The GameSir G7 SE Xbox is one such example, as it's a remarkable controller with responsive buttons and comfy ergonomic features, all for a budget-friendly price that's been knocked down further to $35.99 at Walmart for Christmas.

Why buy this controller for Christmas?

The GameSir G7 SE Wired controller is our winner in the "Best Budget" category of our favorite Xbox controllers of 2025 and beyond.

It's got responsive controls thanks to being outfitted with Hall Effect sensors in its triggers and analog sticks to help the controller better detect player inputs.

It has a sturdy, ergonomic design that's comfortable to hold and durable enough to withstand years of use (and rage-quitting abuse), and its buttons can be remapped to the player's liking by using GameSir's Nexus software app.

Of course, the most stand-out selling point of this controller is its MSRP of $54.99. Being $10 cheaper than the standard Xbox wireless controller while having features you'd expect from a premium controller is one heck of a bargain, which has become an absolute steal now that it's on sale for $35.99 at Walmart.

Alternative discount

If Walmart's stock of the GameSir G7 SE Wired controller runs out or it expires, Amazon's $44.99 discount (was $49.99) can be used as an alternative backup option.

FAQs

If your item won't arrive in time for Christmas or you're looking for a quick and easy add on, buying an Amazon eGift Card is a fast, flexible way to give purchasing power now—send instantly or schedule delivery by email or text, choose any amount from $5 to $2,000, and the balance never expires, making it ideal when a deal’s item won’t ship until after the holidays.

Amazon eGift Cards let you pick a design, set a custom amount, add a personal message, and choose delivery by email or SMS with the option to schedule the exact delivery date—including immediate delivery or a future date up to a year ahead. There are no fees, and gift card balances never expire, so recipients can redeem the code and apply the funds to their Amazon account whenever they’re ready, across millions of eligible items.

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However, it can be an expensive hobby to get into, as laptops can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Fortunately, Walmart is hosting a special Christmas sale on a couple of PC gaming laptops and compatible accessories to help you get started with PC gaming while saving a significant amount of money, and we've rounded up the best discounts on offer.

FAQs

If your item won't arrive in time for Christmas or you're looking for a quick and easy add on, buying an Amazon eGift Card is a fast, flexible way to give purchasing power now—send instantly or schedule delivery by email or text, choose any amount from $5 to $2,000, and the balance never expires, making it ideal when a deal’s item won’t ship until after the holidays.

Amazon eGift Cards let you pick a design, set a custom amount, add a personal message, and choose delivery by email or SMS with the option to schedule the exact delivery date—including immediate delivery or a future date up to a year ahead. There are no fees, and gift card balances never expire, so recipients can redeem the code and apply the funds to their Amazon account whenever they’re ready, across millions of eligible items.

Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!

It's an outstanding value-for-money AI laptop that any serious or casual laptop user will enjoy for its high-performing specs for productive workflows or simple web browsing.

Why buy the ASUS Zenbook A14 for Christmas?

The ASUS Zenbook A14 is packed from its inner circuits to its clamshell casing with substantial features that make it one of the best Windows laptops we've ever covered on this site.

This laptop has a refined, ultra-light, minimalist design made with a custom "Ceraluminum" coating that reduces its weight for easy carrying while making it scratch-resistant to preserve its stylish appearance.

On the performance front, the ASUS Zenbook A14 is outfitted with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Plus processor (8-core) and the Windows on ARM OS. With these, the laptop will boot up, log you in, run web browsers, and launch compatible native ARM64 apps as quickly and easily as a man breathes.

Not to mention, this Copilot+ PC is equipped with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) with 45 TOPS, allowing it to run AI-empowered tasks like researching facts from the internet and editing images in seconds with little load unless put under extremely heavy workloads.

With specs like these, plus a 14-inch OLED display (1,920 x 1,200 FHD+ resolution) with 400 nits max brightness and 60Hz refresh rates, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage space, and much more, it's a laptop worth every penny, especially now that it's $959.00 MSRP has been cut down to $799.00 at Amazon for Christmas.

Alternative discounted configurations

If Amazon's discount offering for the ASUS Zenbook A14 (with the 1TB SSD) expires or it runs out of stock, here are discounts for alternative configurations being sold elsewhere as backup options:

• $999.99 at Best Buy (was $1,199.99) (32GB RAM, 1TB SSD)
• $749.99 at Walmart (was $799.99) (16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)

FAQs

Arrives after Christmas and need a gift sooner? 

If your item won't arrive in time for Christmas or you're looking for a quick and easy add on, buying an Amazon eGift Card is a fast, flexible way to give purchasing power now—send instantly or schedule delivery by email or text, choose any amount from $5 to $2,000, and the balance never expires, making it ideal when a deal’s item won’t ship until after the holidays.

Amazon eGift Cards let you pick a design, set a custom amount, add a personal message, and choose delivery by email or SMS with the option to schedule the exact delivery date—including immediate delivery or a future date up to a year ahead. There are no fees, and gift card balances never expire, so recipients can redeem the code and apply the funds to their Amazon account whenever they’re ready, across millions of eligible items.

Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!

Thankfully, JSAUX's line-up of FlipGo portable monitors is here to help lighten your burdens with their extra screens to give more room for your work apps, high-refresh rates to load them faster, and crisp resolutions so you can see what you're doing with clear detail.

On top of that, several of them are now on sale on Amazon just in time for Christmas with the lowest prices they've seen in a month.

FAQs

Arrives after Christmas and need a gift sooner? 

If your item won't arrive in time for Christmas or you're looking for a quick and easy add on, buying an Amazon eGift Card is a fast, flexible way to give purchasing power now—send instantly or schedule delivery by email or text, choose any amount from $5 to $2,000, and the balance never expires, making it ideal when a deal’s item won’t ship until after the holidays.

Amazon eGift Cards let you pick a design, set a custom amount, add a personal message, and choose delivery by email or SMS with the option to schedule the exact delivery date—including immediate delivery or a future date up to a year ahead. There are no fees, and gift card balances never expire, so recipients can redeem the code and apply the funds to their Amazon account whenever they’re ready, across millions of eligible items.

Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!

One of the Xbox Wireless Controller's more expensive yet artistically rich variants, the Heart Breaker, has just gotten a rare 39% discount so that players can appreciate its beauty for $49.00 at Amazon instead of its usual MSRP of $79.99.

Why buy the Heart Breaker Edition of the Xbox Wireless Controller?

The Heart Breaker Edition of the Xbox Wireless Controller functions identically to the regular version, right down to its responsive controls, comfortable ergonomics, and stable wireless connectivity to Xbox consoles, and Bluetooth connectivity to Windows PCs, tablets, and phones.

In addition, the controller can even play Xbox games via Xbox Cloud Gaming with just a TV linked up with an Amazon Fire TV Stick and an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate account.

The only major difference is that the Heart Breaker sports a custom-made clamshell by Xbox Design Lab with a bold pink, purple, and blue collage color scheme that's pleasing to the eye.

So, if you don't like the standard Carbon Black or Robot White Xbox controllers and fancy treating yourself or your loved ones to a prettier rendition of one of the best Xbox controllers for less this Christmas, then the Heart Breaker Edition is not a bad choice now that it's on sale for $49.00 at Amazon.

Alternative offerings

If Amazon's stock of the Xbox Wireless Controller (Heart Breaker) runs dry or it's discount expire, here are some alternative back-up discount options.

• $49.00 at Walmart (was $79.99)
• $49.49 at Target (was $69.99)

FAQ

Arrives after Christmas and need a gift sooner? 

If your item won't arrive in time for Christmas or you're looking for a quick and easy add on, buying an Amazon eGift Card is a fast, flexible way to give purchasing power now—send instantly or schedule delivery by email or text, choose any amount from $5 to $2,000, and the balance never expires, making it ideal when a deal’s item won’t ship until after the holidays.

Amazon eGift Cards let you pick a design, set a custom amount, add a personal message, and choose delivery by email or SMS with the option to schedule the exact delivery date—including immediate delivery or a future date up to a year ahead. There are no fees, and gift card balances never expire, so recipients can redeem the code and apply the funds to their Amazon account whenever they’re ready, across millions of eligible items.

Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!

It's a modest console with reliable performance, a crisp display, ergonomic grips, and an affordable price tag that's become even cheaper as its $599.99 MSRP has been slashed down to $489.99 at Amazon.

Why buy the Xbox Ally?

While I personally prefer using the Steam Deck for playing games locally, I can't deny that the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally gives it some healthy competition, especially when it comes to cloud gaming.

It features ergonomic grips inspired by the Xbox Wireless Controller's grips, which are very comfy to hold.

It also has an efficient cooling system with silent fans to prevent distracting noise, responsive controls, and a 7-inch IPS display capable of rendering images with 1080p resolution, accurate colors, and up to a 120Hz Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support.

The Xbox Ally also has an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor to enhance its performance so it can run indie and graphically modest AA games, or stream games via Xbox Cloud Gaming and NVIDIA GeForce NOW smoothly with ease, with little noticeable latency.

However, the Xbox Ally will struggle to run graphically demanding AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 above low settings.

Its other considerations include a storage size of 512GB, no HYPR-RX or AI enhancements (which are included in the Xbox Ally X), and somewhat shorter battery life for gaming (2 hours for demanding games and 7 hours for indie/lower-end titles).

However, you can upgrade its storage issues by picking up the best microSD cards for Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X to fix this handheld's limited capacity to store games.

If you can put aside some gripes, the Xbox Ally is a great Windows 11 handheld for cloud gaming, especially now that it's on sale for $489.99 at Amazon.

Alternative Discount

If Amazon's stock runs or its deal expires, there is a similar discount for the Xbox Ally for $489.99 at Best Buy, which you can use as a backup option.

FAQs

Arrives after Christmas and need a gift sooner? 

If your item won't arrive in time for Christmas or you're looking for a quick and easy add on, buying an Amazon eGift Card is a fast, flexible way to give purchasing power now—send instantly or schedule delivery by email or text, choose any amount from $5 to $2,000, and the balance never expires, making it ideal when a deal’s item won’t ship until after the holidays.

Amazon eGift Cards let you pick a design, set a custom amount, add a personal message, and choose delivery by email or SMS with the option to schedule the exact delivery date—including immediate delivery or a future date up to a year ahead. There are no fees, and gift card balances never expire, so recipients can redeem the code and apply the funds to their Amazon account whenever they’re ready, across millions of eligible items.

Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!

One such bargain is for Microsoft's Surface Laptop 7, one of the best laptops we've covered, which is currently on sale for $1,469.99 at Amazon.

Why is this 2024 laptop worth it in 2025 and beyond?

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 is one of the best Windows-on-ARM laptops we've ever seen and one of the finest Copilot+ PCs available. Our Senior Editor and Windows laptop expert, Zac Bowden, loved it so much that he labelled it better than the MacBook Air when he gave the Surface Laptop a perfect 5/5 review score.

This configuration of the Surface Laptop 7 that's on sale features a thin, minimalist design fit for portable travel, a 15-inch touchscreen display capable of rendering images with smooth 120Hz refresh rates, and 66Whr of battery life to get you through the day.

Additionally, this laptop includes performance-enhancing hardware to improve workflow production, like Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite processor, 32GB of RAM, 1TB of storage, and a neural processing unit (NPU) capable of 45 TOPS to help it perform local AI tasks more efficiently.

While its specs are not suitable for playing AAA PC games, they're absolutely perfect for workplace environments or casual browsing, as they make multitasking with Microsoft Office apps and researching information on the internet a breeze.

The only major problem with this laptop, aside from no anti-reflective coatings for its screen or presence detection features, is its relatively steep MSRP of $2,099.99.

Thankfully, this price point has become more affordable for a limited time as it's now $1,469.99 at Amazon, giving PC users a chance to buy it for Christmas and use it tackle new office challenges awaiting them in 2026 and beyond.

Alternative Discounts

Should Amazon's stock of this laptop configuration run out or its discount expire, here are some alternative discount options from other retailers you can use as backup options:

• $1,599.99 at Best Buy (was $2,099.99)
• $1,499.00 at Walmart (was $2,099.99)

Alternative discounted configuration

If you don't fancy the 15-inch model, the 13.8-inch model with a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor, 1TB of storage, and 16GB of RAM, is also on sale for $986.14 at Amazon.

FAQs

Arrives after Christmas and need a gift sooner? 

If your item won't arrive in time for Christmas or you're looking for a quick and easy add on, buying an Amazon eGift Card is a fast, flexible way to give purchasing power now—send instantly or schedule delivery by email or text, choose any amount from $5 to $2,000, and the balance never expires, making it ideal when a deal’s item won’t ship until after the holidays.

Amazon eGift Cards let you pick a design, set a custom amount, add a personal message, and choose delivery by email or SMS with the option to schedule the exact delivery date—including immediate delivery or a future date up to a year ahead. There are no fees, and gift card balances never expire, so recipients can redeem the code and apply the funds to their Amazon account whenever they’re ready, across millions of eligible items.

Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!

Of course, you can also just buy the laptop for almost $200 off, regardless of the calendar or any upcoming events. Right now, the Surface Laptop 7 is $699.99. Quite frankly, that's a ludicrous price for a Surface Laptop 7 with a Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage.

Update 10 AM ET December 21: As we expected, this deal was a one-day only for "Super Saturday," before Christmas. As such, the price has reverted back to a still-decent $901.60, but still far from the $699 we saw yesterday. - Daniel Rubino, Editor-in-Chief

Get a Surface Laptop 7 before Christmas

The discounted price on the Surface Laptop 7 only went live today, December 20. It was $926 before that. Its price now matches the best-ever deal on this specific Surface Laptop 7 (there's a chance a model of a different color has sold for less, but I haven't seen it).

