Games room

To set up a games console, all you need to do is plug in the power cable, connect it to a display with a HDMI cable, and sync up your controller. Then, you’re all set for your next adventure.

Yes, you can use a tablet as a gaming monitor, but it’s unlikely to give you the best experience. The picture, response time, and refresh rate won’t be as smooth or clear as a gaming monitor, so it may affect gameplay on more demanding titles.

To keep your headphones in place, make sure any adjustable parts are tweaked to suit you. If you’ve got earbuds, make sure the silicone cups are the right size. If you’ve got headphones, adjust the band so it’s the right length for your head and the cups sit neatly over your ears.

Gaming laptops can be used as a normal computer because they usually have higher specs than a normal laptop or PC, so they’ll run everything smoothly. If you want to make it more like a desktop experience, you can add a separate keyboard and mouse too.

There are lots of extras and accessories you can grab to take your games room to the next level.

A good quality soundbar can really ramp up the action with 3D audio that hits you from every angle, while subwoofers add rumbling bass to tense scenes.

You’ll need to get comfy for longer sessions too, so consider picking up a gaming chair that lets you focus on winning.

Planning a weekend marathon for the biggest new release? Keep yourself stocked up on drinks and snacks with a mini fridge to fuel your victory.

You’ll want to make the most of the available space without cutting back on the fun.

Compact tech choices like a wall-mounted TV and wireless speakers are great for clutter-free setups, while vertical storage solutions help keep your games and controllers tidy and organised.

That depends on your console of choice and what types of games you like to play.

PlayStation®5 players can embark on an epic adventure in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle™, swing through New York as a web-slinging superhero in Spider-Man: Miles Morales, or move into pole position in EA Sports™ F1® 25.

Xbox Series X|S players can engage the enemy in Call of Duty® Black Ops 6, survive a futuristic dystopia in Cyberpunk 2077, or explore the universe in the spacefaring RPG Starfield.

For family-friendly fun everyone can enjoy, the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 has plenty to offer. Race for the top spot in Mario Kart World or Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, restore peace to Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, or build the perfect island getaway in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

If you really love getting immersed in your fave titles, there are a few things you can do to jazz up your gaming space.

Philips Hue Ambiance lightstrips are a quick and easy way to add atmosphere with loads of different colours and patterns to choose from. Just set them to match whatever you’re playing and you’re good to go. How about Creeper green for a Minecraft enthusiast, or red to match Mario’s signature cap?

If you’re more into PC gaming, then an RGB keyboard like the MSI Vigor GK30 will let you do the same thing and personalise your setup even more.

To get the most out of your fave games, you’ll want a decently sized screen. Anything from 50-inches and above is a great choice – the bigger, the better. Another plus is that lots of these models are also available with 4K resolution to bring out every detail. Some TVs even have a dedicated Game Mode, as well as high refresh rates to keep the action smooth and lifelike.

For most players, the standard controllers that come with your console of choice are perfect, but there are more options to take your gameplay to the next level.

The Xbox Elite Series 2 includes extra triggers and lets you fully customise every single button to your liking. Plus, it works with PC and most mobile devices right out of the box, letting you play your way.

For PS5 players, the DualSense™ Edge controller also has additional paddles, as well as special Function buttons that let you quickly swap between your own personalised profiles for different games.

Even Nintendo Switch players have options. Alongside the standard Joy-Cons, you can grab a Switch Pro controller for a more traditional feel, which is great for that classic experience.

There are also more advanced models like the Turtle Beach Stealth and the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro with a bunch of features, while racing enthusiasts can pick up a steering wheel and pedal set for authentic digital driving.