When the topic of gaming and technology comes up, people often think of the technological advancements that have made modern video games what they are today: photorealism, faster processing speeds, and virtual reality. Often overlooked are the gadgets and software that can take an okay gaming experience to an entirely new level. To get the most out of gaming, the modern gamer needs the right mix of high-quality gadgets and software to make sure they’re always competitive, comfortable, and connected. In this article, we look at the must-have gadgets and software all gamers need, whether they’re casual gamers just getting started or veterans trying to level up their game.
Must-Have Gaming Gadgets
Although graphics are the most talked about features of most video games, sound is an essential yet often overlooked part of the gaming experience. One of the reasons a video game’s sound may not stand out is because of the quality of the speakers we’re using. If we use the built-in speakers that come with a computer, TV, or mobile device, they often won’t deliver a clear, crisp sound, leaving the experience lacking. That’s why a good headset is one of the best investments a gamer can make.
Whether you’re trying to be the last person standing in a game of Fortnite or sitting down at a virtual poker table in an online casino, a good headset can ensure you hear all the things that make the game special. Let’s take online poker as an example. Music is one of the most important tools online platforms use to recreate the in-person experience.
Someone who’s scored a spot in an online tournament through the Power Path on PokerStars has spent some time on their journey through the promotion’s different levels: bronze, silver, and gold. As they play the card game online, sounds set the mood, whether it’s the shuffling of cards or the subtle clicks of chips. The game wouldn’t be the same without these audio cues, and that’s why developers include them.
However, without a good headset, you might miss out on some of these things. In a multiplayer game, a headset can help you hear things like the rustling of leaves as an enemy sneaks up from behind or the faint hum of a vehicle as it approaches, cluing you in on what to do next. A gaming chair is also something gamers often overlook, but that should be at the top of their list of must-buy items. Most gamers spend hours at a time in a seated position which can put strain on their back and neck. An ergonomic gaming chair can make long gaming sessions more comfortable by helping them maintain good posture and reduce strain.
For PC gamers, a mechanical keyboard is a must have. These keyboards feature fast key actuation and are durable, something that fans of fast-paced shooters and strategy games find helpful. The difference between a mechanical keyboard and a standard keyboard is the tactile feedback you get with each key press, ensuring every press registers during intense gameplay.
Essential Software for Gamers
As a modern gamer, you want to make sure your software is working optimally at all times, and game optimization software like Razer Cortex are tools that can help you do this. These game boosters help free up resources and ensure your hardware is running as efficiently as possible.
They adjust settings in real time to maximize frame rates and reduce lag, making gameplay smoother.
If you’re interested in sharing your gaming exploits in real time with friends or the entire world, you’ll want to invest in streaming software. OBS studio is one of the most popular solutions and will let you broadcast your game streams on platforms like YouTube and Twitch.
Making sure you have the right hardware is just one piece of the puzzle; you also want to be sure you maintain it, and that’s where driver update tools come into play. You can use a tool like Driver Booster to keep your system drivers up to date and ensure your graphics card, mouse, and other peripherals are always running smoothly.