You’ve finally purchased a killer gaming rig and a handful of new games – now it’s time to invest in a few fun accessories, too.
Hundreds of hardware add-ons exist for computer gamers, each promising to enhance your interactive entertainment experience in various ways. And consider them a long-term investment, too, because you can keep using these peripherals when you’re ready to buy a new PC.
The following are a few recommended picks – if your thumbs can take it.
Not mousing around
Serious PC gamers who play first-person shooters should opt for the top-of-the-line Razer Lachesis Gaming Mouse, equipped with a revolutionary 4000 dots per inch (dpi) laser sensor for the ultimate in speed and precision -- about 5 times that of a standard 800dpi optical sensor. Available in Banshee Blue or Phantom White, the Lachesis also includes 32KB of onboard memory (to store up to five unique gaming profiles), nine programmable buttons (including macro support for multiple keys mapped to one button) and 1000Hz “Ultrapolling” with 1-millisecond response time to further reduce latency.
A view to a kill
Go big or go home. Viewsonic’s VX2835WM widescreen LCD display boasts an enormous 27.5-inch viewable area (measured diagonally), giving you more screen real estate to frag your online opponents or see more of the battle in MMORPGs or real-time strategy games. High-definition screen resolution tops 1920 x 1200 pixels, plus with HDMI connectivity you can also connect other high-def sources such as Blu-ray players or gaming consoles (plus the monitor’s built-in speakers mean you don’t need to connect external ones). The 3 millisecond response time ensures fast-moving, lag-free graphics.
Control freak
As the name suggests, Microsoft’s Xbox Wireless Controller for Windows is the first cross-platform game controller that works with both the Xbox 360 video game console and Windows XP/Vista games played on a personal computer. The smooth, white controller has the familiar raised-button layout and support for force feedback vibration, and wireless freedom means you can kick back in your favourite chair while playing with your feet on the desk (a small receiver is first plugged into an available USB port). A non-wireless version of this controller sells for $39.99.
A wheel good time
Racing game fanatics don’t use the mouse and keyboard to steer around a track. Instead, consider the crème de la crème of racing peripherals – the 11-inch Logitech G25 Racing Wheel – featuring a simulator-grade dual-motor force feedback racing wheel with 900 degrees of rotation, six-speed shifter, and individual gas, brake and clutch pedals. For the ultimate in comfort and authenticity, the G25 also rocks real metal and leather components, and also includes 12 programmable buttons (plus a D-pad) to effortlessly map game functions to your liking.
It’s tee time
The Golf Launchpad Tour is a USB-based accessory that plugs into your Windows or Mac computer (or PlayStation 3 console) and lets you use your real golf clubs to drive, chip and putt a tethered Surlyn golf ball; eight sensors read and process the impact in real-time – such as clubhead speed, path, angle, and so on – and the result is seen onscreen inside the golf video game, such as Tigers Woods PGA Tour 08 (included). Needless-to-say, a real swing, followed by a thwack, is a lot more gratifying than using a mouse or gamepad.
Other recommended gaming accessories for your computer include 5.1 surround speakers or high-end headphones, wireless headsets, external hard drives and ergonomic keyboards.