A gaming gift card is the best option for video games fanatics. But what is the best gaming gift card to give to someone? There are a lot of options to choose from. We’re going to review the top gaming gift cards on the market today (in 2020).
But before we do, it’s important to know that there are three main gift card types:
- Console
- Mobile
- PC
If you purchase a console gift card, the same gift card cannot be used for PC or mobile and vice versa yet. We may see more versatility in the market in the future as gaming continues to grow.
The e-sports industry is already bigger than traditional sports.
And the gaming industry is growing so fast that analysts and experts predict that the market will reach over $300 billion by 2025. Imagine the gaming industry beating out all of the major sports leagues in revenue and popularity.
Gaming is a sport that everyone can participate in.
Retailers, console makers and app stores are offering gaming gift cards that consumers of all ages can purchase and use. The top gift cards in 2020 are:
8 Top Gaming Gift Cards
1. Steam Gift Card
Steam is the go-to place for gamers. When gamers want to purchase PC games, Steam is the market’s powerhouse. Steam allows you to purchase gift cards for:
[list style=’regular’]
[list_item]PC[/list_item]
[list_item]MAC[/list_item]
[list_item]SteamOS[/list_item]
[/list]
You can redeem these cards for games, hardware or software. There are physical or digital gift card options, and they allow you to choose the best method of sending your gaming gift card to a person.
Steam also allows you to send gifts to friends on Steam right to their wallet so that you can help fuel their gaming.
Redeeming funds is easy, and there are no restrictions, except in Asia. Some cards may not be able to be used outside of Asia if that is where they were originally purchased. Most consumers will never have to worry about regional restrictions.
Steam is a great option for anyone that plays PC games and wants a variety of game titles to pick from. The community aspect exists with forums, reviews and other ways to stay connected with friends while they’re playing.
You’ll find a lot of major sales on the platform, blockbuster games and also plenty of indie games that you can buy, download and play.
If you or the person that is planning to use the gift card is a PC gamer, you never need to look further than Steam as the absolute best gaming gift card to buy. It’s versatile, easy to use and any serious PC gamer already has a Steam account.
2. Xbox Gift Card
Xbox is one of the world’s leading consoles, and if you know someone that has Xbox, there’s no harm in buying the person a gift card for the platform. Keep in mind that there are Xbox Live and Xbox gift cards available.
Live gift cards are going to be used for the online subscription that allows people to play games online.
A lot of people choose Live and similar alternatives because you can purchase someone a year of subscription time for relatively cheap.
Of course, there are also traditional Xbox gift cards. These cards are fantastic because they allow you to purchase:
[list style=’regular’][list_item]Games[/list_item][list_item]Television shows[/list_item][list_item]Devices[/list_item][list_item]Apps[/list_item][list_item]Movies[/list_item][/list]
You’ll find that this is one of the most versatile gaming gift cards that can be used for any game on the Xbox as well as a slew of other great content.
Keep in mind that these cards do not work at any of the physical Microsoft stores – not that there are many around anyway. Redeeming the card is a breeze and can easily be done on the official Microsoft website.
Microsoft states that these gift cards are considered local currency, so you will only be able to use them in the country in which they are purchased.
3. PlayStation Gift Card
PlayStation is the main competitor, or another main competitor, to Xbox. The company has a similar offering with their gift cards. You’ll find the following gift card options for PlayStation:
- PlayStation Store
- PlayStation Plus
If you purchase the Plus, you’ll be purchasing a subscription in monthly increments that allows a person to play online with their friends. PlayStation also sweetens the deal a little bit with a bunch of free games and exclusive discounts for anyone that is a Plus subscriber.
The PlayStation Store gift card would be the equivalent of the Xbox gift card. You’ll use this card to:
[list style=’regular’]
[list_item]Purchase games[/list_item]
[list_item]Buy add-ons[/list_item]
[list_item]Watch movies[/list_item]
[list_item]Purchase TV shows[/list_item]
[/list]
PlayStation offers their cards in prices as low as $20, and then it goes up from there. Redeeming requires the person to have their own PlayStation Network account, which most people that have a PlayStation will already have.
Digital and cash cards are available.
Gift cards from any of the major consoles are a smart choice for console owners. If someone has invested the money into a console, you can be confident that the person has a game or two that they would love to add to their library.
A gift card allows this person to purchase games they want to play.
4. Nintendo eShop Gift Card
Nintendo eShop is a top gaming gift card, and the company doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon. Mario played a major role in a lot of people’s childhood, and it will continue to play a role in childhoods for generations to come.
The company is a great option for a gift card because they have thousands of new and classic games to pick from. You’ll also find a lot of awesome indie games on the platform, too.
But one key differentiating factor is that Nintendo has multiple consoles. You have the option of being able to purchase games on:
[list style=’regular’]
[list_item]Wii U[/list_item]
[list_item]Nintendo 3DS[/list_item]
[list_item]Nintendo Switch[/list_item]
[/list]
You or the person that you buy these gift cards for will not be tied to one single console. PlayStation and Xbox are lacking in this department, and a lot of people are still avid fans of Nintendo.
