Whether you are a professional gamer or party time player, there are plenty of benefits associated with gaming. They’re a great way to pass the time, socialise with others, and even give you the chance to engage in healthy competition. Despite their often negative portrayal in the media, various studies also suggest that gaming is good for your mental health. For example, in a recent study, 55% of respondents said playing games helps them to relax and unwind.
However, it’s equally important that you’re able to have the best gaming experience possible, which also means you might need to upgrade the environment in which you play. With that in mind, here are some top tips for the perfect gaming set-up.
Choose the right consoles and platforms.
There are hundreds of different gaming consoles, platforms and technologies to choose from – and while it may be tempting to buy them all, your bank account will probably not thank you for it. However, you’ll also be pleased to know that you don’t necessarily have to build a gaming computer in order to get more out of your video games. For example, many gamers use Macbook Pros or similar devices to play – especially as you can attach controls to them. However, if you’re going to use your Macbook you should ensure that you are aware of any issues you may encounter, such as MacBook Pro battery problems, so that you are able to resolve them quickly and efficiently. After all, there is nothing more frustrating than your battery dying when you are mid-way through a difficult level.
Stay comfortable.
When it comes to successful gaming, comfort is key – especially when you’re dedicating a great deal of your time to playing. For example, if you’re sat at your kitchen table for hours, you’ll likely develop bad posture, and even deal with neck, back or muscle pain further down the line. Thankfully, you can avoid this issue entirely by purchasing some kind of gaming chair – which are designed to enhance the gaming experience while also ensuring that you are as comfortable as can be!
Buy speakers.
Surround sound speakers are another great way to take your gaming experience to the next level – and will also come in handy at your next movie-night or Netflix binge. This is due to the fact that higher quality sound will help you to immerse yourself fully in the game, blocking out any distractions around you. If you don’t fancy purchasing speakers, then you could instead purchase a headset – which is great for online multiplayer gaming – whether you want to congratulate your teammates or yell at them.
Soundproof the space.
While you may want to have the sound of your game turned up to max volume – it’s likely that your neighbours and housemates don’t want to join in on the fun. And, as many gamers participate in late-night gaming binges, it’s important that you find a solution to this problem. One way in which you can achieve this goal is by soundproofing the space if possible. For example, you could attach soundproof fabric or panels to your wall. Either way, you should ensure that you keep the volume at a respectable level after a certain time – unless you want to deal with the ‘big boss’ that is your tired downstairs neighbour.
Buy a mini-fridge.
When gaming, you’ll likely want to spend as much time in front of the screen as possible – especially if you’re enjoying the game. As a result, you’ll likely not want to have to go back and forth between your setup and the kitchen to get drinks or snacks – and a mini-fridge is the perfect solution. If you’re playing with friends, this is a great way to impress them too, especially if you keep it fully-stocked with their favourite snacks and drinks.
Think about lighting.
The right lighting can also make or break your gaming experience, especially if you’re on the lookout for complete immersion. However, you also have to make sure that lighting does not interfere with your gameplay (such as sunlight reflecting off the screen). In many cases, the best solution for game zone lighting is to use LED strips. This is due to the fact that you can tailor them specifically to your needs – changing both the brightness and the colour when necessary. This can help you to create the perfect, chilled-out atmosphere whenever you sit down to play. Even better, they are eco-friendly – meaning you’re also doing your part for the environment while playing.