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Essential Tech for Gamers

Writer's picture: Hinton MagazineHinton Magazine
Gaming

Cloud gaming. Mobile eSports. Gaming in the Metaverse. More genres at your fingertips than ever before, from first-person shooters to online poker. Truly, there’s never been a better time to be a gamer than right here at the start of 2025…


But, to paraphrase Charles Dickens for a moment, it’s the best of times but it’s also the worst of times in some respects. Now, we’re not saying that we have it bad as gaming enthusiasts in the 21st century, certainly not in comparison to the early days of video gaming, but with so much new stuff being released every season, it’s actually hard to keep up with the latest trends in hardware and equipment. Not to mention hard on the wallet too! 


If you’re finding yourself overwhelmed with all the new releases, help is at hand! The truth is, you don’t actually need the very latest iterations of peripherals and their ilk to enjoy gaming experiences, whatever genre you prefer to dabble in. Keep reading as we’ll walk you through the essential tech you need for gaming - it’s a lot more streamlined than you might think! 


Gaming Monitors

First up, after your console or PC purchase your next biggest investment will be a gaming monitor. Think of a monitor as the centerpiece of your gaming setup, where all the action unfolds. Whether you’re battling through a high-intensity first-person shooter, exploring the intricacies of a story-driven RPG, or venturing into new genres like online poker, a good gaming monitor ensures the best experience each and every time you play. 


Are regular computer screens or TVs good enough? They can be, but gaming monitors are tailored for the job. Unlike standard displays, gaming monitors often come with faster refresh rates, lower response times, and adaptive sync technologies (like G-Sync or FreeSync) to eliminate screen tearing.


Why is this important? Let’s go back to the example of diving into a new genre like online poker for a moment. There’s actually a fair bit involved in learning how to play poker online; as well as taking part in free to play tournaments etc., you’ll also want to read up on the rules, familiarise yourself with hand rankings and, as you progress, absorb content on advanced strategies. Obviously, all of these activities are much more enjoyable to do with a high res monitor with excellent colour accuracy! 


For gamers seeking value for money, look for monitors that offer 144Hz refresh rates and 1ms response times, which balance affordability and performance. Additionally, many gaming monitors can double up as great tools for work or streaming content, so you’ll get more bang for your buck!


Mechanical Keyboard and Mouse

Mechanical keyboards and gaming mice are essential tools for both serious and casual gamers alike. But what sets them apart from standard peripherals? 


Keyboard

Mechanical keyboards use physical switches beneath each key, providing tactile feedback, faster response times, and greater durability. For gamers, this translates to quicker reactions and a highly satisfying gaming experience, whether you’re navigating menus, chatting in-game, or executing complex combos. Similarly, gaming mice are designed with higher DPI (dots per inch) sensors for precise movements. You can even customise their buttons to fit your individual playstyles.


Can these be used with consoles? Yes! Several peripheral brands have created models that are compatible with PlayStation and Xbox consoles - handy if you’re into cloud gaming. They’re actually a hand piece of kit to use when console-gaming, as they give players a competitive edge in precision-heavy games like first-person shooters or strategy titles.


Headsets and Audio

Gaming is as much about sound as it is about visuals, which is why a quality headset is a must. A good gaming headset delivers clear audio and directional sound, allowing you to hear footsteps, explosions and dialogue with ease. This is especially great for playing competitive games, where spatial awareness can make or break a match. Headsets with noise-canceling microphones also enhance communication, ensuring your team hears you clearly during intense multiplayer sessions.


Wired or wireless? Both have their pros and cons. Wired headsets typically offer lower latency and consistent sound quality, while wireless models provide more freedom of movement. Pro tip: look for headsets with surround sound capabilities and multi-functionalities. 


External Storage

Most of the AAA+ games hitting the virtual shelves today require a fair bit of space from your right, making external storage a must-have for gamers. Whether you’re playing on PC, console, or even a mobile device, an external hard drive will give you enough room to store your gaming library without sacrificing performance. SSDs (Solid State Drives), in particular, offer faster load times and better durability compared to traditional hard drives.


And what size should you choose? A good rule of thumb is to go for at least 1TB of storage, though heavy gamers might benefit from 2TB or more.


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