Impractical Things PC Gamers Buy: Beyond Necessity

The Allure of PC Gaming

PC gaming, once a niche hobby, has exploded into a mainstream phenomenon. It’s not just about the games anymore – it’s a lifestyle. The appeal of PC gaming lies in its versatility and the immersive experience it offers

According to a benchmark study on Technoburst, the performance of gaming PCs has skyrocketed over the years, making games more realistic and engaging than ever before.

But it’s not just the high-definition graphics and fast-paced action that draw people in. It’s also the sense of community. Gamers can connect with others around the world, joining teams, competing in tournaments, and even forming friendships.

The New York Times reports that the gaming industry is expected to reach $196 billion in revenue by 2022. That’s a lot of people buying a lot of games – and a lot of impractical things PC gamers buy to enhance their gaming experience.

The Role of Accessories in Enhancing Gaming Experience

Accessories are the cherry on top of the gaming sundae. They’re not always necessary, but they sure do make the experience more fun.

Take gaming chairs, for example. You don’t need a chair with built-in speakers, vibration functions, and LED lights to play a game. But does it make you feel like you’re in the driver’s seat of a high-speed race car? Absolutely.

And then there’s the world of gaming keyboards. Some gamers swear by mechanical keyboards with customizable RGB lighting. Is it practical? Not really. Is it cool? You bet.

According to Buzzfeed, some of the most popular gaming accessories include things like oversized mouse pads, specialized gaming glasses, and even mini fridges designed to fit perfectly within a gaming setup.

These accessories might not improve your gaming skills, but they certainly enhance the overall experience. After all, who doesn’t want to feel like they’re in the cockpit of a spaceship while playing their favorite space-themed game?

In the world of PC gaming, the line between necessity and luxury is often blurred. But one thing’s for sure – gamers love their gear, practical or not.

Over-the-Top Gaming Chairs

Let’s talk about gaming chairs. Not just any chairs, but the kind that look like they’ve been ripped straight out of a futuristic spaceship. These over-the-top gaming chairs are one of the most impractical things PC gamers buy, but they can’t seem to resist them.

According to Techguided, some of these chairs come with features like built-in speakers, massage functions, and even cup holders. Do you need a cup holder in your gaming chair? Probably not. But does it make your gaming setup look cooler? Absolutely.

Excessive RGB Lighting

Next on the list of impracticalities is RGB lighting. RGB stands for Red, Green, Blue, and in the gaming world, it refers to the colorful lights that gamers deck their setups with.

From keyboards and mice to fans and even desk mats, if it can have RGB lighting, it probably does. This Is Why I’m Broke lists a number of RGB accessories that gamers love, including RGB mouse pads and even RGB drink coasters.

Is it practical? Not really. But does it make your gaming setup look like a rave party? You bet.

High-End Graphics Cards for Casual Gaming

Lastly, let’s talk about high-end graphics cards. These pieces of hardware are designed to render high-quality graphics for demanding games. But some casual gamers, who mostly play less demanding games, still invest in these high-end graphics cards.

Why? Well, it’s all about having the best. Even if they don’t need it, knowing they have a top-of-the-line graphics card gives them a sense of satisfaction. Plus, it’s always good to be prepared for the future, right?

According to Technoburst, some of these graphics cards can cost as much as a decent used car. But for gamers, the cost is worth it.

In the end, it’s all about the experience. Whether it’s sitting in a fancy gaming chair, basking in the glow of RGB lights, or playing games with ultra-high graphics, these impractical purchases all contribute to the allure of PC gaming. And that’s something gamers wouldn’t trade for anything.

The Desire for the Best Gaming Experience

At the heart of all these impractical things PC gamers buy is a simple desire: the quest for the best gaming experience. Gamers are always chasing the next level, the next challenge, the next big thing. And often, they believe that the right gear can help them get there.

It’s not just about having the fastest processor or the most RAM. It is also about creating an environment that immerses them in the game. and about feeling the rumble of the controller, hearing the roar of the crowd, and seeing the game in stunning detail.

Even if it means buying a gaming chair with more features than a luxury car or a keyboard that looks like a disco floor, if it enhances their gaming experience, it’s worth it.

The Role of Marketing in Gaming Purchases

Of course, gamers don’t come up with these ideas on their own. Marketing plays a significant role in shaping gamers’ desires and influencing their purchasing decisions.

