The gaming industry is bigger than ever, with millions of people all over the world now considering themselves as gamers. As a hobby, it’s gone from being a bit niche to incredibly mainstream, with major game releases bringing in profits similar to box office movies.
If you love gaming, you’ll no doubt already have a setup for how you like to play. Most gamers like to get comfortable for long gaming sessions, and having the right setup can even give you an edge over the competition. In this article, we’ll share some ideas for how to improve your setup, with tips to take your gaming experience to the next level.
Audio Setup
A lot of gamers overlook audio equipment, but the right speakers or headphones can really make a difference. Having a surround sound speaker setup is going to make your gaming sessions even more immersive. When playing online games, it also helps you hear where enemies are, and allows you to communicate better with your team.
Whether you prefer using a speaker system or a set of noise cancelling headphones, you need to use the right cables to connect them to your devices. Optical cables use fibre optics to transmit audio data more efficiently than standard cables. This results in a higher quality sound, making your gaming experience better. Make sure you use these cables when connecting up your speaker system if you want the best results.
The Right Monitor or TV
If you’re gaming on a PC, you’ll need to find a monitor that suits your specific needs. If you’re a console gamer, a TV is better for what you’ll be using it for. Whichever you use, you need to ensure that it is the right size to be seen comfortably from your sitting position. TVs typically need to be larger, as you’re normally sitting further away from them.
Aside from looking at the size, it’s also important to consider the refresh rate and display technology. A refresh rate of 60Hz is standard for monitors, but the higher the better. TVs typically have a lower refresh rate, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle. For display technology, most modern monitors and TVs use LED. If you want the best quality, you should look for OLED.
Lastly, don’t forget to consider how you’re going to mount your screen. If you’re gaming at a desk, you might be comfortable with the standard monitor stand. However, using a mount will help you clear desk space, providing more room for your mouse, keyboard and controller. A wall mount for your TV can also be a good idea, just make sure it’s the right height for comfort.
Comfortable Seating
Long gaming sessions can be tiring, so it’s important to make sure you have somewhere comfortable to sit. Most PC players prefer to use an office-type chair, but gaming chairs have become popular in recent years. These are designed specifically for gaming while still offering lumbar support so you don’t get a stiff back.
If you’re a console player, you might prefer to game from the comfort of your sofa. There’s nothing wrong with that. Just make sure you have plenty of cushions to support your back. If you’re gaming for long periods of time, make sure you get up and stretch from time to time and check your posture isn’t suffering. While you can game for long hours, your body may still be affected over time.
Keeping Things Clean
Cleanliness is important, especially if you want your expensive gaming hardware to last. Keep things tidy with cable management, and make sure you remove any clutter, dust, dirt or debris that you see. Regularly clean your setup using a dry, microfibre cloth to keep it in the best condition.