Right below the current price, you'll see a note from Amazon that says, "Arrives before Christmas" (assuming you've found the deal in time).

That section will detail the delivery date depending on what you choose. For example, if my brother in the United States ordered a Surface Laptop 7, it would arrive this afternoon or the next day. Delivery times will vary based on your area and whether you have Amazon Prime.

I don't recommend buying something because a deal ending or a deadline makes you feel anxious. But if you already know you want a Surface Laptop 7 and have a budget set aside for it, don't leave the PC in your cart or wish list. Order it in time for it to be delivered when you'd like.

Need more? The 15-inch Surface Laptop 7 with a whopping 32GB of RAM and 1TB SSD is also 30% off, bringing it down to a much more affordable price.

Why get a Surface Laptop 7?

We're big fans of the Surface Laptop 7 around here. We've followed the lineup from it being announced on stage to Microsoft revamping the design of its flagship laptop. The latest iteration earned 5/5 stars in our Surface Laptop 7 review.

The Surface Laptop 7 is known as the "MacBook Air Killer," "the clamshell form factor perfected," and the best Windows on ARM laptop. Much of that praise is thanks to the design of the PC.

The Surface Laptop 5 and Surface Laptop 6 looked dated at launch and sported the same general design as the first Surface Laptop. Things changed with the Surface Laptop 7.

The Surface Laptop 7 has thinner bezels, rounded display corners, and a large haptic trackpad. In some ways, Microsoft caught up to the industry with the Surface Laptop 7. In other ways, it passed the competition.

Physically, the Surface Laptop 7 is most like the MacBook Air. It also competes with Lenovo's Yoga Slim 7x, ASUS VivoBook S 15, and Dell XPS 14.

The Surface Laptop 7 blends together a modern design, an attractive 120Hz display, a haptic touchpad, and AI features to create an excellent experience.

If you love the design and feature set of the Surface Laptop 7 but use it for everyday computing, you should avoid overpaying for a model that's overkill.

Electing to have more RAM and storage in a laptop is one of the quickest ways to drive up the cost of that PC. If you only use your laptop for general productivity and streaming media, you may not need extra RAM or storage.

This Surface Laptop 7 still runs on the snappy and efficient Snapdragon X Elite. Its 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage are plenty for everyday computing. If you use a cloud service like OneDrive, Dropbox, or iCloud, you likely won't feel the squeeze of a 256GB SSD.

Alternative discounted configurations

While 256GB is enough storage for some users, you may need more storage if you handle large files or a lot of files. Luckily, there are some other Surface Laptop 7 models on sale, including one with 1TB of storage:

• Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD — $968.42 at Amazon (was $1,699.99).
• Snapdragon X Elite, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD — $1,599 at Walmart (was $2,099.99).

FAQ

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Razer then sought to correct that in 2024 with the Blackshark V2 Pro Wireless Xbox Gaming Headset, so Xbox players can finally experience its rich sounds. Now, at the end of 2025, its $199.99 MSRP has been slashed down to $104.99 at Amazon during the holiday sales.

Why is this one of the best gaming headsets to buy for Xbox?

There are plenty of reasons why hardcore Xbox players should consider owning a Razer Blackshark V2 Pro for Xbox.

This gaming headset features impeccable sound quality when listening to games, thanks to its 50mm TriForce Titanium drivers, spatial audio support, and customizable audio profiles to let the user adjust the EQ levels to their personal preferences.

There are also a couple of pre-installed audio profiles tuned for competitive online multiplayer titles like Call of Duty, Battlefield, or Arc Raiders to help players better hear enemy movement or teammate call-outs.

The Razer Blackshark V2 Pro for Xbox's mic quality also matches its headset audio quality, as its unidirectional, detachable microphone with 32KHz sampling rates can convey your voice with exquisite detail while isolating it from distracting background noise.

Of course, a wireless headset's audio quality means nothing with a stable wireless connection to back it up. Thankfully, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for Xbox more than delivers it with stable, responsive, and reliable Razer Hyperseed 2.4Ghz wireless or Bluetooth connections to prevent audio latency.

Add in a long-lasting battery life of 70 hours, an extremely comfy, ergonomic design that's pleasant to wear for many hours, and some compatibility with PC (minus Razer Synapse support and audio profiles for Valorant and Counter-Strike), and you've got one of the best Xbox Gaming Headsets on the market.

So, if you're looking for a premium-grade Xbox Headset to buy for Christmas, today's your lucky day as Amazon's sale is offering the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro for Xbox with a 48% discount for $104.99 at Amazon.

FAQ

Arrives after Christmas and need a gift sooner? 

If your item won't arrive in time for Christmas or you're looking for a quick and easy add on, buying an Amazon eGift Card is a fast, flexible way to give purchasing power now—send instantly or schedule delivery by email or text, choose any amount from $5 to $2,000, and the balance never expires, making it ideal when a deal’s item won’t ship until after the holidays.

Amazon eGift Cards let you pick a design, set a custom amount, add a personal message, and choose delivery by email or SMS with the option to schedule the exact delivery date—including immediate delivery or a future date up to a year ahead. There are no fees, and gift card balances never expire, so recipients can redeem the code and apply the funds to their Amazon account whenever they’re ready, across millions of eligible items.

Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!

However, the LucidSound LS15X possesses these enticing qualities while sporting a slick design and a budget-friendly price of around $70, which Amazon has reduced even further to $55.30.

Why should you buy the LucidSound LS15X wireless gaming headset in 2025?

For a budget wireless gaming headset costing below $100, the LucidSound LS15X sure doesn't feel like a one for how good its sound quality is.

When my colleague, Jez Corden, reviewed the LucidSound LS15X in 2021, he remarked how impressed he was at its excellent positional awareness and warm, sweeping bass that sounded completely natural when Jez tested it out with Call of Duty: Vanguard and Battlefield V.

On top of that, it features a microphone with above-average sound quality, stable wireless and Bluetooth connectivity with little to no audio latency, comfortable earcups that make it pleasant to wear, and a long-lasting battery of 15 hours before needing to recharge.

The only downsides of this gaming headset are that its build quality can feel brittle in hand, and its adjustable head strap doesn't stay in position stably.

Plus, its audio control dials and buttons lack sufficient information and feedback when operating them, which can make adjusting audio on the LucidSound LS15X a somewhat confusing and frustrating process.

If you can disregard those nitpicks, then we highly recommend the LucidSound LS15X for anyone looking to purchase an Xbox or PC wireless gaming headset with rich sounds without breaking the bank for Christmas.

If you're interested in this consumer-friendly stocking filler, the LucidSound LS15X is on sale for $55.30 at Amazon for a limited time.

FAQ

Arrives after Christmas and need a gift sooner? 

If your item won't arrive in time for Christmas or you're looking for a quick and easy add on, buying an Amazon eGift Card is a fast, flexible way to give purchasing power now—send instantly or schedule delivery by email or text, choose any amount from $5 to $2,000, and the balance never expires, making it ideal when a deal’s item won’t ship until after the holidays.

Amazon eGift Cards let you pick a design, set a custom amount, add a personal message, and choose delivery by email or SMS with the option to schedule the exact delivery date—including immediate delivery or a future date up to a year ahead. There are no fees, and gift card balances never expire, so recipients can redeem the code and apply the funds to their Amazon account whenever they’re ready, across millions of eligible items.

Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!

Rather than eating the cost or waiting for prices to drop (if they ever do), there's a third alternative. Newegg is still offering some RAM and motherboard bundles in which you can get DDR5 for a much more reasonable price. Don't need a new board? Someone does, and you can be the one who provides it.

G.Skill's Flare X5 32GB DDR5 kit can be had for about $210 when bundled, while Corsair's Vengeance 32GB DDR5 kits can be had for either $150 or about $170 when bundled.

FAQ

Arrives after Christmas and need a gift sooner? 

If your item won't arrive in time for Christmas or you're looking for a quick and easy add on, buying an Amazon eGift Card is a fast, flexible way to give purchasing power now—send instantly or schedule delivery by email or text, choose any amount from $5 to $2,000, and the balance never expires, making it ideal when a deal’s item won’t ship until after the holidays.

Amazon eGift Cards let you pick a design, set a custom amount, add a personal message, and choose delivery by email or SMS with the option to schedule the exact delivery date—including immediate delivery or a future date up to a year ahead. There are no fees, and gift card balances never expire, so recipients can redeem the code and apply the funds to their Amazon account whenever they’re ready, across millions of eligible items.

Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!

This is a premium-grade mobile controller with extremely responsive controls, top-notch ergonomics, and a long battery life of 40 hours, and its Xbox Edition is now on sale for $144.99 at Amazon.

Why buy the Backbone Pro?

The Backbone Pro has plenty of enticing qualities that help transform your mobile phone into one of the best Xbox cloud gaming controllers and one of the best controllers for mobile gaming in general.

It's immensely comfortable to wield for long hours of playtime thanks to its large grips with laser-etched texturing. and very subtly curved triggers fit for adults.

It also has extremely responsive controls (which are remappable) with reliable Hall Effect Triggers, sturdy Bluetooth and local USB-C connectivity, pass-through USB-C charging so you can recharge alongside other devices using a single dock or hub, and it has a long-lasting battery of 40 hours when Bluetooth mode is in use.

The only major drawbacks of this mobile controller are that you need to sign up for the monthly Backbone+ service to access Xbox Cloud Gaming via Xbox Game Pass and NVIDIA GeForce Now (as stated by my colleague, Jez Corden, in his review of the Backbone Pro), it has no Hall Effect analog sticks, and it has a steep MSRP of $179.99.

That last sticking point has, fortunately, been stomped down to $144.99 at Amazon for a short time as part of Amazon's discount.

If you can set aside those other quibbles, then the Backbone Pro for Xbox would make a fine Christmas present for yourself or your fellow Xbox buddies if you all frequently indulge in Xbox Cloud Gaming on your mobile devices.

FAQ

Arrives after Christmas and need a gift sooner? 

If your item won't arrive in time for Christmas or you're looking for a quick and easy add on, buying an Amazon eGift Card is a fast, flexible way to give purchasing power now—send instantly or schedule delivery by email or text, choose any amount from $5 to $2,000, and the balance never expires, making it ideal when a deal’s item won’t ship until after the holidays.

Amazon eGift Cards let you pick a design, set a custom amount, add a personal message, and choose delivery by email or SMS with the option to schedule the exact delivery date—including immediate delivery or a future date up to a year ahead. There are no fees, and gift card balances never expire, so recipients can redeem the code and apply the funds to their Amazon account whenever they’re ready, across millions of eligible items.

Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!

One of the best earbuds designed with Xbox and PC gaming in mind is the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds. This is a fabulous headset packed with great features, comfort, and sound, and it's now on sale for $148.99 at Amazon after having its $199.99 MSRP cut by 26%.

Why buy the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds?

Many of us at Windows Central consider the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds to be one of the best Xbox Gaming headset alternatives we've ever seen, and with good reason.

Its design is immensely comfortable to wear (even more so than Apple's AirPods) with multiple ear-tip options. It has stable, dual connectivity with Xbox consoles and PC via 2.4GHz wireless and mobile devices via Bluetooth 5.3, and a long battery life of 10 hours while in use.

While the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds' sound quality isn't as powerful as a dedicated premium headset, they're still very solid.

They have punchy bass and good positional and spatial awareness to help the player immerse themselves in a game's sound design or detect enemy footsteps more accurately in online competitive games like Call of Duty or Arc Raiders.

On top of that, these earbuds have Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) to block out background noise, intuitive audio controls, configurable audio profiles, and a bundled Qi Charging Case (with 30 hours of battery life) to recharge the earbuds.

So, if you're thinking of getting a gaming headset to listen to your favorite Xbox games while travelling on the bus or plane, then you can't go wrong with the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds, especially now that they're $53.00 cheaper with this discounted price tag of $148.99 at Amazon.

FAQ

Arrives after Christmas and need a gift sooner? 

If your item won't arrive in time for Christmas or you're looking for a quick and easy add on, buying an Amazon eGift Card is a fast, flexible way to give purchasing power now—send instantly or schedule delivery by email or text, choose any amount from $5 to $2,000, and the balance never expires, making it ideal when a deal’s item won’t ship until after the holidays.

Amazon eGift Cards let you pick a design, set a custom amount, add a personal message, and choose delivery by email or SMS with the option to schedule the exact delivery date—including immediate delivery or a future date up to a year ahead. There are no fees, and gift card balances never expire, so recipients can redeem the code and apply the funds to their Amazon account whenever they’re ready, across millions of eligible items.

Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!

There are a lot of Surface Pro deals right now, many of which can save you hundreds of dollars on the PC. But you need to be wary of "record low" or "best price ever" claims.

Sometimes, even if you find a specific model at its best-ever price at one retailer, the same exact model is on sale through a different store for less. With all that in mind, here are a range of discounts on the Surface Pro 11 with 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and a Snapdragon X Elite processor.

As a quick note, you'll see this PC called the Surface Pro 11 or the Surface Pro 11.

Why buy a Surface Pro 11?

Microsoft set the standard for the 2-in-1 form factor with the Surface Pro. Over a decade of refinement resulted in a "design that has been fine-tuned to almost perfection," according to our Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino and Senior Editor Zac Bowden.

