Gaming is one of the most popular activities in Australia and your typical gamer might be a little different to what you think. According to the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association, 91% of households own a video game device, the average age of a player is 34 and almost half are women – it’s definitely not a niche sport! And just like there are ergonomic chairs for the office, there are specialised chairs for gamers which could mean the difference between winning and losing. “There are a lot of options available for gaming chairs – they are certainly popular with a lot of gamers,” says Anthony Hill from Geeks2U. “The main difference, apart from the fact they look cool, is that they’re designed to provide much more support for the head, neck and shoulders, as well as promoting a better posture when sitting for long periods of time. Having good posture and better support for the upper back reduces soreness and fatigue and can help with concentration, providing a better gaming experience.” So before you buy, consider these points to find the best gaming chair for you.
Get Comfortable, Start Winning
A gaming chair offers greater support and comfort than a regular office chair, allowing gamers to stay competitive and play at their best for hours on end. Many chairs come with lumbar and neck support cushions, such as the Typhoon Pro Gaming Chair. It can support up to 130kg and has a leather look and a mesh backrest for maximum breathability to keep you cool. Or the Typhoon Ultimate Gaming Chair has an adjustable seat height as well as adjustable armrests to help you get a better and steadier hold of your control.
Did You Know? According to the State of Online Gaming 2021 report from Limelight, gamers aged between 26 and 35 play for an average of 8 hours and 27 minutes a week. Consider just how long you’ll be seated for when prioritising comfort and ergonomic support.
The Right Look
Planning to stream your gameplay to Twitch? Then you better look good while doing it. The ONEX GX2 Gaming Chair has a stitched leatherette backrest, matching colour head and back cushions and comes in a variety of colours. And it has the technical specifications to back it up, too: support for up to 150kg, a hydraulic gas lift and an adjustable backrest that can recline to 180 degrees, should you need a nap between quests.
SEE ALSO: What Are the Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones?
Affordability
If you can’t afford to spend big money on a chair, there are plenty priced under $200 that still offer a lot of key features. The ONEX GX1 is built to help you stay focused on your gaming for marathon sessions of eight hours or longer and boasts durable high-density foam in the seat to increase comfort. Another top well-priced choice is the Typhoon Gaming Chair, which is height adjustable with a tiltable backrest and a sturdy build.
Dual-Purpose Chairs
Your gaming chair isn’t a single-purpose piece of equipment; it can also double as your office or desk chair if you work from home. The ONEX Gaming Chair GX330 has a sleek design that offers the comfort and support for gaming but also has a high backrest and adjustable armrests so you can find the right position for both gripping a control and working on a laptop. Another choice is the ONEX GX5 Ergonomic Gaming Chair, which also has a minimalist look thanks to the built-in support cushions and pivoting armrests.
