Gaming chairs… are they worth it?

Anyone who plays video or PC games has heard of, or own, a gaming chair. For those who haven’t heard of these specific-activity chairs before, a gaming chair is the extremely padded, sometimes-pricey, cool-looking older sibling of the average office chair. You can easily spot one as they’re often black with a strong accent colour.

The primary purpose of a gaming chair is to keep the player comfortable as they’re likely to be seated for a prolonged period. Compared to the standard office chair which is designed to blend in with an office environment, a gaming chair also provides head and neck, spine, arm and lumbar support. This is because remaining seated for prolonged periods can be detrimental to physical wellbeing.

Benefits of a gaming chair

• Comfort – designed to keep the user comfortable for an extended period of time as sitting can become uncomfortable after a while.
• Support – unlike standard office chairs, gaming chairs are designed to support the back and neck. Most, if not all, come with a headrest or pillow to keep stiffness and neck pain at bay and lumbar support for the lower back.
• Posture – leading on from the previous point, gaming chairs also contribute to a better posture. The design of the chair encourages the spine to remain straight while seated which also prevents the user from letting their neck and back slouch.
• Aesthetic – we can’t deny that having a gaming chair is a key component of any person’s gaming setup. Ideally, the colour of your chair should complement the surroundings.
• Adjustable – both office and gaming chairs come with adjustable heights, but gaming chairs go the extra mile. The best chairs will also feature adjustable armrests and reclining seats so you can feel comfortable while you play.

What to look out for in a gaming chair

To get the most out of your gaming experience, choosing the right accessories is just as important as selecting the console that best suits you. Here, are some tips about what you should look out for when choosing a gaming chair.

The type of chair

The type of gaming chair you choose depends solely on your personal preference and comfort. After all, it’s your butt that will be glued to the seat for hours. However, it’s important to note that the type of chair can decide whether you’re able to sit back and relax while gaming or lean forward during intense battles. There are several types of gaming chairs to choose from, including but not limited to:

• PC gaming chairs – probably the most common gaming chair people think of, PC gaming chairs are similar to standard office swivel chairs and are suitable for those who play PC games a lot. The height and recline adjustment features are what likens them to office chairs. What makes them different are the additional features including comfortable armrests, lumbar support and excellent headrests.
• Rocker gaming chairs – these chairs aren’t related to the rock ‘n’ roll culture if that’s what you’re thinking. These cushioned, L-shaped gaming chairs do not have legs or swivel, allowing the user to rock while gaming. The design prioritises comfort over sitting posture. Keep in mind that while most rocker gaming chairs are simple with basic features, there are some advanced versions called V-rockers and feature built-in speakers, control panel and compatibility with home theatres.
• Beanbag chairs – these are exactly what you think they are – they’re beanbags. The primary purpose of beanbag chairs is comfort and flexibility. A positive about these gaming chairs is the fact that they’re lightweight so they’re easy to move and position. Unfortunately, as these don’t provide head, back, arm and lumbar support, they aren’t suitable for extended periods of intensive gaming.
• Racer gaming chairs – you can probably guess which type of gamer these types of chairs target. Like most gaming chairs, racer gaming chairs feature height and recline adjustability as well as cushioning and lower back support. The more advanced racer gaming chairs (a.k.a gaming racers) come equipped with steering wheels and foot pedals for a more realistic gaming experience. Some even have a lower positioning to the ground to recreate the feel of a real motorsport vehicle seats.

Price

When it comes to choosing the right gaming chair, you get what you pay for, and cheaper isn’t always better. Unless you have a discount code, you can expect to spend around £90-100 or more for a high-quality, long-lasting chair that can provide you with the correct back and neck support. Expect to pay even more if you want a chair with additional features that improve your gaming experience like Bluetooth connectivity or built-in speakers.

Size and space

This is an often overlooked factor, but gaming chairs are typically large. Ensure that the gaming chair you choose is the right size and that there is enough space for it in your room.

Body support

Your gaming chair should provide you with some, if not all of the following:

• Head and neck support
• Upper back support
• Lumbar (lower back) support

As aforementioned, it’s essential for your wellbeing to invest in a chair that supports your body. Many studies prove that remaining seated for long periods can be bad for your health, especially your neck and lower back.

Note: It’s important to remember that even if the chair you choose offers a lot of support, numerous studies show that there’s a link between prolonged sitting periods and an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and more as well as muscle degeneration and other physical issues. It is important to stand, move around and stretch regularly.

So, are gaming chairs actually good for you and are they worth it?

They may seem expensive, but we believe that gaming chairs are definitely worth the extra £50-£60. It’s better to spend a little extra now than to risk damage to your physical health and increase the chances of long-term back pain in the future.

Furthermore, we can’t deny that they are incredibly visually appealing and contribute to an enhanced gaming experience and impressive gaming set-up.