If you are an avid gamer who appreciates extended play periods, a quality gaming chair is essential for ensuring your comfort and adequate support (especially if, like me, you are over 30).
However, not all gaming chairs are identical, meaning that not every chair will meet your unique requirements; this is particularly relevant when comparing console gaming chairs to PC gaming chairs. We’re outlining the essential similarities and distinctions between the two to assist you in determining which is more suitable for you.
Admittedly, it might appear quite clear: console gaming chairs are intended for console gamers, while PC gaming chairs cater to PC gamers. However, that’s not necessarily the case. Although the platform you play on can influence your decision, the environment in which you play and whether you intend to utilize your chair for non-gaming activities is of greater significance. For instance, the increase in remote work has led many individuals to use gaming chairs for both work and play, so you may prefer one that is better suited for hybrid use.
So, continue reading to discover how console gaming chairs and PC gaming chairs measure up against each other and which may be more advantageous for your needs.
PC gaming chair vs console gaming chair: price and value
Let’s begin with pricing. There exists quite a bit of disparity between the leading console gaming chairs and the top PC gaming chairs – although both categories provide options ranging from economical to luxurious.
The finest gaming chairs often span from budget-friendly selections priced approximately $150-$199, such as the Corsair TC100 Relaxed gaming chair and the IKEA Markus, to high-end choices that can escalate to $800 / £800 to over $1000 / £1000, like the Herman Miller x Logitech Embody gaming chair (which is a staggering $1,795 / £1,496) and the Razer Fujin Pro (priced at $1,049 / roughly £835.64). Nevertheless, a variety of excellent mid-tier options do exist, but these generally hover around the $500 / £500 range, with our favored overall gaming chair, the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022, costing $519 / £414 / AU$724.
Console gaming chairs are significantly more economical, with X Rocker’s collection initiating at $99.99 / roughly £79.65, and numerous third-party sellers, like Amazon, providing choices in the $100-$200 range. Premium selections typically cap at about $400 / £350, with leading choices such as the Respawn 900 gaming recliner listed at $399.99 / roughly £331.40 and X Rocker’s CXR3 gaming chair valued at $329.99 / roughly £262.86.
While PC gaming chairs are more expensive, they often exhibit greater durability and enhanced lumbar support compared to console gaming chairs – thus, a quality model is a worthwhile investment that should endure for years.
Higher-end console gaming chairs tend to furnish numerous extra features (which we will explore further below), but if you don’t require them, there’s little sense in overspending, and those budget to mid-range selections from reputable manufacturers should deliver solid construction and comfort.
PC gaming chair vs console gaming chair: design and features
This section reveals the most noticeable distinctions between PC and console gaming chairs.
Console gaming chairs and bean bags are generally lower to the floor, often incorporating a rocker or pedestal base, and are engineered with ergonomic comfort at the forefront. They usually feature a more relaxed aesthetic compared to PC gaming chairs; however, quality options still provide adequate lumbar support. Premium console gaming chairs often include enhancements such as integrated speakers, cup holders, LED lights, and even vibration (if that’s to your liking). However, if you happen to be on the larger side, you might face challenges finding one that adequately suits your size.
In contrast, high-quality PC gaming chairs are elevated higher off the ground and designed for an upright position, prioritizing material breathability, sturdy armrests, and lumbar support above all else. While certain console gaming chairs have a modern appeal, PC chairs (honestly) come across as somewhat more sophisticated and less gimmicky, allowing you to utilize them as office chairs without concern about appearing unprofessional. Additionally, PC gaming chairs are available in various sizes, so you should be capable of locating one that accommodates your physique.
Both PC and console gaming chairs can present different designs; however, we find that PC chairs offer a wider variety. For instance, Secretlab features skins themed around Arcane, Game of Thrones, World of Warcraft, and more, enabling you to choose a chair that reflects your personality. Regarding console chairs, X Rockers presents the most selection (though still limited), with a series of Super Mario-themed rocker chairs available.
PC gaming chair vs console gaming chair: performance and use
Console gaming chairs are, as expected, designed specifically for console players and are more appropriate for gaming on a TV in a living room or gaming area. Due to their generally low profile, they do not reach the height of a desk, thus serving as a comfortable additional seating option in shared areas.
Quality console gaming chairs ensure you have adequate head and back support, with those featuring a rocker function promoting better circulation during extended gaming sessions. As a console player, I can’t count how often I’ve found myself shifting positions on the sofa or experiencing discomfort in my neck and back due to inadvertently leaning forward. However, if you find it challenging to rise from lower seats due to age, this may not be the ideal choice for you.
In contrast, since they are elevated, PC gaming chairs are best utilized with an office or gaming desk. Their ventilation and lumbar support render them suitable for work as well as gaming – I personally use my chair as my everyday office seating and have noticed improvements in my posture overall. Nevertheless, these chairs aren’t strictly for PC gaming. Should you use your console at a desk setup, they can provide considerable comfort, even though transporting a PC gaming chair to the living room in front of the TV can be cumbersome due to their weight and impractical nature for moving between rooms.
PC gaming chair vs console gaming chair: verdict
There are several considerations to ponder when determining between a console gaming chair and a PC gaming chair.
First, are you intending to use your chair in front of a TV or at a desk? If the latter is true, a PC gaming chair is the preferred option; if the former applies, a console gaming chair might be more suitable.
Secondly, do you plan to utilize your chair for work in addition to gaming? If so, the PC gaming chair is undoubtedly the preferable choice. Lastly, one for the older demographic and those who (like me) have unique requirements. Do you find it difficult to rise from a lower seat, and do you require extra lumbar support? If so, the PC gaming chair is likely the superior choice.
Ultimately, the best chair for you is contingent upon your personal needs and how you intend to employ it.