The Surface Pro 11 has a built-in kickstand for use as a standalone tablet and can be attached to a keyboard for a laptop-like experience. You can even use a Surface Pro Flex Keyboard wirelessly if you're willing to pay a premium.

In our Surface Pro 11 review, the PC earned a perfect score. Rubino concluded that review by saying:

"Having witnessed the evolution of every Surface Pro version and yearning for a device that excels in performance and battery life akin to the best Windows laptops (and even MacBooks), Microsoft has undeniably nailed it with the Surface Pro 11, making it a strong recommendation."

The model highlighted here has a 120Hz OLED display that's bright, beautiful, and is VESA DisplayHDR 600 compatible. That screen also supports Dolby Vision and is color accurate (100% sRGB, 88% AdobeRGB, and 96% DCI-P3).

The Snapdragon X Elite inside this Surface Pro 11 helps deliver long battery life and performance, especially for a PC this thin. A big bonus is that Microsoft does not throttle performance on the Snapdragon X Elite when the Surface Pro 11 is running on battery.

There isn't really a direct competitor to the Surface Pro 11 in my opinion. But the price of the device means it competes with other expenses you have to take care of. The current deals on the Surface Pro 11 help in that regard.

Surface Pro 11 accessories

To get the best Surface Pro 11 experience, you need a keyboard. The Surface Pro Flex Keyboard can be used wirelessly and has a haptic trackpad. It's available with or without a Surface Slim Pen.

Alternative discounted configurations

As I mentioned earlier, there are a lot of Surface Pro deals going on right now. Here are some other configurations that are discounted:

• Snapdragon X Elite (12 Cores), 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, 13" OLED Touchscreen — $1,549.99 on Amazon (was $2,099.99 on Amazon).
• Snapdragon X Elite, (12 Cores), OLED, 16GB RAM, 256GB — $1,040 at Walmart (was $1,129.99)

Alternative retailers with discounts

Should the Surface Pro 11 with the Snapdragon X Elite (12 Core) CPU run out of stock at Amazon, or you prefer shopping at other retailers, here are some alternative back-up discounts to consider:

• $999 at Amazon (Sapphire) (was $1,499.99)
• $1,099.99 at Best Buy (Platinum) (was $1,499.99).

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Right now, the Legion Go S (SteamOS) with AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD is discounted to $749.99, saving $150 off its usual price. That drop matters more than it might seem, as memory and storage prices have been rising rather than falling throughout 2025.

We love Windows 11 for its flexibility, but on an 8-inch screen, it can be a chore. The Legion Go S running SteamOS is an excellent option — and one of the best gaming handhelds — especially if you already have an expansive Steam library.

SteamOS is optimized for gaming handhelds like the Legion Go S. Its user interface feels more natural on these types of devices, even when compared to the full screen Xbox experience on Windows 11.

Battery life and performance are also generally better on SteamOS than Windows 11.

SteamOS has its limits, however. Some popular games cannot work on SteamOS because of anti-cheat limitations. Call of Duty, Battlefield 6, and many multiplayer games don't work on SteamOS. Windows 11 also provides more flexibility when it comes to game launchers and compatibility.

If competitive multiplayer games with anti-cheat are your priority, a Windows-based handheld is a safer choice.

Our Managing Editor and gaming handheld expert Rebecca Spear weighed the pros and cons of putting SteamOS onto a Windows handheld. If you're buying a Legion Go S with SteamOS, it will already have that operating system, but Spear's comparison of the operating systems helps determine which is best for you.

Is this a good deal on the Lenovo Legion Go S?

The Legion Go S has been cheaper before, particularly around Black Friday, but those deals were brief and inconsistent. For Black Friday, the same gaming handheld was on sale for $649.99.

The more affordable Z2 Go version of the Legion Go S was once discounted to $449.99.

The current deal on the more powerful Legion Go S still saves you $150 compared to retail pricing.

Lenovo Legion Go S accessories

If you want to protect your Legion Go S and get the best experience, a few accessories go a long way. Like the Legion Go S, some of these items are no longer discounted as much as they were a few weeks ago, but they're still a worthwhile investment in your gaming handheld.

Alternative discounts on the Legion Go S

If the highlighted deal on the Legion Go S runs out of stock or you just want another configuration of the device, you have another option:

Best Buy

• $529.99 at Best Buy (was $649.99) for the Ryzen Z2 Go version with 512GB of storage.

FAQs

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Since this year is drawing to a close, I took a moment to think back on all of the devices I've tested that stood out to me most, whether due to their impressive performance, unique features, or reliable designs.

Here are my favorite tech things of 2025 that I personally have used and love. Some of them even happen to be on sale, so you can grab them at a discount if interested.

Whether you're looking for some new tech for yourself or are trying to find the perfect gift for a loved one, these are all devices I personally have used and recommend.

My favorite tech things 2025

Amazing devices from 2025 that I recommend

Whether it's time to replace your current tech or you're looking to get a gift for someone else, I cannot recommend these devices enough.

I've spent at least dozens of hours with each of them, and they're seriously my favorite tech things from 2025 that I cannot stop thinking about.

If you'd like a small computer that can easily keep up with common program usage, web browsing, and video calls, then I highly recommend the Geekom IT13 mini PC.

As for any creatives who might be looking at this page, you should consider the ASUS ProArt PA27JCV. Its fantastic color range with DisplayHDR500, KVM switch, and a healthy range of ports make it ideal for artistic endeavors.

Finally, if you're interested in getting a new desktop that can run the latest games but is also ideal for work, school, or personal use, then you should check out the Dell Tower Plus (EBT2250). This desktop puts up a modest front, but it's actually a powerful computer that runs beautifully and provides plenty of ports to fit your needs.

Regardless of what you're looking for, good luck finding the perfect new gear as we go into 2026.

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However, we do have ways to install these games all at once without being forced to delete most of our library to make room for them, and one such example is the Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S.

What's even better is that all storage size versions of this Xbox accessory are now on sale. For a limited time, you can grab the 1TB cards for $139.99 at Amazon, the 2TB cards for $229.99 at Amazon, and the 4TB cards for $429.99 at Amazon.

No more will I have to worry about running out of space when downloading all my Xbox games

2026 is stacked with all kinds of big-time upcoming AAA Xbox games like Grand Theft Auto VI, Resident Evil Requiem, 007: First Light, and more.

No doubt these games will require dozens, or more likely, hundreds of gigabytes to install, so you're going to need the Seagate Storage Expansion Cards for Xbox Series X|S, as their default internal 1TB SSD isn't going to cut it.

Now granted, these expansion cards are expensive, but, as someone who owns one myself, I can guarantee they're 100% worth the price of admission.

They will save you hours of hassle from deleting old Xbox games to make room for new ones. Plus, these cards will allow you to launch and play games directly from them, as opposed to normal external SSD units where you have to spend time moving games from the SSD into the Xbox console to play them.

So, if you need the best Xbox accessories to upgrade your Xbox Series X|S's storage unit, then the Seagate Storage Expansion Cards are your best bet.

The 1TB cards are available for $139.99 at Amazon, the 2TB cards are available for $229.99 at Amazon, and the 4TB cards are available for $429.99 at Amazon.

Alternative discounts on the Seagate Expansion Card

If Amazon's discounts for the Seagate Storage Expansion Cards for Xbox Series X|S run out of stock or their discounts expire, there are similar discount options available elsewhere that you can use as backup options:

Best Buy

• $139.99 at Best Buy(was $159.99) for the 1TB card.
• $229.99 at Best Buy(was $259.99) for the 2TB card.
• $429.99 at Best Buy(was $499.99) for the 4TB card.

FAQs

Arrives after Christmas and need a gift sooner? 

If your item won't arrive in time for Christmas or you're looking for a quick and easy add on, buying an Amazon eGift Card is a fast, flexible way to give purchasing power now—send instantly or schedule delivery by email or text, choose any amount from $5 to $2,000, and the balance never expires, making it ideal when a deal’s item won’t ship until after the holidays.

Amazon eGift Cards let you pick a design, set a custom amount, add a personal message, and choose delivery by email or SMS with the option to schedule the exact delivery date—including immediate delivery or a future date up to a year ahead. There are no fees, and gift card balances never expire, so recipients can redeem the code and apply the funds to their Amazon account whenever they’re ready, across millions of eligible items.

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Fortunately, retailers have been finding discounts to help Xbox Game Pass Ultimate more affordable this winter season, such as this early Christmas 15% discount code of HAPPY6288, which has reduced Xbox Game Pass Ultimate's MSRP of $19.99 to $16.99 at Newegg.

To access this discount, you must sign up for a Newegg account and type in the promo code HAPPY6288, during checkout on Newegg's website.

Is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate still worth it in 2025?

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate was once the ultimate value-for-money service in gaming, but it has lost its distinguished title thanks to Microsoft's controversial 50% price hike.

It's a real shame that this tier of Xbox Game Pass has become less financially viable for consumers tight on budgets, as it's packed with plenty of awesome features that enhance the Xbox gaming experience.

It can grant you free access to hundreds of Xbox games to play on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and Xbox Cloud Gaming through not only its Xbox Game Pass library, but also those found on Ubisoft+ Classics and EA Play.

Other benefits include:

• Online multiplayer access
• The ability to stream games on compatible devices with priority access and 1440p resolution.
• Access to first-party Xbox games on the day they launch.
• Access to exclusive DLC and discount deals on the Xbox store.
• Monthly V-Bucks and Battle Passes with Fortnite Crew.
• Xbox Rewards will allow you to earn gift vouchers and other items by playing and buying Xbox games.

Being able to play games you weren't sure about for free before buying them was the coolest feature of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and it played a major role in helping humble indie titles get mainstream attention like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which has become its biggest third-party title and won GOTY at The Game Awards 2025.

With this discounted price tag of $16.99 at Newegg for one month of Xbox Game Pass, Xbox fans will be able to enjoy this wonderful service at a somewhat more affordable cost.

What's more is that the HAPPY6288 promo code can be used five times at Newegg checkout, meaning you can buy five One-Month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate codes and enjoy five months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $84.95.

That's over $15 cheaper than if you were to pay five months of the service through its now default MSRP of $19.99. Now that's what I call a Christmas day bargain.

FAQ

Arrives after Christmas and need a gift sooner? 

If your item won't arrive in time for Christmas or you're looking for a quick and easy add on, buying an Amazon eGift Card is a fast, flexible way to give purchasing power now—send instantly or schedule delivery by email or text, choose any amount from $5 to $2,000, and the balance never expires, making it ideal when a deal’s item won’t ship until after the holidays.

Amazon eGift Cards let you pick a design, set a custom amount, add a personal message, and choose delivery by email or SMS with the option to schedule the exact delivery date—including immediate delivery or a future date up to a year ahead. There are no fees, and gift card balances never expire, so recipients can redeem the code and apply the funds to their Amazon account whenever they’re ready, across millions of eligible items.

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It's a monitor extender that provides two 15.6-inch displays that can be oriented in portrait or landscape mode. They can even be stacked on one side if that's preferred.

The JSAUX FlipGo Horizon usually sells for $499.99, but it's currently on sale for $459.99 at Amazon when you click the coupon before checkout. If you order today, it should arrive before Christmas.

What's so special about the FlipGo Horizon Pro?

I tend to have multiple windows and browser tabs open, whether I'm working or I'm in the middle of a creative project.

As such, it's a whole lot more convenient and efficient for me to have more than one monitor when I'm using my laptop. That's where the FlipGo Horizon Pro comes in handy.

The FlipGo Horizon Pro facilitates a wide range of uses with its ability to hold two additional monitors at either landscape or portrait orientation, so it can fit my needs whether I want a long monitor for typing or a wide one for creative designs.

This accessory even supports stacking the monitors in landscape mode, which I find useful when I'm working in Photoshop. On top of that, I can have it display one monitor at a time, which I find is great for gaming on the go.

For additional convenience, the Snap Stand Pro stand that goes behind your laptop features a few ports, so I can plug in any additional accessory or even an Ethernet cable for wired internet. In other words, the stand also serves as a docking station.

In addition to the stand and two displays, this purchase gives you universal adapters, an outlet charger, four USB-C cables, two mini HDMI cables, the adjustable Snap Stand Pro, instructions for how to use the stand, a phone stand adapter with MagSafe attachment, manuals, two hex keys, a carrying case for just the monitors, and then a larger carrying case so you can tote everything around.

So, if you like changing the orientation of your monitors or want to add more screens to your laptop to improve your workflow, I highly recommend grabbing the JSAUX FlipGo Horizon Pro while it's on sale for $459.99 at Amazon.

FAQ

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Admittedly, $38 is probably a bit much for a stocking stuffer if you plan to include other items. But on its own, the Xbox Wireless Controller is a great accessory. Whether you play games on a PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, or even on your phone or tablet, it's an excellent way to enjoy your favorite games.

Despite its relatively low price, the Xbox Wireless Controller remains one of the best Xbox controllers. Unsurprisingly, it's also one of the best Xbox accessories.

Ergonomic, responsive, and surprisingly affordable, the Xbox Wireless Controller provides a great way to play. Whether you need a gamepad for player two, a replacement for the controller that came with your console, or want a controller in a different color, the Xbox Wireless Controller is the first device you should look at.

The most affordable Xbox Wireless Controller is the black model, which is on sale for $38. But the Electric Volt version is discounted to $39.99 and the Shock Blue variant is $42. You don't have to spend much more to add some color to your gaming setup.

