What should you put in your gaming space?
Do you want free online play or the best graphics?
Try a gaming PC.
The Steam Deck is a great pick.
(Its easy to go overboard.)
Thats why its helpful to have a shopping list in mind.
Lets quickly walk through each system and what it does best.
If you like watchingGame of Thrones, you’ll probably like the narrative-driven titles on PS5.
If youre just getting started, you probably wont need this.
Mobile: You cant talk about modern gaming without mentioning mobile.
Thats because most games simply arent available for phones.
Thisdoesnt always sit well with gamers, but can fosterfiercely loyal fanbasesthanks to the ongoing updates these games receive.
You also need to consider what youre going to be watching your game on.
However, your answers might differ based on where youre playing from.
First, try not to pick a display with a resolution lower than 1080p.
Similarly, dont pick a display with a refresh rate below 60 Hz.
If buying a TV, take a stab at go for OLED.
If your TV has a gaming mode, it should turn this off automatically.
As for audio, your options here include speakers and headphones.
A soundbar might count for multiple speakers, but bigger usually indicates better.
To use an ANC headset to hear your own voice, simply swap it to transparency mode.
Thats a lot to keep in mind, and yet Ive just barely scratched the surface.
If nothing appeals, know that this is a big space.
There are plenty of oddball picks out there, includinggaming earbudsandwearable speakers.
There are two big options for this: controllers, and keyboards and mice.
Controllers are practically synonymous with gaming.
Controllers do have downsides, though.
If youre on console, youre usually stuck with a controller.
It can get a little confusing.
When buying a controller, keep budget in mind.
These can get pricey, though, which makes looking at third-party options a good alternative.
First, does it have 2.4 GHz connectivity?
2.4 GHz wireless controllers tend to be more stable.
Second, does it work with your platform?
Some controllers are limited to mobile, PC, or just a specific console.
Be sure not to spend on a controller you cant use.
They use magnets for their stick inputs, and can increase the lifespan of your stick over time.
Theres also Hall Effect triggers, which can customize how much of your trigger pull the controller reads.
Finally,when buying a keyboard and mouse, theres a whole field of options available to you.
First, you’re able to go with pretty much anything you want for connectivity.
Second, your switch options are either mechanical or membrane.
Third, consider your keyboard layout.
Do you want more space to move your mouse?
Then maybe you want to forego your numpad and get a 75% keyboard.
Do you instead want the numpad for macro keys?
Then youll want a full-length keyboard.
The amount of buttons youll want also applies to mice.
On that note, here are some good standby products to get you started on your search.
Generally, youre going to be picking between three options here.
The most convenient way to get into portable gaming these days is through your phone.
Maybe more damaging though is the game selection.
Still, for meatier experiences, theres generally only a handful of options on mobile.
Thats where my next picks come in.
The most traditional pick for portable play right now is the Nintendo Switch.
Itll probably drop in price once its successor releases.
Luckily, you’re free to get more ergonomic replacements for not too much extra.
The Switch is also the weakest portable option here, falling behind even most modern smartphones.
For those who want the most versatile option available to them, theres the handheld gaming PC.
Gaming experts will appreciate the fine control, but it may not be a great first gadget.
In those situations, you could instead opt for an alternative handheld gaming PC like theAsus ROG Ally X.
Like with gaming at a TV, theres a lot of ways to deck out your portable play experience.
Plus, a few fashionable accessories to express yourself can really make your space feel like your own.
There are gaming chairs, gaming desks, headphone stands, the works.
Speaking from experience, I would say you dont need to deck out your desk for gaming.
Instead, I think the best gaming desk has about the same setup as the best office desk.
This means that the height of luxury here would be an ergonomic chair and an adjustable standing desk.
Similarly, you dont need a standing desk.
Heres a good trick: In addition to looking at new products, check out your local Facebook Marketplace.
Ill cover two of the most popular subcommunities here: Streamers and retro gamers.
Retro gamersare in a similar boat.
But if youre just starting out, consider either getting a pre-built arcade cabinet or a retro handheld.
These days, there are companies likeArcade1Upthat do the hard work of making arcade cabinets for you.
Meanwhile, if you miss the smaller retro gaming handheld of yore, consider a Game Boy clone.
Remember, you dont need everything here.
Like in our favorite games, theres nothing shameful about starting off humble and leveling up from there.
