When it comes to gaming, people have a variety of tastes. Some just want to sit down whenever they feel like spending a couple of minutes playing a game, while others want to have the best, most immersive experience possible when playing their games. But glancing upon the many accessories you can get for different consoles, it can be hard for newcomers to understand the differences. Therefore I feel it’s appropriate that we look over some of the most needed accessories, gadgets and peripherals to gain the best experience out of your favourite games.
Headsets
Most consoles, whether next-generation or current-generation, often come with a fairly cheap and basic microphone and speaker to talk to any one of the thousands of people playing online games today. These are not headsets, however. Headsets are far more than this. Headsets allow for the player to hear not only the players they’re chatting with but everything else in the game as if the TV speakers are placed against your ears. These headsets, such as Gioteck’s EX-05 (for the Xbox 360) allow for players to hear everything within the game world, from distant footsteps (to sneak up on others) to distant reloading sounds (to pinpoint where your enemies are). These also come with numerous tweaks and accessories, in the EX-05 for example, you’re also armed with a noise isolating microphone so everyone can hear your voice crystal clear, and the USB connections also allow the headset to be used for gameplay on PC and MAC. When it comes to the likes of accessories, this is an absolute must-have.
Gioteck Ex-05
Controllers
Most consoles provide one single controller, which is absolutely fine if you’re playing by yourself, but lets face it, you’ll probably feel guilty if you’ve invited a friend around and you’re having all the fun while they are not. This is why its handy to have two controllers even if you don’t necessarily need it straight away. Surprisingly, however, the standard controllers may not always offer the greatest experience, you may fancy something more comfortable to hold, or if you’re switching consoles you may want something familiar to what you’ve been using. Fortunately, companies such as Gioteck offer the likes of the GC-2 Wireless Controller so Xbox 360 users can feel right at home even when moving to the PS3, with some extra added features such as ergonomically designed triggers and a power saving function.
GC-2 PS 3 controller
HDMI
Many people don't even consider these when thinking of accessories, but even so, they can make all the difference. There isn't too much of a difference in terms of price, but the best and most expensive (which is only often a few pounds extra) can enable users to witness every single pixel on any screen from small to large, HD ready to 4K, Cinema to 3D (many of which you can find with Gioteck’s XC4-HQ HDMI cable for PS3, Xbox 360, PC and MAC). You may as well get the best ones.
Chargers
The most important thing when it comes to games is being able to actually play the games. We all have a TV or monitor so that’s OK, every console comes with controllers so no worries right? Yet what if these wireless controllers run out of battery power during your game? You’d be stuck if you’re not fortunate enough to have spare batteries in the storage cupboard. Alternatively, you can leave your controllers in special charging stations overnight to charge, or you can quickly swap over your controller while leaving the other to charge on Gioteck’s AC-1 charging station.
It's a given that these accessories are entirely optional and the absence of them won't ruin the gameplay experience for those new to the gaming scene, but even so, if you're eager to try out the best, most immersive and most entertaining way to enjoy every minute of your favourite games, these accessories are most certainly a must-have.
Do you or your family enjoy gaming? What gaming accessories do you use? What's your favourite gaming platform?
It's a given that these accessories are entirely optional and the absence of them won't ruin the gameplay experience for those new to the gaming scene, but even so, if you're eager to try out the best, most immersive and most entertaining way to enjoy every minute of your favourite games, these accessories are most certainly a must-have.
Do you or your family enjoy gaming? What gaming accessories do you use? What's your favourite gaming platform?
* this is a sponsored post but all opinions are Jake's own
My son has all of these and more. He doesn't use the HDMI cable at the mom as we really need a new telly.
ReplyDeleteMy son is rarely seen without headphones and a games controller, starting to forget what he looks like without them, and he has a constantly sticking up tuft of hair where it gets pushed back by the headphones on top!
ReplyDeleteI know that look :)
DeleteMy husband loves gaming, keeps trying to convince the girls to play more!!
ReplyDeleteWe're not a gaming family and only have a Wii with exercise games for them to play but my son has lots of gaming stuff at his dad's.
ReplyDeleteA Wii is great, especially good for exercise, although you can also play games like this on the X Box.
DeleteThis post is one for the boy! He's in his room playing xBox now, with his headset, although I have no clue what make it is! It keeps him quiet (to a degree!!)
ReplyDeletei hate games so much, its not for everyone definitely, it can entertain my husband where as I can get easily bored with games
ReplyDeleteWell that's a good reason enough lol
DeleteMy two are frequently attached to headphones or a controller too ;-)
ReplyDeleteThis is useful for my OH to read to keep up with what's available for his two older sons.
ReplyDeleteYes, Jake really knows his stuff, He is a big COD player.
DeleteMy son loves playing FIFA and Minecraft on the Xbox. He asked for a gold coloured Xbox controller for his last birthday!
ReplyDeleteSounds like he loves gaming. I think it is great for hand eye co-ordination, and developing social skills.
DeleteWe don't play these games either. We have a Wii but it doesn't get much use. x
ReplyDeleteMy hub is a big RPG fan, we haven't heard of Gioteck but after this article am off to look more, ideas for his birthday and all.
ReplyDeleteA fantastic well written and knowledgable guest post! msedollyp x
Thank you for your kind comments, it's the first post he has written for my blog.
Deletetotally agree with the HDMI, makes all the difference if you want to see every little detail.
ReplyDeleteYes I wouldn't have known that Laura, but Jake says it can make all the difference.
DeleteMy brother is crazy on gaming .x
ReplyDeleteWe have recently just gotten a playstation and my husband and i love to play gran turismo and tiger woods golf. We do it for the competition on who is better ;) x
ReplyDeletePlaying console games can get very competitive, but that's not necessarily a bad thing :)
DeleteGreat summary of all the gadgets and gizmos, I'm not very good at knowing what's needed for games consoles but now I've got more of an idea - thank you Jake!
ReplyDeleteThanks for you comment, I will tell him, he will be pleased you found it informative.
DeleteMy husband would love these gadgets he just bought an X box.
ReplyDeleteAsh is the gamer in our house, I don't know 1/2 the accessories he has but apparently they are all needed lol.x
ReplyDeleteOf course Sarah-Louise :)
DeleteI have two teen boys and a husband - we have controllers, headsets, wireless adapters and all sorts of gaming paraphernalia coming out my ears!
ReplyDeleteI bet!
Deletemy previous boyfriends were both into games so I was so relieved when I found out Tom wasn't! However I'm sure Wilf will get into them in time ;) x
ReplyDeleteJust give him time...
DeleteMy ex was a gaming king and had every console know to man, now I just have a wii but don't even get that out so much. I bet when F gets older he'll be begging for game consoles. x
ReplyDeleteSome great kit!
ReplyDeleteMy other half used to play call of duty all the time with a mic, doesn't play any more but the sound used to come through the TV speakers (annoying). The headphone with mic looks awesome.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing hun
Lotte xo
Berice Baby - London Lifestyle Blog
Yes it does, I think it's a brilliant piece of tech.
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