You’ll be giving the gift of fun to whoever uses this gift card, and the person will be able to purchase games in several denominations, including: $10, $20, $35 and $50 values. Applying the gift card to an account takes seconds, and eShop purchases will be able to be made without anyone entering in a credit card.
5. Multi Game Card
The Multi Game Card is a bit different, and it’s the leading option for cash alternatives in online, virtual goods and digital content purchasing. When you use the Multi Game card, you’re choosing to use MGC to purchase from a variety of partners.
The company has partnered with some of the world’s leading companies to accept their card.
I won’t go through all of the companies that will accept this gaming gift card, but I will say that it works for:
[list style=’regular’]
[list_item]Twitch[/list_item]
[list_item]Nexon[/list_item]
[list_item]Autowar[/list_item]
[list_item]Snail games[/list_item]
[list_item]Cabal[/list_item]
[list_item]Tera[/list_item]
[list_item]Hundreds of others[/list_item]
[/list]
What I like about the MGC is that it’s a little different than any other gift card on the market and is growing in popularity. You’ll be supporting the creators of your favorite games directly, and you’re not tied to a specific platform or console to use the card.
It’s the perfect solution to the way that gift cards work.
I will say that this card may be more limited than others if the person wants to use it for every game, but for the massive amount of games that the card works on, it’s definitely a top choice in 2020 and will continue to grow in popularity.
6. iTunes Gift Card
Apple iTunes isn’t just about music, although the gift card can also be used for music. When you purchase an iTunes card, you’ll be unlocking a massive suite of entertainment options for anyone that is using the gift card.
People will have options when they choose this card, and those options include:
[list style=’regular’]
[list_item]Movies[/list_item]
[list_item]Apple TV+[/list_item]
[list_item]Apple News+[/list_item]
[list_item]Apple Books[/list_item]
[list_item]Apple Arcade[/list_item]
[/list]
The Apple Arcade is what most people that game will care about because it gives you access to all of the mobile games that have been developed for iOS. But the card can also be used to purchase traditional apps and in-app purchases.
If a person has a game that they love to play on their iPhone and wants to make an in-app purchase to be able to compete better in the game, this is what the iTunes gift card will allow them to do.
Apple users will love the versatility that this card offers, and it will also provide you or the person you’re giving it to with a lot of great options to use their gift card. If a person is a gamer and loves to be attached to their mobile phone, there’s no better option than an iTunes gift card.
7. Google Play Gift Card
What if the person that you plan on buying the card for doesn’t have an iPhone and has an Android instead? A Google Play gift card will be the right option for this person. Google is the owner of the Play Store – if you didn’t know already – and they have tons of great mobile games and apps that can be purchased on the store.
A lot of people are playing Rise Kingdom right now on Android, but there are so many games to choose from.
Google does offer bonuses sometimes, and they’re offering a $75 bonus on the game right now for in-app purchases.
Of course, you’ll be able to shop for a variety of other digital goodies using the Google Play card, including:
[list style=’regular’]
[list_item]Apps[/list_item]
[list_item]Games[/list_item]
[list_item]Books[/list_item]
[list_item]Television shows[/list_item]
[list_item]Magazines[/list_item]
[list_item]Music[/list_item]
[/list]
The card can also be used to purchase Google Play Music, which allows a person to access millions of free songs every month. Google makes it quick and easy to add a gift card to your account – it takes a matter of seconds.
You’ll find these gift cards can be purchased online or in stores. You may be able to find online discounts for these cards, too.
8. Blizzard Gift Card
Blizzard is a great company (or not – it depends on who you ask). A lot of people flock to Blizzard because they’re the developers of World of Warcraft, but the company has a lot of different game titles that they own.
The company’s top games are:
[list style=’regular’]
[list_item]Diablo[/list_item]
[list_item]Starcraft[/list_item]
[list_item]World of Warcraft[/list_item]
[list_item]Overwatch[/list_item]
[list_item]Heroes of the Storm[/list_item]
[list_item]Hearthstone[/list_item]
[/list]
When you add the gift card to an account, it’s possible to use the currency to make in-game purchases. You’ll find that these gift cards are not available in all countries, so you’ll want to make sure that they’re available in the country of your choosing.
Digital and physical cards exist, although I have never personally seen a physical card available in the United States.
The company offers a catch-all gift card, which can be used for most of their games and purchases, and they also offer specific gift cards for:
[list style=’regular’]
[list_item]World of Warcraft[/list_item]
[list_item]Call of Duty Black Ops[/list_item]
[/list]
If a person you know plays any of the games under the Blizzard or Activision umbrella, chances are good that they would appreciate one of these gift cards. Redeeming the gift card is a breeze, and they can be used for everything, from buying games to loot boxes, card packs and services that are available in the game.
What’s the best gaming gift card for you? There are just so many options to choose from. If the person you’re purchasing a card for is an avid PC gamer that doesn’t play primarily Blizzard games, a Steam card will be a great option. Blizzard players that love to play World of Warcraft, COD Black Ops or other Blizzard titles will want to go with a Blizzard card.
If the person plays mobile games, you can opt to purchase one of the mobile gift cards that offer access to games and a variety of other great content including movies, television shows, music and books.
