You’ve always been a fan of gaming, and now you’re ready to get serious about it and invest in a system of your own. You’ve got the console and the controllers… but what else do you really need to make the most of your gaming experience? With seemingly countless options to choose from in terms of gear and technology, it can seem overwhelming.
That’s where we come in. We’ve rounded up all the gaming gear a beginner should invest in, from an excellent headset to tools to keep your games organized. Read on and get ready to game like you never have before.
Gaming Headset
If you’re going to get serious about gaming, a gaming headset is the first thing you should splurge on. With unsurpassed sound quality, comfort, and a high-powered microphone, the right headset can help make you unstoppable in all your favorite games. There are even some headsets for the PS4 that provide you with surround sound that makes you feel like you’re actually in the game!
Custom Controllers
A good set of custom controllers can be a fun addition to your gaming arsenal, and lets you add your own personal touch and style to your console. With custom controllers, the options are virtually endless — you can alter everything from whether the buttons are metallic or not to the color of the joystick, and everything in between. Some are even designed with added comfort in mind to reduce stress on the wrists and keep you feeling great during even the longest competition.
Extra Hard Drive Space
The more games you play, the less space you’ll have on your hard drive — and they can fill up faster than you think. Avoid having to deal with a distinct lack of storage by having a second drive handy and ready to go. You should opt for an option with up to 2 TB of space, to maximize your gaming time and minimize the stress that running out of storage space can bring.
There are different options for different consoles, so do some research and take a look at which drive works best for your needs. And remember to seek out one that’s durable, so you don’t find yourself forced to regularly shell out money for a replacement.
Steering Wheel
If you’re a big fan of racing games, a steering wheel is an accessory well worth the money. It helps you to feel like you’re in an old-fashioned arcade and racing around the track in a classic game.
Make sure the model you decide on provides you with the most authentic driving experience possible — some come with the power to make you feel every turn and even the difference in terrain if you take your vehicle off-roading.
High-Definition Television
All the technology in the world isn’t going to help your games look great if you have a subpar television set. If you’re passionate about gaming and want to see them in all their glory (not to mention all your favorite shows and movies) you should get a high-definition television.
The best ones for gaming are inarguably 4K televisions, which provide unsurpassed visual detail in every image. They also have a lower input lag than other models, meaning a more responsive gameplay — which you’ll definitely appreciate when in a critical battle with a tough boss.
Gaming Mouse
For those who prefer to game on their PC, a gaming mouse is a solid way to improve gameplay. A gaming mouse is faster and more responsive than its traditional counterparts, and can be customized with programmable buttons and options to take your gaming to the next level. Best of all, you can personalize the look of your gaming mouse as well, so it fits in with the style of the rest of your gaming-related gear.