The Xbox Wireless Controller supports wireless connectivity to Xbox consoles and can also use Bluetooth to connect to a PC, tablet, or phone. If you have an Amazon Fire TV Stick or a TV with Xbox Cloud Gaming built-in, you can just connect your Xbox Wireless Controller and start playing.

Many of the best Cyber Monday deals on Xbox accessories remain live. We also have a collection of all the best Xbox controllers that are on sale. But if you just want an affordable Xbox controller that works well and feels good in your hand, the Xbox Wireless Controller at $38 is the deal for you.

If you have a gamer in your life (or you're one, and you'd like to treat yourself to a gift), a great option to consider is Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. Newly released last month by Xbox Game Studios, Treyarch, and Raven Software, the action-packed shooter has already become one of the biggest games of the year, especially on Xbox and PlayStation consoles.

That makes physical copies of the FPS an excellent stocking stuffer for folks that play on those systems, and wouldn't you know it, GameStop is selling the $69.99 title for $25 off. That means you can score it for just $45 at GameStop on Xbox, with the PS5 and PlayStation Cross-Gen Bundle versions going for the same price (more on those below).

Get one of 2025's biggest new games for less

If the gamer you're looking to buy a gift for is big on shooter games, they'll be very happy to unwrap Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 on Christmas morning or to pull it out of their stocking. After all, Call of Duty is one of the biggest gaming franchises in the entire world, and Black Ops 7 is one of the most ambitious new entries in it in years.

A direct sequel to 2024's Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, the latest title from Treyarch and Raven Software features a co-op multiplayer-focused story campaign, a new iteration of Call of Duty's beloved PvE horde mode Zombies, traditional PvP multiplayer fans of the series know and love, experimental modes such as the Battlefield-like Skirmish game type and the large-scale extraction shooter-inspired Endgame experience, and more.

Notably, Black Ops 7 also has deep integration with the free-to-play battle royale shooter Call of Duty: Warzone, as its operators and weapons are usable in the experience.

While the game isn't as grounded as I'd personally like it to be — indeed, Call of Duty is a far cry from the gritty military-focused series it once was, with plenty of fantastical elements now — I won't deny that this is one of the most varied releases from the franchise in a long time. Whether someone prefers PvE co-op, competitive PvP, or a mix of both, there's something for everyone in Black Ops 7.

Perhaps that's why Black Ops 7 is the biggest Xbox Game Pass game of 2025, and why it has a strong base of fans even with stiff competition from other big name titles like Battlefield 6 and ARC Raiders that also came out in autumn. And with plenty of post-launch updates planned by the game's developers, it's only going to get better with time.

Before you buy it, though, something important to note is that there's a key difference between the PS5 and PlayStation Cross-Gen Bundle versions of the game. The former has better visuals and performance and only works on PS5, while the Cross-Gen Bundle is playable on both the last-gen PS4 and PS5.

Essentially, you'll want to buy the PS5 version if the game's recipient (or you) uses that system, and the Cross-Gen Bundle one if they play on PS4 now but plan to get a PS5 at some point. Thanks to Xbox Smart Delivery, the best version of Black Ops 7 is used on current-gen Xbox Series X|S consoles by default even though it remains playable on Xbox One, so there's no need for two separate versions.

FAQ

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That is, until I came across the Hyperkin Competitor. This is an amazing Xbox controller that has a button layout better suited for 2D games and includes gameplay-enhancing features like Hall Effect analog sticks and Impulse Triggers, and it's now on sale for $42.49 at Amazon.

What's so special about the Hyperkin Competitor?

For many years, I thought there was no wired Xbox controller that could replace my beloved Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma, but boy was I glad to be proven wrong when I reviewed the Hyperkin Competitor.

This is one of the best Xbox controllers I've ever used. It's got a tough build, its design is very ergonomically comfortable, the controls feel so responsive and good to use, it has Impulse Trigger with haptic feedback that pleasantly increases immersion, and it has a couple of reprogrammable extra back buttons.

It also features Hall Effect sensors in its analog sticks to increase their input accuracy and durability, while preventing "stick drift" so your character doesn't move unintentionally in the wrong direction when your thumb's off the sticks.

My favorite part of the Hyperkin Competitor is its PlayStation 5-style segmented D-Pad and control scheme layout.

Controlling my character on a 2D plane in games like Hollow Knight: Silksong, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, and Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons, and performing complicated special moves in fighting games like Street Fighter 6 or Killer Instinct, felt so much better than using the Hyperkin Competitor's D-Pad compared to using a normal Xbox controller's D-Pad.

So, unless you're strongly against using wired-only or PlayStation-styled controllers, then I highly recommend the Hyperkin Competitor.

I guarantee you will not regret using it or getting one for your friends during Christmas, as it's now on sale for $42.49 at Amazon after having its $49.99 MSRP cut down by 15%.

FAQ

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However, you can cheat your way into enjoying Xbox's immense library of games with just a TV and this bundle featuring one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, an Xbox controller, and an Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, now on sale for $89.97 on Amazon.

How do I use the items in this bundle to play Xbox games with just a TV?

The method to use this bundle of items to transform your TV into an Xbox console may seem strange at first, but it's straightforward once you understand it.

All you have to do is plug the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4k into your TV, have your TV download the Xbox app, pair up the bundled Xbox controller with your TV, and finally, activate Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

After that's done, your Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K will become a beacon that can stream Xbox Game Pass titles onto your TV. However, do note that you will only be able to play Xbox games that have been enabled with Xbox Cloud Gaming support.

With this method, you can skip out on having to pay the full $599.99 MSRP for an Xbox Series X or $299.99 MSRP for an Xbox Series S, and enjoy playing award-winning games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and The Outer Worlds 2 for a fraction of their costs.

On top of that, Xbox Cloud Gaming can also let you buy, stream, and play non-Xbox Game Pass titles like Helldivers 2, thanks to its "Stream Your Own Game" feature.

So, if you want an affordable way to play Xbox games without breaking the bank for a console, then this Gaming Bundle for $89.97 on Amazon makes for a great, money-saving option, especially since this option from Amazon will be shipped to you two days before Christmas.

Alternative discounts

Amazon is selling alternative bundles of this collection with different colored Xbox controllers at various discounts if you prefer having a controller that matches your favorite color.

Do note that some of these alternative discounted bundledbundles may be delivered to you long after the Christmas holidays during January 2026:

• $87.98 at Amazon (was $139.97) (Carbon Black Xbox Controller) (Delivery January 2, 2026 - January 14, 2026)
• $98.98 at Amazon (was $139.97) (Deep Pink Xbox Controller) (Delivery December 20, 2025)
• $114.97 at Amazon (was $139.97) (Pulse Cipher Special Edition Xbox Controller) (Delivery December 20, 2025)
• $99.97 at Amazon (was $139.97) (Pulse Red Xbox Controller)(Delivery December 21, 2025 - December 23, 2025)
• $91.98 at Amazon (was $139.97) (Shock Blue Xbox Controller) (Delivery December 24, 2025 - January 2, 2026)
• $91.98 at Amazon (was $139.97) (Velocity Green Xbox Controller) (Delivery December 21, 2025 - December 23, 2025)

FAQ

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Right now, it’s available for around $129.99 (about 19% off) at major retailers like Best Buy, making it a top‑tier performance upgrade at a wallet‑friendly holiday price.

Why the Razer Viper V3 Pro?

I've been a competitive gamer for quite a few years now, to the point that I've slowly rolled into unc status without even realizing it. It's through those years of experience, whether it was during my sponsored gaming tenure or peak clutch moments in front of all my friends, that I've come to learn a thing or two about the value of good gear.

I've spent years trying out different mice. These included early Steel Series Kizus, Zowies, and multiple variations of the Logitech Superlight. That's where the Razer Viper V3 Pro comes in. A mouse that not only looks sleek, but also manages to elevate my gameplay.

For multiple years, I played with both the Logitech Pro X Superlight 1 and 2 without even looking at other mice. I was a Logitech believer, and nothing was changing that, well, that was until my Superlight started double-clicking.

I won't blame Logitech; all mice eventually cave, and some just die before they should. However, it gave me a chance to look around and see what else was out there. That's where I came across the Viper V3 Pro.

Check out our Razer Viper V3 Pro review for an even more in-depth look.

I wasn't sure about it, since I had never liked the Deathadder lineup, but I was willing to give it a try. One Amazon order later, and I had the mouse in my hand.

Right off the bat, I noticed how incredibly light it was compared to the Superlight lineup. It actually caught me off guard, a competitive mouse from another company that was lighter than a SUPERLIGHT? Not only that, but it felt incredibly well-shaped ergonomically.

Next came the 8KHz polling rate. Unimaginable response time at anything above 1KHz, 8KHz will bring your experience to a whole new level of intensity. While higher polling rates come at the cost of CPU usage, anything from 4KHz to 8KHz on the Razer Viper 3 Pro is otherworldly.

For my personal sweet spot that delivers on performance, battery life, and CPU usage, I've stuck with 4KHz for the last few months. Not only did it help me reach Diamond in my first ranked season of Rainbow Six Siege X, but it set me on a path of complete confidence that I'd never felt with any other mouse prior.

Seriously, if you're in the market for something that will rock your world and you have the budget, the Razer Viper V3 Pro is the mouse to get. Either for yourself, or that crazy, competitive best friend that could use a little something extra!

If shouting from the rooftops were still a thing, I'd be doing that over this mouse. The Razer Viper V3 Pro isn't just a device I'm pitching to gamers because it's on sale; it's a device I believe in from head to toe to be the best gaming mouse on the market.

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Thankfully, we now live in a world where gaming monitors that can achieve both 4K resolutions and 240Hz refresh rates simultaneously, such as the ASUS ROG Swift OLED 32-inch, which is now on sale for $887.98 at Amazon.

Why buy this OLED Gaming Monitor?

The ASUS ROG Swift OLED 32-inch gaming monitor is packed with many premium features to help bring out the best performance out of your favorite Xbox and PC titles. Its QD-OLED panel display is capable of rendering images in 4K (3840x2160) with superb details, along with vibrant colors and contrast.

The ASUS ROG Swift OLED 32-inch is able to achieve this without sacrificing refresh rates as they can reach up to 240Hz. Combine this factor with a 0.3ms response time, along with NVIDIA G-SYNC, AMD FreeSync, and VESA Adaptive Sync support, and you have a gaming monitor that will fully protect your controller from suffering input delay.

This will ensure that your controller inputs remain consistently instantly responsive, so you don't die any cheap deaths trying to dodge attacks in reaction-heavy games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 or Call of Duty Black Ops 7.

Aside from minor issues detailed in our review, ASUS' ROG Swift OLED 32-inch gaming monitor's biggest complaint is that it's usually priced at a high MSRP of $1,299.99.

Fortunately, this steep price point has been temporarily slashed by 31% for Christmas as it's now on sale for $887.98 at Amazon, making this an ideal time to get yourself or your gaming buddies a premium gaming monitor for the holidays.

Alternative discounts

Should Amazon's stock run out, or if you prefer different retailers, here is an alternative discount offering to consider as a back-up option:

• $949.99 at Best Buy (was $1,299.99).

FAQ

Arrives after Christmas and need a gift sooner? 

If your item won't arrive in time for Christmas or you're looking for a quick and easy add on, buying an Amazon eGift Card is a fast, flexible way to give purchasing power now—send instantly or schedule delivery by email or text, choose any amount from $5 to $2,000, and the balance never expires, making it ideal when a deal’s item won’t ship until after the holidays.

Amazon eGift Cards let you pick a design, set a custom amount, add a personal message, and choose delivery by email or SMS with the option to schedule the exact delivery date—including immediate delivery or a future date up to a year ahead. There are no fees, and gift card balances never expire, so recipients can redeem the code and apply the funds to their Amazon account whenever they’re ready, across millions of eligible items.

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Right now, you can grab an iPad Air (M3 11-inch) for $499. A $100 discount slashes the price of a tablet so good it makes me use a non-Windows device.

iPad Air vs Surface Pro 12-inch

Right now, Best Buy also has a great deal on the Surface Pro 12-inch. That device packs Microsoft's Surface experience into an attractive tablet that can transform into a laptop-like device with a keyboard. The Surface Pro 12-inch also runs Windows 11, making it a better tool for productivity — at least for specific workflows.

With all that in mind, why would I prefer to get an iPad Air over a Surface Pro 12-inch? It's because I prefer a dedicated tablet over an all-around device.

When I was a university student, I loved carrying around a Surface Pro. The 2-in-1 made me feel like a cool tech guy because people gawked at the detachable keyboard, and it was also a useful tool for getting work done. I lived in a small apartment at the time and could only afford a single device for work and recreation.

Now, years later, I live in a house, have a real desk, and can afford to have separate devices. The iPad Air is an excellent tablet with an interface that feels fluid in-hand. I've always felt the Surface Pro was a good enough tablet, but shone most as a laptop replacement.

Both Apple and third-party developers work hard to optimize apps for the iPad. Some Windows apps feel shoehorned into a tablet experience. Apple's App Store has all the apps I need in a tablet and more, so I don't miss exclusive Windows apps or games. If I want to use those programs, I just grab my laptop.

My workflow also means I don't need to worry that Apple's Magic Keyboard is more expensive than the Surface Pro Keyboard.

I totally understand why some people prefer to have a single device that can do it all. The Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Pro 11 (also on sale right now) come close to that, but I prefer the tablet experience of the iPad.

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This wonderful piece of hardware, which we consider one of 2025's best laptops for its performance, keyboard responsiveness, and portability, among other rich features, is now on a holiday discount for $649.99 at Best Buy.

