Almost all high quality gaming chairs offers a number of benefits to consumers, as they continue to sell like hotcakes throughout the world. These chairs also, however, come with their own unique pitfalls.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Gaming chairs have plenty of positives, including high adjustability, superior comfort, and aesthetic variety.
- These chairs also have some unique cons, including an over-reliance on gimmicks and high overall costs.
- There are also plenty of fake gaming chairs out there that are purporting to have been manufactured by a major industry player.
The Pros of Gaming Chairs
These are some of the reasons why gaming chairs are important. These chairs are ergonomically designed, with plenty of adjustability options, and are built with comfort in mind. This makes them perfect to sit on during long gameplay sessions. Gaming chairs also tend to feature unique visual aesthetics and durable, long-lasting components.
The Cons of Gaming Chairs and Their Unique Problems
As a consumer, there are several things you should know before you go out and purchase a gaming chair. In other words, there are some unique cons inherent to the industry.
Reliance on Gimmicks
Many gaming chair manufacturers tend to rely on gimmicks instead of tried and true seating formulas. These gimmicks can include RGB lighted wheels, speakers built into the headrest, and poorly functioning USB hubs affixed to the exterior. Generally speaking, look for a gaming chair that relies on best ergonomic practices and one that boasts plenty of adjustability options. The gimmicks can wait, but your spinal health cannot.
Insider Tip
Generally speaking, look for a gaming chair that relies on best ergonomic practices and one that boasts plenty of adjustability options.
High Cost
Many of the best-reviewed gaming chairs tend to be on the expensive side, so we may advise waiting for a sale of some kind before committing to a purchase. Gaming chairs can be sold at a markup because gaming is a unique niche interest and has not captured a broad and diverse market share. If you are planning on buying a budget-friendly gaming chair, be sure to thoroughly research the item, read reviews, and try it out in person if possible.
Phony Chairs
The gaming chair industry exploded quickly before many industry leaders were able to establish a secure foothold. It is for this reason that Amazon and other online retailers have experienced a flood of phony, fake gaming chairs that are purporting to be from one of the major brands. To avoid buying a fake chair, research the online ad listing thoroughly. Ensure that the fabric used is original. Most fake chairs will claim to use genuine leather or any other material while it is not the case. We also recommend checking out the box it arrives in, as the real manufacturer will typically send a branded box, while a phony will send a blank box.
Breaking In Period
Many gaming chairs need to be broken in for a few weeks before they reach their maximum comfort level. We recommend a couple of hours of daily sitting to allow the cushions to mold around your body before making a determination as to whether or not to keep the chair.
Insider Tip
If you are planning on buying a budget-friendly gaming chair, be sure to thoroughly research the item, read reviews, and try it out in person if possible.
F.A.Q.
Do gaming chairs with speakers suck?
This is in the eye of the beholder, but we will say that the speakers included with gaming chairs tend to be on the weaker side. In other words, the targeted audience is likely to already have better speakers for gaming.
What type of gamer would enjoy playing in a floor chair with 2.1 surround sound?
This experience could be useful to a gamer who does not have access to the primary television of the home, or if they live in a small room.
Are gaming chairs overrated?
No, not really. Gaming chairs are extremely popular and feature some unique benefits for average consumers. They do, though, come with some cons, so do your research before buying one.
STAT: Most gaming chairs cost between $200 and $400. However, depending on the features you want and the quality, you can find gaming chairs for under $100, or if you want a premium build quality and more features, you can find chairs that cost more than $500. (source)
