Every gamer has a different way to play, whether it’s propped up on the sofa with friends, portably playing with a handheld on the go, or in a dedicated gaming space where you take on the world.

Getting the perfect gaming setup depends on what experience you want from videogames, and gaming accessories can help you achieve or enhance that.

What gamer accessories are must haves?

Depending on how you game, a ‘must have’ accessory may look very different to you than it does to other gamers. However, one accessory that most gamers agree is an essential is at least one extra controller.

If you want to make the most of social play, an extra controller allows you to have friends over or compete against family members when playing multiplayer games. Yes, now-a-days you have online multiplayer, but nothing beats the chaos and camaraderie of local split-screen. Pick up extras for party games or customise your console with colourful designs and character led aesthetics. There are also genre specific controllers, like steering wheels for racing games or motion sensitive controllers for movement and dance games.

If you are going to be playing online with others though, you’ll need a headset for back-and-forth banter, barking team instructions or just catching up while gaming together. These are also great for streaming game sessions.

For those that like to game on the go or want to take their console with them, then carry cases and power banks are vital for protection and making sure your console stays juiced up! There are loads of practical options that also come with cool and quirky designs so you can transport your gear in a style that suits you.

What are good things for a gaming setup?

If you’re looking for the ideal home setup, the first thing to consider is what console(s) you want. What are you going to play the most, what do friends have so you can play against them, and which has the best library of games for you? If you’re an enthusiast who collects consoles, then you may even want to look at getting a blast of nostalgia with some retro options too.

Once what you’re gaming on has been sorted then you’ll want to make sure you’re comfortable when conquering worlds, winning sports’ biggest trophies, or just chilling on your cosy farm or island. A good gaming chair, will offer the comfort and lumbar support you need for epic sessions of swashbuckling or great nights of goals and glory. You can roll in super stable and stylish options that sport your favourite characters, brands and even bands.

Consoles and comfort ticked off, the next thing you’ll want to do is deck out your space with decorations. Posters and mood lighting can really set the scene of a gaming space, especially with game themed items that pull you into the worlds you’re playing in. Furthermore, you can find some amazing gaming memorabilia to show your love for your favourite franchises or even pick up some vibrant vinyl figures of collectible characters you’ve been on digital adventures with, including the likes of Super Mario or Sonic the Hedgehog.

Which is the best brand for gaming accessories?

When it comes to the best accessories, there typically tends to be two schools of thought. One is that you should try and stick to official items to get the most out of your machine and know that they are optimised for your specific console, so anything made by PlayStation, Nintendo or Xbox for their respective consoles tend to be extremely popular.

The second school of thought is that other manufacturers can be just as effective and offer up quirkier, often cheaper, accessories that complement a system just as well. NumSkull make some great products, often with officially licensed game characters, so you can store your discs and controllers in their branded game lockers or pick up a storage chair, perfect for taking a pew when pew-pewing enemies and keeping all your gaming gear neat and tidy.

Talking of gaming chairs, both BraZen and Subsonic are recognised as purveyors of prime comfort with great lumbar support and choices that have built-in Bluetooth speakers, or stylised thrones that show off your favourite fandom.

When it comes to finding consoles that keep it retro though, classics like Atari are still about, with more modern versions of their old-school consoles. Alternatively, My Arcade does miniature versions of the vintage cabinets you’d find in the corner of pubs and places to play with your fifty pence pieces. This time though, you can hold onto your change and keep the cabinet on your desk.

How much should a gaming setup be?

How long is a piece of string? Gaming setups can really vary depending on size, space, wants and needs, with some sinking thousands into the ideal electronic kingdom, and others just piecing together something that works for them on a much smaller budget.

Like all good things, the best setups are built over time and as things are collected or upgraded, and starting out with a console and a comfy spot to play is the ideal way to begin. From there, decide if you need more accessories for the games you play and who you play with, and adjust your style as you go.

How do I choose a cool gamer tag?

A gamertag is the ultimate online accessory and acts as how people identify you. Like a name, many will choose something that represents them or their favourite game but doesn’t give too many personal detail away. Some may be part of gaming clans or groups and will include a nod to them, and others stick with simple nicknames they’ve always had.

Try and think of something original that you’ll want to keep for years to come but be aware, there are so many gamers out there now there may be a few others with that name so you may have to find alternative spellings or a creative use of numbers and symbols. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s a good reflection of you.

With a whole array of great consoles, gaming inspiration and plenty of awesome accessories, check out our full gaming hub and pick up something perfect for your gaming space.

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