5 gaming accessories I refuse to play without

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Whenever I get into a conversation about gaming, it typically revolves around the same few topics. What's better: PC or console? Which games do I recommend? What rarely comes up is what accessories I recommend -- and I think that's a shame. The peripherals you pair with your computer or console can significantly impact your gaming experience. The right monitor will immerse you, the right headphones will let you play for hours without ear fatigue, and the right controller or keyboard will make every input impactful.

Also: I tried a Windows handheld PC, and its docking system made it my ideal travel companion

I've used dozens of gaming accessories over the years, and I've found myself returning to the same handful of products. They are the best in terms of performance and reliability. So, if you're looking to upgrade your setup (or shopping for the gamer in your life), here are the five accessories I recommend.

Full stop, the HP Omen 27K is my favorite gaming monitor of all time. It is a 27-inch 4K IPS display that delivers a crisp, vibrant picture, making everything from sprawling RPGs to fast-paced shooters look fantastic. Colors are rich. The 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time ensure gameplay feels fast and responsive. Support for both AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-SYNC eliminates screen tearing, no matter the graphics card. It has everything you could want in a display.