The problem with finding the right gift for the Xbox Game Pass lover in your life is that even though you know what they like, the chances are pretty high that they've got access to it already. The kind of person who's part of Xbox's long-running subscription access is likely to have their console or PC setup pretty much entirely firmed-up by now, and they've probably battled their way through an awful lot of games, too.
But don't worry, because we've dug deep to think about what you'd get for the Xbox fan who really does (sort of) have everything. No matter whether they're a dabbling Core subscriber or an Ultimate die-hard, there are plenty of ways to make sure the Game Pass fan in your life gets something they'll be pleasantly surprised by for Christmas.
The best gift for a Game Pass fan? More Game Pass. Three months of Ultimate gives them everything they could possibly need from an Xbox subscription - free games, online multiplayer, subscriber discounts, and more.
Sometimes, you just want the simplicity of having your subscription taken care of, even if you don't have all the bells and whistles to go with it. 12 months of Core doesn't offer as many benefits as Ultimate, but four times the sub power probably more than makes up for that.
Just because they've got Game Pass doesn't mean they've got access to every game, so a digital gift card can help fill in any gaps in their library. Giving them a gift card means they can choose what else they'd like themselves.
Console commitments run deep, and someone serious enough to be investing big in Game Pass is sure to enjoy curling up in this wearable blanket that should leave you in no doubt as to where their allegiances lie.
I've been using thumbsticks to keep my favorite Xbox controller in top condition for years, and these are seriously heavy-duty. But if you're getting the most out of Game Pass, chances are you'll need that heft.
Spare controllers are always good to have, especially when you can relegate your older model for this ultra-swanky Elite alternative.
One thing that you can rarely have enough of, however, is storage. Seagate are widely considered to be the leaders of the pack in this regard, and if you know your Game Pass fan is truly invested, there are 4TB and 5TB options available too.
If you're investing in Game Pass, any moment away from your console can be painful. Thankfully, this carry case makes it super easy to take your Xbox Series X wherever you go, so you never have to miss even a single day of your subscription.
Power up your play - literally - with this super handy charging dock for two pads that lets you ditch batteries forever. Simply dock your controllers when you're not playing and they'll stay charged and ready to game.
How to choose the best Xbox gift for Game Pass subscribers
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The very existence of Game Pass makes your life easier if you're picking a gift for the Xbox fan in your life. There's very little need to invest in any games, because the subscription offers them plenty, all included in the cost. And anyone who's subbed to a game console's output is likely to have most of their setup all ready to go, so hardware and accessories don't need to be a major worry for you either. But there are still a few pitfalls you'll want to be aware of.
Double-check the platform
Xbox Game Pass exists across both traditional Xbox consoles (the Series X and Series S are the most modern machines), but also on PC. Microsoft does treat both Xbox consoles and PCs as part of one large ecosystem, but be careful that you're not buying for a completely different platform. Thankfully, the PC version is helpfully named 'Xbox Game Pass for PC', so it should be obvious what you're buying.
Be sure how beefy their sub is
No, I'm not talking about sandwiches. Game Pass comes in multiple tiers, and while lower-cost subscribers might be happy with an upgrade, those paying for the Ultimate benefits might be a bit disappointed with a lower-rate subscription in their stocking. Game Pass comes in Essential, Premium, and Ultimate tiers, so you may want to do some sleuthing to make sure you pick the right one.
Pay attention to budget
The best bit about working around something like Game Pass when it comes to gift giving is that you can be extremely flexible. Gift cards can go a long way, and you can pick the denomination you want to give. And extra months of subscription can also be tweaked to fit to what you can afford.
