The perfect gaming setup differs from person to person and according to your circumstances. Some people are fortunate enough to be able to dedicate a whole room to gaming, which gives them plenty of room to play around with.
But many people end up carving out a corner of a different room. Still, you can create a great gaming setup with relatively little space if you know how to use it wisely.
Using Room Dividers
If you do want your gaming setup to be more private, perhaps so you can have an uninterrupted gaming session, or so the decor doesn’t clash with the rest of the room, you can use room dividers to create a “zone” in the room.
While room dividers aren’t the same as a separate room, they can cut out a corner dedicated to gaming.
Even if you don’t want to physically split up a room, it is always a good idea to have a dedicated desk or corner for gaming. This is especially true if you use your home office for gaming, as it prevents you from getting your mental wires crossed. When you need to work, you’re in the right mindset, and when you want to relax, you aren’t always thinking about work.
Controlling the Lighting
On a similar note, it’s a good idea to control the lighting in your gaming room. Natural light is usually a great thing, but it doesn’t always play well with video games. Too much light can reflect on your monitors, making it harder to see. Also, some games are best played in the dark, so you can truly immerse yourself in the story and world.
Blackout blinds are a great way to control the lights and stop too much natural light from getting into the room. You should consider lighting that doesn’t just come from your monitor, as constantly playing in the dark can lead to eye strain.
Also, you shouldn’t forget about the wonders of RBG lighting. We’ll touch on hardware soon, but keyboards, controllers, mice, and other devices that also light up will add to the atmosphere of your gaming area. If nothing else, they just look really cool. But they can also help you to see what you’re doing, especially if the other lights are off.
Hardware and Peripherals
You can’t create a great gaming setup without thinking about your hardware. First, let’s get the obvious things out of the way.
If you’re a console gamer first and foremost, your primary piece of kit will be the console itself. Modern consoles have pretty good processing power and are very accessible for both newbies and gaming pros. Another option is to use a gaming PC. Unlike consoles, PCs are incredibly customizable, for better or worse. You can buy a PC with all the specs you want or build one yourself, but if you go for the latter option, make sure you know what you’re doing.
You then need to think about peripherals that will allow you to actually play the game. The monitor is your first option, and you should find something that allows you to get the most out of your graphics so you can see clearly and beautifully.
On a similar note, consider the audio side of things. Speakers or soundbars are a great option for excellent audio quality, but many gamers prefer headphones or headsets. You should also invest in a half-decent microphone, especially if you play with other people.
Last but absolutely not least, think about how you play. Again, controllers for consoles or many PC games are a great option. Some PC gamers prefer a mouse and keyboard, especially for certain games that require more precision. Or you can use other peripherals such as a joystick.
Furniture
While the hardware is by far the most important part of your setup (you can’t exactly play a video game without it), it isn’t the only thing that matters. Your furniture has a lot to do with how comfortable you are while playing and how well you perform.
For example, while you can sit on an armchair or dining chair, these seats won’t provide the long-term support you need. But an ergonomic desk chair or gaming chair will allow you to sit comfortably for hours at a time. If you share your gaming space with your office, you can even use the same chair.
You should also consider your desk setup, if you have one, and make sure that your monitors sit at eye level. Again, everything should be comfortable and safe.