Why buy the Surface Pro 12-inch?

The Microsoft Surface Pro 12-inch is a well-designed laptop packed with plenty of features that make it worth buying for hard-working students or professionals looking to get their work done in the office or while travelling abroad.

Its performance is rock-solid thanks to its Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus processor, which is able run Microsoft Office apps, edit digital art in Photoshop, and search through internet browsers with ease. Not to mention it does so without generating too much heat in the system or draining its batteries.

It also features a responsive keyboard that instantly reads your key inputs, high-quality audio speakers and camera, and a gorgeous 12-inch touchscreen display able to render images with crisp details at 2196x1464 resolution and 90Hz refresh rates.

The touchscreen is also compatible with stylus pens, so you can draw digital art with greater ease compared to using a mouse.

The Surface Pro 12-inch is also portable-friendly as it measures at 274 x 190 x 7.8 mm (10.79" x 7.48" x 0.31") and weighs around 0.68 kg (1.5 lbs), so you can store it easily in luggage/carrying cases without requiring much strength to lug it around.

On top of that, it has full Copilot+ AI integration with a mighty Qualcomm NPU of 45 TOPS, so it can efficiently run AI-empowered features like Click To Do, Recall, and Studio Effects.

The only drawbacks of this laptop are that it has a short battery life of 7 hours when its Power Settings are in 'Best Efficiency' Mode or 5 hours when it's on 'Balanced' Mode.

Not to mention its display's colors could use some work as they're often muted even when running on the 'enhanced' color profile.

Lastly, this laptop can run a hefty MSRP of $799 at most retailers. Thankfully, that last bugbear is no longer an issue for a limited time as it's now on sale for $649.99 at Best Buy.

So, if you're looking for a new workhorse laptop to tackle the challenges of 2026, then this Christmas bargain for the Surface Pro 12-inch is for you.

Alternative discounts

If stock runs out for the Surface Pro 12-inch with (256GB UFS) runs dry at Best Buy, or if you have budget for more storage, here are some alternative discounts as backup options:

• $699.99 at Best Buy (was $899.99) (512GB UFS)

Competition

Some would argue that there are better devices than the Surface Pro 12-inch out there that offer better value and performance.

One such tablet that it gets compared to is the Apple iPad Air M3, which offers more display size options (11" and 13"), more color options, a superior "tablet" experience, and a cheaper MSRP (especially the 11" version is on sale for $499.00 at Best Buy).

However, the Surface Pro 12-inch offers superior performance as an AI Laptop with its Snapdragon X Plus CPU, 45 TOPS NPU with full Copilot+ integration, 16GB of RAM, and Dual external display support.

So if you had to choose between the two, I'd recommend the Surface Pro 12-inch for those seeking the best portable laptop experience. At the same time, the Apple iPad Air M3 is better suited for those looking for a budget-friendly tablet experience.

FAQ

Arrives after Christmas and need a gift sooner? 

If your item won't arrive in time for Christmas or you're looking for a quick and easy add on, buying an Amazon eGift Card is a fast, flexible way to give purchasing power now—send instantly or schedule delivery by email or text, choose any amount from $5 to $2,000, and the balance never expires, making it ideal when a deal’s item won’t ship until after the holidays.

Amazon eGift Cards let you pick a design, set a custom amount, add a personal message, and choose delivery by email or SMS with the option to schedule the exact delivery date—including immediate delivery or a future date up to a year ahead. There are no fees, and gift card balances never expire, so recipients can redeem the code and apply the funds to their Amazon account whenever they’re ready, across millions of eligible items.

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It's a motion-controlled device aimed at younger kids and families that functions similarly to Microsoft's Kinect, and it's now on sale for $199.00 at Amazon thanks to this holiday discount.

On top of that, Amazon also has an exclusive 19% discount for Prime members that will net them the Nex Playground Complete Family Gaming Bundle (with console, travel case, and 12-Month Play Pass) for $290.37.

Why buy the Nex Playground?

Who would've thought Xbox and PlayStation console SKUs would be outsold by this obscure gaming device during Black Friday? It certainly took me by surprise as I never heard of the Nex Playground 2023 gaming system until today, and it's an interesting little device to say the least.

As stated earlier, the Nex Playground is a device similar to the Kinect, which uses an AI-empowered camera to track a player's body movements to play motion-controlled video games without the need for any controllers.

To use the Nex Playground, simply plug it into your TV via an HDMI cable and position the camera to face the player's body so they can use their body language to navigate menus.

It comes pre-installed with five family-friendly party games like Fruit Ninja, Whac-a-Mole Deluxe, Go Keeper, Party Fowl, and Starri. Plus, it has a wider selection of over 45 video games based on long-running kids-oriented franchises like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Peppa Pig, How to Train Your Dragon, Barbie, and many more to buy online.

The Nex Playground also features an optional, Xbox Game Pass-style subscription service that will allow you to freely download and play its entire game library.

The access fee for this service, according to the Nex Playground website's Play Pass section, is $49.00 for the 3-Month Play Pass and $89.00 for the 12-Month Play Pass.

Overall, the Next Playground is a cute and oddly nostalgic gaming system that hearkens back to the Nintendo Wii-era, where motion-controlled party games that encouraged fitness for the whole family were all the rage.

Plus, the Next Playground makes a good budget-friendly recommendation to little kids into gaming, as its 249.99 MSRP is more affordable than the Xbox Series X's $649.99 MSRP, PlayStation 5's $549.00 MSRP, and even the Nintendo Switch 2's $499.99 MSRP.

In fact, it's now even more affordable thanks to this early Christmas discount that has taken its $249.99 MSRP down to $199.00 at Amazon, making it the perfect Christmas party machine to enjoy with your children, nephews, nieces, or siblings.

Amazon also has an exclusive 19% discount for the Nex Playground Complete Family Gaming Bundle for $290.37 instead of its usual MSRP of $357.99, which includes the console, a travel case to keep it while travelling, and a 12-Month Play Pass.

However, you will need to sign up for Amazon Prime Membership in order to access Amazon's discount deal and buy the Nex Playground Complete Family Gaming Bundle for less.

Alternative Amazon offerings

If you don't feel like signing up for Amazon Prime Membership to obtain the Next Playground with some Play Pass time, Amazon is also offering discounts for a couple of Nex Playground Console + Play Pass bundles that are free for non-members to use:

• $248.00 at Amazon (was $298.00) (Console with 3-Month Play Pass)
• $288.00 at Amazon (was $338.00) (Console with 12-Month Play Pass)
• $272.97 at Amazon (was $317.99) (Console with Travel Case and 3-Month Play Pass)

Alternative discount deals

Should Amazon's stock of the Nex Playground run dry or its discount deal expires, here's an alternative deal at Walmart you can use as a backup option.

• $199.99 at Best Buy (was $249.99) (Console Only)
• $199.99 at Walmart (was $249.99) (Console Only)

FAQs

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The game that kicked off that renaissance is DUSK — the fan-favorite 2018 retro FPS from developer David Szymanski (Iron Lung, Gloomwood) and publisher New Blood Interactive (ULTRAKILL). It originally launched on PC, and eventually came to PlayStation, Switch, and just recently, Xbox.

While the legendary title normally sells for $19.99 across all of its platforms, the PC version is currently discounted down to a ridiculous $1.59 at Loaded. That's an insane 92% off, and the lowest price DUSK has ever sold for by far. If you're into boomer shooters, pulling the trigger on this deal is a no-brainer.

The grandfather of boomer shooters

If you like the sound of chaotic, tense, and brutal fast-paced FPS action, DUSK will be right up your alley. It draws heavy inspiration from DOOM, Quake, Hexen, Half-Life, and other classic shooter hits, and features three campaign chapters "straight outta the '90s" to hack, blast, and blow your way through.

Set in the rural northeastern United States, DUSK pits you against everything from enigmatic cultists and possessed soldiers to freakish demonic monstrosities that look like they came straight out of Hell, and most-likely did.

The odds are stacked against you, but thankfully, you've got a huge arsenal of swords, crossbows, rifles, machine guns, shotguns, rocket launchers, and more to even things out, as well as a frenetic movement speed that'll help you dodge the hails of fire your adversaries throw at you.

I haven't played DUSK myself yet, but when I saw it was selling at this price? I've never bought a video game faster, frankly, and I can't wait to dive in soon. Everything I've ever seen and heard about it — its goretastic action, charmingly retro visual fidelity, gorgeous animations, terrific level design, top-notch metal soundtrack, and more — has been unanimously loved and praised by critics and fans alike.

Its recent arrival on Xbox and the Xbox Ally handheld — notably, it's supported by Xbox Play Anywhere, too — also saw the release of an Endless Survival Mode that challenges you to hold out against wave after wave after wave of DUSK's enemies. For masters of the game's combat, the carnage of this mode will no doubt entertain for hours and hours.

Ultimately, DUSK is, without question, one of the most influential indie games of the late 2010s, and a must-play for anyone who enjoys retro-style boomer shooters. And even if you've never played one before and you're on the fence? It's $1.59. Give it a shot!

One final thing to note: DUSK now has proper controller support thanks to the ports to Xbox and PlayStation, so you can play it with one of the best Xbox controllers if you'd prefer that over keyboard and mouse. I recommend the basic Xbox Wireless Controller that's down from $64.99 to $49.06 at Amazon at the moment. It's also Steam Deck Verified and easy to run, so it'll play tremendously on one of the best gaming handhelds.

FAQ

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Due to the lack of deals and other factors, no Xbox ranked in the top three best-selling consoles over Black Friday weekend. Okay, so you're not alone. That doesn't help you get an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S for the holidays.

Luckily, there are still some options. With the price of new Xbox consoles going up, the second-hand market is much more attractive. I noticed that in my area, I can get an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S for around half the retail price of a new console.

Of course, saving money on a used item over a new one is not exclusive to Xbox shopping. But it can be a great way to get an Xbox at a discount, as long as you know what you're doing.

Tips for buying a used Xbox Series X|S

Several second-hand consoles are on sale in my area through Facebook Marketplace. I can sort the results based on distance from me and speak with the sellers without having to leave my home. Depending on where you live, there may be other options, such as Swappa or Craigslist.

When I get a gadget second-hand, I prefer to be able to see it in person first, but much of the following advice can be used when purchasing remotely as well.

In addition to the best practices that apply to all online sales, such as meeting at a safe location and bringing another person with you, there are some specific things you should look out for when buying a used console.

I'd also emphasize that it is okay to be picky. Make it clear when you set up a visit to look at a console that you want to make sure it works. There are lots of used consoles out there; you don't have to compromise if an aspect of a specific device makes you uncomfortable.

• Spec check: Make sure that the advertised specifications of the console align with the actual specifications of the device.
  • Confirm the amount of storage on the Xbox.
• Hardware check: Ensure the console works
  • Power it on.
  • Confirm its ports are undamaged.
  • Test all the buttons on any included controllers.
  • See if the controllers have stick drift.
  • Look for scratches or visible damage.
  • Test the disc drive (if the console has one).
  • Inspect vents for blockages.
  • Look inside the console to see if there's excessive dust buildup.
  • Listen to the fans when the console is running.
  • Smell the console when its running. Strange smells should not emit from an Xbox.
• Safety checks:
  • Ensure the console has not been banned from online play. Console bans, which are different than account bans, are specific to hardware. Even resetting the device will not lift a console ban.
  • Make sure the device has been factory reset.
  • Ask if any repairs have been done or parts have been replaced. Check warranty seals.

If buying from an individual makes you uncomfortable, you can check retailers like GameStop or Best Buy for used or refurbished consoles.

Xbox games and accessories

To go along with your console, you'll likely want some accessories and games. While you can get those used as well, some great deals can help you get started.

If you're getting an Xbox for someone as a gift, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the first thing you should add on.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate gets you access to a ton of games that you can play on a console, PC, or through Xbox Cloud Gaming. The libraries differ based on which device you plan to play on, but they are expensive.

If you subscribe to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, you also get deals and discounts on DLC, in-game perks, and increased Microsoft Rewards points.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate increased in price earlier this year, so it's worth grabbing it at a discount.

Most Xbox owners get at least one additional controller at some point. Whether you need one as a replacement, for multiplayer games, or as an upgrade, you can get one at a discount.

We have a full collection of the best Xbox controller deals for the holidays, but I've also highlighted a couple of worthwhile ones below.

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A $30 discount on the Logitech MX Brio Ultra HD 4K cuts its price to the lowest we've ever seen, at least when referring to the "Graphite" model. The "Pale Gray" model briefly dropped to $161.99 in May, but this is the most affordable it's been in months.

The Logitech MX Brio Ultra HD 4K tops our list of the best webcams. Its image quality and low-light performance make it a solid choice for those who sit at a desk that lacks perfect lighting. Logitech has made webcams for a long time and makes two of the best ones available in 2025.

In our Logitech MX Brio Ultra HD 4K review, Zachary Boddy said of the camera:

"I'm confident the Logitech MX Brio will neatly replace its predecessor, the Brio 4K, as the go-to recommendation for anyone who asks, "Which webcam should I buy?" and just wants the best webcam without thinking about it. It's a very good, straightforward webcam that exceeds the image quality and construction you can expect at $200, with a simple setup and easy-to-use software. Its lowlight performance is especially impressive and is perfect for anyone lacking great lighting in their setup."

While the Logitech MX Brio Ultra HD 4K excels in image quality and low-light performance, it lacks some advanced features, such as built-in background blur and auto framing.

