Key Points
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Every gaming setup is different, but every arrangement has similar considerations during design.
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Custom-made gaming accessories boost enjoyment.
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Every player needs a reliable headset.
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A few marquee titles will release in the second half of 2023.
As a billion-dollar industry, gaming means a lot of things to different people. One thing every player agrees on is owning great gear makes playing better. In this article, HaloHype explores the top gaming accessories for every player.
Video games appeal to most people in some shape or fashion. Your mom loves Candy Crush, and you definitely have an uncle assembling his dream team in NBA 2K. With such a broad market, there are big stakes, whether competitive players looking to amp up their performance or casual players who want to get the most out of their time playing on the couch.
After you've developed the skills, investing in high-quality gaming accessories gives you the edge over your competition, whether that's completing The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom before your siblings or not. Play how you want!
Gaming Mouse
As one of the essential elements for players on PC, gaming mouse performance determines how your primary tool of destruction operates. It doesn't matter if you're playing in-depth strategy games like Stellaris, competitive arena shooters like Halo Infinite, or derping around with your friends on your fifth Minecraft world in as many months — every player understands that struggle.
To maximize your gaming mouse performance, a high-grade mouse is a must-buy. Your aim and mechanics are the foundation, but the mouse under your fingertips elevates your potential. Simply grabbing a starter mouse with a few extra inputs, like the Razer DeathAdder, is a guaranteed one-way ticket to more enjoyable sessions.
Customizable Gaming Keyboard Switches
Some might say a keyboard tailored to your preferences is one of the best feelings you can experience, placed just under touching freshly cut grass. If you're a PC player who needs a quality keyboard, customizable gaming keyboard switches are a worthwhile investment for your gaming space.
Even if you're just in the market for a new RGB keyboard, customizable key colors boost the pleasure centers in your brain. This may or may not translate into gameplay, but it's worth a shot. Something like the Razer Ornata Chroma is a solid example of what to expect from a customizable keyboard and what features make them useful in game situations.
High-Quality Gaming Headset Audio
Excellent sound quality is essential for any gamer, whether you go nose-deep with the Halo Infinite battle pass, play the latest Legend of Zelda on the go, or want a more immersed experience while playing Warcraft. You need a headset with exceptional quality, especially if you're in a shared living space or play online with friends!
The HyperX Cloud Alpha S and Astro A50 Wireless are products with high-quality gaming headset audio with comfort for long sessions. Whatever headset you choose, be sure it adheres to your playing standards.
Comfortable Gaming Chair Design
Since you'll spend a lot of time sitting, a comfortable gaming chair design is essential to your war chest of premium gaming accessories. When you play in even short sessions, your back starts to feel the weight of lengthy sitting sessions.
Unless properly mitigated, sitting more than six hours a day often leads to short-term and long-term effects. Per Healthline, "Men who spent more time sitting than usual gained more weight around the middle, which is the most dangerous place to store fat."
If you're trying to maintain healthy habits, pair it with an ergonomic chair, regular exercise, and greener eating.
High-Performance Gaming Monitor
No matter where or how you play, a monitor should be on your radar for your video-viewing needs. A high-performance gaming monitor is an essential part of any gamer's kit. As 4K becomes the industry standard, players will likely pivot to more affordable screening options instead of 4K TVs.
However, if you're still in the market for an affordable 1080p with capabilities of 1440p — the entry point for 4K resolution — the Acer Nitro KG241Y offers high refresh rates and low input lag. Monitors like this are how millions of players get the most out of their respective setups.
Customizable Gaming Controller Buttons
Players who play gamepads, whether on an actual console or for cross-platform games on PC or mobile, need something responsive, capable, and sleek. Players often opt for the Xbox Elite Wireless Series and the PlayStation's DualShock setup. There isn't a consensus on the best input method unless you play Smash Bros., where the GameCube controller reigns supreme.
When your controller experiences wear and tear, customizable gaming controller buttons alter the design, texture, and color of the controller buttons. Some curators, like ModdedZone, also offer texture and component reworks of the entire controller if you're willing to spend the extra cash. What matters most is that the pad feels excellent in your hands.
Gaming Mousepad
Smooth gaming mousepad tracking is one of those quality-of-life changes that, as soon as you make it, it's impossible to go back. You won't need to borrow your roommate's empty school binder for a mousepad when you have a sleek mesh surface extending the length of your desk.
They're cool to the touch, sleek, and often spill-resistant, providing you with the smooth gaming mousepad tracking you need to play at a high level.
What's nice about longer mousepads is that you don't need the flashiest option. Some players need that extra sizzle, but others use their gaming PC as a double for their work-from-home office.
Large mousepads are a must-have for any PC gamer and another example of exceptional gaming gear that carries over into other parts of life.
Gaming Microphone
You've seen the podcasters and radio hosts with the obnoxiously large microphones with the mesh pop guards. However, a certain level of power trip comes with that high-quality gaming microphone audio — it typically means you begin to love the sound of your own voice more and more. The jury is out on whether that's a selling point or not.
Headsets that include a mic are great budget items and, for the most part, very serviceable. If you like to walk around the house while waiting in the queue for your next multiplayer match, a built-in microphone offers excellent flexibility.
However, high-quality gaming microphone audio is at its best with a dedicated microphone stand, preventing you from accidentally inhaling a fragile headset mic. Another plus is that you minimize the risk of crunching your snacks directly into the ears of your squadmates.
What's Releasing in the Second Half of 2023
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom debuted in May 2023 to critical acclaim and just crossed 10 million copies sold, the fastest any Zelda game has achieved. No, seriously, ever.
Depending on when you're reading this, System Shock may have made its long-anticipated return to the gaming sphere after nearly 15 years. If you're trying to keep up with all the gaming essentials but struggling to keep all the releases straight, look no further; HaloHype has you covered.
Here are the marquee titles to keep an eye out for in the coming months:
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Street Fighter 6: June 2, 2023 (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S)
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Diablo IV: June 6 (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S)
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Final Fantasy 16: June 22 (PS5)
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Pikmin 4: July 21 (Nintendo Switch)
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Baldur’s Gate III: August 31 (PC, PS5)
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Starfield: September 6 (PC, Xbox Series X|S)
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Spider-Man 2: Fall 2023 (PS5)
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Hyper Light Breaker: Fall 2023, Steam Early Access (PC)
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Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero: Part 1: The Teal Mask DL: Fall 2023 (Switch)
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Hades 2: EOY 2023, Early Access (PC)
Bringing It All Together
Gaming is an expensive hobby sometimes, but it's often worth the money if it means enhancing something you absolutely love to do. Video games offer a level of interaction no other medium does; they elaborate on expansive worlds to explore and levels of competition that are impossible to find in a standard sport.
Have you ever seen a professional StarCraft II match? They're composed of some of the most insanely talented people on the planet.
For more tips on acquiring exceptional gaming gear and premium gaming accessories, stay tuned to HaloHype!
