IKEA has released its first furniture range designed for computer games in collaboration with the popular hardware brand Republic of Gamers.
The collection contains four desks with accompanying chairs at price points that, according to IKEA, will make setups on a professional level accessible to a larger demographic of people.
“The needs of billions of players around the world are very diverse, while the existing supply is quite technical and is often considered male in design, although about 46 percent of the players are female,” said Ewa Rychert, global business space business leader. . by IKEA.
“We believe a lot needs to be done to democratize the gaming experience,” she continued. “Now we are taking the first step on our gaming journey and doing so by offering affordable, performing gaming products and complete solutions that we hope reflect people’s personality and taste.”
The collection contains a range of accessories and includes more than 30 products available in classic black as well as more refined white and gray options.
Together with Republic of Gamers (ROG), the gaming hardware brand of the Taiwanese electronics company ASUS, IKEA has created a core series called Uppspel.
It is the most technically advanced of all the versions, and it contains a desk that can be adjusted in height with an electric motor to create optimal playing conditions.
It has an extra wide tabletop to keep two screens at a healthy and comfortable eye distance, as well as an integrated USB charging port.
A bound edge can either be turned towards the user to allow them to rest their arms, or it can be turned around to look at the wall and hide computer cables out of sight.
Additional equipment, such as headers and controllers, can be stored in a matching, sleek black drawer unit or displayed on a pin plate, with integrated magnetic strips containing tools or screws.
For the computer’s central processing unit (CPU), IKEA and ROD have developed a width-adjustable metal stand that they believe can hold more computer towers than any other product on the market.
The accompanying Matchspel chair is built to follow the movements of the user and is fully adjustable from the tilt of the seat and the backrest to the height of the headrests and armrests to reduce muscle tension.
All remaining products were developed by IKEA based on the insights gained from the collaboration, and adapted according to different budgets and interiors.
The slightly more outdated Outdoor Player range has a thin desk that can be adjusted manually, while a metal mesh inlet allows air to circulate around the computer and prevent it from overheating.
A matching chair is available in black or gray faux leather with an integrated pocket at the back to store important equipment.
On the cheaper side is the Main Players range, which features a matte black desk that reportedly facilitates an immersive gaming experience, while a mesh backrest on the accompanying chair improves ventilation when things get heated.
In addition to the pieces of furniture, the Lånespelare accessories range includes everything from extra-large mouse pads to neck pillows, head sets and cup holders on the table to prevent clutter.
A ring light with integrated phone holder is aimed at those who steam their games online, while a mouse bungee is designed to hold the cable of the device in place to prevent it from getting tangled or causing friction.
The collection is currently only available through IKEA China, but will be available worldwide later this year.
In an effort to make gaming equipment more accessible, in 2019 the company also created a range of 3D-printed accessories that can be customized by the user.
Microsoft previously introduced an Xbox controller for people with limited mobility and even redesigned the packaging of the console to make it easier to open.