Another school year has ended and another high school and college graduate has left the world. They’ve worked hard for years to get to this point, so why not reward them with tools for playing well? We’ve rounded up a list of favorites that will up your grad game, and here are a few gadgets that can pull double duty at their new jobs, too.
Will Lipman Photography for Engadget
Whatever career your graduate chooses, they may spend a lot of time in front of the camera in our new hybrid work world. You can help them look their best with this easy-to-use and affordable tool USB light from Logitech. The flattering soft light will impress co-workers and live streamers alike, and its small size means you can take it anywhere. Your graduate will appreciate its ease of use and the various customization options available in the app, ensuring they always look their best on camera.
8Bitdo
Whether it’s console, PC or mobile, one thing the gamer in your life can always use is a good gamepad. And no matter what device you play on, 8BitDo has them covered Pro 2 controller. It works with Windows and PC, iOS and Android and even Nintendo Switch. And thanks to its many buttons, it can handle all kinds of games, from old-school classics to the latest AAA titles.
Will Lipman Photography for Engadget
With exams and papers all done and now behind them, your graduate probably has more time on his hands. If you’re trying their hand at game streaming, you can start them with this full-featured one Control panel from Elgato it makes it easy to adjust audio and video settings, control their lighting fixtures, and trigger on-screen graphics. Its buttons can also be swapped out for things like video editing and calls, so they have their place in work settings.
SteelSeries
You’ll never have to worry about whether or not they’re on mute during your next video call with your graduate Nickname of SteelSeries, because in these cases it shows a very noticeable red “X” on the front. But that’s not the only cool feature this mic has to boast – it’s also easy to set up for apps like Discord and Zoom, and it sounds fantastic. This is a “gaming” accessory that will be used a lot during both playthroughs and business conference calls
Razer
Dock is not the most interesting gift, but this model is from Razer It will be great for the gamer in your life and will catch their attention with its RGB lighting. Your graduate will appreciate how practical it is, thanks to three USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, four Thunderbolt 4 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, a 3.5mm audio combo jack and a UHS-II SD card slot. It’s a Swiss-Army knife accessory that will help them make the most stylish use of all their computer accessories.
Corsair
When it comes to gaming keyboards, Corsair has a ton of popular options that most of us here at Engadget love, but they’re usually pretty big and loud. The K100 Weather It eliminates standard complaints about mechanical keyboards thanks to its ultra-slim frame and low-profile keys, while retaining beloved features like dedicated media keys and RGB lighting. And with 50 hours of battery life, your player won’t need to plug it in often.
SteelSeries
Sure, your graduate laptop comes with a trackpad or maybe a touchscreen, but even in 2024, when it’s time to focus and get things done, it’s better to use a mouse. They will appreciate it Aerox 3 Wireless’ light weight when competing in tough gaming matches, as well as the mouse’s ability to use 2.4 GHz for the fastest connection. It also uses Bluetooth, making it a great choice for gaming laptops and other devices. And those holes? Don’t worry, they won’t interfere with the Aerox 3’s IP54 waterproof rating.
Razer
If your gamer is always on the go or frequently switches between consoles, PCs and mobile devices, a good wireless headset is the way to go. Razer’s Barracuda Thanks to its Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity options, it’s perfect for the task, and its simple design and variety of colors mean it can complement most outfits or gaming rigs. All this adds up to headphones that are designed to be taken anywhere and everywhere, and don’t worry – it sounds and feels great too.
Square Enix
Between homework, papers, and exams, the last few months of school can be a real challenge. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel – not just a degree, but finally some free time to kick back and relax. What better way to settle in and reconnect with pop culture than by kicking back with one of the hottest games of the year? Final Fantasy VII Rebirth It’s a remake of a beloved classic on PlayStation 5, so your graduate may find it a welcome throwback to a childhood memory or an interesting introduction to a monumental chapter in video game history.
Capcom
If your new graduate is planning to study law, then they will surely find the adventures of a budding lawyer. Apollo Justice Having a blast on Nintendo Switch. Sure, the actual legal system isn’t like the one in the game — you can’t use psychic powers to question witnesses, for example — but the investigation and cross-examination mechanics don’t plan on being a lawyer to nail players down. With three full games included in the bundle, there’s plenty of content to keep graduates busy while they look for work.
