Gaming is huge. Don’t believe us? It’s estimated that the video game industry rakes in more revenue than both the movie and music industries combined. And that number is only expected to grow.
While we won’t encourage marathon 10-hour sessions glued to the couch (or the gaming chair), daily doses of gaming have been proven to be good for your brain. Recent research has lifted the lid on potential mental benefits such as improved problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination. They’re also more mentally stimulating than comparatively passive activities like binging a season of your favourite show.
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Only problem? Getting the perfect gaming setup is no simple feat. The market is flooded with peripherals, gadgets, gear and more promising to enhance your sessions. No stress; we’ve tested plenty of the best new tech to help you find the perfect additions to take your hobby one step further.
1. Best Keyboard: Logitech Pro X 60 Wireless Gaming Keyboard
With a 1ms response time, this keyboard is an ultra-responsive typer that registers key presses with near-zero delay. That’s ideal if you’re playing something competitive (read: Valorant) where every millisecond counts.
It’s also wireless, cutting the cord on your overcluttered desktop and a single charge will net you up to 65 hours of use. The 60% scale will also help you save space, scuppering those extra keys you’re not using anyways. We like that you customise almost every aspect of the keyboard, from shifting the colours to changing what each keypress does.
2. Best Monitor: LG Ultragear
Monitors have changed a ton since those dark CRT days. Not only are displays crisp, rich and colourful, but a new range of panels has far exceeded the response times of their ancient ancestors.
LG’s Ultragear range boasts a 144hz refresh rate meaning you’ll get zero tearing and (provided your computer or console can keep up with the framerate) seriously smooth gaming. It’ll do it all in 4K, too, and its curved design will help you feel immersed from the moment you launch your go-to game.
3. Best Controller: Xbox Elite Wireless
The best controller? That can be a hot topic, especially if you’re caught on either side of the console wars. And, sure, you can do no wrong opting for the PlayStation DS5, it’s right up there as one of the best. However, when it comes down to compatibility with your PC and an overall great gaming experience, we’re sticking with Xbox’s Elite offering.
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With adjustable-tension thumbstick, wrap-around rubberised grip and shorter hair trigger locks, every aspect of this controller feels twitchy, responsive and comfortable.
4. Best Mouse: Razer Viper V2 Pro
We’ll level with you: most of the big brands create perfectly functional, accurate mice. But there’s just something about the Viper’s ultra-lightweight design that makes it one of our favourites. Plus, it sports a super-accurate optical sensor to give you the sort of precision your gaming sessions (and workday scrolling) deserve.
5. Best Gaming Desk: Rogueware Eliminator
A standing desk that’s easy to lower back to a sitting position is always an investment we can get behind. This one sports sleek lines and plenty of desktop real estate for your gear, gadgets and whatever you’re eating on the Elden Ring DLC launch day.
RGB strips along the side will let you light up your sessions however you see fit, and a handy headphone hook will prevent your cans from taking a tumble when its time to clock out.
6. Best Mousepad: Steelseries QCK Gaming Mouse Pad
Can a proper mousepad make a big difference to your gaming experience? We think so. This one from Steelseries is spun from a micro-woven cloth to ensure there are no bumps or gaps in your mouse’s tracking. It’s also super durable and easy to clean.
7. Best Speakers: Logitech G560
These small speakers deliver some next-level noise, and the subwoofer will kick in to slam out those low frequencies with the type of force your gaming sessions demand. Their LIGHTSYNC RGB tech will also shift hues in reaction to what’s happening on screen.