A gamer shows off a cool extension of their TV's display, with dazzling lights extending past the screen perfectly timed with the game.
The simple act of playing a video game isn't all that difficult to achieve these days. A simple monitor or TV, a game device, or perhaps a portable all-in-one system like the Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, or even a mobile phone can get the job done. But there's plenty of people who go out of their way to customize the gaming experience to truly make it their own and enhance the experience further.
To start, gamers often put a big emphasis on the visuals their monitors or TVs can put out, as well as the sound system that helps to bring them into the game. Having a high-resolution, adequate refresh rate, and surround sound can all improve the experience and allow players to experience the game in its full spectacle. However, more gamers are also discovering how immersive it can be to bring some well-timed gradient lighting into the picture.
RELATED: PS5 User Outfits Console With Rainbow LEDs
One gamer demonstrated how a little work and a combination of technology gave their game experience a boost. A short video shared by trotski90 demonstrates the effect light can have, as their PlayStation 5 boots up and the wall behind the television starts to take on the same color as what's currently displayed on the screen. The television shifts from a gentle blue with the PlayStation Studios logo, rapidly flickers across colors as the Marvel logo appears on-screen, and then shifts into a stunning red, suitable for Spider-Man.
As LED lights have become more affordable, intricate PC builds and setups like these have become more common. While not necessary, they add a little extra dazzle to the gaming experience. In essence, a series of LED lights positioned behind the television mirror what's happening on the screen, causing similar colors to be cast on the wall. Nearly anyone can employ a similar setup, but it's not necessarily cheap. Trotski90 explained that they used Philips Hue gradient lights, combined with a sync box and Philips Hue bridge. While the exact cost varies depending on the size and number of lights utilized, the components used in this particular build normally cost several hundred dollars.
There are less expensive options out there, though their capabilities vary depending on the brand. Some in the comments shared their experience with other varieties, noting that while they perform well, a common complaint is that they sometimes experience more lag than the pricier option. As technology continues to advance, chances are the tech will become more affordable and reliable, and setups like these will likely become even more popular.
MORE: Nvidia RTX: Top 10 Games That Utilize Ray Tracing The Best
Sarah is an old-school gamer, and has been an editor and contributor for Game Rant since 2015. Sarah was introduced to the world of gaming via the Atari and original Game Boy. After meeting her first Chocobo in Final Fantasy Adventure, she never looked back. Sarah majored in game design in college and utilizes that knowledge to analyze games for her written content for the site.