If you need Windows Hello, you'll have to look elsewhere. The Logitech MX Brio Ultra HD 4K does not support the feature, meaning you cannot use the webcam for biometric login or authentication.

Its predecessor, the Logitech Brio 4K, supports Windows Hello. The newer model has superior image quality and low-light performance, but the original is still a nice webcam and supports Windows Hello. The Logitech Brio 4K is on sale for $169.99 at Best Buy.

Overall, the Logitech MX Brio Ultra HD 4K is an excellent choice for those that value ease of use, image quality, and low-light performance.

Alternative discounted configurations

The Logitech MX Brio Ultra HD 4K is available in two colors. The models are otherwise identical:

• Logitech MX Brio Ultra HD 4K (Pale Gray) — $169.99 at Amazon (was $199.99 at Amazon).
• Logitech Brio 4K (older model with Windows Hello support) — $169.99 at Best Buy (was $199.99)

Alternative retailers with discounts

Another retailer has discounted the Logitech MX Brio Ultra HD 4K as well:

• $169.99 at Best Buy (was $199.99).

FAQ

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One of the best budget-friendly options is the UGREEN 4K@30Hz HDMI Capture Card, which is now on sale for $29.99 at Amazon exclusively for Amazon Prime Members.

Why buy this gaming capture card?

The best Xbox capture cards aren't cheap as they usually run for hundreds of dollars, like the Elgato HD60 X or the AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K, for example.

However, UGREEN's 4K@30Hz HDMI Capture Card defies that pricing convention by having a much more budget-friendly MSRP of $39.99, which has now dropped even further to $29.99 at Amazon for a limited time for Amazon Prime Members.

However, don't mistake this capture card's cheaper price tag for lower quality, as it's equipped with plenty of reliable hardware that helps it rival even its premium competitors.

Ugreen's capture card supports 4K resolution at 30Hz input and loop-out, so it can manage high-bandwidth video and audio signals with minimal latency. This means that while using this capture card to record or livestream your games, your controls won't suffer any latency/input delay during gameplay.

This capture card also includes capture options for 1080p resolution at 60fps or 2K resolution at 30fps, an easy plug-and-play setup that doesn't require downloading any drivers to use, and broad compatibility with various consoles, PCs, and other devices with USB 3.0 connections.

You'll simply need to connect this device and then download a program to help with streaming. We recommend the free and open-source OBS Studio, which is used by thousands of people.

So, if you're planning to get yourself or a friend an affordable gaming capture card this upcoming Christmas to kickstart your content creator/livestreamer careers for less, then we recommend the UGREEN 4K@30Hz HDMI capture card.

FAQ

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Like the Dell 14 Plus, a reliable workhorse AI laptop that forgos gimmicks for essential hardware to complete workflow productivity with ease, that's now on sale for $499.99 at Best Buy instead of its normal MSRP of $849.99

Why buy the Dell 14 Plus laptop?

One of our top laptop experts, Zachary Boddy, gave the Dell 14 Plus a modest 3.5/5 star review.

They stated that while it may have a boring design, lackluster audio, and a below-average display capable of only 60Hz and 1200p resolution, it makes up for it's presentation by packing tons of essential hardware components to make its users' lives easier, whether it's during work or casual browsing.

It has a solid performance that's able to consistently run modern web browsers and Microsoft Office apps with no issues, thanks to its AMD Ryzen AI 5 340 CPU (with 6 cores) and AMD Radeon 840M GPU.

It has a long battery life of up to 19 hours, a responsive keyboard, and full AI integration with 50 TOPS on its NPU to help run AI-related tasks like researching alone or editing images with Copilot+.

Plus, it's been future-proofed for any updates regarding Copilot+ PCs and Windows 11.

So, if you're looking to get yourself a dependable laptop that's only packed with the bare essentials for the workplace or while you're away on a business trip, then Dell 14 Plus is for you, especially now that it's on sale for $499.99 at Best Buy, making it a great value Christmas present for yourself or your colleagues.

FAQ

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Right now, the highly rated Surface Laptop 7 (13.8-inch) is on sale for around $600 off. That discount brings the price of the Snapdragon X Elite model with 1TB of storage to $999.33. That's ever-so-slightly less than what the same configuration cost on Black Friday.

Why buy the Surface Laptop 7?

We've called the Surface Laptop 7 a lot of things here at Windows Central. The "MacBook Air Killer," "the clamshell form factor perfected," and the best Windows on ARM laptop are among the most effusive.

Thanks to the Snapdragon X Elite inside this model, the Surface Laptop 7 delivers excellent performance and battery life. The keyboard and haptic trackpad of the Surface Laptop 7 are among the best available, and its Dolby Vision-certified IPS panel is easy on the eyes.

Because of its Snapdragon X Elite processor, the Surface Laptop 7 performs well when plugged in or unplugged. Our Senior Editor Zac Bowden discussed the battery life of the PC in our Surface Laptop 7 review:

"In short, it means longer battery life without sacrificing Ultrabook-class flagship performance in most workflows. There are some exceptions, mainly around gaming and heavier legacy applications that haven't been natively compiled for the Windows on Arm architecture, but for people who use their laptops for office and productivity-based workflows, these new chips are incredible."

The Windows on Arm architecture Bowden referred to used to be a major limitation when shopping for a PC. But app compatibility has improved greatly over the years. Over 100 popular apps are now natively compiled for Windows on Arm, and most of those that are not can run through emulation.

The Surface Laptop 7 is a Copilot+ PC — the best Copilot+ PC for what it's worth — and the laptop gets access to select next-gen AI features.

Bowden called the Surface Laptop 7 "basically perfect" in 2024 when he first reviewed the device. The laptop has aged well since then thanks to its modern design. At around $1,000, the Surface Laptop 7 is a great bargain.

Alternative discounted configurations

Other configurations of the Surface Laptop 7 are on sale in case you want different specs or the highlighted deal above runs out of stock:

• Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD — $1,049.99 at Best Buy (was $1,199.99 at Best Buy).
• Snapdragon X Elite, 32GB RAM, 1TBB SSD — $1,599 at Best Buy (was $2,099.99 at Best Buy).

Alternative retailers with discounts

Other retails have discounted the Surface Laptop 7 as well, including Best Buy:

• $949.99 at Best Buy (was $1,499.99).

FAQ

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For example, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11, which we regarded as the best 2-in-1 laptop in 2024 for its exceptional performance, battery life, and sleek design, is now on an early Christmas discount for $1007.99 at Amazon.

Why buy the Surface Pro 11 Laptop?

While the Surface Pro 12 laptop may be all the rage these days, its predecessor, the Surface Pro 11, still stands as one of the best Windows-on-ARM laptops and one of the best 2-in-1 laptops we've ever covered on Windows Central.

Our editor-in-chief, Daniel Rubino, even gave this device a perfect 5/5 review in 2024, stating that"The Surface Pro 11th edition is by far the best version yet — and easily one of the best Windows laptops you can buy — thanks to the new Qualcomm processor, excellent 120Hz OLED display, and the new Flex Keyboard. With solid battery life and excellent performance, Microsoft achieves a nearly perfect score from us (95/100)."

Daniel Rubino doesn't make this statement lightly, as it's equipped with a mountain of powerful features to make life browsing the internet and working on digital paperwork or photo editing much easier.

These features include a Snapdragon X Elite processor (with 12 cores) to greatly enhance its CPU performance rates up to 4.2GHz, it has a superb battery life that will last you 16 hours before needing to recharge, and it has full Copilot+ AI integration with 45 TOPS on its Qualcomm Hexagon to efficiently run AI-empowered tasks.

Other notable features include an OLED touchscreen display that renders visuals with stunning resolution, colors, nd contrast, as well as a 512GB SSD for storing valuable data. Then there's the built-in high-quality speakers, a microphone, and a camera.

So if you're thinking about getting yourself or your friends a high-performance laptop for Christmas, you can grab it right now for $1007.99 at Amazon, instead of its usual MSRP of $1499.99.

Alternative discounted configurations

There are also alternative configurations for the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 available on should you wish to lower its specs to get a cheaper price tag or upgrade them for higher performance rates at a more expensive cost.

• Snapdragon X Elite (12 Cores), 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, 13" OLED Touchscreen — $1,549.99 on Amazon (was $2,099.99 on Amazon).
• Snapdragon X Elite (10 Cores), 16GB RAM, 512TB SSD, 13" LCD Touchscreen — $899.99 on Amazon (was $1,199.99 on Amazon).

Alternative retailers with discounts

Should the Surface Pro 11 with the Snapdragon X Elite (12 Core) CPU run out of stock at Amazon, or you prefer shopping at other retailers, here are some alternative back-up discounts to consider:

• $999.00 at Walmart (was $1,499.99).
• $1,099.99 at Best Buy (was $1,499.99).

FAQ

Arrives after Christmas and need a gift sooner? 

If your item won't arrive in time for Christmas or you're looking for a quick and easy add on, buying an Amazon eGift Card is a fast, flexible way to give purchasing power now—send instantly or schedule delivery by email or text, choose any amount from $5 to $2,000, and the balance never expires, making it ideal when a deal’s item won’t ship until after the holidays.

Amazon eGift Cards let you pick a design, set a custom amount, add a personal message, and choose delivery by email or SMS with the option to schedule the exact delivery date—including immediate delivery or a future date up to a year ahead. There are no fees, and gift card balances never expire, so recipients can redeem the code and apply the funds to their Amazon account whenever they’re ready, across millions of eligible items.

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Fortunately, there are several Xbox controllers on sale to help ease the load on your budget and help your friends conquer their favorite games, as some of these controllers have advanced features like Hall Effect Sticks, Bluetooth connectivity, and more.

Here's my roundup of Xbox controllers on early Christmas discounts!

Alternative offerings

If these main discounted controllers run out of stock at their respective retailers or these deals expire, here are some alternative options so you can still net some of the best Xbox controllers for less for Christmas.

Xbox Wireless Controller

• $44.99 at Amazon (was $64.99) (Robot White)
• $42.00 at Amazon (was $64.99) (Shock Blue)
• $49.00 at Amazon (was $64.99) (Deep Pink)
• $49.00 at Amazon (was $79.99) (Heart Breaker)
• $49.00 at Amazon (was $79.99) (Storm Breaker)
• $49.99 at Amazon (was $79.99) (Ice Breaker)
• $49.99 at Amazon (was $69.99) (Pulse Red)
• $58.79 at Amazon (was $64.99) (Electric Volt)
• $64.99 at Amazon (was $79.99) (Pulse Cipher)

Xbox Elite Series 2 Core Wireless Controller

• $109.99 at Amazon (was $149.99)
• $109.99 at Walmart (was $149.99)

Razer Wolverine V3 Pro

• $159.99 at Walmart (was $199.99)

Razer Wolverine V3 Tournament Edition

• $77.99 at Best Buy (was $99.99)

FAQ

Arrives after Christmas and need a gift sooner? 

If your item won't arrive in time for Christmas or you're looking for a quick and easy add on, buying an Amazon eGift Card is a fast, flexible way to give purchasing power now—send instantly or schedule delivery by email or text, choose any amount from $5 to $2,000, and the balance never expires, making it ideal when a deal’s item won’t ship until after the holidays.

Amazon eGift Cards let you pick a design, set a custom amount, add a personal message, and choose delivery by email or SMS with the option to schedule the exact delivery date—including immediate delivery or a future date up to a year ahead. There are no fees, and gift card balances never expire, so recipients can redeem the code and apply the funds to their Amazon account whenever they’re ready, across millions of eligible items.

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Of course, it usually retails for $599.99, which is a steep ask for the entry model, but it is now available at a much more reasonable, well-suited price. It makes it a far more tempting option for anyone who wants to game on the go with a Windows-based handheld.

Is the Xbox Ally right for you?

Although it is not as powerful as the Xbox Ally X, the base model Xbox Ally still holds its own. Its performance sits close to the Steam Deck, a system with around 19,000 titles verified as Steam Deck-playable, which means the Xbox Ally should handle a large portion of those games too, although mileage will vary.

You also get three months of Game Pass Premium with a purchase of the Xbox Ally. This lets you access a service with more than 200 games available to download or play through the cloud, via the Xbox App. This gives you plenty of choice whether you are at home or on the move.

FAQ

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Of course, that doesn't mean much if the chair or desk you want is outside of your price range. That's why this massive store-wide sale at Steelcase's official site is so easy to recommend checking out. Prices have been cut by up to 25% for a limited time, and I've handpicked the five top deals for anyone who works at a PC.

FAQ

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While the new normal seems to be ridiculous RAM prices, there are still some hidden gems that will allow you to get a new kit for the price it should be. The best deal right now is on this MSI B650 Gaming Plus WiFi motherboard and T-Force Delta 16GB DDR5 RAM bundle.

Rather than the usual price of $319.98, you can get the mobo and RAM for $189.99 at Newegg. Newegg has limited this bundle to one per customer, so hopefully that means it will stick around for at least a few hours.

What sort of a PC can I build with this bundle?

With major memory manufacturers like Micron announcing that they're pulling out of the consumer market to focus on AI-related customers, the DDR5 RAM price crunch is really getting out of hand. That makes bundles like these so much more desirable.

Breaking down the package, you get an MSI B650 Gaming Plus WiFi motherboard, which supports both AMD Ryzen 7000 and the newer 9000 chips. It has a 12+2+1 duet power setup, it's covered in heatsinks, and it has Wi-Fi 6E built right in.

There's also a 2.5Gb Ethernet connection, multiple M.2 SSD slots, and four open channels for DDR5 RAM up to 6,000MHz.

