Holiday Gift Ideas for Fans of Any Fighting Game

Gifts For All

While there are certainly a lot of different fighting games to get into, and we’ll look at specific games later on, there are a lot of gifts that players of any fighting game would love.

Fight Stick – A simple controller is fine for a fighting game pleb like myself, but some fans need to have the creme de la creme of input devices. For fighting games, those come in the form of fight sticks – finely tuned joysticks and button layouts to give players the best control over their vicious avatars. Now these aren’t exactly cheap gifts, especially if you’re looking into a good one, but it’s something your special someone will definitely put to good use.

Apparel – Sometimes it’s hard finding a gift that a person can and will use. Figuring out what they need, and which one to get can be difficult (and expensive), but one thing everyone can use is clothing. There are plenty of sites out there that sell amazing video game based clothing such as Redbubble and Eternal Rival with plenty of designs to please everyone.

Console – If you’re shopping for someone who loves fighting games, why not upgrade their setup? The PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Wii U all make great holiday gifts, and each one has a fighting game worth getting excited about.

Games – There are plenty of fighting games out there that are really great and begging to be played. Maybe your special someone is bored of the game they’re on, so go an expand their library. Here are some solid (and recent) fighting games.

• Mortal Kombat X – PS4, Xbox One, PC
• BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma EXTEND – PS4, Xbox One, PS3, PS Vita
• Super Smash Bros. – Wii U, 3DS
• Ultra Street Fighter IV– PS4, Xbox One, Ps3, Xbox 360, PC

You can even preorder Street Fighter V if you want to be ahead of the rush.

Of course, there are specific games with very large followings, and you may need something a bit more focused…

Mortal Kombat

Mortal Kombat is a household name in the fighting game scene. This 20+ year old franchise has grown and evolved over the years, and that has lead to it amassing a sizable crowd of fans. Chances are that you may have one of those fans close enough to you that you’re doing some last minute shopping for them right now. Here are a few things that are sure to bring a smile to your favorite Kombatant’s face.

Clothing – Redbubble has some pretty neat t-shirts and hoodies for the MK fan in your life. Teepublic also has some amazing designs if you’re looking for something affordable. If those don’t tickle your fancy, you’re sure to find many more selections by just searching in your favorite browser.

Figures – The official Mortal Kombat Shop actually has some cool looking bobbleheads, plushes, and action figures. These are perfect for collectors or fans just just looking to decorate a shelf or desk.

Mortal Kombat X – Of course, you need to make sure that your special someone has the newest in gruesome Kombat action. Pick up a copy of Mortal Kombat X if they don’t already have it, or give them a few bucks to get the season pass.

The Films – A true fan’s collection isn’t complete until they watch a rubbery Goro fall off of a cliff. Pick up the movies and enjoy a night in with some awesome (sometimes cheesy) action.

Street Fighter

Street Fighter is one of the longest running fighting franchises in gaming right now. The technical, easy-to-learn yet difficult-to-master gameplay, iconic characters, and huge tournaments keep this in any fighting fan’s top five list. Just like Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter has been around more than long enough to provide some seriously awesome gifts.

A PlayStation 4 and a SFV Pre-Order – The next installment of the beloved franchise is console exclusive to the PS4 and also releasing PC. With a PS4 being a bit more affordable than a gaming rig, why not give the amazing gift of a bundle, including a receipt for the game due in 2016?

Artwork – Redbubble doesn’t only do apparel, you can actually purchase some pretty sweet canvas prints as well from the website. These would look perfect on any fan’s wall. Etsy also has some neat handmade pieces of art, and there are a ton of art books available covering the history and transformation of the series.

Movies – Street Fighter has received its fair share of movies that fans have grown to love. Try and steer clear of the live action stuff, it isn’t very… good.

Figures – Figures are always a good look when doing some shopping, although they can become pretty expensive. Find out your special fighting fan’s favorite Street Fighter character and pick them up one of the awesome Square Enix Play Arts Kai figures.

Reading Material – Nothing like a bit of background to the amazing characters of an awesome fighting series. Graphic novels can provide a great source of information and entertainment. You can start with Udon Entertainment for some impressive books, and then continue your search from there as you look for the perfect gift. 

Dragon Ball

Dragon Ball took the world by storm over 20 years ago with its race of alien warriors and battles to save humanity. The characters have stood the test of time and have even starred in numerous games over the years (with some of them even being really good). Seeing as how Dragon Ball has touched just about every medium, you should have no problem finding the perfect Saiyan gift.

Video Games – For the most part, games in the Dragon Ball universe are based around fighting (which is why they’re on this list in the first place). While some have been obvious cash grabs, others are actually really solid games. If your giftee happens to have a PS3, pick them up the Dragon Ball Z Budokai HD Collection which has what are arguably the two best DBZ fighting games out there. If you’re looking for something a bit retro, and still amazing, consider Ultimate Battle 22 or Final Bout for the original PlayStation.

Statues & Figures – There are some really cool statues and figures that really capture some of the best moments and characters from the series. As is always the case with gifts of this nature, things can get expensive. so find out the favorite character(s) of whoever you’re shopping before and grab something that grabs the moment for them forever.

Dragon Balls – You don’t need to leave your giftee hunting for the Dragon Balls so they can wish for a better gift. You can do them a favor and get all seven of them together yourself.

Anime and Movies – If watching the action of a game isn’t enough, then how about some of the source material? A nice look at the growth of characters, development of their strength, and Vegeta constantly yelling “KAKAROT!” You can pick up the entire Dragon Ball series for a hefty price, or just pick and choose specific seasons, it’s up to you.