Summary
A comfortable gaming setup is absolutely crucial for hardcore enthusiasts, as it provides a space to relax and unwind with your favorite games. However, eventhe best gaming deskscan become subject to clutter and disorganization after some time. For a hobby based largely around digital media, gaming accessories tend to pile up quicker than you think. This makes attaining a minimalist setup easier said than done. This is especially evident if you are the owner of several consoles and gaming platforms.
In most setups, it is common to find an assortment of accessories, peripherals,gaming controllers, and a seemingly endless mess of cables. If you find yourself generally dissatisfied with the current state of your gaming desk setup, then look no further! Even the most disorganized setups can be improved upon easily by implementing these helpful tips, so you can enter your next match with improved immersion, focus, and comfort.
How To Organize and Improve Your Gaming Desk Setup
Organizing a space you spend a lot of time in comes with ample benefits. Less clutter means accessories are easier to access, and distractions are limited to the few items that take up precious visual real estate in the corner of your eye. What comes after organizational steps is equally important; you may find additional ways to otherwise enhance your setup with lights, shelving, and upgrades to your gaming desk or chair.
Those wanting to organize and improve their gaming desk setup should follow these steps:
Step One: Find a Dedicated Space For Commonly Used Accessories
Regardless of your preferred combination of gaming platforms to play on, the accumulation of gaming accessories is inevitable. From the collection of controllers, remotes, cables, or miscellaneous accessories that are kept around ‘just in case’, hoarding tech is more common than you think.
Unlike other methods of de-cluttering, simply throwing out what isn’t commonly used is not always an option for gamers. Many items and gaming accessories are necessary, out of production, or limited edition, meaning they have much more value than standard household objects and cannot be replaced. Due to this, consider adding organizational tools to your gaming space to centralize your excess accessories in a spot that is easy to find and condensed, rather than tossing them or leaving things strewn about the room.
Examples of products such as these includethis desktop organizer by BRAINWAVZ,which includes space to store two controllers, and miscellaneous accessories such as pens and remotes.This Switch Organizer by Kytokis also a great option for those looking to consolidate their collection ofNintendo Switch accessories, as it includes storage for up to six Joy-Cons, two Pro controllers, game cartridges, and clamshell cases.
Step Two: Consider Going Wireless
Cables are an ordinary sight in the lives of those who game, and they are often a major root of the problem when it comes to disorganization. Even though cables cannot be completely avoided, one of the easiest steps you’re able to take to reduce cable clutter is by opting to switch some of your most commonly used accessories to wireless alternatives. Although more expensive than wired options, wireless accessories come with serious advantages that help to vastly improve the look and effectiveness of your setup. They minimize cables, allow for greater freedom of movement, and can be easily moved at any given moment to keep your desk looking tidy.
If you’re on the fence about adopting wireless devices, these Game Rant articles assessingWired vs Wireless miceandWired vs Wireless Headsetsare the best place to start.
Quality examples of wireless gaming gear include theLogitech G915 TKL Mechanical Keyboard, which stands as Game Rant’s premier choice for the best wireless gaming keyboard, and theSteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Gaming Headset, which is considered to bethe best overall gaming headset.
Step Three: Implement Cable Management
Changing all of your accessories to wireless alternatives isn’t ideal for everyone, and there are still plenty of rogue cables to worry about in everyday setups. Wild cabling is known to be the bane of any gamer’s existence, and some even dread looking under their desk at the mess of wires and surge protectors. Not only are mismanaged cables unappealing to the eye, but they’re also harder to work with when troubleshooting or moving is necessary.
For this, there are plenty of options available that can help gamers control mismanaged cables.Cable netsandadhesive cable racewaysare common choices that can be installed on the underside of your desk with very little effort. Alternatively,cable sleeve coversandvertebrae cable management kitsare other excellent choices that exist to contain all of your cables in a neat line down to the floor. For more complex gaming setups, considerthis cable management kitwhich features sleeves, hooks, zip ties, and other accessories to completely revamp and streamline your setup.
Step Four: Consider Adding Desk Accessories for Convenience
It may sound counter-intuitive to add more accessories to help organize your gaming desk setup, but there are plenty of options that exist solely to increase convenience and comfort while gaming that should not be overlooked. For example,this headphone standincludes a wireless charger for all accessories compatible with wireless charging. Another example is thismonitor riser stand by Moojay, which doubles as a USB hub. This monitor stand has a dedicated space for your phone and a small drawer that can be used to discreetly store pens, charging cables, or other small accessories.
If you have space available in your dedicated gaming area, consider also adding shelves or drawers to your gaming setup. Freestanding or wall-mounted shelves help to expand the aesthetic appeal of your gaming setup, while also providing additional space to store and display consoles, games, and accessories. A great example of a low-profile shelf that can be mounted above your setup to store headsets, controllers, games, and accessories is thismodular gaming pegboard.
