Buy the Best Gaming Chairs
Affordable Gaming Chairs for Kids and Adults
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, video games were accessed most often in pizza parlors, bowling alleys, movie theaters, and game arcades. Decades later, we bring these much improved and technologically advanced computer games into our homes with cinematic graphics, realistic sounds, and a desire for comfort and functionality.
Our new and much-updated video gaming systems give many adults a reason to spend hours, days, and weekends behind the screen and that means having a comfortable chair is a must. The best gaming chair in 2023, is a personal preference but it might help to run through this gaming chair checklist before making a big purchase.
Do you need a Gaming Chair? or do you need an ergonomic chair that also works for gaming?
- Consider Comfort – Long hours will wear on a gamer without the appropriate design and style that supports your body efficiently. Newer chairs feature lumbar support and ergonomic design.
- Consider Health – Review the alignment of your body while gaming. How are you supporting your neck, spine, and lower back?
- Consider Space – How much room do you have in your house for a dedicated gaming chair?
- Consider Price –In 2023, prices range from under $100.00 to more than $500.00.
Types of Gaming Chairs
There are several types of gaming chairs available in the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. Here are some of the most common types of gaming chairs:
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Racing-style gaming chairs: These chairs are designed to mimic the look and feel of a racing car seat. They often feature a low profile, high backrest, and integrated headrest and lumbar support.
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Rocker gaming chairs: Rocker gaming chairs have a built-in rocking mechanism that allows the user to rock back and forth while playing. They are often used for console gaming.
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Pedestal gaming chairs: Pedestal gaming chairs sit on a raised platform with a built-in vibration system for added immersion during gameplay.
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Office gaming chairs: Office gaming chairs are designed to be versatile and can be used for both work and gaming. They often have a high backrest and adjustable armrests.
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Bean bag gaming chairs: Bean bag gaming chairs are a more casual option that offer a comfortable, relaxed seating experience.
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Convertible gaming chairs: Convertible gaming chairs can be transformed into different seating arrangements, such as a chaise lounge or bed, for added versatility and comfort.
These are just a few examples of the types of gaming chairs available. When choosing a gaming chair, consider your budget, personal preferences, and the features you need, such as adjustability, support, and comfort.
Gaming Chair Checklist
A gaming chair or rocker chair is an ergonomic, usually leather, heavy cloth, or vinyl chair, that is designed to make video gaming more comfortable and more fun to play. Rocker chairs do what they say...they rock and move to the user's movements.
Some chairs have an integrated speaker system so you'll hear everything that the game sound designers wanted the user to hear including the noise of the car crash and all of the other sounds that immerse you in the game.
Most of the chairs are low to the ground or on the ground and some are on pedestals and they usually include a high-quality speaker system and easy-to-integrate controller system.
Other chair features can include lumbar support, motion, massage, and high-quality sound.
While all gaming chairs are similar if you are looking for a gift or a computer gaming chair for yourself consider the following checklist that has become the internet standard.
- Is the chair compatible with your or the gamer's system? Different systems have specific requirements
- What features does the gaming chair have? Are the features unique or common in gaming chairs?
- How is the sound system? Is the sound system in the gaming chair important to you?
- Is it affordable? In other words, does the cost of the chair fit your budget?
- Is it the best gaming chair you can afford? For example, have you looked at how an additional $50.00 might get you to the next level?
- Can it support the weight, size, and shape of the user? This is important as there are gaming chairs that are specifically marketed towards kids and young adults and some larger and wider computer chairs that are marketed for adults who have more money to spend and want a roomy comfortable place to place their new PS4!
- Is it comfortable? This may involve spending some time at your local store to try out one of your friend's game room chairs before you buy
- Where do you intend on having the chair? Dorm room, kid's bedroom, family room, great room? You should consider the size, material, durability, and color of the gaming chair and ask how it will fit in with the rest of the furniture in the room.
What is your priority in buying a gaming chair?
Gaming Chairs for Children
When are kids ready for a gaming chair?
If choosing a gaming chair for kids you first should think about where the chair will be located. Generally speaking, kids gaming chairs range from a simple smaller bean bag type chair that is low to the ground to the rockers that I mentioned above. For a child or young adult I wouldn't spend much more than $100.00 because they will outgrow the gaming chair pretty quickly. If you have a child that is a serious gamer they may steer you towards a chair that has the latest and greatest technological advancements in gaming. It may come down to where you want to spend your money. A new PS4 or the top of the line gaming chair.
Is it a necessary gaming accessory?
Game controllers and gaming systems are necessary... gaming headsets are great too! But Gaming chairs are not a necessity to enjoy your system but if you want to take gaming to the next level it's something to consider. Having the speaker system within the chair eliminates the need for surround sound and/or a gaming headset.
If you've spent any time at all in front of a computer monitor in a wooden chair or an office chair you know how uncomfortable that can be. Take your time in reading through the gaming forums, serious gamers spend a lot of time getting to the next level. If you are looking for a gift you might consider asking the gamer if they don't have a chair what chairs interest them.
I work at home so my office computer chair has taken a beating with the fabric worn down on the right arm and the padding all but disappeared in the seat. The same comforts that you look for in a home office chair but with the addition of new wireless technologies.
Price--Affordability is key!
What are you willing to pay for a gaming chair?
Can You Find a Chair for the Budget Minded?
Ok, I didn't want to spend a lot of money and this accessory can get very pricey. Consider who the gift is for. An adult that weighs over 200 pounds might break down the chair in a year of heavy gaming. A child or teenager might be better suited for the gaming chairs under $100.00. There is a lot of competition in gaming accessories so take your time in picking out the right gift.
Adds to the experience
The best video games combine outstanding graphics, an interesting story, exciting surprises and a fast pace. In my opinion, the chair just adds to the experience with built-in speakers and sub-woofers. Most rocker chairs allow you to hook up your television, cable, MP3's and of course your favorite gaming system whether it's Xbox, Wii U or PlayStation 4 so that you can really feel like you are part of the game!
If you have a surround sound system already set up in your house you can hear all of the rumbles and nuances that the developers added to the game but if you don't you are missing out on some awesome sound effects. Not only are most of these chairs pretty portable so you can easily move it to the dorm room or the game room but consider the alternative...buying an expensive sound system. For about $200 you can get a pretty decent game chair that will last from your teenagers bedroom through the college years at the dorm.
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
© 2013 Patricia Biro