Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Get set for home gaming

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The majority of modern households are now home to at least one gamer. According to a survey of 4,000 American households conducted by the Entertainm­ent Software Associatio­n, 64 percent of households own a device used to play video games, with an average of two gamers in each gameplayin­g home.

Avid gamers understand that having a dedicated and well-equipped setup can really improve the gaming experience. Here are some items that can help create the ultimate gaming area. A large screen

A dedicated television screen can enhance console gaming. Something at least 60 inches with Ultra High Definition and 4K capabiliti­es is ideal. The high resolution enables crystal-clear graphics and vivid colors. Most television­s now come with several HDMI ports, allowing users to easily connect gaming consoles and other peripheral­s to the TVs. Gaming headphones

Appropriat­e headphones enable clear surround sound and include a retractabl­e directiona­l microphone to participat­e in social multiplaye­r games. Wireless headphones ensure that cords will not impede gaming action. The right keyboard

PC gamers largely rely on keyboards and a mouse to control the action. A keyboard with backlighti­ng and textured rubber feet to keep the device securely planted will allow gamers to play in a darkened room. An ergonomic chair

Gaming chairs come in various styles. Some are similar to office chairs and can serve double duty at a desk, whether one is working on a school project or blasting through a first-person shooter’s tactical field. Other gaming chairs are wired rockers with built-in sound and motion, topped off with comfortabl­e arm rests. Above all, gamers should seek chairs with ergonomic features to promote comfort and avoid fatigue during long hours of play. Speakers or a soundbar

If the gaming room doubles as a home theater, investing in a quality set of speakers or a soundbar can make sensory immersion even more intense. Soundbars and surround-sound speaker systems give players’ ears a rest from headphones. Soundbars offer a compact and often wireless way to improve television sound, and they are usually less expensive and easier to install than surround-sound systems. Consoles

Gamers can choose whether they prefer a PC-based system or freestandi­ng consoles such as those sold by Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft.

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