Gaming Chair Shopping Guide

The rise in popularity of professional gaming spawned a huge demand for gaming chairs. Gaming chairs are designed to keep video game players comfortable through long hours of exploring distant lands, battling against bosses, and engaging in competitive play alongside their trusted mates. Today's newest gaming chair models come with ergonomic, adjustable, and modern features that make them ideal for work, entertainment, and rest. If you're interested in buying a gaming chair for yourself, here are some things you should look at: 
 

Ergonomics and Adjustability

Comfort is the first thing you should look at when shopping for a gaming chair. Sitting for hours on a chair, no matter how comfy, can cause the neck and back to cramp. Ergonomic features allow for more flexibility to prevent or minimize pain caused by sitting in the same position for a long time.

Ergonomic designs take into consideration the different physiques and habits of users. Manufacturers now offer designs that come with lumbar support pads, adjustable armrests, headrests, and reclining features, that you can practically live in your gaming chair! At the very least, you can make adjustments and be able to sit comfortably whether you’re in the middle of an intense game or wish to stretch and nap for a bit.
 

Arm Rests

When looking at gaming chairs, you’ll notice features such as 2D or 4D armrests. The “D” stands for Directional and indicates how many ways you can adjust the armrests. Manufacturers don’t have a set standard as to what these figures stand for, but the idea is the same: multi-directional armrests allow for better comfort while you use the chair for work or play. 

Lumbar Support

To enhance a gaming chair’s ergonomics, some manufacturers throw in additional pillows for lumbar and head support. If you need a gaming chair for back pain, look at what kind of lumbar support the chair has. Back cushions offer an added support by cushioning the spine’s natural curvature. Gaming chairs may also be reclined and locked at certain angles allowing you to rest back if you need a break.
 

Head Rests & Pillows

Head pillows are often integrated into the gaming chair design to help further ease tension while sitting. Some of these cushions are detachable and adjusted according to a user’s position.
 

Footrests

Some gaming chairs may feature footrests to make reclining and resting even more luxurious. This is a nice add-on feature if you’re going to use your gaming chair for work or relaxing in front of the TV.
 

Gaming Chair Material

You may also make a decision on which gaming chair to buy based on make and material. Gaming chair upholstery is usually made of leather, mesh, or fabric. Each comes with its advantages and benefits.
 

Leather

Some high-end gaming chairs are upholstered with genuine leather, which is more durable than faux leather. Of course, these are more pricey. But genuine leather lasts longer and is more breathable compared to its synthetic counterparts. This means that leather chairs feel cooler to the skin.
 

Faux Leather

Imitation leather uses synthetic materials and is cheaper than genuine leather. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) leather is durable and resistant to water, fire, and stains. PU (polyurethane) leather is made of split leather coated by synthetic material. It’s more breathable than PVC and looks and feels almost the same as real leather. It’s also slightly more expensive than PVC. 
 

Fabric

If you want a chair that feels softer, you may opt to buy a fabric gaming chair. Manufacturers use fabrics such as commonly found on your standard office chairs. These allow for breathability and luxurious comfort. The downside is, fabric material isn’t water- and stain-resistant. You may choose a fabric gaming chair if you’re not particularly fond of snacking while working in front of the computer. 
 

Mesh

Mesh is an even more breathable material than fabric. It’s commonly used on many ergonomic office chairs under $200. Mesh is a lot harder to maintain and not as durable as the other materials mentioned.  But if it’s particularly hot in your location, a mesh gaming chair offers you greater breathability. 
 

Gaming Chair Styles

The most common type of gaming chairs today resembles traditional office chairs with some added ergonomic features. The type of gaming you do as well as your personal aesthetic preference would determine the style of gaming chair that best suits you. Gaming chairs come in different styles, which include: 
 

PC Gaming Chairs

PC gaming chairs are great for gamers who play more on their desktops computers. These are also excellent for home offices.  Just like a standard office chair, PC gaming chairs are fitted with a swivel, castors, and adjustable height and recline. These would also come with more comfortable and adjustable armrests, detachable cushioning, and lumbar support. If you play more using gaming consoles like Xbox or PS4, a PC gaming chair might not be the most suitable choice for you.
 

Racer Style Chairs

Race car-style gaming chairs have grown popular for their unique style and the level of comfort and flexibility they deliver. These are designed to offer better support, cushioning, and adjustability than PC gaming chairs. They also have more room to work with, which makes them a preferred Xbox gaming chair.  Race car-stye game chairs are called as such because they were primarily designed for playing racing video games. These may not be the best choice for when you play other gaming formats such as FPS (first-person shooter). 

 

Hybrid Gaming Chairs

Hybrid gaming chairs come with a swivel base but take on the shape and form of a recliner chair. Hybrid gaming chairs in the higher price range may feature built-in surround sound speakers or connectivity options with game steering wheels, monitors, and game control mechanisms. 
 

Rocker Gaming Chairs

If you’re looking for a gaming chair for kids, rocker gaming chairs are a popular choice. Also called platform gaming chairs, this type takes on after the appearance of a recliner but is set on the floor. A rocker would make an ideal gaming chair for PS4 and other hand-held consoles, but not for PC gaming. 
 

Specialty Sizes

Do you need a  gaming chair for a big guy or a tall person? Manufacturers understand that one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to gaming chairs and offer chairs in XL or small sizes. It doesn’t matter how tall, small, or how big you are, there’s sure to be just the right gaming chair size available for you. 

You don’t necessarily have to be a pro gamer to enjoy the benefits of a good gaming chair. Working long hours in front of the computer can put some strain on the body and an ergonomic gaming chair for back pain can be a life-changer. Gaming chairs are becoming a popular addition to many homes and can benefit people of all ages and different lifestyles. If you know what to look for and are familiar with the options available, you can make a smart choice and pick a gaming chair that will offer you the comfort and support that you need.