We are in the golden age of video games, with exciting titles and developers emerging year after year. Simply put, it’s never been a better time to be a gamer!

But being a dedicated player is not all fun and games.

The average player spends more than 8 hours per week playing video games. For gamers, this number can easily double or triple.

So, it’s essential to get the right setup to be as comfortable as possible. And the tools you need include both physical objects as well as digital resources that enhance your gaming experience in different ways.

Let’s go over 7 essentials that can help deliver a better gaming experience.

1. A Powerful Device

You can play video games on consoles, mobile devices, and PCs.

Have you chosen one already, or are you just considering it? How many games do you like to play? Is one console or device enough?

Most serious gamers opt for PCs because they offer the most titles. Plus, it’s not necessary to acquire a new device to play the newest games.

With the above in mind, video games are intensive to run. Therefore, you need to have a powerful device properly equipped to run your favorite games.

The exact specs you need vary depending on the games you want to play. But, from a general perspective, some of the different features you want to have include:

  • Large storage, from 500GB to 1TB and beyond;
  • Enough RAM, around 12GB to 16GB, should do the trick;
  • A processor with gaming-friendly architecture;
  • A robust graphics processing unit or GPU;
  • A solid sound card.

2. A Gaming-Friendly Operating System

The hardware on your computer is essential. So is the software, starting with the operating system or OS.

In short, your device should have a gaming-friendly OS.

Windows is always a good alternative because it gives you the flexibility to remove a lot of its frills. Mac is also a solid option, although it may bring limited titles.

Linux is third in terms of popularity, albeit it’s probably the fattest. This OS has lacked support for gamers in the past, although that’s changing thanks to a closely-knit user community.

3. Comfortable Seating

Having a bad posture can lead to long-term health problems. Gamers spend a lot of time sitting down, so it’s important for players to follow good posture best practices.

The first and most important: get ergonomic seating as soon as possible.

Is your back constantly stiff? Does your lower back hurt after a few hours of gaming? Do you feel the tension in your head?

If the answer is yes, you probably need a better chair.

You can choose from a wide range of ergonomic gaming chairs online and in physical stores. Just make sure to choose one with:

  • Adjustable height;
  • Armrests;
  • Good lumbar and neck support;
  • A soft yet supportive surface.

4. Strong Cybersecurity

It’s normal to join gaming communities, message into forums, make purchases and play with other individuals online.

Cybercriminals are aware of this, which is why attacks targeting gamers have increased in number recently.

Have any users shown too much interest in your personal life? This may be a red flag.

It’s important to take steps to protect yourself, like:

  • Following safety best practices online;
  • Using password managers, ad blockers, and other safety tools;
  • Protecting your data through an encrypted VPN connection.

There are many different providers out there, so take the time to research each company and try a VPN trial for 7 days before making a choice.

5. The Right Keyboard and Mouse Combo

PC gamers can either opt for a gaming handheld controller or use a keyboard and mouse combination.

If you choose the latter, remember that using a conventional mouse or keyboard will likely affect your gaming experience.

Gaming requires fast, sudden cursor movements. In many cases, you also have to press, hold, and toggle several buttons simultaneously.

However, using a non-gaming mouse and keyboard can become tedious due to their shape and layout.

The solution is simple and elegant: look for a gaming keyboard and mouse combo. The best part is that there are dozens of brands that offer gaming equipment ideal for all budgets.

6. High-Quality Headphones

Having optimal sound may not be the first thing to come to mind when you hear the words video game.

Nevertheless, the audio in games tells the story and sets the overall tone. Many developers have taken it to the next level, incorporating sound into the gameplay as well.

For this reason, it’s essential to have high-quality headphones with an incorporated microphone. This will allow you to listen to games and communicate with other gamers while playing online.

As with other gadgets on this list, it’s possible to find headphones of all budgets and quality levels.

It’s important to decide on your requirements before you start looking for alternatives. This can save you a lot of time and help you identify the most important features early on.

7. An Effective Cooling System

Whether you opt for a desktop or laptop computer, you need to think about cooling your devices. If you’re using a desktop device, you should consider purchasing a high-quality internal fan.

Modern cooling units feature an advanced design that allows for more airflow. Which, in turn, helps keep your PC temperature at non-dangerous levels.

In case you’re on a laptop, consider getting a cooling tray designed for your device. As the name suggests, a cooling tray is a base equipped with fans and other cooling mechanisms that help keep your laptop at optimal temperatures.

Conclusion

Video games are a great way to unwind, relax, and let your imagination run wild.

But it’s also important to have a comfortable setup, a powerful device, and other essentials that help you create an awesome experience during your playing time.