6 min read
We know there are lots of gamers out there! Maybe you’re an avid gamer looking for some new gear or just starting out in the game. We’re laying it all out for you. We’re talking all things gaming gear and accessories for consoles, including PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo. It’s console-agnostic, all about improving your experience!
We’ve outlined some options from the best local retailers that offer great value for money. And remember, if there’s something that’s a little over budget, we’ve got you covered, just pay with Float!
Monitors for Gaming
Upgrading from a TV to a monitor is a great first step in improving your gaming experience. After that, you can add a second monitor!
Some specs to look for in a gaming monitor:
Panel Type: This is not something you usually think of, but it’s really important! The panel display the picture and can determine refresh rate, image quality, and more. You’ll come across various panels. OLED and LCD are the main categories, with IPS, VA, and TN being LCD panels, which are the most common. OLED is the cream of the crop right now, you can’t beat it for quality, however, it is usually the more expensive option. The next best are IPS and VA, and finally, TN panels are usually in budget models as the tech is now considered “entry-level” for what it offers.
Size: While this depends on your space and setup, a 24” – 27” monitor size is a good starting point. These will usually be your normal aspect ratio (non-ultra-wide) monitors that are good for gaming and working from home. You can definitely go bigger to a 32”, particularly if you play more single-player games and want a more cinematic feel.
Resolution: Look for 1080p at a minimum. The next options you can upgrade to are 1440p or up to 4k. This affects how crisp and clear the picture will be. Typically lower resolution allows for a faster refresh rate at a lower price, but you’ll find options in higher resolutions with faster refresh rates too. Most gamers say 1440p is just right, but if you’re working within a budget, 1080p is still great.
Refresh Rate: Aim for a minimum refresh rate of 60Hz but if you can find one that’s closer to 144Hz (particularly if you’re into First-Person Shooters) then you’ll benefit from your games running at a higher frame rate meaning smoother gameplay.
Response Time: How quickly your display can change a pixel from one colour to another. A fast response time ensures a clean image during gameplay. Aim for below 5ms and you’ll be good.
Inputs/Outputs: Make sure the ports are right for you! Some will only have HDMI, some might also have a DisplayPort. You may even get one with a USB-C port; most have a few regular USB ports. Make sure it’s got what you need.
Where to buy monitors in South Africa?
Here is a list of online stores selling monitors locally AND letting you Float the cost. They all offer a wide range of monitors at an equally wide range of price points so you’ll be able to find one that fits your needs and your budget:
Some other notable stores that sell monitors but may not yet have the option to Float your payment include:
Monitors to Buy From South African Stores
Dell UltraSharp 27″ Thunderbolt Hub Monitor (R12 999)
- 27″ IPS Panel
- 2560×1440
- 120Hz refresh rate
- 5ms response time
- All the ports your heart desires
Viewsonic VX2428 23.8 inch FHD Gaming FreeSync Monitor (R6 640)
- 24” IPS Panel
- 1920×1080
- 180Hz refresh rate
- 0.5ms response time
- 2 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x Audio
MSI G255F 25″ Gaming Monitor (R4 249)
- 25” IPS Panel
- 1920×1080
- 120Hz refresh rate
- 1ms reposnose time
- 1 x DisplayPort, 2 x HDMI 2.0b, Audio
Headphones for Gaming
Contrary to popular belief from the marketing teams of your favourite gaming peripherals brands, you don’t need a set of “Gaming” headphones to have the best gaming experience. Any headphone can be used as a gaming headphone. So all you need is a good set of headphones!
The gaming ones might have some features that appeal to you, so like most things in your setup, it’s dependent on what suits you. The consideration should be your budget. Once you’ve got a budget, your search will go a lot easier as you can start looking at features:
Sound quality: If you can shop in person, you should be able to give them a test run and decide for yourself. If not, read some reviews and see what people mention to understand what you’re in for. You don’t want to hear static when it should be silent, popping noises or tinniness. You also don’t want the sounds to be muffled or muddy, you want to have clarity and hear the details of the game you’re playing.
Microphones: Do you want one with the headset? Most gaming headsets will come with a mic. Some fold, some retract, some can even be removed or have their volume and mute built into the hardware. If you’re looking for the all-in-one, most gaming headsets are a good start, however, if you don’t need one then you can probably get a slightly better quality set of more “regular” headphones that work perfectly for gaming too! Microphones and their quality vary. In short, a standalone mic will often outperform a headset’s mic, but if you want the convenience of the single piece of hardware, it’s all up to you.
Connectivity: Depending on your platform of choice, eg, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, or PC, make sure the headphones can connect to your devices. If you’re not going for a wireless option, you’ll need to look out for the types of connections. These days all consoles should allow for a 3.5mm jack to be plugged in to the console or the controller. Remember that if you go the wireless route, you’ll also need to consider the battery life.
