Have you ever considered everything you oughta optimize your setup?

We have listed a few aspects to improve your gaming sessions.

But first, let’s be clear: this is not ahardware buying guide.

‘Figment’ in a Galaxy Z Fold 6 next to an 8BitDo Pro 2 controller.

And peripherals aren’t something to consider just briefly when checking out.

They’re your interface with the gaming experience.

Depending on your favorite genres, this number may even not matter much.

Be Quiet CPU cooler with RGB RAM and PC fan inside a gaming computer.

It’s not that smooth animations aren’t great.

So, why not consider other factors that improve the visual experience?

And the competitive advantage might be higher, e.g., by being able to view enemies in darker areas.

Terminal window showing the manual page for the Mutt email client on Linux

Also, the monitor quality defines what you’ll see in front of you for the next few years.

Your input is important to stay competitive, so neglecting these devices is not a good idea.

There’s no magic recipe to choose thebest gaming mouse, but priorities also vary depending on the game.

The HyperX Cloud III on a headphone stand infront of a gaming PC

Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek

Headsets Are the Difference you’ve got the option to Hear

Audio gadgets also matter a lot.

Microphones,either standalone or the ones on headsets, are an important addition.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take your gaming furniture seriously.

A gaming mouse and keyboard with RGB lighting.

Pakito/Shutterstock.com

For the most part, a gaming desk shouldn’t be very distinct from a non-gaming one.

You will need, however, to consider the additional work required to properly install an aftermarket tray correctly.

Gaming chairs, on the other hand, areverydifferent fromtheir office-oriented counterparts.

Suzanne’s setup, with a Surface Pro and one monitor

Suzanne Humphries / How-To Geek

Bias Lighting Reduces Eye Strain

For starters, let’s talk aboutbias lightingor backlight.

All thebest gaming monitorshave it, and this is an easy way to get this part done.

I, for instance, use an array of yellowish-white LEDs glued to the wall behind my monitor.

A gaming computer running a game

Parilov/Shutterstock.com

Ambient Lighting and RGB LEDs

But there is also the rest of the room.

However, it’s not just slapping a strip of blinking lights and being done with it.

Well, low-end gaming peripherals do precisely that, but that’s part of why they are low-end.

Top of the Vari desk, from the right

Michael Crider / Review Geek

Lighting should be designed to enhance the gaming experience.

That’s why many gaming peripherals have companion software for their devices, usually with RGB configuration.

Then comes the room itself.

Powerful personal computer gaming rig in a room with RGB lighting.

Or,you could just ditch the lighting completely.

Complete With a Good Decor

This part seems harder than it actually is.

Surely, you don’t have to do this using boxes.

Do you have Funko Pops lying around?

Why not gather them around your gaming desk?

Add some game and/or movie posters, and you’re decently set up with minimum effort.

If you’re giving a shot at gameplay streaming, your audience will benefit from the ambiance, too.

But you also don’t need to overthink your gaming setup.

However, many of the tips above provide significant quality-of-life improvements.