
Essentially, this is a list of anything you can still get at a vaguely discounted price, all of which should arrive before Christmas. That being said, I cannot take any responsibility for delays in shipping due to haulers getting stuck behind the growing droves of Coca-Cola trucks.
One thing to remember is we're searching from a single area on a VPN, and many sites will calculate shipping times by your location, so these may vary depending where you are across the US. Some may be in stock for the east coast, but not for the west, or vice-versa.
Still, there should be plenty left to chose from in your area. So here goes, the last minute deals on gifts any gamer should appreciate.
Gaming laptops
Razer Blade 15 Advanced | Nvidia RTX 3070 | Intel Core i7 10875H | 1080p | 360Hz | 15.6-inch | 16GB RAM | 1TB SSD | $2,599.99 $1,799.99 at Microsoft (save $800)
That's a colossal saving on a prime slice of gaming real estate, packing quality hardware from Intel and Nvidia to make sure it demolishes your games. The RTX 3070 is a great option for this thin and light chassis, as it'll knock out killer frame rates and make the most of the 360Hz display for a buttery-smooth experience too. A great saving on a great laptop. Express delivery should arrive in a day or so, too.
Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 | Nvidia RTX 3070 | AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS | 1440p | 165Hz | 15.6-inch | 16GB RAM | 1TB SSD | $1,849.99 $1,549.99 at Best Buy (save $300)
The Zephyrus G14 is one of our favorite gaming laptops, and has been since it first arrived. The RTX 3070 paired with that AMD Ryzen 5900HS CPU is as powerful combo, and the swift 1440p screen will let you enjoy your games in gorgeous QHD. Arrives by 16th Dec.
Gigabyte A5 X1 | 15.6-inch | Ryzen 9 5900HX | RTX 3070 | 1080p | 240Hz | 16GB RAM | 512GB SSD | $1,799 $1,499 at Newegg after rebate (save $200)
This is another one of the cheapest RTX 3070-based machines we've found so far, and the rest of the package makes it one of the finest, too. The AMD CPU is an eight-core stunner and the 240Hz screen is a pro-move as well. Our only issue is the slightly miserly 512GB SSD.
Gigabyte Aero 15 | Nvidia RTX 3080 | Intel Core i7 11800H | 15.6-inch | 4K AMOLED | 16GB RAM | 1TB SSD | $2,999 $1,899 at Newegg after rebate (save $1,100)
This beauty may only come with a 60Hz screen but it's 4K and AMOLED (even better than OLED). That GPU will spit up mega frame rates, even at such ultra-high resolution, too. And paired with a powerful 11th Gen Intel CPU, plenty of RAM, and masses of storage, it's great value even before the rebate.
Gigabyte Aero 17 HDR YD | Nvidia RTX 3080 | Intel Core i9 11980HK | 32GB RAM | 1TB + 512GB SSD | 4K IPS | $3,649.99 $2,799.99 at Newegg after rebate (save $850)
This is worth making the most of considering it's a machine with an RTX 3080 and 11th Gen Core i9 chip. That's topped with a gorgeous 4K IPS screen and boatloads of RAM—so great for multitasking any high-res antics. Plus lots of space to store all your games, and their high fidelity textures. This really is a steal for under $3,000.
Gigabyte Aorus 15P YD | Nvidia RTX 3080 | Intel Core i7 11800H | 32GB RAM | 1TB SSD | $2,399 $1,999 at Newegg (save $400)
No immense 4K screen here, only 1080p, but who needs super high resolution when you can have speed? This RTX 3080 and Intel 11th Gen lappy is topped with a 300Hz panel and more ram than you could shake a... stick at. Right now, at under $2K, its worth a look.
Prebuilt gaming PCs
iBuyPower Trace MR | Nvidia RTX 3080 | Intel Core i7 11700KF |16GB RAM | 500GB NVMe SSD + 1TB HDD | $2,399.99 at Best Buy
At a decent price, you're getting a solid computer draped around a powerful (and elusive) graphics card. With a strong Rocket Lake CPU and a super-speedy NVMe SSD this machine will be a nice upgrade for most. At the very least you're getting a new GPU, and in the last 12 months, that's a win.