Comfort: Once you know what you want and that it works, ensure you can wear it for a couple of hours without it getting painful! Watch some reviews on the model you’re looking into if you can’t try them in person, and make sure the padding on the ears and the headband are sufficient! You don’t want a pair that’s too heavy or weirdly balanced, as they can start to get uncomfortable over extended periods.
Materials: Similar to comfort, particularly around the ears and against your head, while the materials should feel good on your head, you also want them to be a little breathable and not get too hot. Do they creek if you twist them a little? Can it bend enough when you take them off or put them on without feeling or sounding like they’re about to snap!
Surround Sound: Immersive audio can enhance your gaming experience. Whether feeling like you’re on another planet during a cutscene or hearing the enemy team’s footsteps behind you, surround sound can increase your immersion and give you a competitive edge. Most headsets will use Stereo because it is cheaper and perfectly fine for most gamers. Stereo is a basic way of creating 3D sound using only two speakers, (usually with a secretly guarded algorithm).
Noise Cancellation: You don’t want the neighbour deciding to mow their lawn to interrupt the moment when you’re trying to clutch a 1v2, with the bomb down, 20 seconds left, and you have no kit… Most headphones will offer passive noise cancellation, purely from the ear cup padding and the fit. They’ll block out or dull a lot of noise but not completely. Active noise cancellation quality varies, but the idea is to block out everything by listening to the outside world and feeding the opposite frequencies to your ears so you don’t hear any of it. Active is more tech in the headset, so it will usually be more expensive.
Where to buy headphones in South Africa?
Here is a list of online stores selling headphones locally AND letting you Float the cost. They all offer a wide range of headphones at an equally wide range of price points so you’ll be able to find one that fits your needs and your budget:
- Afrishop
- Audiosaurus
- Aurem Audio
- Bothners
- Digicape
- Game4U
- Guitar Gallery
- HP
- Icons
- iStore
- Nintendo
- Technomobi
Headphones to buy from South African Stores
HyperX cloud core black gaming headset (R1 499)
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 4 (R3 499)
Float it on Nintendo South Africa
Sennheiser HD560S Over-Ear Headphones
The Best Chairs for Gaming
It’s often forgotten until you’re four hours deep and hunched over with a sore back. Do yourself a favour and get yourself a good, comfortable chair! The options here are unlimited. You can choose an elegant-looking office chair or embrace the gamer chair.
While comfort, style, and budget will most likely be your top three criteria when buying a gaming chair, there are a few other things to consider.
Adjustability: We’re all different, so your chair should be able to be adjusted to your specific needs. Most will have height and recline adjustments. Some other things that can occasionally be adjusted are the lumbar support, the seat depth, or how far forwards/backwards the seat is positioned in relation to the backrest. Some even have a locking mechanism for the backrest recline so you can set the max recline, and the backrest will easily move within the range you set it.
Material: This can affect the comfort and durability of the chair. A higher-quality material should last a long time but will usually be a bit more expensive. Some materials are also easier to clean than others. You might also want to go for something breathable.
Armrests: This is up to you. Just remember they’re an option. And if you want a chair with them, make sure they can be adjusted to a comfortable position for you and that the padding is to your liking.
Headrests: We don’t think you need these. Yet weirdly most gaming chairs have them. Usually you’re leaning forward a bit and even if you’re sitting up straight you don’t need a headrest. And how often will you be reclining back to where you need to lay your head down too? So this one is also up to you.
Weight limit: Anything you’ll be putting your entire body weight on is something to keep in mind.
Warranty: With all big purchases, keep an eye on how long your warranty will be and what is covered. If your new chair’s backrest breaks within the first week, you want to ensure you can get it sorted without a hassle.
Where to buy office or gaming chairs in South Africa?
Here is a list of online stores selling chairs locally AND letting you Float the cost. Across them you’ll find a wide range of styles and features so you’ll be able to find one that fits your needs and your budget while being super comfy:
Some other notable stores that sell chairs for gaming but may not yet have the option to Float your payment include:
Chairs to buy from South African Stores
Focus – High Back Ergonomic Office Chair (R1 899)
Ergo Essential Ergonomic Office Chair (R4 399)
Corsair TC200 Gaming Chair (R7 671)
Let the Games Begin
Now that you’re all set with the best monitor, headset and chair for gaming that ticks all your boxes, it’s time to hit play! With Float, you can truly immerse yourself in the world of gaming with the best gear, and leave the financial stress behind. Float makes gaming effortless, fun, and more exciting than ever. Start shopping with Float!