Gaming is the second most popular medium in Australia, outranked only by streaming services, meaning a gaming setup essential for comfortable and immersive gaming. A whopping 98% of Australian homes with children under the age of 18 own a device of some sort for gaming. So no matter where you're at in your gaming journey, this guide to creating your own gaming setup is for you. 

Console vs PC Gaming

There are two main categories of gaming setups: console and PC gaming. Console gaming, as the name implies, requires players to use some kind of console to play games. The latter, PC gaming, simply refers to games played on a personal computer, or PC. Both console and PC gaming offer a wide variety of games. 

So how do you know which one is right for you? The answer is not clear-cut – the age of the gamer and ease of set-up versus what games you want to play, how good you want the graphics to be and what upgrade options you want will affect which system is more appropriate. 

SEE ALSO: Gaming Technology and Gaming Trends for 2023

Gaming for Young Kids 

Younger kids can benefit from a portable console gaming setup as it can better integrate into family life.

For kids aged 6-12, gaming consoles can be a good option. Consoles are quick to set up and can offer good integration into shared family spaces. They allow for integrated playtime between parents and children and let parents monitor the amount of time their kids spend gaming. That way, parents can try and limit exposure to be in accordance with the national guidelines for screen time. And popular games can have educational benefits: Animal Crossings New Horizon (G) and Minecraft (PG) promote creativity and problem solving.

Gaming for Teens and Adults 

PC gaming is a great option for teens and adults as it allows for a wider range of games and accessory options.

For teens and adults, gaming on a PC is an option that offers a wider range of games, better graphics and more upgrade options than console gaming. Here’s what you need to know to get started. 

The Must-Have Gaming PC Hardware 

The type of hardware you choose for your gaming PC is dependent on the type of games you want to play. Generally, simpler games such as Hollow Knight and Terraria require less power to run than power and graphics-intensive games such as Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Regardless of if you want a gaming laptop or a desktop PC, there are some basic specs to look out for.

It’s important to get a gaming laptop or PC with a good CPU (central processing unit), as this unit determines how much data your computer can handle at one time and how quickly it can handle that data. The Intel Core i5 processor is a smart mid-range option for beginners that doesn’t cost a fortune and will run most games just fine. Intel Core i5-powered laptops, such as the Asus 15.6" TUF Gaming Laptop, are strong options for beginner gamers. 

Just as important as the CPU is the GPU (graphics processing unit). The GPU makes games run efficiently, look better with higher-resolution graphics, and improve frame rates to keep things running smoothly. It also aids the CPU to help make your device run faster and perform better. The RTX GeForce 3050 Ti graphic card from NVIDIA is one that will run most games with ease, even the graphics-intensive ones! You can find it in the ASUS ROG Strix G15 Ryzen 7 laptop, which also features a strong Intel-core i7 equivalent Ryzen 7 CPU designed to take on graphic intensive games to help truly boost your gaming experience to the next level. 

What To Try 

Choose a gaming laptop or PC with a good CPU as this will help your computer handle a lot of data processing at a high speed.

SEE ALSO: How to Choose the Best Gaming Laptop for You

Must-Have Gaming PC Accessories 

Now that you have the basics sorted, it’s time to look at the essential accessories to finish your setup. 

Gaming Headset 

If you’re going to be playing online multiplayer games, a good gaming headset is an essential accessory so you can communicate with your teammates or friends. 

What To Try

Ergonomic Support 

As much fun as long gaming sessions are, without the right support it can quickly lead to some serious back pain and posture issues. The proper gaming desk and chair will not only make your gaming experience more enjoyable, but it can also protect your body from problems down the road. 

What To Try

Help protect yourself from back pain and postural issues by investing in an ergonomic gaming desk and chair.

SEE ALSO: How to Choose the Best Gaming Chair

Added Extras for an Immersive Gaming Experience 

While these items aren’t truly essential for a good gaming setup, having them can definitely help make your gaming experience more enjoyable and immersive. 

Upgrade Your Setup With a Gaming Monitor 

If you’re a lover of crisp graphics and want to make the most of your CPU and GPU, then it’s worth considering an upgrade from your regular display to a monitor specifically designed for gaming. A gaming monitor offers richer colours, faster response time and higher refresh rates for a smoother gaming experience and can even reduce eye strain — important for those marathon sessions!

What To Try

Other Helpful Add Ons

The best gaming PC setup includes a gaming mouse and keyboard and a gaming laptop cooling pad. 

You can’t game at your best without a keyboard or mouse – amidst the panoply of gaming accessories available, these two are the absolute essentials. If you’re looking for a bundle that has it all, try the Laser Deluxe 4-in-1 RGB Gaming Bundle, which includes a mouse, keyboard, headset and mouse pad. A cooling pad can also save the day in epic game tournaments by preventing your laptop from overheating. The SLT cooling pad fits laptops up to 17” in screen size.

What To Try

Light It Up 

Add some style and mood lighting to your gaming room with Philips Hue Lightstrips or a set of Nanoleaf lights. Both come with the option to control colours from your smartphone as well as a wide range of colourful ambient lighting that’s bound to take your gaming room up a notch. 

What To Try

Avoid Ping Spikes With a Gaming Router 

PC gaming often requires a strong and stable internet connection, as even a momentary drop in speed or lag can make a difference in competitive gaming. Reduce lag and connection issues with a gaming router such as the NETGEAR Nighthawk XR1000 WiFi 6, which can reduce ping rate by up to 93% using geofencing, a ping heatmap and more.

What To Try

Make Your Voice Heard With a Gaming Microphone 

A gaming microphone can make the world of difference when trying to communicate with your gaming teammates and friends.

A laptop or headset’s inbuilt microphone might not always pick up your voice in-game as clearly as a professional gaming microphone can. Make your voice heard on the battlefield or even stream your games with a gaming microphone like the Typhoon Pro or Blue Snowball iCE.

What To Try

SEE ALSO: 10 Hacks to Make Your Gaming Setup Even Better