Whether you’ve moved across the country to a new dorm, moved around the neighborhood to a well-known school, or you just want to get ready for fall, we’ve got a curated selection of tech, toys and table games, and more for you to enjoy. and have fun. Find a gift for the college student in your life, or just pick out something as a reward for yourself to get through the hot summer. We won’t tell.
Disclaimer: Featured products are selected by our editorial team, independent of our parent company, GameStop.
LUNIA
For kids with interactive stories
The “My Fabulous Storyteller” is a bit like a kid-oriented interactive storytelling video game console, but without a screen. The enterprising young narrator can choose from a variety of options for different stories, choosing things such as the protagonist, where they will visit and who they will meet, based on both sound cues and a backlit photo of the selection. De Lunii then reads the adapted story aloud – all of which are wonderfully told and acted out. Including 3.5mm headphone jack, adjustable volume and easy controls are welcome, but it is the chance for the youngest family members to create their own stories that is the real success. It has 48 included stories, with countless more to buy and download. $79.90
Purchase
900 Legacy Noise Canceling Headphones
For quiet studying
You have plenty of options for noise-cancelling headphones to drown out the party next door, but few offer this level of premium performance and style at this price. You either love or hate the carbon fiber design, but there’s no denying that it’s a streamlined look that sets it apart from competitors. Extremely comfortable and with sound quality on par with more well-known brands, it also has excellent battery life and easy-to-understand earcup controls. If you’re willing to buy for quality over a more recognizable brand name, you won’t be disappointed. $249
Purchase
AT-LP60XBT Turntable
Start your vinyl collection
Under the broad umbrella of music fans, serious audiophiles often end up turning to vinyl for superior sound. The gaming world has increasingly embraced this trend with a growing number of soundtracks. Audio Technica offers a solid entry level turntable in the LP60XBT, with a fully automatic stereo belt drive, a removable hinged dust cover and the ability to play both 33-1/3 and 45 RPM records. This model also supports both a traditional wired connection and output to speakers or headphones via Bluetooth – a convenience for users who may need to consider a roommate’s happiness. $219
Purchase
Exo Scuf Pillow
Relieves back pain
Inevitably hanging is a danger of gaming; it’s easy to lean forward or back into the controller and get a sore back. This inflatable cushion aims to solve that problem with a natural resting place for your arms and hands, and an enveloping fit that stays in place whether you’re sitting on a sofa or chair. By adjusting the air fill, you can determine your desired level of support. It also comes with a storage bag to pack or take with you on the go. $39.99
Purchase
Pro Compact Controller for Xbox/PC
Easy to take with you
Many third-party controllers go wild with optional bonus inputs, but few cater to the need for a smaller form factor – be it for space needs or just smaller hands. Nacon’s affordable wired input does just that, with 15% smaller grips and overall size, but with the features you’d expect from high-end controllers, including programmable buttons, trigger sensitivity adjustments and textured grips – not to mention an included option for Dolby Atmos for headphones. It’s a great fit for certain hand types, or maybe just that small carry-on you’ll be taking to school this year. $49.90
Buy Buy at Gamestop
Mega Halo Infinite UNSC Scorpion Clash
Study break building
Weighing in at just under 1,000 pieces, this awesome set brings to life the iconic UNSC tank as it appeared in the latest Halo game. Five included figures help you set up the perfect diorama on the shelf. The buildable treads of the rolling tank are a particular highlight. The set also includes an alternate split build for a spacecraft and a smaller tank – albeit less rooted in established vehicles from the fiction. Will this Scorpio tip the balance of the war against the Banished? You never know until you try. $89.99
Purchase
X-Men: Bishop Premier Collection Statue
Top Level Collectible
Whether you remember his presence in the comics or the classic animated series, few characters had the cool factor of the time-traveling mutant Bishop, returning from the future to warn the X-Men of dark days ahead. This defining take on the character stands approximately 12 inches (30 cm) tall and features dynamic poses and an incredibly detailed sculpture, capturing the soldier as he goes into battle. $250
Purchase
Beam (Gen 2) Soundbar and Sub (Gen 3)
Great audio, limited space
At some point in our lives as tech enthusiasts, we want a great gaming and movie sound setup without the space or logistics for traditional surround. Sonos’ space-conscious soundbar has output that belies its footprint, delivering impressive, room-filling sound, Dolby Atmos support, and accurate performance for everything from dialogue to tunes. While a strong performer on its own, upgrading with a connected Sonos Sub fills the bass with rumbling depth – just one of the many additions and expansions available if you choose to go all-in on a Sonos multi-room setup in the future. away. $449 (radius), $749 (sub)
Purchase
Balagos, ancient figure of the red dragon
Fantasy rate
