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How to Plan and Setup for Your Video Gaming Room

Discover the perfect gaming room setup with tips on choosing projection screen, optimizing projector placement, and designing a comfortable, immersive space that elevates your gaming experience.

Creating the perfect gaming room setup goes beyond simply purchasing the latest equipment, it's about crafting a space that maximizes both comfort and immersion. Start by choosing the ideal wall or area for your display, whether it’s a large screen for a projector or a gaming monitor. Next, set up your gaming gear, ensuring that your console or PC, projector, and furniture are arranged ergonomically for long, comfortable sessions. Finally, once everything is in place, all that’s left to do is power on and play, transforming your room into an immersive gaming environment tailored to your needs.

 

Making Sense of Your Video Game Room and its Space with 100", 120", 150" big screen

 

 

 

In This Article We Cover:

1. Pick Your Wall: Understanding Your Gaming Needs

Define Your Space

Before diving into the details, consider the size and layout of your room. Whether you have a dedicated room or a cozy corner, planning will help you make the most of your setup. It’s important to focus on seating, equipment arrangement, and lighting to avoid clutter and create a smooth gaming flow.

 

Space Considerations: Assess the available space in your home for the gaming setup

When designing your gaming room, it’s crucial to assess the available space in your home. Whether you’re working with a sprawling entertainment room or a more compact area, tailoring the setup to your specific needs can enhance both comfort and functionality.

 

Room Size: Maximize the Experience

Larger rooms provide a golden opportunity to create an immersive, cinema-like gaming experience. Consider using a gaming projector paired with a large screen for ultra-realistic visuals if space permits. This setup is ideal for open-world RPGs and story-driven games where a bigger screen brings the game to life.

 

For smaller spaces, don't worry—you can still enjoy a premium setup with the right technology. A short-throw projector can project a massive screen size from a closer distance, and using a retractable screen can save space while maintaining an impressive display when gaming.

 

Pro tip: Projectors now offer adjustable throw distances, meaning you can enjoy top-notch visuals even in a smaller room. This flexibility makes projectors a practical choice, regardless of room size.

 

Layout: Flow and Functionality

When planning the layout, consider how your furniture, gaming equipment, and accessories will fit together. Your gaming chair and desk should be positioned to allow optimal comfort and line of sight to your screen or projector. Keep enough room between your seating area and the screen to avoid eye strain and ensure a clear, immersive view.

 

For those using a gaming projector, ensure the projector's placement aligns with your seating and doesn't obstruct movement. You'll also need to plan for any extra accessories like sound systems, storage shelves, or gaming tables. 

 

Bonus tip: If you're sharing the gaming room as a multi-purpose space, consider modular furniture that’s easy to move or rearrange. That way, you can switch between different gaming setups with ease.

 

Ventilation: Stay Cool During Intense Sessions

High-performance gaming rigs, consoles, and projectors can generate heat over extended gaming sessions, so it's important to factor in ventilation and cooling. Ensure your room has adequate airflow to keep the temperature in check and consider using fans or cooling mats for equipment that tends to overheat.

 

If you plan to run an extensive setup with multiple gaming devices, make sure the area stays coolto avoid damaging your equipment or degrading performance. Proper ventilation not only prolongs the life of your gaming gear but also keeps you comfortable during long gaming marathons.

 

2. Set It Up: Placing the Projector and Console

After you've carefully evaluated the aspects of your gaming room setup, the next step is to determine the ideal projection method—this refers to where your projector and console will be positioned in relation to the screen. The placement of your projector, combined with the screen size mentioned earlier, is key to selecting the right projector by focusing on the projector's throw ratio.

 

The throw ratio describes the size of the image a projector can produce based on the distance between the projector and the screen. It's calculated by dividing the throw distance by the screen width.

 

For most gaming room setups, there are three common projection methods to consider: front projection, where the projector is placed directly in front of the screen; side projection, where the projector is positioned at an angle; and ceiling projection, where the projector is mounted on the ceiling for a clean and unobtrusive setup. Each method has its advantages depending on your room's size and layout, making it crucial to choose the right one for an optimal gaming experience.

