Spread the word
Is your game room crappy?
Chances are, if you’re here, you need to update your game room setup.
It’s ok – no one is judging! Let’s face it – what does a game room really need?
A gaming room needs a good gaming desk, a gaming chair, a place for your memorabilia and collectibles, some good shelving to store your games and gear, outstanding lighting, and above all, a really solid internet connection.
If your gaming room just doesn’t have the vibe you’re looking for, you’re probably missing one—or more—of these essentials.
What could be better than having a fully tricked out arcade where you can indulge your gaming passion to your heart’s content with the perfect ambiance and ambiance?
This guide will help you figure out exactly what you need to get started.
Here are ten things every arcade needs.
By the way, before I get too far here, if you want to connect with other homeowners, DIYers, and builders and get more great ideas for your home to make your space the best, join my group free facebook private, Reshape Reality here.
What does a game room really need?
Are you a gamer? Would you like to have a game room that turns into a perfect war room where you can play and hang out with the boys (or girls)?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you need to level up your gaming room.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a small bedroom game room or if you have a large space dedicated to your passion.
It could be a simple task like adding some LED ambient lighting.
It could be building an entertainment center in your war room.
It could be getting a new gaming chair.
Or maybe it’s something bigger creating the game room design from scratch.
Whatever it is, there are plenty of ways to enhance your gaming experience and make sure you have everything you need to enjoy your games to the fullest.
Let’s dig.
Your game room needs a game desk
One thing any serious gamer needs is a game office.
The main benefit of these desks is that they will give you enough space to achieve all of your gaming goals.
And a gaming desk isn’t just «any» desk.
They’re designed to give you the best and most immersive gaming experience possible, with amazing features like built-in LED lighting, oversized mouse pads for maximum precision control, and accessories like cup holders to prevent accidents .
You can set up multiple monitors on these desks, as well as multiple keyboards and mice.
Whether you have one big screen or three screens, you’ll be able to find the perfect office. Gaming desks are usually made with comfort and ergonomics in mind.
Many of them will easily adapt to different heights and allow users to easily reach all their equipment. Virtually all of the best gaming desks have, at the very least, adjustable legs to ensure that the gaming table is on a flat surface when playing or working.
With a large gaming desk, you’ll have plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy a high level of comfort when you’re on your virtual adventure.
Your gaming desk needs a gaming chair
To go along with your gaming desk, you’ll need an extremely comfortable gaming chair.
There are so many different styles of gaming chairs that are available, so be prepared to go through a multitude of options before you find the perfect chair.
Most gaming chairs come with excellent lumbar support and allow reclining so you can have the best view of your gaming session.
You’re sure to spend hours sitting in this chair, so it’s important to find one that’s built with ultimate comfort in mind.
Just like a good standing desk or a comfortable office chair, you won’t regret buying the most comfortable chair you can afford.
You may also want to consider a gaming chair with wheels so you can easily move around and adjust, especially if you have a large gaming setup and may need to move around from one keyboard to another.
Some gaming chairs are also made with built-in speakers around the headrest. This is a great addition that will help you feel completely immersed in the gaming experience.
Whichever gaming chair you decide on, make sure it’s the perfect fit for you and the gaming room idea you have in mind.
Your game room needs shelving to store your equipment
If you have a lot of different games that you enjoy playing, you may want to consider purchasing some sort of shelving to house all of those games.
If you’re primarily a console gamer, then you may need some space for all those game disc cases.
Not only can it house games you don’t currently play or your most popular games, but you can also place collectibles and memorabilia on the shelves to create the right atmosphere.
It can also be used as a place to store extra controllers and other accessories while charging.
You can also get an entertainment center with extra shelves and glass doors if you have action figures you want to display.
Also, something to think about: You may need additional shelving and storage if you plan to host any game nights. The extra storage space can be used to store everyone’s gear so it can be removed while you play.
Your arcade needs the right equipment
Now that you have your essential furniture, it’s time to think about any additional equipment you might need.
Of course, you’ll need a system if you don’t already have one.
There are video game consoles such as the latest Playstation 5 or Xbox Series X that you can choose from.
Portable systems like the Nintendo Switch have recently become popular. On the other hand, you might decide to just play on your computer.
These things are given to a player.
We assume you already have one – or more – of these things already in place.
However, your gaming room needs the right tools to create the right atmosphere, including your gaming mouse and mechanical keyboard.
No self-respecting PC gamer will have a KeyChron mechanical keyboard (or something similar) and the best gaming mouse they can get their hands on.
Whichever method of play you choose, it’s important to make sure you have all the gear you need for that system.
You’ll need to make sure you have controllers for your system, as well as chargers for those controllers – not only for you, but for your crew as well.
You might also want to consider any special controllers you might need, like steering wheel controllers or the like.
Logitech G920 Driving Force Racing Steering Wheel and Floor Pedals, Real Force Feedback, Stainless Steel Paddle Shifters, Leather Steering Wheel Cover for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Mac – Black
- Works on Xbox Series X, Xbox One and PC – Driving Force is designed for the latest racing game titles for Xbox Series X or Xbox One. Add driving force to your controller selection and you may never want to compete with a regular controller again. G920 driving force pro works and on PC with select titles
- Realistic Force Feedback – The G920 drivetrain is designed with dual motor force feedback, designed to realistically simulate the feel of the car and tires on every turn and type of terrain, so you can feel understeer or oversteer, drift and more . With helical gears modeled after gears used in automotive transmissions, you get an exceptionally smooth, quiet and precise steering action. Anti-recoil tension keeps the wheel and pedals tight, maximizing control. Rotation: 900 degrees from block to block. Hall effect steering sensor
If you’re thinking of getting into the world of live streaming your video games, you’re going to need equipment for that, too.