It almost feels reductive to call this towering rendition of one of the fiercest monsters of the Forgotten Realms a miniature, but here we are. WizKids knocks it out of the park with this take on D&D’s most iconic beast, the red dragon. The Flying Flame terrorized the Faerûn countryside, but it can rule your collectible shelf instead. Premium paintwork is visible over a height of 18 inches and a wingspan of nearly 2 feet. Pity the adventurous company whose dungeon master Balagos actually puts on the table. $346
Purchase
Jurassic World: The Legacy of Isla Nublar
Gaming for the whole semester
Go back to the roots of Jurassic World with this ancient cooperative game, where players work together over 12 different game sessions to build a successful dinosaur theme park. The bright and colorful aesthetic helps the game jump on the table and recalls the earliest days of the movie franchise. Fun gameplay lets you introduce new (and often dangerous) dinosaurs to the island and solve the inevitable problems that arise. New rules, events, and characters roll out throughout the campaign, so you never know what’s going to happen. Don’t think if you should play this captivating adventure – it will probably all be fine. $120
Purchase
L885 electric cargo bike
Cheap commute
For tech-savvy students who want to avoid the painful pinch of current fuel prices, the L885 offers ease of use, a smooth ride and an excellent alternative to a car for journeys of less than 50 miles. The high payload capacity and an included luggage rack can hold backpacks, groceries or anything up to a limit of 400 pounds. A low center of gravity of the smaller rear wheel and the gas or pedal assist provide excellent stability. Standard with two legs, including headlamp and working brake light, and a seven-speed transmission are built-in options, and optional baskets and carriers (at an additional cost) can add everything from bottle cages and cell phone holders to child carriers. $1,999
Purchase
D&D: Traveling through the Radiant Citadel
Change of tempo role play
Wizards of the Coast offers one of the most intriguing new role-playing experiences in a long time. The book describes the Radiant Citadel, a magical city that soars through the ether with mysterious connections to distant lands. But it also offers 13 short standalone adventures, all written by people of color to talk to their cultures and real-world experiences, but reflected in role-playing. The result is a rich tapestry of stories that draw on inspirations we don’t always see in the D&D world, which can lead to fantastic game nights. $49.95
Purchase
Fighting Stick Alpha
Tournament ready
Responsive, durable and aesthetically slick, Hori’s latest entry for fighting game lovers is a surefire winner. The patented Hayabusa joystick and buttons provide the aggressive use that players will throw out during match play and stay in top condition. Both are designed for professional play, so even the smallest vibration or pressure registers – whether you meant it or not. Up to four custom profiles, a 3.5mm audio jack and replaceable art on the top panel; this is a contender stick, and you pay for the privilege of playing. $199
Buy Buy at Gamestop
Star Wars: The Mandalorian Lifesize Grogu
It’s relatively rare to be able to hold a life-size representation of a favorite fictional character. But when that character is about 16 inches tall, it’s an achievable dream. Crafted from resin, this excellent rendition of The Child features an optional Mythosaur skull medallion collar and engraved nameplate. The expressive eyes are especially captivating. He’s watching you, so don’t threaten his father. $250
Purchase
Nerf Hyperblasters
Focused on fun
NERF blasters continue to advance toward increasingly impressive ways to pelt your buddies with foam. The Hyper line uses tiny rounds of bullets that can spit out of your favorite Hyper blaster at absurdly high speeds – high enough that every blaster in the line comes with the requisite goggles. Hopper feeds cause new rounds to fall into place at an even faster rate so you can unload quickly. Very nice – but I hope you enjoy picking up your scattered ammunition! From $21.99
Purchase
Titan EVO 2022 Gaming Chair
For desk setups
Secretlab’s latest gaming chair is one of the best on the market, with a smart array of ergonomic choices that help it withstand rugged and consistent use. That includes adjustable lumbar position and curvature, three seat sizes to suit height and weight needs, a magnetically connected headrest and intuitive seat and armrest adjustments. In addition to a leatherette finish, the Titan Evo 2022 offers a fabric option – a relative rarity in the category. Highly customizable and built around long-term use and comfort, it’s stylish, functional and professional. From $549
Purchase
Backbone One PlayStation Edition
PS5 on your phone
The original Backbone One is one of the best options for a controller for your iPhone. The new PlayStation edition offers the same ease of use and ergonomics, but with an aesthetic directly inspired by the clean white look of the PS5 DualSense. It is a great solution for players who enjoy the Remote Play app, so you can connect directly to your phone and start playing without any configuration. And while it will tweak the Backbone app with the familiar PS prompts, this edition still offers the same great usability across the board no matter what game you hope to be playing on your phone. $99
Buy Buy at Gamestop
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