That's perfect for the Team Group T-Force Delta DDR5-6000 RAM that's bundled with the board. It's a kit with two 8GB sticks inside, each with RGB lighting along the top edge. It's not like Newegg is bundling the cheapest RAM possible here. The RAM has 38-38-38-78 timings (for a CL38 latency), and it supports both Intel XMP and AMD EXPO overclocking.

We gave this exact RAM five stars and a Windows Central Best Award in our review, with Senior Editor Ben Wilson calling it "the best DDR5 RAM with RGB that you can buy."

You could certainly build a new PC with one of the latest Zen 5 AMD Ryzen CPUs in this system, or you could save some dough and go with a Ryzen 7000 chip, including the 7800X3D that's currently on sale for less than $400.

Newegg is also selling standalone 16GB T-Force RAM kits for $189.99, but why not grab the extra motherboard anyway? If you don't need it, you can always sell it or help a friend get a new build up and running.

FAQ

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Cyber Monday deals have continued at some major retailers, giving you one last chance to pick up a new SSD without overspending. I found the 8 top SSD deals still live after Cyber Monday, with a couple of bonus options for bulk storage and Xbox Series X|S consoles.

Best SSD deals still live after Cyber Monday

Bonus storage deals still live after Cyber Monday

FAQ

More post-Cyber Monday 2025 - quick links

• Mini PC deals: up to 47% off tiny PCs
• GPU deals: early price drops on NVIDIA RTX before they go up
• Microsoft Surface deals: save up to $500 on premium PCs
• Xbox accessories: best deals on gadgets for your Xbox Series X|S and PC
• Gaming laptop deals: the best laptops for the best price
• Xbox controllers: our top picks for best controller deals
• ANC headphones: great Cyber Monday deals on the best ANC headphones
  
  Even more Cyber Monday deals:
• Dell deals: 13 deals from Dell.com that you shouldn't miss
• Best Buy: 34 hottest discounts on laptops, monitors, gaming, and more
• Walmart: 7 top laptop deals you shouldn't miss
• Samsung monitors: the best Samsung display deals we've found
• Retro gaming: handhelds, arcade machines, old school consoles, and more
• Gamer merch: Blizzard’s Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo IV collectibles
• Game keys: 10 PC game codes are even cheaper at Loaded (formerly CDKeys)
• Accessories: Even more PC accessories starting at $17

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Whether you missed out on shopping over the weekend, you have a few more gifts to buy, or you freed up some extra room in your budget, I found the 20 best deals still live for a little while longer at Target.

Cyber Monday laptop deals still live at Target

Cyber Monday desktop PC deals still live at Target

Cyber Monday gaming deals still live at Target

FAQ

More post-Cyber Monday 2025 - quick links

• Mini PC deals: up to 47% off tiny PCs
• GPU deals: early price drops on NVIDIA RTX before they go up
• Microsoft Surface deals: save up to $500 on premium PCs
• Xbox accessories: best deals on gadgets for your Xbox Series X|S and PC
• Gaming laptop deals: the best laptops for the best price
• Xbox controllers: our top picks for best controller deals
• ANC headphones: great Cyber Monday deals on the best ANC headphones
  
  Even more Cyber Monday deals:
• Dell deals: 13 deals from Dell.com that you shouldn't miss
• Best Buy: 34 hottest discounts on laptops, monitors, gaming, and more
• Walmart: 7 top laptop deals you shouldn't miss
• Samsung monitors: the best Samsung display deals we've found
• Retro gaming: handhelds, arcade machines, old school consoles, and more
• Gamer merch: Blizzard’s Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo IV collectibles
• Game keys: 10 PC game codes are even cheaper at Loaded (formerly CDKeys)
• Accessories: Even more PC accessories starting at $17

Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!

Indeed, I'm seeing a lot of the same low prices from yesterday continue into today, and I've distilled the thousands of deals available at Walmart down to 17 top discounts I don't want you to miss.

I've included monitors, accessories, laptops, and more, and I'm keeping the guide updated with any new deals that appear.

FAQ

More Cyber Monday 2025 - quick links

• All our TOP recommended Cyber Monday deals: Just the best
• Mini PC deals: up to 47% off tiny PCs
• GPU deals: early price drops on NVIDIA RTX before they go up
• Microsoft Surface deals: save up to $500 on premium PCs
• Xbox accessories: best deals on gadgets for your Xbox Series X|S and PC
• Gaming laptop deals: the best laptops for the best price
• Xbox controllers: our top picks for best controller deals
• ANC headphones: great Black Friday deals on the best ANC headphones
  
  Even more Cyber Monday deals:
• Dell deals: 13 deals from Dell.com that you shouldn't miss
• Best Buy: 34 hottest discounts on laptops, monitors, gaming, and more
• Walmart: 7 top laptop deals you shouldn't miss
• Samsung monitors: the best Samsung display deals we've found
• Retro gaming: handhelds, arcade machines, old school consoles, and more
• Steam Deck: Essential accessory deals
• Gamer merch: Blizzard’s Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo IV collectibles
• Game keys: 10 PC game codes are even cheaper at Loaded (formerly CDKeys)
• Accessories: Even more PC accessories starting at $17
• SSDs: The best Samsung SSDs on sale

Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!

Such is the case with Razer's critically-acclaimed Wolverine V3 Xbox controllers, which have procured some sweet 20% discounts. For a limited time, you can grab the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro for $159.99 at Amazon and the Razer Wolverine V3 Tournament Edition for $75.99 at Amazon.

Why get the Razer Wolverine V3 controllers?

While I haven't got my hands on Razer's latest premium Xbox controller (I'm still obsessing over Hyperkin's Competitor controller), my colleague Richard Devine's 4.5/5 star review of the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro makes me wish I had one.

It's a superb controller outfitted with Hall Effect analog sticks to help increase input accuracy and prevent stick drift, flawless 2.4 GHz Hyperspeed wireless and Bluetooth connectivity, an ergonomic design that feels good to hold, and accurate controls that can be remapped to your personal preferences.

Not to mention, the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro has a high polling rate of 250H on consoles and 1000Hz on PC. This ensures that your controls won't suffer from any input delay/latency when tackling the toughest bosses in challenging games like Elden Ring or Clair Obsur: Expedition 33.

The Razer Wolverine V3 Tournament Edition is no slouch either, despite being a wired-only controller and my colleague, Zachary Boddy's misgivings in his 3.5/5 review of it.

It retains the same durable build quality with comfy ergonomics, strong controls with hall effect sticks, and high polling rates on both Xbox and PC, all while having a much cheaper MSRP of $99.99 than the V3 Pro's MSRP $199.99 for removing wireless connectivity.

So, if you're looking to get your friends some of the best Xbox controllers for Christmas, then these post-Cyber Monday discounts for the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro for $159.99 at Amazon and the Razer Wolverine V3 Tournament Edition for $75.99 at Amazon are for you.

Alternative deals

If the main discounts for these Razer Wolverine V3 controllers expire or if their stock runs out, here are some alternative discounts you can use as back-up options:

Razer Wolverine V3 Pro

• $159.99 at Walmart (was $199.99) (White Edition)
• $165.99 at Amazon (was $199.99) (Black Edition)
• $169.99 at Best Buy ($199.99) (Black Edition)

Razer Wolverine V3 Tournament Edition

• $75.99 at Best Buy (was $99.99) (Black Edition)
• $79.99 at Amazon (was $99.99) (White Edition)
• $85.99 at Best Buy (was $99.99) (White Edition)

FAQ

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That's where the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL comes in at the regular price of $129.99, but it's just $49.99 at the moment! An insane deal for a keyboard I reviewed earlier this year that I had nothing but praise for.

Even this week's price, if you missed the Monday deal, is an insane value at $69.99. I can't believe you can get this keyboard for that price.

Is the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL worth it?

The NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL was one of the most surprising keyboards I've used, coming in with hall effect switches, 8KHz polling, and all the bells and whistles of top-end gaming software to bring the best functionality of your keyboard to your fingertips.

Seeing the keyboard at this price doesn't make any sense. From time to time, writers can post about a deal they think is decent and give you multiple reasons as to why you should buy it. For me, this deal is literally that shocking.

If it weren't for the fact that I recently picked up a Razer Huntsman V3 Pro 8KHz, I'd still be using the Elite MiniTKL. The Razer is just a little bit better, but for a whopping $200 more.

As for gaming features, I already mentioned the 8KHz polling rate. What I didn't mention was the customizable actuation from 0.6mm to 4.0mm. Nor did I mention the Rapid Trigger and Snap Tap addons available in the NZXT software.

These three addons alone are game-changing for any serious gamer looking to take their game to the next level. Rapid trigger is one of those things that brings a level of responsiveness most players didn't know they needed beforehand.

I don't want to forget how well the NZXT Elite feels when typing. As I called it in my review, "you'll feel like you're typing into a cloud of pure softness," and I still stand by that. It's one of the most pleasant experiences to type on.

I even went on to say, "Every keystroke felt like some sort of fidget device that calmed my soul. I know this all sounds like gushing, overly colorful language with no real substance, but I need to emphasize the delight and dreaminess of the keyboard strokes in full."

Long story short, you're missing out on this keyboard if you're in the market for a top-end gaming device and don't have the funding to splurge on some of the $200 devices out there today. At an original MSRP of $200, the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL is my top pick for any gamer looking to pick up something new on a budget.

FAQs

More Cyber Monday 2025 - quick links

• All our TOP recommended Cyber Monday deals: Just the best
• Mini PC deals: up to 47% off tiny PCs
• GPU deals: early price drops on NVIDIA RTX before they go up
• Microsoft Surface deals: save up to $500 on premium PCs
• Xbox accessories: best deals on gadgets for your Xbox Series X|S and PC
• Gaming laptop deals: the best laptops for the best price
• Xbox controllers: our top picks for best controller deals
• ANC headphones: great Cyber Monday deals on the best ANC headphones
  
  Even more Cyber Monday deals:
• Dell deals: 13 deals from Dell.com that you shouldn't miss
• Best Buy: 34 hottest discounts on laptops, monitors, gaming, and more
• Walmart: 7 top laptop deals you shouldn't miss
• Samsung monitors: the best Samsung display deals we've found
• Retro gaming: handhelds, arcade machines, old school consoles, and more
• Gamer merch: Blizzard’s Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo IV collectibles
• Game keys: 10 PC game codes are even cheaper at Loaded (formerly CDKeys)
• Accessories: Even more PC accessories starting at $17

Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!

This year's sales season is rapidly ending, though, and it's taking the majority of the discounts with it. So, to help your holiday shopping plans, here are 12 of the absolute best deals on tech and accessories at Best Buy — but (seriously) don't wait, because all of these deals are ending in just a few hours.

If you'd rather peruse all of the deals, you can check out the complete Cyber Monday sale at BestBuy.com. Otherwise, scroll a little further to see the handpicked deals from the Windows Central team.

I won't beat around the bush here; Cyber Monday is ending, and it's going to take most of Best Buy's deals with it. If you've been on the fence about purchasing anything, this is the make-or-break moment.

It has been a busy Black Friday season this year, even if many of the deals have been unfortunately lackluster. It's the unavoidable result of the state of the world, and I can't blame anyone for being hesitant to spend money — because I'm in the same boat. I went back and forth for ages on whether to take advantage of the Meta Quest 3S deal listed above.

That being said, there are still plenty of worthwhile deals on the best technology, devices, and accessories at retailers like Best Buy. As we near the end, I hope my highlighting these deals helps you make that last-minute decision, because this article will be outdated literally a handful of hours from now.

FAQ

More Cyber Monday 2025 — Quick links

• All our TOP recommended Cyber Monday deals: just the best
• Mini PC deals: up to 47% off tiny PCs
• GPU deals: early price drops on NVIDIA RTX before they go up
• Microsoft Surface deals: save up to $500 on premium PCs
• Xbox accessories: best deals on gadgets for your Xbox Series X|S and PC
• Gaming laptop deals: the best laptops for the best price
• Xbox controllers: our top picks for best controller deals
• ANC headphones: great Cyber Monday deals on the best ANC headphones
  
  Even more Cyber Monday deals:
• Dell deals: 13 deals from Dell.com that you shouldn't miss
• Best Buy: 34 hottest discounts on laptops, monitors, gaming, and more
• Walmart: 7 top laptop deals you shouldn't miss
• Samsung monitors: the best Samsung display deals we've found
• Retro gaming: handhelds, arcade machines, old school consoles, and more
• Gamer merch: Blizzard’s Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo IV collectibles
• Game keys: 10 PC game codes are even cheaper at Loaded (formerly CDKeys)
• Accessories: even more PC accessories starting at $17

Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!

This year, the biggest of those is Electronic Arts' (EA) and Battlefield Studios' explosively popular multiplayer FPS Battlefield 6. And right now, even though Cyber Monday itself has ended, you can pick up the Xbox version of the acclaimed shooter, normally priced at $69.99, for only $49.99 at Amazon. The PS5 edition is also $49.99 at Amazon, as well.

Believe it or not, this isn't actually the lowest price Battlefield 6 has sold for; over the weekend, GameStop had it at $35, a full 50% off. With that said, $20 off a brand-new AAA game, and 2025's best-seller at that, is still a phenomenal deal, and one you should pull the trigger on before it ends now that Cyber Monday has.

I'm hooked on BF6, and you will be too

It's official: Battlefield 6 is the best-selling game of the year, and it sold more copies in one month than any other game has since 2022's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, too. It's no exaggeration to say that it's the biggest game of the year as well, and has propelled EA's legendary FPS franchise to new heights after years of struggle.

