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The best gaming projectors

Gaming on the Optoma UHD50C projector.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

As powerful as your gaming console or PC might be, and as highly detailed as the games you're playing on it look, none of that matters if you don't have a display that can properly show it off. It's easy to invest in the latest and greatest hardware only to realize you've forgotten to upgrade your display to match, or simply don't have the space to fit a massive screen. Projectors have typically been seen as highly expensive options mainly for movie enthusiasts, but there are some models that are perfect for gamers who want to save space without sacrificing visual quality.

Epson Home Cinema LS11000 4K PRO-UHD Laser Projector
Epson Home Cinema LS11000
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BenQ X1300i 4LED 1080p HDR Gaming Projector I Game Modes RPG FPS Sports I 120Hz 8.3ms Input Lag I Great for PS5, Xbox Series X I Auto Color Calibration I 20,000 hr I Android TV
BenQ X1300i
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XGIMI Horizon Ultra 4K Projector
XGIMI Horizon Ultra 4K Projector
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Optoma UHD38x Bright, True 4K UHD Gaming Projector | 4000 Lumens | 4.2ms Response Time at 1080p with Enhanced Gaming Mode | Lowest Input Lag on 4K Projector | 240Hz Refresh Rate | HDR10 & HLG, White
Optoma UHD38x Bright, True 4K UHD Gaming Projector
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Mini Projector, Vamvo Portable Projector Support 1080P 200" Mini HD Movie Projector, Outdoor Projector with Stylish streamlined Design, Compatible with phone/ Tablet/ Laptop/ TV Stick/ PS4 etc.
Mini Projector, Vamvo Portable Projector
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Epson Home Cinema 2250 projector
Epson / Epson

Epson Home Cinema LS11000

Pros
  • 4K
  • Laser light source
  • HDR support
Cons
  • Large price tag
  • No speakers

While it carries a heavy price tag, the Epson Home Cinema LS11000 doesn't skimp on any features. As the name implies, this baby will project a stunning 4K image with full HDR support, and gamers will love the 120Hz refresh rate. That keeps your frame rates nice and high, which is where many projectors fall short. The special laser light source is also a huge benefit since it doesn't burn out or require replacing like normal projectors. While it obviously will work best in a dark room, the 2,500 lumens it puts out makes a clear image even if you can't block out every bit of light.

You probably will want a good headset to pair with this projector since it doesn't have its own speakers, which does mean you can't play co-op games as easily. For solo or online play, though, it's a dream.

Epson Home Cinema LS11000 4K PRO-UHD Laser Projector
Epson Home Cinema LS11000
BenQ X1300i
BenQ

BenQ X1300i

Pros
  • Super-low latency
  • 120Hz refresh rate
  • Very long lamp life
Cons
  • Only 1080p output
  • Best used mounted

When a projector calls itself a gaming projector, it must check at least a few of the boxes gamers are looking for. In that regard, the BenQ does hit all the most important marks. For one, it has a lightning-fast 8.3ms input lag, which is about the fastest you can find for a projector, plus 120Hz refresh rate to match the fastest games. While it technically is only giving you a 1080p image, the HDR and brightness does a lot of heavy lifting. The depth and vibrancy of the colors can almost fool you into thinking you're playing on a massive screen. Many projectors look washed out or dull in this regard, but the BenQ stays sharp even in rooms with a bit of ambient light.

You also get built-in Android functionality to access the Google Play store to load up on other apps like your favorite streaming services. Unless you have a very level and stable surface to leave it on, you probably will need to mount this projector to get a consistently solid image.

BenQ X1300i 4LED 1080p HDR Gaming Projector I Game Modes RPG FPS Sports I 120Hz 8.3ms Input Lag I Great for PS5, Xbox Series X I Auto Color Calibration I 20,000 hr I Android TV
BenQ X1300i
xgimi horizon ultra long throw 4k projector review front lamp on
Derek Malcolm / Digital Trends

XGIMI Horizon Ultra 4K Projector

Pros
  • Dolby Vision HDR support
  • Smart auto picture adjustments
  • Great dark-room brightness
  • Excellent color accuracy
  • Compact, premium design
Cons
  • OK in brighter rooms
  • Setup's a pain for non-Android users
  • Sound could be better

XGIMI has a wide assortment of projectors, but the Horizon Ultra is a solid choice that balances performance and price. You're getting a nice 4K image with HDR10, though it isn't as bright as some other projectors so you will need to make sure your room is nice and dark to avoid the picture getting washed out. It also does unfortunately max out at 60Hz refresh rate so it isn't ideal for competitive multiplayer games, but more than serviceable for most single-player offerings.

In terms of design, this is one of the most compact projectors out there, so it's very easy to pack and set up on a trip. Since it does have some surprisingly good speakers built right in, you're basically good to go with this projector right out of the box.

XGIMI Horizon Ultra 4K Projector
XGIMI Horizon Ultra 4K Projector
Optoma UHD38x
Optoma

Optoma UHD38x Bright, True 4K UHD Gaming Projector

Pros
  • 240Hz refresh rate
  • 4K
  • UHD
  • Keystone correction
Cons
  • Bulky
  • Average lamp life

One of the only other home projectors that proudly puts is focus on gamers in the name is the Optomoa UHD38x. Honestly, this projector makes it easy since it lists all its best qualities in the name. It can display at up to 4K resolution, supports HDR, and claims to be the lowest input lag you can find on a projector. Granted, to get down to the lowest response time of just 4.2 milliseconds, which is even quicker than the BenQ, you will need to scale down the resolution to 1080p. Still, that's a small sacrifice to make, and if you're not maxing out the size on a huge wall, then it shouldn't make a big difference.

