What are the pros and cons of handheld gaming?

Handheld gaming has significant advantages and a few disadvantages to be aware of. Firstly, handheld gaming is convenient and portable so you can enjoy video games on the go. The compact design makes the console easy to store and quick to access. Handheld gaming consoles also offer various games, including casual and immersive options. Many modern handheld consoles support online multiplayer modes and streaming services, making them extremely versatile. Some drawbacks include a small screen size and less agile controls, which can reduce comfort when playing for long periods. Handheld devices also typically have less processing power than traditional consoles or PCs, which can limit game performance and graphic quality. Another concern is battery life. Intensive gaming can drain battery power quickly, so you may need to recharge your device often. Despite these limitations, handheld gaming remains a popular mode of gaming, especially among people seeking flexibility.

Is there a benefit to a gaming chair for handheld gaming?

If you game casually and infrequently, a gaming chair may not be necessary. But if you spend hours on your handheld gaming device, then a reclining gaming chair with 5D adjustable armrests, like the Ergohuman Ultra , will be a game-changing investment. Not only will the chair offer proper posture support for reducing back pain, but the 5D armrests provide unmatched comfort for your forearms and wrists. Another great option is investing in one of our ergonomic office chairs that you can use for your 9-5 job, as well as gaming in the evening.

Ergohuman gaming chairs are owned by Ergohuman, a trademark of Comfort Seating Group. The Ergohuman Carbon and Ultra range of gaming chairs is wholly owned and manufactured by The Comfort Seating Group, who also design and manufacture the Elite range of office chairs .

How ergonomic gaming chairs suit handheld gamers

July 2, 2024

Handheld gaming is a staple of gaming culture, and it continues to rise in popularity. Captivating the attention of casual players to dedicated enthusiasts, there's a device and a game for everyone. Whether you're diving into the vast world of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on your Nintendo Switch or exploring new realms in Genshin Impact on your mobile device, handheld gaming allows portability and flexibility.

However, the comfort and health implications of long handheld gaming sessions should not be ignored. Even if you're gaming from the sofa or your bed, discomfort can quickly become an issue. The right ergonomic gaming chair can make all the difference in delivering sustained comfort and support when playing games on handheld devices.

Back top right view of a girl with copper curly hair playing a smartphone game while sitting in a red Mirus Ultra gaming chair.

The evolution of handheld gaming and gaming chairs

Handheld gaming has come a long way since the release of the first-ever handheld electronic game in 1976. Mattel Electronics Auto Race debuted as the first of its kind, using only solid-state electronics. This paved the way for the first console with interchangeable cartridges in 1979: Milton Bradley Microvision. In 1989, Nintendo released the famous Game Boy, which holds its legendary reputation to this very day.

Now, we have a range of sophisticated portable gaming devices: the Nintendo Switch, Valve Steam Deck, PlayStation Portal, and, of course, the smartphone. These devices provide stunning graphics, expansive gameplay, and a portable gaming experience.

As handheld games and devices have evolved, so have the seating solutions designed for gamers. Initially, gaming chairs were repurposed office chairs. Often, people play on their handheld devices from the comfort of their sofa, public transport, or their bed.

However, comfort and support during long gaming sessions are of utmost importance, which has spurred the demand for innovative gaming chairs. The Ergohuman range of ergonomic gaming chairs offers advanced features that cater specifically to gamers' needs, with many details designed for handheld gamers in mind.

Ergonomics and handheld gaming: why it matters

Gaming on a handheld device, such as the Nintendo Switch Lite or the Asus ROG Ally, offers the freedom to game from anywhere. However, when gaming for long periods, lounging in bed or on the sofa can bring unpleasant health issues and discomfort.

Common discomforts when handheld gaming

When you're handheld or mobile gaming, you're likely enjoying the portability aspect. However, this comes with its own set of challenges. Players often adopt poor postures, leading to wrist and arm fatigue, neck strain, a sore back, and numb legs.

In fact, of 2000 students involved in a study, 44.05% reported musculoskeletal pain associated with using their smartphones for tasks, including gaming⁽¹⁾. The pain ranged from neck, thumb, and lower back to even elbow pain.

Another report states that using handheld devices without proper back support increases the chance of wrist, hand, shoulder, back and neck strain⁽²⁾. It's recommended to maintain a neutral posture and use a handheld device with user-friendly dimensions to reduce the risk of pain and strain.

Limitations of non-gaming seating

Traditional chairs, couches, or even lying in bed may be a convenient option for using handheld game consoles. However, they often lack the ergonomic support necessary for prolonged use. For instance, beds don't offer proper lumbar or neck support, while regular chairs don't provide the adjustability needed to maintain a comfortable posture. The absence of tailored support can worsen the physical strain associated with handheld gaming.

A man in a white jacket is adjusting the 5D armrests tilt on the white enjoy ultra gaming chair

How Ergohuman gaming chairs address these issues

Comfort offers four ranges of gaming chairs across three colourways, so you can find the right chair for your set-up, budget, and gaming style. They all offer adjustable and ergonomic features that ensure your handheld gaming experience is comfortable.

Adjustable lumbar support

An ergonomic gaming chair with adjustable lumbar support maintains the natural curve of your spine, contributing to good posture and reducing back strain. Unlike non-gaming chairs or couches that don't offer proper back support, ergonomic seating ensures that your spine is properly aligned, minimising the risk of long-term issues.

