Video games are meant to be enjoyed for a long time, but body aches and pains may get in the way of the fun. The Gaming Now + Next report reveals that 41% of women increased their time spent playing online games, while 37% of men did the same. Female respondents explained that their extra free time allowed more room for gaming, and it’s now estimated that the average gamer spends 9.8 hours per week on their favorite leisure activity.
The increased gaming time is turning novice gamers into professionals who want to participate in online tournaments. This is especially true with the online poker industry because the top poker tournaments in the US, like the World Series of Poker now offer more than a dozen events online. There are also U.S. Circuit Online events all-year round for serious players in Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan who want to compete professionally.
While eSports and online gaming tournaments are fun and rewarding, you will have to sit for long hours to be able to compete in these games. Unfortunately, Mayo Clinic reports that prolonged sitting can increase your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. On top of that, it can also strain your back, neck, and eyes
This is where ergonomics comes in. The science of ergonomics is concerned solely with the intersection of health and comfort when it comes to designing products like office chairs. You can lower the effects of prolonged sitting by simply picking the right chair. To help you choose your own, we’ve compiled a list of the best chairs for playing online games.
Comfort Ergo: the budget-friendly pick
Though not the prettiest option, the Comfort Ergo gets the job done at a great price. Its contoured backrest is designed to fit the natural curve of your spine. A pump on the right-hand side lets you inflate lumbar support to your needs. A plush seat pad with a waterfall design at the front even allows your legs to rest more comfortably. All this comes packaged in a vibrant red, making it a great addition to your at-home gaming room.
Ikea Markus: the warm weather friend
If you live somewhere tropical or simply humid, chances are that the padded backrests on most chairs won’t do the job for you. This makes the minimalist designed Markus from the tried-and-tested brand Ikea the budget-friendly option for you. Its curved backrest with an added lumbar support cushion is made of mesh rather than padding for greater air circulation. It also comes with a flat yet comfortable seat pad you can even cross your legs on during long gaming sessions.
Logitech G x Herman Miller Embody: true ergonomics
This collaborative design presents a matte mesh, foam, and cushion design that actively promotes blood circulation while keeping your back and rear cool. You can quite literally sit in it all day without discomfort. This makes the Embody a truly worthy investment for your comfort and, ultimately, your online gaming experience.
Dowinx Gaming Chair: the high-tech option
Conversely, you may be living in colder climates. This may make you more prone to stiffened muscles — something that can significantly impact your comfort as you play online. If so, consider the Dowinx Gaming Chair. This is one of the coolest models on this list because it comes with a USB cable-powered massager! This multitasking master can truly deliver comfort in more ways than one.
The Herman Miller Aeron: cream of the crop
This chair is iconic. It’s considered an art piece and is part of a collection in New York’s Museum of Modern Art. It features heavily in poker culture thanks to appearances in the 2006 James Bond film Casino Royale. Everything on the Aeron is fully customizable, so it feels more like a caress than a chair. Quartz reports it’s even been remastered with a more sustainable design and recyclable materials, making this chair the best one for online games.
Gaming accessories may be a big investment, but they can greatly improve your performance. So if you’re planning to play competitively or simply decorate your gaming room, check out our list of ‘Budget Gaming Keyboards Under $50’. You won’t need to break the bank to enjoy a smoother and improved gaming performance through these accessories.