As a gamer, there’s no doubt that the equipment you choose has a big impact on your gameplay, and everything from your console to your headphones can make or break your gaming experience. But one aspect that often gets overlooked is the importance of where you choose to sit, and while it may initially seem unimportant, the reality is that where you ultimately place yourself can have a big impact both short-term and long-term. From your couch to an office chair, there are plenty of options available to you, but opting for something too soft or too hard can leave you uncomfortable, unsupported, and even distracted. If you’re fidgeting around trying to get comfortable then your in-game performance is going to suffer, and this is why a proper gaming chair is one of the most essential items for both casual and serious gamers alike. 

Providing you with a luxuriously padded place to sit, a proper gaming chair is built to support you during hours and hours of gameplay, and this is critical if you want to avoid discomfort or pain in your neck, back, and even legs. However, not all gaming chairs are built the same, and there can be a lot of variation in the design, features, level of support, and even price. Thankfully, this guide is here to lead you towards finding the perfect chair for your needs, and if you’re ready to take your gaming to the next level, then this is the best place to start. Diving deep into the different aspects that make up these important pieces of equipment, we'll explore everything there is to know about gaming chairs, and by the end, you’ll be ready to confidently select the right option that will give you all of the support and comfort you require. 

What Is A Gaming Chair?

Before you run out and buy a gaming chair you’ll first need to understand what they are, as they can be quite distinct and different from the usual office chairs you’d normally encounter. With their taller, wing-shaped backs, adjustable pillows, and funky colors, gaming chairs stand out as more than just a basic seating arrangement, and each one has been crafted specifically with gamer’s needs and comfort in mind. One of the main differences you’ll find between a gaming chair and a regular chair is that it is much more ergonomically designed, and this means that each component has been built and shaped so that it offers the maximum amount of support for your body. Gaming chairs won’t have low backs or fixed armrests, and instead you should notice a very tall backrest that is intentionally shaped to match the natural curve of your spine. Likewise, the armrests, backrests, and other components should all be at least somewhat adjustable, allowing you to perfectly tailor their height or angle to whatever you find most comfortable. 

When browsing chairs, the best way to identify which ones are intended specifically for gaming would be to look for the following:

Support

The key reason why you should consider upgrading to a gaming-specific chair is that the degree of support they can offer you is truly unmatched. Unlike your couch or even an office chair, these well-crafted options are thoughtfully designed to cradle your body correctly during hours and hours of gameplay, and they can keep you aligned and cushioned to reduce any pressure or pain. From your head to your feet, your new chair should be engineered in a way that assists you in maintaining perfect posture, and it should serve to minimize strain on your joints or muscles even if you remain seated all night. In order to accomplish this, a gaming chair will utilize unique features to target specific areas of your body, which will include your:

Located in your lower back, your lumbar region is particularly prone to strain and discomfort during long periods of sitting, which is why gaming chairs almost always include additional padding or a removable pillow that is specific to this area. Helping to reduce the risk of back pain, the added lumbar support will ensure your spine is properly aligned while you game, and it should be shaped to fit snugly into the natural curve of your body without being too thick or too thin. 

Just like your lumbar region requires specialized support, so does the rest of your back, and this is why gaming chairs are designed with taller, wing-shaped backrests that provide significantly more coverage than what a standard chair offers. Contoured to follow the natural shape and curve of your spine, these upgraded backrests support everything from your shoulders down to your lower back, and will help you to not only maintain proper posture, but will reduce muscle tension and discomfort as well. 

On most gaming chairs you should not only find that it includes a removable lumbar pillow, but there should also be a removable neck pillow as well. There to cradle your neck and head as you play, this add-on feature can go a long way in preventing headaches that would normally be caused by neck strain, and it will serve to keep you comfortable and relaxed, instead of tense and hunched over. 

