Types of gaming accessory
If you’re serious about your PC gaming, a specialist mouse makes a lot of sense. They’re designed to keep you comfortable for long stretches and to give an extra edge in-game.
If you’re getting a wireless mouse – particularly for online play - look out for ones with a low response time. That way there’s no delay between you moving and your PC responding.
Mish, Currys tech expert
Another essential piece of kit for PC gamers is your keyboard. How responsive, how loud, how many keys you have – it all adds up. So here’s how to find one that works for you.
Some keyboards let you customise which keys you light up. So if you’ve got a specific shortcut you use all the time, lighting it up will help you find it faster mid-battle!
Katrina, Currys tech expert
In online multiplayer games, being heard by your teammates is just as important as hearing them. So keep this in mind when you’re picking a new headset. If you’ve got your PC or console in your living room, noise-cancelling tech gets rid of background noise so you won’t be disturbed, and is a good shout if you’re gaming in a shared space.
Gaming chairs have a much higher backrest than your average desk chair – making them much better for your back and posture in the long run. And many of them have a few extra tricks up their sleeve too!
If you’ve got a little gamer on your hands, there are chairs designed just for kids. They’re (obviously) a bit smaller and come in lots of kid-friendly designs. Think stuff like Batman and Dragon Ball Z.
Tayah Currys tech expert
If sims are your thing, simulation controllers can take things a step (or two or three) further. So that it feels less like a simulation and more like having a race car in your bedroom or a cockpit in your living room.
Types of simulation accessory
Flight simulator controllers
Throttles, pedals, switch panels, flight instrument panels, radios. If it’s in a plane, chances are there’s a flight sim accessory for it – letting you get closer and closer to the real thing. Most can be clipped onto your desk, but make sure you’ve got the space for it!
Simulation gaming chairs
Chairs for simulation games are on a whole other level. For racing, there are specially designed seats that look and feel like you’re in the hotseat of an F1 race car. And for flight sims, cockpit style ones. They also come with platforms and slots for attachments like steering wheels, pedals and joysticks.
Racing wheels and pedals
These accessories give you more control over your car than your standard controller. And there are lots of different elements you can mix and match. Look out for features like force feedback for a more realistic experience or gear shifters to give you accurate handling.
Scratching your head on how to get started? If you’re brand new to streaming, start with the basics and build your way up from there. Here’s what you might need.
Types of streaming equipment
Capture card
Recording can slow down your console or PC, interfering with your gameplay. Which isn’t great for you or your viewers. A capture card sorts the problem by connecting to your device and capturing in-game footage to live stream or edit later. The card is doing all the work, so your PC or console can get on with the job of running your game.
Microphone
Sometimes your headset mic just won’t cut it. If you feel like your commentary’s sounding a bit tinny, an external mic can make a big difference. For your first mic you might want to keep an eye out for something you can just plug and play without any extra software.
Lighting
Don’t underestimate the importance of good lighting. You’ll probably be streaming in the evening or, if it’s daytime, with the curtains drawn to save your screen from glare. That makes a ring light useful since you can focus the light on you.
Stream deck
Stream decks for gaming help you multitask while you play. Rather than exiting your game to control your recording, a stream deck is a mini second screen with customisable buttons that let you switch between cameras, mute yourself or use shortcuts for social media and streaming apps like Twitch and YouTube.