5D adjustable armrests

If you're a handheld gamer, you'll understand the struggle of wrist and arm fatigue. Comfort gaming chairs have 5D adjustable armrests with customisable height, width, depth, angle, and tilt, so you can find extreme support no matter the game. These armrests are great for games that require extended hand use, such as RPGs or action-adventure games on devices like the Nintendo Switch or Valve Steam Deck.

Free-float recline mode

The free-float recline mode on Comfort gaming chairs allows you to find the perfect angle for your gaming sessions. If you have a preferred spot, you can also lock it in any of four positions. With the integrated headrest and legrest, you'll experience full-body support, no matter the position.

Whether you're intensely focused on a battle or relaxing during a cutscene, the ability to adjust your seat's angle provides next-level comfort. Traditional chairs lack this flexibility, forcing you into a single position, which can lead to discomfort quickly.

Integrated headrest and legrest

For marathon gaming sessions, an ergonomic gaming chair with an integrated headrest and legrest can make a world of difference. These chairs offer additional neck and cranial support, reducing the risk of strain while promoting good circulation in your legs. Compared to lying in a bed or sitting on a couch for hours, our ergonomic gaming chairs offer more support and reduce the risk of strain.

A man in a white jacket is adjusting the tilt of the armrests on one of the Ultra gaming chairs

Comfort's effect on the handheld gaming experience

Ergonomic gaming chairs are more than just comfortable seating. They enhance your overall gaming experience and performance. With superior support and adjustability, Ergohuman gaming chairs allow you to focus entirely on your game, improving your performance and enjoyment⁽³⁾. When the mind is free from distractions, the gamer can relax and adopt a neutral position, which allows gamers to have a better gaming experience and achieve better results.

What are the best handheld games to play in an ergonomic gaming chair?

Handheld gaming offers a diverse range of experiences across different platforms. Here are some of our top handheld game options:

Nintendo Switch

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
This epic open-world adventure combines exploration and storytelling as you traverse the land of Hyrule, solving puzzles and engaging in combat.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Create your paradise on a deserted island in this relaxing life simulation game. Customise your world, build relationships with quirky villagers, and escape from reality.

Super Mario Odyssey

Join Mario in a globe-trotting adventure to rescue Princess Peach. With innovative gameplay mechanics and creative worlds, this game offers endless fun for all ages.

Smartphones

Genshin Impact

This action RPG is a big hit for mobile gamers. Set in the expansive world of Teyvat, players explore diverse regions in search of their lost twin, unlock characters with unique abilities, and engage in fast-paced combat.

Among Us

This social deduction game has become a cultural phenomenon in which players work together to complete tasks on a spaceship while trying to identify and eliminate impostors among the crew. It's a perfect blend of strategy and chaos, ideal for quick gaming sessions.

Monument Valley

This visually stunning puzzle game challenges you to navigate through impossible architecture and optical illusions. You must guide the silent princess through strange monuments while trying to outsmart the Crow People.

Valve Steam Deck

Hades

Dive into the underworld in this roguelike dungeon crawler. With fast-paced combat, compelling storytelling, and gorgeous art, Hades offers endless replayability, so you can keep coming back for more.

Disco Elysium

This narrative-driven RPG puts you in the shoes of a detective with a troubled past. You must solve a complex murder mystery while navigating personal demons. The game's deep narrative and unique mechanics make it a top choice for handheld gaming fans.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

As Geralt of Rivia, explore a rich, detailed world filled with monsters, magic, and moral dilemmas, offering an engrossing experience perfect for long gaming sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the pros and cons of handheld gaming?

Handheld gaming has significant advantages and a few disadvantages to be aware of. Firstly, handheld gaming is convenient and portable so you can enjoy video games on the go. The compact design makes the console easy to store and quick to access. Handheld gaming consoles also offer various games, including casual and immersive options. Many modern handheld consoles support online multiplayer modes and streaming services, making them extremely versatile.

Some drawbacks include a small screen size and less agile controls, which can reduce comfort when playing for long periods. Handheld devices also typically have less processing power than traditional consoles or PCs, which can limit game performance and graphic quality.

Another concern is battery life. Intensive gaming can drain battery power quickly, so you may need to recharge your device often. Despite these limitations, handheld gaming remains a popular mode of gaming, especially among people seeking flexibility.
Is there a benefit to a gaming chair for handheld gaming?

If you game casually and infrequently, a gaming chair may not be necessary. But if you spend hours on your handheld gaming device, then a reclining gaming chair with 5D adjustable armrests, like the Ergohuman Ultra, will be a game-changing investment. Not only will the chair offer proper posture support for reducing back pain, but the 5D armrests provide unmatched comfort for your forearms and wrists. Another great option is investing in one of our ergonomic office chairs that you can use for your 9-5 job, as well as gaming in the evening.
Who owns Ergohuman?

Ergohuman gaming chairs are owned by Ergohuman, a trademark of Comfort Seating Group. The Ergohuman Carbon and Ultra range of gaming chairs is wholly owned and manufactured by The Comfort Seating Group, who also design and manufacture the Elite range of office chairs.

Next-level comfort with Ergohuman gaming chairs

Elevate your handheld gaming experience with our range of ergonomic gaming chairs, designed to offer unparalleled comfort and support. Our mesh gaming chairs cater to all types of gamers, including those who enjoy long sessions on handheld game consoles.

Our office chairs are also equipped with ergonomic features, including 5D armrests and free-float recline mode, which are perfect for maintaining comfort whether you're gaming or working. By choosing the right chair, you will improve your gaming experience and also take a step towards a healthier, more comfortable gaming lifestyle.

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