You’ll need a device to record on, as well as a stand or tripod to set that device on. That means you’ll need at least a camera, but your smartphone can work too.
It also means you’re using a quality microphone.
Headset microphones are notorious for horrible sound, so having a podcasting microphone is a good idea to help you capture the best sound.
In addition to your smartphone camera, you’ll need a ring light and a tripod.
I personally use GorillaPod with a cheap luminous ring and my iPhone.
If you want viewers to see both you and your game, you’ll need two devices to record on, plus one to capture your action on screen using screen recording software.
Your playroom needs theater accessories
After you’ve installed all your furniture and equipment, you might be a little disappointed with the final look of your setup.
This is where theater accessories come in.
Accessories like a good set of speakers and LED lights can help give your gaming room that finishing touch of perfection you’ve been looking for.
The right pair of gaming speakers can help your game come alive in a way it never has before.
Another option is a surround sound gaming headset for a more immersive experience.
Color changing LED light strips can create a really cool atmosphere in your gaming room that you will never want to leave.
Your game room MUST HAVE A RELIABLE INTERNET CONNECTION
You might think it’s a no-brainer, but reliable high-speed internet is one of the most important things you’ll need for successful gaming.
Make sure your internet plan is for speeds fast enough to support any online gaming you’d like to try.
Also, if you’re hoping to navigate the world of online streaming, you’ll want to make sure your internet service package is up to the challenge.
There’s nothing worse than dropping out of games due to a bad internet connection, or having your live stream interrupted mid-battle because you were trying to cut down on your internet costs.
Your game room needs the right decor
Now that you have all the essentials, it’s time to start making this game room your own!
You can find room decor for a lot of different games and it’s up to you to decide how you want to decorate your gaming room.
There are plenty of neon signs and regular signs that will make your guests jealous of your gorgeous decorating skills.
One of the coolest neon lights I’ve seen is the one Noah Kagan has of a «taco» in his video camera.
In addition to wall decor, there are plenty of other cool game room decorating ideas.
A game themed rug is a good place to start and maybe some curtains to match.
There are even game-themed lighting options available if that’s something you’re into.
One thing that is very popular in gaming circles is to buy gaming related figurines or jewelry and display them on those shelves I talked about earlier.
These figurines and features can show your guests a little more about you and will be the start of many interesting conversations.
Your arcade is all about creating the right atmosphere, and these things will help you level up.
For the best ambient lighting effect in your gaming room, get some blackout curtains or blinds
Lighting can be very important in your play space.
Natural light may sound like a relaxing idea for your home office setup, but in your game room, lots of outside light can be a big distraction.
It can be hard to focus on screens at certain times during the day due to screen glare. Do not worry!
A great set of blackout blinds or drapes is the perfect answer to the outside light problem.
When you close the blackout drapes, they’ll virtually block all light from entering your room, so you can set yourself up for an immersive, distraction-free gaming experience. At least, no fun from the sun, anyway.
If you plan to also use your game room as a theater room, these blinds or blackout drapes can also be closed or drawn to create a darkened space when it’s time for family movie night.
Imagine watching the latest family favorite in the dark den of gaming!
You might also decide to use your play space for family game night. Get out all the board games and card games and turn on some game lights. This will help create a relaxing, ambient light for a fun night!
Create an entertainment center
The great thing about an arcade is that you have the option to do whatever you want with it.
If you’re a serious gamer or even a professional gamer, you might want to use the camera only for gaming.
However, many people find enjoyment in using their gaming room as a multipurpose room.
As we talked about earlier, some people like to use their game room as a theater room or as a family game night room.
If this is how you plan to use your game room, you may want a table or coffee table so you have room for board games.
Some people take this to the next level as well.
A pinball machine, arcade machines, slot machines and even retro gaming consoles and devices are also a big hit in gaming spaces.
Combine friendly competition with your own gaming tournament and your friends will be talking about their amazing gaming experience for weeks.
Even better, add some comfy sofas or bean bags and your game room will be everyone’s favorite entertainment space.
Add a mini fridge to your game room setup
What else needs to be said?
Who doesn’t love a well-stocked mini-fridge to keep refreshments nearby to make the gaming experience complete?
With a mini-fridge, your favorite drink will always be nearby and cold.
If you are a minor, you can supply him with juice and snacks.
For adults, you can even add a bar space to your game room where you can place a keg cooler so you have your own kegerator in your game room!
A minibar with a mini-fridge will also add a touch of sophistication to your game room if you find it’s missing something.
It can become another chore to keep it stocked, but adding a minibar to your play space will be an addition you won’t regret.
Final thoughts
So here’s the deal: If your arcade is missing any of these things, you need to level up your game room.
The purpose of this is to help you see what makes a great game room great and find the things you need to find to start making it happen.
I think I covered everything, but what do you think? What else would you add to your game room design?
Next steps
Want to join others creating the most amazing home redesigns and renovations and get more tips, tricks and hacks on how to make your home the best it can be?
Join my new free private Facebook group, Reshape Reality to connect with other people like you to make your space the best!
