Top Gaming Gear Trends of 2017: A Complete Guide for Enthusiasts
Explore the top gaming gear trends of 2017, highlighting popular desktops, laptops, headsets, and keyboards that enhanced gaming experiences with affordability, portability, and high performance. Perfect for enthusiasts seeking to upgrade or understand the evolution of gaming technology.
Top Gaming Gear Trends of 2017: A Complete Guide for Enthusiasts
In recent years, gaming has transformed from a casual pastime into a highly competitive and immersive experience. As technology advances rapidly, gamers are constantly seeking cutting-edge gear that enhances gameplay, provides superior comfort, and offers portability. The year 2017 marked significant shifts in gaming hardware, with a focus on affordability, performance, and convenience. Whether you're a console gamer or a PC enthusiast, understanding the popular accessories and components of 2017 can help you make informed choices for your gaming setup.
During this year, several key pieces of gaming equipment gained prominence among enthusiasts and casual gamers alike. From powerful pre-built desktops to lightweight gaming laptops, as well as high-quality peripherals, the trends of 2017 reflected a desire for accessible yet high-performance gear that improves the gaming experience across different platforms.
The growing popularity of dedicated gaming desktops and peripherals made 2017 a notable year for technological advancements. The integration of VR compatibility, enhanced audio quality, ergonomic designs, and portability were some of the trends that defined this era. Here's a detailed exploration of some of the most sought-after gaming accessories and hardware from 2017, emphasizing their features, advantages, and how they contributed to the gaming landscape of that year.
Asus G11CD Gaming Desktop
Building a custom gaming PC has been a hobby for many, but not everyone has the time or technical skills to do so. For these users, pre-built gaming desktops that combine affordability, performance, and ease of setup became highly desirable in 2017. Among these, the Asus G11CD emerged as a popular choice, offering a compelling balance between power and simplicity. This desktop was compatible with Oculus VR, making it an ideal entry point into immersive virtual reality gaming without the need for elaborate custom builds.
The compact design of the Asus G11CD made it particularly suitable for small spaces, a common constraint for many gamers. Its well-organized ports facilitated quick and easy connections to multiple peripherals—including gaming controllers, external storage devices, and VR headsets—minimizing cable clutter and enhancing setup efficiency. Additionally, the competitive price point made it accessible to a broader audience, allowing more gamers to enjoy high-quality performance without breaking the bank.
Razer Blade Gaming Laptop
The Razer Blade series has long been celebrated for its sleek design and powerful gaming performance. In 2017, the Razer Blade laptop stood out as one of the best portable gaming notebooks available on the market. Equipped with high-end Nvidia GTX 1060 graphics, this device was capable of handling demanding AAA titles with ease. Its slim profile made it highly portable, perfect for gamers who wanted a capable machine they could take anywhere—whether to tournaments, LAN parties, or just gaming sessions outside the home.
The Razer Blade featured versatile USB Type-C and USB 3.0 ports, allowing connectivity for an array of external peripherals. The keyboard, while not mechanical, delivered a satisfying tactile response suitable for long gaming sessions. For those interested in maximizing gaming power, pairing the Razer Blade with external GPU enclosures via Thunderbolt 3, such as Razer's Core, provided an upgrade path that brought desktop-level performance to a portable device. Although it didn't match top-tier desktops in raw power, it struck a perfect balance between mobility and performance, appealing strongly to gaming on the go.
HyperX Cloud Headset
Audio quality is a critical component of a fully immersive gaming experience, and the HyperX Cloud headset became a favorite among gamers in 2017 for its durability and comfort. The headset's design featured both leatherette and velour earcups, allowing users to choose their preferred comfort material. Its metal frame ensured robustness, making it suitable for rigorous gaming sessions and travel.
The HyperX Cloud included a detachable noise-canceling microphone, allowing gamers to communicate clearly during multiplayer sessions. Its audio control box provided easy access to volume adjustment and mic mute functions. When used responsibly, the headset delivered precise soundscape details, from subtle footsteps to explosive effects, enriching gameplay immersion. The HyperX Cloud was considered one of the best value headsets of the time, favored by competitive gamers and casual players alike, thanks to its reliable performance and ergonomic design.
Logitech Pro Mechanical Keyboard
Gaming keyboards need to combine responsiveness, durability, and portability, and in 2017, the Logitech Pro keyboard exemplified these qualities. Designed with esports professionals and enthusiast gamers in mind, this keyboard featured mechanical switches that offered precise keystroke feedback, speeding up reaction times and improving accuracy during intense gameplay. Its compact layout, including a removable cable and removal of the tenkeypad, made it highly portable for gamers who frequently travel to competitions or use different gaming setups.
The build quality of the Logitech Pro keyboard was noteworthy, with sturdy materials and reliable keys that could withstand long gaming sessions. Its sleek and minimalistic design aligned with the trend towards cleaner workspace aesthetics. For gamers seeking a portable, high-performance keyboard, the Logitech Pro represented a solid choice in 2017, enhancing both gaming efficiency and convenience for on-the-move players.
In summary, 2017 was a foundational year in gaming gear development, marked by products that prioritized affordability, performance, and portability. From powerful pre-built desktops and versatile laptops to immersive audio gear and performance-oriented keyboards, the trends of that year laid the groundwork for subsequent innovations. Gamers looking to upgrade their setups during this period found a wealth of options tailored to various needs, skill levels, and budgets. As technology continues to evolve, understanding these historical trends helps enthusiasts appreciate how far gaming hardware has come and what features are now standard in modern gaming gear.