Step Five: Add Lighting and Personalized Decor
Now that you have taken the steps to clean and organize your gaming desk setup, it’s time to consider looks. Generally, choosing a color scheme and items to display are two foundational aspects of any good setup. Naturally, your gaming space should proudly reflect all of your nerdiest interests and that is where adding personalized decor comes into play.
By having a cohesive setup, it’s easier for accessories to disappear into the background or serve double duty as an eye-catching ornament. Although there isn’t a specific set of rules to follow when choosing the decor, Game Rant has published an assortment of articles that may serve as inspiration. Some examples include these articles showcasing finds for aStar Wars-inspired game room, aZelda-inspired game room, and anAnimal Crossing game room.
Next, one of the easiest ways to improve the look of your gaming setup is by implementing LED lighting wherever you desire it. Options forthe best lighting for your gaming roomvary, with an assortment of styles to choose from: LED strips, panels, curtain lights, and light bars. A quality example of one of these products is thisTV backlight from Govee.
For a more in-depth look at lighting options for your setup, check out this Game Rant article forthe best smart lights.
Step Six: Consider Upgrading Your Desk and Gaming Chair for Maximum Comfort
If you’re still playing on a makeshift setup, it might be time to upgrade. Although spending a significant amount of money on achieving your dream setup may be daunting, do not doubt the value of a high-quality gaming desk and chair and the way it affects your comfort and your health. Plus, brand-new furniture can take a ‘meh’ looking set up to new heights, elevating your experience.
Upgrading your desk and chair does not mean you need to spend an excessive amount of money either, as thesebudget gaming desksandbudget gaming chairsare more than enough to provide you with a quality experience.
Related Products
Kytok Switch Charging Dock & Games Organizer Station with Controller Charger
This organizer for the Nintendo Switch can take a cluttered mess of games, controllers, and cables to a simplistic set that can be tucked away nicely on a shelf or desk. This organizer includes space for the console itself, as well as 12 game cartridges, 16 clamshell game cases, and two Pro Controllers. There is also four slots to charge Joy-Cons built into the Kytok organizer, meaning you can store and charge six Joy-Cons at once!
Fanoshon Desk Cord Organizer
Cable management can greatly improve your gaming desk; and it doesn’t have to be difficult, either. This affordable cable management sleeve is one of the most approachable options due to its price, ease of installation, and customization. You can cut the sleeve to size if you need less of the material, and you can easily poke out the ends of the cable through different slots in the sleeve when plugging into your console or PC. Once you have all of your cables in a tight, straight line, you can use the included tool to easily slide the cables into place, making quick work of the process.
PEGZONE Modular Gaming Pegboard
Shelves and drawers are one of the best ways to organize and improve your gaming desk setup, but not everyone has the floor space available for another piece of furniture. If that’s the case, this modular gaming pegboard may be a life changer. As the same suggests, this gaming pegboard is modular, which means you can customize the design of your pegboard based on your needs. Plus, these boards come with an assortment of accessories that can be used to organize your gaming setup, by adding a space to display and store physical copies of games, controllers, headsets, and nearly anything else you can think of.
What about Hardware?
Organizing and upgrading your setup doesn’t need to stop at your desk. The games you play and the platforms you play them on are the core of the hobby, after all. Without getting into the nitty-gritty of hardware and component upgrades, there is more that can be done to give your system a refresh.
First, be sure to routinely dust all of your consoles and controllers. Dust accumulation can lead to overheating and lag, which ultimately puts the health of your system at risk. A can of compressed air will get the job done fast, butan electric dustermay be better to use in the long term.
One of the next things you can do to give your system a refresh is to reduce the size of your games' library. Many gamers get into the habit of installing a game to play it once or twice, without ever touching it again. To get the most out of the storage space you already have, be sure to identify and remove gaming titles you have no plans on playing ever again. Besides, if you ever change your mind, reinstalling is easy.
FAQ
Q: How else can I organize my gaming desk?
Don’t be afraid to add more storage solutions. Adding shelves or drawers to display and store consoles, merchandise, and accessories will help immensely.
Q: How to make your gaming setup cozy?
When going for a cozy and relaxing vibe, be sure to include lots of ambient lighting. Keep clutter to a minimum, and be sure to implement cable management to reduce all visual clutter and allow for a relaxing environment.
Q: How to keep a gaming desk clean and organized?
Rather than leaving your belongings strewn about the room with little order, ensure everything has a place. To help create a sense of harmony and belonging, opt to include lots of gaming organizers in your setup.