The reason why is largely because its developers delivered an experience that returned to Battlefield form, complete with the series' class-based structure, tons of new gadgets and weapons to earn and use, a suite of 11 different maps (more on the way) with combined arms engagements between infantry, vehicles, and aircraft, and plenty of modes to play.

Battlefield 6 also features a special custom games creation tool called Portal that players can use to build and share their own gameplay experiences (think Forge from Halo), along with a full campaign and a free-to-play battle royale mode, Battlefield REDSEC.

No matter what you're playing in Battlefield 6, though, the game's extremely advanced destruction physics will be present, allowing you to dynamically destroy cover, structures, and more to creatively get the drop on your enemies. And all of it will look and sound terrific, too, as the game features immaculate and immersive audiovisual presentation.

I've put over 120 hours into Battlefield 6 since it launched in early October, and I've had an absolute blast playing it both alone and with a squad of friends. In fact, I'm itching to finish writing this article so I can be done with Cyber Monday and play it right now.

It's an amazing multiplayer game and one of my favorite titles of the year, and it's only going to get better with the seasonal updates Battlefield Studios has planned, too. I can't recommend it — and this awesome Cyber Monday deal on it — enough.

FAQ

More Cyber Monday 2025 — quick links

• All our TOP recommended Cyber Monday deals: Just the best
• Mini PC deals: up to 47% off tiny PCs
• GPU deals: early price drops on NVIDIA RTX before they go up
• Microsoft Surface deals: save up to $500 on premium PCs
• Xbox accessories: best deals on gadgets for your Xbox Series X|S and PC
• Gaming laptop deals: the best laptops for the best price
• Xbox controllers: our top picks for best controller deals
• ANC headphones: great Black Friday deals on the best ANC headphones
  
  Even more Cyber Monday deals:
• Dell deals: 13 deals from Dell.com that you shouldn't miss
• Best Buy: 34 hottest discounts on laptops, monitors, gaming, and more
• Walmart: 7 top laptop deals you shouldn't miss
• Samsung monitors: the best Samsung display deals we've found
• Retro gaming: handhelds, arcade machines, old school consoles, and more
• Steam Deck: Essential accessory deals
• Gamer merch: Blizzard’s Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo IV collectibles
• Game keys: 10 PC game codes are even cheaper at Loaded (formerly CDKeys)
• Accessories: Even more PC accessories starting at $17
• SSDs: The best Samsung SSDs on sale

Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!

That is exactly what happened with Hell is Us, a dark and atmospheric sci-fi action game that came out on September 4. Since it came out on the exact same day as the feverishly anticipated Hollow Knight: Silksong, it was fated to be overshadowed by Team Cherry's Metroidvania sequel, and has unfortunately been overlooked by many.

I've heard great things about it, though, and have always wanted to try it at some point — and now I can, thanks to a huge extended Cyber Monday deal that knocks the $49.99 price of the PC version down to just $36.99 at Loaded. The $59.99 Xbox edition is also selling for only $39.99 at Best Buy, with the PS5 version selling for the same discount (EXPIRED).

Tuesday, December 2, 1:20 ET: Unfortunately, all deals on the Xbox and PS5 versions of Hell is Us have ended with the conclusion of Cyber Monday. However, the PC version of the game is still discounted to its lowest-ever price, so if you have a capable gaming rig, definitely snag that edition of the game while it remains this affordable. — Brendan Lowry, Contributor

I'm excited to finally play this slept on hit

While Hell is Us was majorly overshadowed as a result of it sharing a release date with Hollow Knight: Silksong, that doesn't mean it's not worth checking out. In fact, all signs point to the opposite of that being true, as at the time of writing, it stands with a 77/100 "Generally Favorable" score on Metacritic, along with 89% of its 1,277 user reviews on Steam being positive.

It tells the story of a fictional European country, Hadea, that gets invaded by mysterious supernatural entities while it's in the middle of a civil war. These bizarre creatures are immune to modern weapons like firearms and are pushing Hadea and its people to the brink, but you — equipped with "your drone and sword from a different age" — have the power to thwart them.

Thus, you'll set off on a non-linear, exploration-focused adventure to do so, and will find and earn multiple different weapons and upgrades as you progress that unlock new movesets, skills, and powers to use.

Unraveling the mystery behind the appearance of the strange supernatural creatures you're fighting is also a big part of the story, which many have praised for excellent worldbuilding and rich lore — even if the characters themselves aren't the greatest.

All in all, the game just looks cool, and I've wanted to check it out ever since I saw it released. I just didn't want to buy it at full price, but thanks to Cyber Monday, now I don't have to — and you don't, either.

FAQ

More Cyber Monday 2025 — quick links

• All our TOP recommended Cyber Monday deals: Just the best
• Mini PC deals: up to 47% off tiny PCs
• GPU deals: early price drops on NVIDIA RTX before they go up
• Microsoft Surface deals: save up to $500 on premium PCs
• Xbox accessories: best deals on gadgets for your Xbox Series X|S and PC
• Gaming laptop deals: the best laptops for the best price
• Xbox controllers: our top picks for best controller deals
• ANC headphones: great Black Friday deals on the best ANC headphones
  
  Even more Cyber Monday deals:
• Dell deals: 13 deals from Dell.com that you shouldn't miss
• Best Buy: 34 hottest discounts on laptops, monitors, gaming, and more
• Walmart: 7 top laptop deals you shouldn't miss
• Samsung monitors: the best Samsung display deals we've found
• Retro gaming: handhelds, arcade machines, old school consoles, and more
• Steam Deck: Essential accessory deals
• Gamer merch: Blizzard’s Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo IV collectibles
• Game keys: 10 PC game codes are even cheaper at Loaded (formerly CDKeys)
• Accessories: Even more PC accessories starting at $17
• SSDs: The best Samsung SSDs on sale

Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!

But before any of us were stumbling our way through Lordran or adventuring in The Lands Between, FromSoftware also made a fast-paced, action-packed mecha series called Armored Core — and in 2023, it released a new entry called Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon.

Whether you're a longtime fan of the franchise or a newcomer that's only played the Souls games, you'll love Armored Core 6 — and even though Cyber Monday is over, you can still get it for some nice discounts. Specifically, the PC version is $23.79 at Loaded, with the Xbox version going for $24.99 at GameStop and the PS4 (not PS5, though it will work on the newer console) edition selling for $24.99 at GameStop as well. Considering the $59.99 MSRP and the $30-40 it tends to sell for these days, these are still excellent deals.

Tuesday, December 2, 1:38 ET: While Amazon's original $19.99 deals on Armored Core 6 are offline now that Cyber Monday is over, you can still find some nice discounts on the title in the sales event's aftermath. This chaotic mecha ARPG is worth buying with any discount (or none at all), so I still highly recommend picking it up right now. — Brendan Lowry, Contributor

Don't sleep on Armored Core — trust me

Most modern FromSoftware fans have likely never played an Armored Core game before — I know I hadn't, before Armored Core 6 came along. When I reviewed it for Windows Central back when it came out, though, I quickly fell in love with the new entry in this cult classic series, even though it's very distinct from the developer's Soulslike titles.

Indeed, Armored Core is quite different than Dark Souls or Elden Ring (also on sale for big discounts right now) in terms of structure, with linear missions and the freedom to redesign your mech as much as you want instead of open-ended, non-linear levels and limited respecs that encourage long-form character progression.

However, FromSoftware's engaging "tough, but fair" difficulty philosophy is wholly present here, with a dual emphasis on picking a good loadout for each level and then executing in fights themselves, utilizing your mech's advanced movement capabilities to evade threats while getting into advantageous positions for your own weapons.

In that way, Armored Core 6 does bear some similarities to the Souls games and their focus on dodge timing and encounter mastery, with the presence of a posture bar that encourages aggressive play to stagger your foes, also reminding me of FromSoftware's Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.

I like to think of it as a lovely middle ground between the RPG customization of Souls and the skill-driven intensity of Sekiro, and ultimately, it's a must-play action RPG — especially with the fantastic story and presentation that complement the gameplay. Thanks to extended Cyber Monday deals, it's quite affordable right now, so I can't recommend getting it enough.

FAQ

More Cyber Monday 2025 — quick links

• All our TOP recommended Cyber Monday deals: Just the best
• Mini PC deals: up to 47% off tiny PCs
• GPU deals: early price drops on NVIDIA RTX before they go up
• Microsoft Surface deals: save up to $500 on premium PCs
• Xbox accessories: best deals on gadgets for your Xbox Series X|S and PC
• Gaming laptop deals: the best laptops for the best price
• Xbox controllers: our top picks for best controller deals
• ANC headphones: great Black Friday deals on the best ANC headphones
  
  Even more Cyber Monday deals:
• Dell deals: 13 deals from Dell.com that you shouldn't miss
• Best Buy: 34 hottest discounts on laptops, monitors, gaming, and more
• Walmart: 7 top laptop deals you shouldn't miss
• Samsung monitors: the best Samsung display deals we've found
• Retro gaming: handhelds, arcade machines, old school consoles, and more
• Steam Deck: Essential accessory deals
• Gamer merch: Blizzard’s Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo IV collectibles
• Game keys: 10 PC game codes are even cheaper at Loaded (formerly CDKeys)
• Accessories: Even more PC accessories starting at $17
• SSDs: The best Samsung SSDs on sale

Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!

One lucky laptop that's been graced by Cyber Monday is the AI-accelerated, long-lasting ASUS Vivobook 16 (Quiet Blue edition), which is now on sale for $449.99 at Amazon after having its $799.99 MSRP cut by 44%.

Why buy the the ASUS Vivobook 16?

The ASUS Vivobook 16 with the Quiet Blue finish comes packed with a myriad of useful hardware specs for greatly enhancing workflow productivity and boosting the visuals of your favorite movies while streaming them.

These components include a Windows-on-ARM OS, a 16-inch IPS display capable of displaying crisp images with 1920x1200 resolutions and 60Hz refresh rates, a 512GB SSD to store all your vital documents in, a long battery life up to 19-20 hours, and 16GB of RAM to help save and load your files faster.

Its most vital components, however, are its Qualcomm Snapdragon X processor and Qualcomm Hexagon NPU (up to 45 TOPS) with Copilot+, Recall, and Live Captions support.

With these features, this Copilot+ PC will make workflow productivity a breeze as it will be able to juggle running Microsoft Office apps, finding info online, translating languages, and streaming shows on Netflix without any slowdown.

Now add on top a 44% discounted price tag of $449.99 at Amazon, and you've got a great bargain deal for any hardworking desk jockey looking for a reliable mid-range laptop to get work done faster at an entry-level fee.

Alternative discount deals

If Amazon's stock of the ASUS Vivobook 16 laptop runs dry or its Cyber Monday discount expires, we have few alternative discounts found at other stores to serve as back-up options.

• $549.99 at Walmart (was $849.99)
• $549.99 at Walmart (was $849.99)

FAQ

More Cyber Monday 2025 - quick links

• All our TOP recommended Cyber Monday deals: Just the best
• Mini PC deals: up to 47% off tiny PCs
• GPU deals: early price drops on NVIDIA RTX before they go up
• Microsoft Surface deals: save up to $500 on premium PCs
• Xbox accessories: best deals on gadgets for your Xbox Series X|S and PC
• Gaming laptop deals: the best laptops for the best price
• Xbox controllers: our top picks for best controller deals
• ANC headphones: great Black Friday deals on the best ANC headphones
  
  Even more Cyber Monday deals:
• Dell deals: 13 deals from Dell.com that you shouldn't miss
• Best Buy: 34 hottest discounts on laptops, monitors, gaming, and more
• Walmart: 7 top laptop deals you shouldn't miss
• Samsung monitors: the best Samsung display deals we've found
• Retro gaming: handhelds, arcade machines, old school consoles, and more
• Gamer merch: Blizzard’s Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo IV collectibles
• Game keys: 10 PC game codes are even cheaper at Loaded (formerly CDKeys)
• Accessories: Even more PC accessories starting at $17

Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!

If you've grabbed one of these sweet handheld gaming PCs, then you'll want to grab the essential accessories to go with them.

The bag I personally use with my Legion Go S has an MSRP of $52.99, but it's currently $39.99 at Amazon. I also own and recommend the JSAUX 6-in-1 Docking Station, which is discounted to $27.99 at Amazon and lets me play on my TV.

Handheld FAQs

More Cyber Monday 2025 - quick links

• All our TOP recommended Cyber Monday deals: Just the best
• Mini PC deals: up to 47% off tiny PCs
• GPU deals: early price drops on NVIDIA RTX before they go up
• Microsoft Surface deals: save up to $500 on premium PCs
• Xbox accessories: best deals on gadgets for your Xbox Series X|S and PC
• Gaming laptop deals: the best laptops for the best price
• Xbox controllers: our top picks for best controller deals
• ANC headphones: great Cyber Monday deals on the best ANC headphones
  
  Even more Cyber Monday deals:
• Dell deals: 13 deals from Dell.com that you shouldn't miss
• Best Buy: 34 hottest discounts on laptops, monitors, gaming, and more
• Walmart: 7 top laptop deals you shouldn't miss
• Samsung monitors: the best Samsung display deals we've found
• Retro gaming: handhelds, arcade machines, old school consoles, and more
• Gamer merch: Blizzard’s Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo IV collectibles
• Game keys: 10 PC game codes are even cheaper at Loaded (formerly CDKeys)
• Accessories: Even more PC accessories starting at $17

Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!