BenQ console gaming projector setup from front projection, side projection, and ceiling projection.

Front Projection

BenQ console gaming projector setup from front projection, side projection, and ceiling projection.

Side Projection

BenQ console gaming projector setup from front projection, side projection, and ceiling projection.

Ceiling Projection

The following sections describe some of the different options for each projection method and the corresponding throw ratio that is suitable for a projector under such conditions.

  Front Projection Side Projection Ceiling Projection
 
Input Lag
Front Projection
Lowest
Side Projection
Slightly Higher
Ceiling Projection
Lowest
 
Additional Installation
Front Projection
No
Side Projection
No
Ceiling Projection
Yes
 
Resolution
Front Projection
Highest
Side Projection
Slightly Lower
Ceiling Projection
Highest
 
Usability / Convenience
Front Projection
When the projector is stored after use, image adjustments must be re-made when it is used again.
Side Projection
When the projector is stored after use, image adjustments must be re-made when it is used again.
Ceiling Projection
No additional steps are needed after installation.

BenQ console gaming projector setup from front projection
BenQ console gaming projector setup from front projection

Front Projection

If you’re looking to front project from a TV stand placed up against your designated wall, the best option is to look for an Ultra Short Throw TV projector. If you plan on placing the projector on a coffee table in front of the screen, measure the distance from the projector’s most likely position to the wall and then calculate the corresponding throw ratio based on your desired screen size. This will be the throw-ratio value you should look for in a projector.

 

On the other hand, if you plan on playing motion-sensor games or if you’re worried about obstructed views, you should consider short throw, side, or ceiling projections options (though side or ceiling projection will also need to be mindful of obstructed views).

BenQ console gaming projector setup from side projection

Side Projection

If side projection is your best option, your first concern regarding a projector is to check whether the projector supports side projection with features that help correct warped images due to off-center projection, such as 3D Keystone correction and Corner Fit. Once you’ve made sure a projector includes these features the next step is to calculate the throw ratio in the same way described above.

 

One thing to note about side projection, is that the image correction features necessary for side projection may increase the projector’s input lag, which could be a concern for some gamers. Since image processing is required for the keystone function, input lag will be slightly longer* but not affecting the smoothness in games when the keystone is enabled.

 

*Latency will hardly be noticeable with the keystone function enabled though, as lag time will merely increase by no more than 1 frame (4ms - 16ms).

BenQ console gaming projector setup from front projection, side projection, and ceiling projection.

Ceiling Projection

For ceiling projection, beyond the obvious step of ensuring that you’re able to install a projector on your ceiling, you’re also going to have to take into consideration how to route the cables associated with the projector in a way that both facilitates operation as well as aligns with your aesthetic preferences for the room. Once those two issues are settled you can calculate the throw ratio in the same way as the methods above.

 

3. Power on and Play: Immersing Yourself in the Gaming Experience

Now that your gaming room setup is complete, it’s time to power on your devices and dive into the action! Before you start, double-check all connections, ensure your projector is synced with your console or PC via HDMI, and that your sound systems are properly connected. Modern gaming projectors make this even easier with auto-adjustment features. Simply turn it on, and the projector will automatically adjust the screen size, focus, and brightness to fit your space perfectly. With this hassle-free setup, you're instantly ready to start gaming. 

 

X-Series gaming projectors now come with “game modes” designed to optimize image quality, giving you an edge in various games. Once everything is powered on, your gaming room is ready to deliver a truly immersive experience. Whether you’re exploring vast open-world RPGs, competing in intense FPS matches, or enjoying a relaxed couch co-op session, your setup will ensure maximum comfort and top-tier performance, with no additional adjustments required. Just turn it on, let the auto-adjustment kick in, and you're ready to play!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Choose a Gaming Projector
That Fits Your Gaming Room

4. Choosing a Projections Screen

Choosing the right projection screen (or whether to use one at all) is mainly about personal preference. Whereas previous sections provided concrete calculations and specs to guide you, the choice of a projection screen is based on what type of installation method they employ along with a weighing of the pros and cons for each type. Below is a basic breakdown of the various projection screen options. 