Gaming Monitors
Samsung Odyssey G7 | 28-inch | 4K | IPS | 144Hz $799.99 $749.99 at Best Buy (save $50)
Samsung's G7 is a popular screen, and that's no doubt thanks to its great panel quality and high refresh rate. It's definitely not the cheapest 4K monitor going, but for that extra cash you get a great build quality and rapid speed, perfect for competitive gaming. It also supports both Nvidia and AMD variable refresh rate technologies, and comes with a flattering IPS panel.
BenQ EL2870U | 28 inch | 4K | 60Hz | 1ms response time | FreeSync | $299.99 $249.99 at Amazon (save $50)
BenQ's EL2870U is an excellent low-cost path to 4K: The 60Hz refresh rate may put off competitive shooter fans, but the image quality is outstanding. "For those wanting 4K and HDR on a budget, it’s easy to recommend," we said in our 89% review. And at this price, it's even easier.
Samsung Odyssey G9 | 49-inch | Ultrawide | QLED | 120Hz | $1,199.99 $1,099.99 at Amazon (save $100)
Reportedly in stock soon. Here, you're getting supreme 5120 x 1440 pixels spanning 49 inches to wrap yourself in your favorite game worlds. It's QLED, so not as impressive as OLED tech, but you do get a speedy 120Hz monitor from a trusted manufacturer, and AMD Freesync and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility.
Asus TUF Gaming VG35VQ | 35-inch | 21:9 curved screen | 100 Hz | 1ms response time | FreeSync | $479.00 $444.00 at B&H Photo (save $35)
This doesn't look like a huge saving but for whatever reason this retailer's starting point is much lower than the competition: this same screen has a list price of $570 to $613 elsewhere. The screen size and curvature make this something of a luxury gaming monitor.
Cooler Master GM34-CW | 34-inch | Ultrawide | VA | 144Hz | $749 $629 at B&H Photo (save $120)
The impeccable colour you get from this immense 34-inch screen in pretty nice, and the contrast isn't bad either. This is a 3440 x 1440p VA panel which is a good resolution for this size monitor. For gaming you get a 144Hz refresh to make the most of high frame rates, and G-Sync and Freesync, to boot.
Aorus FV43U | 43-inch | 4K | VA QLED | 144Hz | $1,099.99 $849.99 at Newegg (save $250)
If you want to go bigger than your peers, then this 43-inch monitor is a good fit. You lose out on the quality IPS of the smaller screen, but instead, you get a VA with Quantum Dot tech. Note this is an 'open box' discount, so it's worth checking you're happy with that before buying.
Aorus FI32U | 32-inch | 4K | IPS | 144Hz | $999.99 $899.99 at Newegg (save $100)
4K is best viewed above 32-inches, and you don't really want to forgo on picture quality when you're paying for extra pixels. That's why this 32-inch, IPS is a great fit for gaming, helped along massively by a 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. Now all you need is a great graphics card to feed it with a constant flow of frames.
Acer Predator XB271HU | 27-inch | 1440p | IPS | 144Hz | $469.99 $429 at Amazon (save $40.99)
For Acer's flagship monitor this is a great deal. We hold a special place in our hearts for the Predator. The IPS panel may not have the best colours and contrast around, but it's built for performance. With a 4ms response time and an overclockable 144Hz refresh, you'll be flying in competitive games.
MSI Optix MAG321CQR | 32-inch | 1440p | VA | 144Hz | $479.99 $299.98 at Amazon (save $180.01)
This is a huge saving on a quality 1440p VA panel that can make for some silky smooth refresh rates. The 1800R curve is subtle enough to add to the immersive experience without getting in the way too. It's FreeSync and G-Sync compatible too.
Gaming mice
Logitech G502 Lightspeed Wireless | 25,600 CPI | right-handed | $149.99 $96.97 at Amazon (Save $53.02)
The Logitech G502 is our own Katie Wickens' mouse of choice, and when asked to describe it in three words, she said "Swiss Army mouse". So if that doesn't convince you of its gaming credentials, I don't know what will.
EVGA X17 gaming mouse | 16,000 DPI | 8K Hz polling rate | $79.99 $29.99 at Amazon (Save $50)
EVGA recently decided to do away with the more traditional 1,000Hz polling rate in favour of an 8K one, which it says is that much faster for competitive gaming. The X17 is the wired mouse with said high polling rate, and it's a pretty nifty mouse besides that, too.