Whether you prefer using a controller or a keyboard, your wrists, fingers, and elbows are constantly in motion during gameplay and you want to ensure they are receiving ample support from your chair to reduce the risk of damage or injury. One of main ways a gaming chair is able to offer this type of support is through their fully adjustable armrests that can be raised, lowered, or angled until you hit that perfect balance between comfort and functionality.

Comfort

A fully supportive gaming chair is going to be the first criteria you want to look for while shopping, but alongside the ergonomic design you also want to ensure the model you select is comfortable. Enveloping you in its plush, cushioned embrace, a gaming chair should make you feel like you could spend a lifetime sitting in it without feeling any discomfort, and this is important especially if you’re someone who likes to put long hours into their game. If you’re not comfortable then you’re going to be moving around, distracted, and unlikely to want to engage for very long, and this is why it’s important that you take the time to really check for sufficient cushioning and padding on any model you’re considering before you finalize that purchase. 

In addition to the padding, another way gaming chairs are able to enhance your comfort is through their fully reclinable design which can transform your gaming setup into the ultimate relaxation zone. Allowing you to go from sitting to lying flat with just a push of a button, the ability to recline will go a long way in relieving pressure from your lower back and legs, and can even enable you to nap in between gameplay. To really take advantage of this feature, you want to shop for models that promise at least 140º of tilt, as this will give you a decent range to move between focused gaming and deep relaxation. 

Sizing

Unlike office chairs or other types of seating, gaming chairs aren’t typically a one-size-fits-all product, and in fact, many brands specifically create multiple sizes of each model to perfectly meet the needs of their diverse customer base. This attention to sizing is one of the distinctive features of gaming chairs, and in order to truly maximize both the comfort and support aspects, you’ll want to make sure you’re purchasing a chair that is meant to fit your body. In general, most chairs will either be sold in a Small/Medium option or a Large/Extra Large option, and which one is right for you mostly boils down to your height as well as your weight. If you’re unsure about which to pick, you can always double-check on the manufacturer’s website, as they will usually list out the intended height and weight ranges for each model they offer. 

Additional Features

Gaming chairs may be focused on offering you superior comfort and support as you lose yourself in your digital hobby, but beyond the ergonomic design and plush cushioning, they often come equipped with a range of additional features designed to enhance your overall gaming experience. Turning it from a boring chair into a versatile entertainment hub, some of the potential inclusions you may want to equip your new gaming chair with could include:

Going hand-in-hand with the impressive recline that gaming chairs offer, the addition of a retractable footrest can turn your chair from a place to sit, to the perfect place to nap or watch movies. If you want to be able to lay back, relax, and have your legs and feet fully supported, then this is a must-have feature that will truly enhance your overall experience. 

For many gamers, it’s common to wear a pair of headphones while you play so that you can immerse yourself inside your game, but what if you were able to get that same experience, without having to purchase expensive audio equipment. For those looking to create a surround sound experience without investing in separate audio equipment, gaming chairs with built-in speakers offer an enticing solution that can bring your game’s audio to life. 

A popular feature that will allow you to fully customize the look of your chair, LED lighting not only elevates the aesthetics of your gaming chair but also grants you the power to craft a gaming environment that's uniquely yours. With a spectrum of colors and effects at your disposal, this optional feature will help to create a more immersive experience, and you can tailor your lighting set-up to match your gameplay for an added layer of excitement and entertainment. 

Bottom Line

At first, purchasing a brand new chair specifically for gaming may seem like an unnecessary expense, but if you’re planning on investing hours into your hobby, then it’s important to invest in your comfort and well-being as well. Delivering unparalleled support and superior comfort, the right gaming chair will revolutionize your gameplay experience and will help you to remain pain free, even after hours of sitting. Helping you to maintain perfect posture, increased circulation to your legs, and reducing potential muscle tension or headaches, a specially designed gaming chair is a must-have upgrade to your set-up and will not only elevate your sessions, but keep you happy, healthy, and fully immersed in every game you play.