2021

9 cool AF gaming gadgets I can’t live without

I learned a lot about gaming better in 2021.

by Corey Plante
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
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9. Vertagear SL5000 gaming chair

Soft but durable, the Vertagear SL5000 is where I park my butt to work 40 hours a week. When I spin around on those slick wheels, it’s where play my Xbox Series X.

8. Marsback Zephyr Pro gaming mouse

Zephyr

The “world’s first sweatproof” mouse boasts an internal fan and a cool lattice-work frame that looks like it’s been designed by decadent aliens for hot-fingered humans.

7. Apple AirPods Gen 3
Apple

Apple

The Gen 1 case design was better, but Gen 3’s spatial sound quality is superb. Connecting via Bluetooth to multiple devices is finicky, but they’re optimal for everyday use — including with the Nintendo Switch.

6. Arctis Prime gaming headset
SteelSeries

SteelSeries

For affordable wired headsets that don’t skimp on quality, there’s nothing better than the SteelSeries Arctis Prime, a durable and comfy pair that plugs into anything. I use them all day, every day.

5. Panasonic SoundSlayer WIGSS
Panasonic

Panasonic

This thing has spatial audio AND voice chat AND it sits on my shoulders instead of making my ears hot AND my wife can’t hear me shooting aliens from the next room when I use it.

4. LG Ultragear Gaming Speaker
LG

LG

A truly expensive but stunning luxury, the LG Ultragear delivers stellar video game audio (including voice chat!), and can even go fully mobile. There are cheaper options for movies and TV, but for enraging my neighbors with the sounds of Destiny 2, there’s nothing better.

3. Nanoleaf Smartlines
Nanoleaf

Nanoleaf

One of the best ways to jazz up your streaming setup is with Nanoleaf products. I have my Nanoleaf lines behind my head for a bit of dramatic flair during Dungeons & Dragons over Zoom.

2. SCUF Instinct Xbox controller
SCUF

SCUF

I do most of my gaming on Xbox Series X these days, and the SCUF Instinct controller upgrades the base model in many ways, including rear bumper buttons that make swapping my weapons in Destiny 2 even easier.

1. Razer Zephyr
Razer

The Razer Zephyr mask is an intimidating-by-design way to look like Bane while at the gym. I love it! Combine with Nintendo Switch and Bluetooth headphones while traveling for the best game-related results.

Happy Holidays.
Razer