Fixed Frame Screens, Ceiling (Pull-Down) Screens, Floor Rising Screens

Fixed Frame Screen

Fixed Frame Screens, Ceiling (Pull-Down) Screens, Floor Rising Screens

Ceiling (Pull-Down) Screen

Fixed Frame Screens, Ceiling (Pull-Down) Screens, Floor Rising Screens

Floor Rising Screen

 

White Wall (No Screen)

Fixed Frame Screens-Basic Fixed Frame Screens-Light Rejecting Ceiling (Pull-Down) Screens-Manual Ceiling (Pull-Down) Screens-Electric Floor Rising Screens-Manual Floor Rising Screens-Electric
 
Effectiveness

White Wall (No Screen)

Compared with the picture projected on the screen, the picture quality is not so good
Fixed Frame Screens-Basic
Best image quality and flattest image surface; Suitable for projectors with any throw ratios
Fixed Frame Screens-Light Rejecting
Suitable for well-lit rooms and/or for ultra-short throw projectors
Ceiling (Pull-Down) Screens-Manual
May cause slight distortions with ultra-short throw projectors at a level greater than floor rising screens
Ceiling (Pull-Down) Screens-Electric
May cause slight distortions with ultra-short throw projectors at a level greater than floor rising screens
Floor Rising Screens-Manual
May cause slight distortions with ultra-short throw projectors
Floor Rising Screens-Electric
May cause slight distortions with ultra-short throw projectors
 

Installation

Method

White Wall (No Screen)

No additional installation needed; Needs a clean wall
Fixed Frame Screens-Basic
Additional installation needed; Needs a clean wall
Fixed Frame Screens-Light Rejecting
Additional installation needed; Needs a clean wall
Ceiling (Pull-Down) Screens-Manual
Additional installation needed
Ceiling (Pull-Down) Screens-Electric
Additional installation needed; Needs a power supply
Floor Rising Screens-Manual
No additional installation needed
Floor Rising Screens-Electric
No additional installation needed; Needs a power supply
 
Price

White Wall (No Screen)

No additional costs
Fixed Frame Screens-Basic
 
Fixed Frame Screens-Light Rejecting
More expensive compared to manual one
Ceiling (Pull-Down) Screens-Manual
 
Ceiling (Pull-Down) Screens-Electric
More expensive compared to manual one
Floor Rising Screens-Manual
 
Floor Rising Screens-Electric
More expensive compared to manual one

5. Budgeting Your Gaming Room Setup

When planning your gaming room setup, budgeting is crucial to ensure you get the best value for your investment. Whether you have a large or small budget, you can create an effective and enjoyable gaming space. Here’s a comparison of what you can expect for different budget levels:

Gaming Essentials Entry-Level Budget
($500 - $1,000)
Mid-Level Budget
($1,000 - $2,500)
High-End Budget
($2,500+)
Gaming Projector Optional budget projector (HD or 1080p) *4K projector with low input lag and higher refresh rates
*BenQ X500i, X300G Short-throw gaming projectors
*4K gaming projector with low input lag and high refresh rates
*BenQ X3100i for top-tier visuals
Gaming System *Previous-gen console (PS4, Xbox Series S)
*entry-level PC
*Latest-gen console (PS5, Xbox Series X)
*mid-range gaming PC
*Enhanced graphics and faster load times
*High-performance gaming PC with the latest GPU and SSD storage
*Option to run multiple systems (console and PC)
Accessories *Basic gaming chair and desk
*Affordable LED lighting and budget soundbar or headset
*High-quality ergonomic chair, and desk with cable management
*Surround sound system or wireless headset, RGB lighting
*Smart lighting, soundproofing
*Modular shelving, custom storage solutions for controllers and games
Storage Solutions Simple shelves or cabinets for basic organization Wall-mounted shelves, improved cable management Modular shelving, custom storage solutions for controllers and games
Additional Features Basic lighting setup RGB lighting synced to gameplay Smart lighting, VR space, racing simulators, additional displays

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Choose a Gaming Projector
That Fits Your Gaming Room

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