Companies know how to tap into the gamer’s desire for the best experience. They create flashy ads showcasing the latest gear, sponsor gaming tournaments, and even enlist popular gamers to promote their products.

This YouTube video is a perfect example of how marketing can influence gamers. It’s not just about selling a product; it’s about selling a lifestyle.

The Impact of Peer Influence and Community

Finally, we can’t overlook the impact of peer influence and the gaming community. Gamers are part of a global community, and like any community, trends and fads spread quickly.

If a popular gamer starts using a new piece of gear, their fans will want to follow suit. If a gaming forum is buzzing about the latest RGB lighting setup, gamers will want to check it out.

In the end, the desire for the best gaming experience, the influence of marketing, and the impact of the gaming community all contribute to the trend of gamers buying impractical items. But as long as these purchases enhance their gaming experience and bring them joy, who are we to judge? After all, everyone has their guilty pleasures. For gamers, it just happens to be RGB lighting and over-the-top gaming chairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some impractical items that PC gamers tend to buy?

• RGB Mechanical Keyboards: They feature colorful lighting effects but offer little functional advantage.
• Gaming Chairs: While comfortable, they often come at a high price and don’t significantly improve gameplay.
• High-end Gaming Mice: Expensive models with excessive features may not enhance gaming performance for most players.
• Gaming Headsets: Some pricey options may not provide a noticeable audio quality improvement compared to mid-range alternatives.

ItemDescriptionRGB Mechanical KeyboardsFeature colorful lighting effects, minimal functional advantageGaming ChairsExpensive, offer little gameplay improvementHigh-end Gaming MiceExpensive, excessive features may not enhance performanceGaming HeadsetsPricey options may not provide noticeable audio improvement

Why do PC gamers buy these impractical items?

• Aesthetics and Personalization: RGB keyboards and gaming chairs allow gamers to create a visually appealing gaming setup.
• Status and Identity: High-end peripherals can give a sense of exclusivity and showcase dedication to gaming.
• Marketing and Peer Influence: Advertisements and recommendations from other gamers can drive the desire to own these items.
• Perceived Performance Improvement: Gamers may believe that expensive peripherals will enhance their skills or overall gaming experience.

Should I buy these impractical items as a PC gamer?

• Consider Your Priorities: Assess whether aesthetics and status are more important to you than practicality and value for money.
• Budget Awareness: Be mindful of your budget and avoid overspending on items that won’t significantly enhance your gaming experience.
• Research and Reviews: Read product reviews and do thorough research to ensure any purchase aligns with your needs and expectations.
• Focus on Essential Components: Prioritize investing in high-quality essentials like a good graphics card, CPU, and monitor that directly impact gaming performance.

Are there any practical alternatives to these items?

• Mechanical Keyboards: Opt for mechanical keyboards without RGB lighting for a more affordable and practical option.
• Ergonomic Chairs: Choose ergonomic chairs with adjustable features, offering comfort without the hefty price tag.
• Quality Mid-range Mice: Look for mid-range gaming mice with reliable performance, durable build, and customizable features.
• Decent Headsets: Consider mid-range headsets that offer good audio quality and comfort for an enjoyable gaming experience.

Item	Practical Alternatives
RGB Mechanical Keyboards	Mechanical keyboards without RGB lighting
Gaming Chairs	Ergonomic chairs with adjustable features
High-end Gaming Mice	Quality mid-range gaming mice
Gaming Headsets	Decent mid-range headsets with good audio quality

How can I make a wise purchasing decision as a PC gamer?

• Evaluate Necessity vs. Desire: Determine if the item is truly necessary or if you’re driven by desire and external influences.
• Set a Budget: Determine a reasonable budget and stick to it to avoid overspending on unnecessary items.
• Read Product Reviews: Research and read reviews from reputable sources to gather insights and make informed decisions.
• Consider Long-Term Value: Assess the long-term benefits and practicality of the item to ensure it aligns with your gaming needs and goals.

Tip	Description
Evaluate Necessity vs. Desire	Determine if the item is truly necessary or a desire
Set a Budget	Determine a reasonable budget and stick to it
Read Product Reviews	Research and read reviews from reputable sources
Consider Long-Term Value	Assess the long-term benefits and practicality of items