Introduction
Most gamers happily get by with just one monitor, however, it’s becoming far more commonplace to see gamers with multi-monitor setups.
In fact, gaming PCs and accessories have exploded in popularity since the late 2000s and are set to continue doing so for the foreseeable future.
As well as that, monitor and panel technology has been getting much better as each year goes by — we now have monitors that can switch individual pixels on and off and monitors that have refresh rates going all the way up to 300Hz.
Insane, we know. Imagine where we’ll be in another 10 years.
More specifically, with all these technological upgrades and features to monitors, is it necessary to have more than one? Or three for that matter?
To answer that question, it’s important to look at the pros and cons of having a multi-monitor setup.
Pros of Having Multiple Monitors
- Can browse for information without closing game
- Can watch things media and movies when you have downtime in-game without missing important stuff
- Can stretch the game resolution across multiple monitors for a more immersive experience
Cons of Having Multiple Monitors
- Costs more money
- Can be distracting
- Harder to track things happening in-game across multiple monitors
- Takes up lots of space in your room
Is It Better to Have Multiple Monitors for Gaming?
Generally speaking, most studies have found that gamers who have multiple monitors suffer in their performance as it often serves as a distraction rather than a boon for focus.
When you have one monitor, your gaze is drawn strictly to what’s in front of you meaning you’ve got laser-targeted focus.
However, we do think for convenience purposes, multiple monitors can be useful especially since you don’t need to tab out of games to access vital information i.e. walkthroughs, guides, and videos.
And this is why gamers are split down the middle; for some, multiple monitors provide quick convenience that can’t be gained any other way, whereas some games prefer the lack of distraction that having only one monitor can give.
Bottomline
Most gamers have three or more monitors because it provides them with a more expansive and immersive view of the games they’re playing.
This is especially important for certain game types such as racing games, space simulators, and other games that look natural when played on a more expanded image.
Other gamers just prefer the convenience that three monitors can bring as it allows them to multitask without needing to tab out of their games.
Is it essential, though?
No, not at all.
Having three or more monitors is a luxury, not a necessity, and studies show that people who play on one monitor often perform better than their multi-monitor counterparts.
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