Some people like to game, and some people really like to game.
Take German Elite: Dangerous fan Markus Boesen. He has built a giant, ultra high-resolution triple-screen cockpit to play open-world space game Elite: Dangerous (releasing Dec. 17 on PC). Just looking at it, it’s clear that it would make anyone feel like an actual space commander. And it’s a stunning setup that demonstrates the potential for immersion in today’s ever more realistic games.
He’s constructed his own control console that includes touchscreen panels, a keyboard, and a Saitek X52 Pro flightstick and throttle controller. He’s also using VoiceAttack to give verbal commands to his ship and a TrackIR head-tracking device that enables him to effortlessly change his view of the stars.
Eurogamer ran through Boesen’s rig and estimated its value at around $4,700, not including his gaming PC. With three displays running off of HD BenQ TH681 projectors, powered by two Radeon R9 290 Tri-X OC graphic cards, it’s no wonder it costs so much.
Boesen’s rig certainly puts my 22-inch monitor and cheap flightstick to shame. Luckily, I’m blessed with enough imagination to still pretend I’m a space commander in my downtime, much to my wife’s disappointment.