Razer Viper Ultimate | Wireless | with dock | 20,000 DPI | Ambidextrous | $149.99 $97.98 at Amazon (save $52.01)
With swathes of battery life, and a... razer sharp sensor (sorry) this super light mouse comes in at 74g and can be wielded in either hand. It's one for the competitive gamer's who like to fling their rodent about the place.
Razer Naga Trinity | 16,000 DPI | Wired | Right-handed | $99.99 $67.99 at Amazon (save $32)
With the same triple-threat of magnetically interchangeable button plates as its pricier Pro sibling, the Naga Trinity is one of the best MMO mice out there. In fact it's actually got one up on the Pro, because it comes with the excellent circle-of-buttons panel which Razer annoyingly ditched for the updated wireless version.
Razer Basilisk Ultimate | Wireless | Charging dock included | 20,000 DPI | $169.99 $119.99 at Best Buy (save $50)
If you want to go all out on your gaming mouse, the Razer Basilisk Ultimate is the way to go. It's a fan favourite, and we're big fans too, although clearly it's a lot pricier than your average gaming mouse, even a wireless one. With the included charging dock, though, you can take the hassle out of charging your battery.
Logitech G203 | Wired | 8,000 DPI | Right handed | $39.99 $19.99 at Amazon (Save $20)
Already listed as the best cheap gaming mouse around on our best gaming mouse guide, this is a great choice for people just starting out, or who've already blown their budget on high-powered components, but who still want to go with a trusted brand. And at half price now, it's a no-brainer.
SteelSeries Prime | 18,000 DPI | 80g | $129.99 $90.99 at Amazon (Save $39)
It's not a huge saving on this wireless rodent, but for the competitive prowess it exhibits, it's certainly worth a look. The TrueMove Pro sensor is great, and it's nice and light for FPS players looking to fling it around the mouse pad.
Gaming keyboards
Razer Cynosa Chroma Keyboard | Membrane | Low profile | $59.99 $34.99 at Amazon (Save $25)
The Chroma is already a great budget board, but at almost half price its worth consideration even despite it being membrane board. What's great is you get a low profile, spill resistant keyboard from a trusted manufacturer.
Razer Huntsman V2 Analog | Opto-mechanical | $219.26 $159.99 at Amazon (Save $59.27)
Okay, so it's a refurbished keyboard, but this is not bad for a rather supreme gaming keyboard so it's worth checking out. Optical switches make it faster than your average mechanical board, and you get a wrist rest as well. Not too shabby. Stock is good, and delivery is speedy.
Logitech G413 | Mechanical Romer-G switch | USB Passthrough | $89.99 $59.99 at Amazon (save $30)
Logitech has put together a very safe keyboard in the G413, and one we've come to appreciate for its simplicity and function. It's mechanical, using Logitech's own Romer-G switches, and is built to last. Only thing is it's available with red lighting and not RGB. I know that'll be a dealbreaker for some, but for a mechanical keyboard it's great value.
Gaming headsets
Razer Kraken X Headset | $49.99 $29.99 at Amazon (Save $20)
A great combination of affordable and quality, the Kraken X is a headset with a superb microphone for its price. It's also light, comfortable, and quite durable. It is, in short, a superb headset for any but the more demanding audiophile. If you've got one of those, or would like to spend a bit more, check out our best gaming headset list for more.
Corsair HS70 Pro| Wireless | Closed-back | $99.99 $79.99 at Amazon (Save $20)
Corsair impresses with its budget take on the wireless headset. This robust, no-nonsense headset has impeccable sound quality for the money, and although the battery life isn't as strong as some these great noise cancelling headphones for kids who don't want their friends to hear their parents shouting at them to clean their room over voice chat.
Razer BlackShark V2 X | Wired | Closed-back | $59.99 $39.99 at Best Buy (save $20)
With a spectacular range of sound, and impeccable comfort this is already a great headset, and that's without mentioning its understated look with sharp, distinctive Razer green accent. Along with 7.1 surround sound, all this makes for a cracking deal.