Video games have been a popular choice of pastime since their inception. However, with the expansion of gaming capabilities and genres, video game playing is now more widespread than ever.
In fact, 65% of American adults report playing video games on a regular basis, citing benefits such as mental stimulation, relaxation, and stress relief, on top of the simple enjoyment of their chosen games.
If you’re considering getting into gaming from home or want to improve your current setup, there are a few tips you need to know to get the most out of your experience.
Outlined below is all of the information you need to build the perfect gaming setup for you.
Don’t Overlook Ergonomics
One of the best things you can do to achieve the perfect gaming setup has nothing to do with tech or aesthetics. To get maximum enjoyment out of your gaming experience, you need to make ergonomics a priority.
If you neglect to set up your desk and chair the right way, you’ll find yourself becoming uncomfortable much faster than you would otherwise. Not to mention you can develop serious neck and back issues.
There are entire articles dedicated to the principles of ergonomics, but there are a few basics that every serious gamer should know.
The ultimate setup begins with your gaming desk and chair. Now, a high-quality gaming chair can be an investment, but it’s one worth making.
Choosing the Right Chair
Choose a chair that supports the natural curve of your spine. It should also be adjustable. When you sit down, you want your feet to be able to rest flat on the floor, with your knees at a 90-degree angle.
A chair with armrests is best; you should have something to rest your forearms on when using your keyboard.
What to Look for in a Gaming Desk
For your desk, choose one that allows you to keep your upper arms relaxed at your sides, with your elbows at 90-degree angles, like your knees. Speaking of your knees, they should fit comfortably underneath without the need for tucking them under your chair.
Look for a desk large enough to hold and organize all of your tech and equipment. Clutter will not only throw off your gamer aesthetic but can ruin your experience by causing anxiety.
This might feel like a lot to remember, but you’ll thank yourself for the extra effort when you’re able to enjoy your gaming setup for hours without aches and pains.
Choose the Right PC
Now that we’ve discussed furniture, let’s get into the fun part of your gaming computer desk setup – the computer. First thing’s first, if you’re serious about gaming, go with a PC instead of a Mac. Macs are powerful devices, capable of a great deal, but simply aren’t the best choice for gamers.
There are two options when choosing a gaming PC: pre-built and building your own. There’s nothing wrong with going pre-built, especially if you’re a beginner or you find a good deal. You can sometimes find pre-built PCs that are cheaper than the same PC would be if you built it yourself.
This part will take time and research. Whether you’re building or buying, you first need to make a list of the parts your ideal computer would require.
The parts you choose will depend greatly on your budget. If you’re working with a limited budget, for example, you can search for the best gaming laptop under 300 and find a variety of options. However, they won’t be as powerful as a gaming laptop for, say, $3000.
If you’re unable to afford the best gaming setup off the bat, don’t worry! You can always buy a pre-built computer and improve upon it over time as you get the funds.
Accessories Are Important
Along with the tower itself, you’ll need to have a few important accessories. These are your monitor, speakers, keyboard, mouse, and headphones.
When buying a monitor, the two main factors to consider besides size are resolutions and refresh rates. Monitors with higher resolutions offer better image quality, and higher refresh rates mean greater frames per second.
Though your monitor will likely come with built-in speakers, they won’t give you the same immersive experience as a quality set of speakers or headphones. With headphones, you want a pair with a built-in microphone and a good directional sound design. This will improve your gaming performance.
With your keyboard and mouse, comfort is king. Mechanical keyboards are best for gamers – they’re not only comfortable but precise and make typing a breeze. If you’re going to be doing a lot of typing, look for a keyboard that tilts down slightly rather than up, it’s much easier on your wrists.
Use Appropriate Lighting
Last but not least, what aesthetic gaming setup is complete without lighting? LEDs are the most popular choice, as they provide a nice glow without being overwhelming. These come in ropes, tubes, and large fixtures that hang on the wall.
If you have room in your budget, consider purchasing smart lights. These will harmonize with the rhythm of your music or games, turning your gaming desk into a visualizer.
Master Gaming from Home with This Guide
Gaming from home can be an extremely enriching experience, on top of being just plain fun. You’ll have the opportunity to build lifelong friendships with your fellow gamers and improve both your hand-eye coordination and creativity.
So what are you waiting for? Get started designing your gaming setup today!
For more gaming tips and tricks, take a look at our blog!
