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With gaming reporting a massive uptake, retailers need to make sure they’re not missing out. We look at the essential tech, ideal for creating an awesome PC gaming experience

With people forced to stay indoors, many are turning to home entertainment, such as music, films and gaming, to help keep them sane during these tough times.

While it’s been hard for a lot of businesses to weather the storm, there’s no doubt gaming has gone through the roof. According to an article in The Washington Post: ‘the giants of the video game industry have thrived in the conditions created by the pandemic’.

Microsoft reported a huge 130% increase in multiplayer engagement across March and April, while sales of Nintendo’s Switch console rose 24% year-on-year. Meanwhile, streaming site Twitch saw 1.49 billion hours watched in April alone, which was a 50 per cent increase on the month before, said The Washington Post, and Steam, the PC gaming platform, had a record-breaking 20 million concurrent users in March.

It’s estimated that over 32 million people in the UK play video games. Many of the top Twitch streamers play on a PC, meaning that even though next-generation consoles, like Microsoft’s Xbox Series X and Sony’s PS5, are just around the corner (both are set to arrive later this year), PC gaming is still very much relevant.

GETTING A PIECE OF THE ACTION With the ever-growing popularity of home gaming only escalating further during the Covid-19 crisis, there’s potentially a whole new audience out there looking for new kit to improve their game. It’s big business, and retailers can’t afford to miss out on getting a piece of the action.

Exertis offers its customers the widest possible range of cutting-edge tech, which can enable retailers to help consumers build

It’s been hard for a lot of businesses to weather the storm, but gaming has gone through the roof!

their very own PC gaming set-up. For an immersive audio experience, why not try the Turtle Beach Recon 70 headset (SRP £29.99). This surround sound-ready gaming headset features a lightweight and comfortable design, important during those long gaming sessions. High-quality 40mm over-ear speakers promise crisp audio, and a high-sensitivity flip-up mic, picks up the

user’s voice loud and clear. The Recon 70 is perfect for anyone gaming across platforms as, along with Windows 10 compatibility, this headset can be paired with with Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PS4, as well as mobile devices. This headset will work with the Xbox Series X, too.

YOUNGER USERS Kids in the UK are spending more and more of their time gaming. The Minecraft titles as well as online platforms such as Fortnite and Roblox are popular with younger users, so stocking gaming accessories for this market is a great opportunity for retailers.

Aimed at kids aged six and upwards, the JBuddies Play Gaming Wireless Bluetooth headset from JLab Audio offers more than 22 hours of playtime and comes equipped with cushioned support for a comfortable

fit during gaming sessions. With a built-in retractable boom mic, kids can easily talk to their teammates if they’re playing online with friends. This headset is compatible with PC, Xbox, PS4, Switch and mobile devices. Fitted with a volume safety level, the little ones can’t listen past 85dB – so their ears are protected.

PRECISION When it comes to keyboards, the ROCCAT Vulcan 100 AIMO (£139.99) is at the top of its game. A precision mechanical accessory that’s built to last, it’s regarded by many users as the best keyboard that the company’s ever made.

Designed in Germany, this futuristic-looking product has a stylish anodised aluminium top plate to protect against wear and tear. The AIMO lighting engine means each key is separately lit, offering a staggering choice of 16.8 million colours to choose from. How’s that for power at your fingertips?

To complement the keyboard, ROCCAT also offers a range of similarly impressive mice. The Kain 120 AIMO (£62.99) and the Kone AIMO Remastered model (£69.99), are two great options – particularly for the serious gamer looking to upgrade their kit. The latter has five independently configurable lighting zones, offering a truly customisable gaming experience.

Providing high-precision performance, both products are comfortable to use, thanks to an ergonomic design, and are designed for durability and dirt-resistance.

CAMOUFLAGE YOUR CONTROLLER While many PC gamers favour the classic WASD control system with a keyboard and mouse, for some a console controller is an absolute must-have peripheral.

For those customers wanting an outdoorsy look while gaming inside, the Arctic Camo Special Edition Wireless Controller for Xbox (SRP £59.99) features a rugged white, grey and translucent camouflage pattern.

The controller is Bluetooth-enabled and has an etched trigger grip for more control, while button mapping lets users customise to suit their preferences. Xbox wireless controllers are compatible with the Xbox One consoles (including S and X), as well as Windows 10. While your customers are busy gaming on their PC, chances are they will, for once, put their power-hungry smartphones down to one side, which means it’s actually the perfect time to give them some more juice.

Accessories specialist Belkin’s BOOST UP Bold Wireless Charging Pad 10W (£54.99), which is available in both black and white, delivers fast-charging power and optimal wireless charging for iPhone models 8 and later, including iPhone XS, XS Max and XR, as well as smartphones by Samsung, LG and Sony, plus other Qi-enabled devices.

If your customer has a PC gaming desk, the sleek and compact Belkin wireless charging pad will sit quite comfortably on it.

VIRTUAL REALITY There are lots of VR headsets available on the market today, ranging from cardboard ones for smartphone and smaller wireless headsets for use on the go, to powerful,

PC-powered headsets, perfect for any big gaming fan or VR fanatic. For a true glimpse into the future, look no further than the Oculus Rift S - the ultimate PCpowered VR gaming headset.

Providing access to a library of hundreds of VR gaming titles in the Oculus store, it will truly take you to the next level. Thanks to its next-generation lenses, improved optics, and sharper display, the Oculus Rift S sets the standard. The Oculus Insight Tracking feature translates movements into VR, no matter which way you’re facing. The roomscale tracking needs no external sensors, while the ergonomic design means the device will stay securely and comfortably in place while it’s being worn. It’s definitely one way to stay ahead of the game.

The popularity of the gaming industry is ever-growing, and PC gaming is seemingly evergreen. Speak to your Exertis Account Manager today to learn more about these, and more, great PC gaming peripherals, great for the amateur player and seasoned professional alike.