Add in the 240Hz refresh rate, and this is the projector to get if you don't want to cut any corners on your gaming or general media watching.

Optoma UHD38x Bright, True 4K UHD Gaming Projector | 4000 Lumens | 4.2ms Response Time at 1080p with Enhanced Gaming Mode | Lowest Input Lag on 4K Projector | 240Hz Refresh Rate | HDR10 & HLG, White
Optoma UHD38x Bright, True 4K UHD Gaming Projector
Mini Projector, Vamvo Portable Projector
Vamvo

Mini Projector, Vamvo Portable Projector

Pros
  • Very affordable
  • Small and portable
  • Large display size
Cons
  • No HDR
  • Only 1080p
  • Lower response time

If you need a projector at a budget price, you can snag this mini projector for a fraction of the cost of even the cheapest modern TV. The upsides, besides saving money, are the small form factor and great picture size you get. Unfortunately, you will need to compromise on most other features. The 1080p display isn't bad, but certainly isn't future proof on modern games, and the lack of HDR will make the color and picture quality highly dependent on the environment you use it in. Most importantly, this isn't a projector you will be able to pull off tight combos or twitch headshots on since it isn't focused on reducing input lag at all.

If you're a more casual gamer who just needs a bigger, portable way to play without caring about any bells and whistles, you will certainly get your money's worth out of this Vamvo projector.

Mini Projector, Vamvo Portable Projector Support 1080P 200" Mini HD Movie Projector, Outdoor Projector with Stylish streamlined Design, Compatible with phone/ Tablet/ Laptop/ TV Stick/ PS4 etc.
Mini Projector, Vamvo Portable Projector
Jesse Lennox

Jesse Lennox has been a writer at Digital Trends for over four years and has no plans of stopping. He covers all things gaming but has a specific interest in all things PlayStation, JRPGs, and experimental indies. Jesse has been writing about games for over 10 years, starting off as a volunteer and eventually finding his way into doing it full-time. He is constantly striving to push his boundaries in what he covers and finds thought-provoking and important angles to highlight within the games industry.

Originally double-majoring in English and Education, Jesse came into games media as a profession by accident. After an unfortunate layoff, he took his passion for writing about games seriously and was lucky enough to find Digital Trends and other outlets such as Pocket-Lint, Classic Nerd, and Gamepur to write for. He has held numerous writing positions, as well as several editing roles, and is always on the hunt for new opportunities to grow his skillset.

Based in Colorado, Jesse spends at least two hours every morning training in the gym to set his mind straight before a full day of writing and gaming.

Connect with Jesse on LinkdIn.

This Pro controller for the Xbox Series X is $35 off right now
The front and back of the SCUF Instinct Pro wireless controller.

The Xbox Wireless Controller, which comes with every purchase of Microsoft's latest-generation console from Xbox Series X and Series S deals, is pretty solid, but if you want to take your gaming to the next level, we highly recommend upgrading to the SCUF Instinct Pro. The wireless controller, which usually sells for $230, is currently on sale from Best Buy with a $35 discount that slashes its price to $195. You wouldn't want to miss the savings on this fantastic gaming accessory, so hurry and complete your purchase immediately.

Why you should buy the SCUF Instinct Pro wireless controller
The SCUF Instinct Pro wireless controller was designed for the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, but it's also compatible with the Xbox One, PC, and mobile devices -- in fact, we've tagged it as our top choice among the best PC controllers. The accessory could be the competitive advantage that you need, as it comes with four remappable paddles at the back that you can assign to a total of 16 functions, with three configurations that you can access by simply flipping a switch. The wireless controller also has an Instant Trigger option for the shoulder buttons that will register the press even after a short travel, just like clicking a mouse, for quicker reaction times.

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Get the Meta Quest 3S VR headset while it’s on sale for $350
Meta's Quest 3S is a fantastic mixed reality VR headset at a very low price.

If you want to make the jump into virtual reality and you're searching for VR headset deals to help you do that, we've found an offer from Best Buy that you shouldn't miss. The Meta Quest 3S, originally sold for $400, is on sale for only $350. In addition to the savings of $50, you'll get a copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow and a three-month trial of Meta Quest+. You're going to have to hurry if you want the savings though, as there's no telling how much time is remaining before the bargain gets taken down.

Why you should buy the Meta Quest 3S
We gave the Meta Quest 3S a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in our review, and described it as "the VR headset most people should buy." We even tagged it as the best budget VR headset in our list of the best VR headsets because of its phenomenal value. In our Meta Quest 3S versus Meta Quest 3 comparison, the price of the Meta Quest 3S is hard to beat, especially since it offers most of the features that make the more expensive Meta Quest 3 an amazing VR headset. They're both powered by the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, and offer built-in hand tracking and movement tracking with IR sensors that automatically map your room.

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Game on the move for less with the Asus ROG Ally for $500 at Best Buy
Lies of P running on the Asus ROG Ally.

Gaming PC deals are great if you have plenty of space for a PC setup, but what if you’re short on space or want to game on the move? A better option than any gaming laptop deal is a handheld gaming PC. While the biggest name in the business is the Steam Deck, it’s the Asus ROG Ally that catches our eye today. Right now, you can buy the Asus ROG Ally for $500 at Best Buy instead of $650. That’s a considerable $150 discount, which is certainly one to tempt you into buying. Sounds exciting? Let’s take a deeper look at what it offers.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus-rog-ally-7-120hz-fhd-1080p-gaming-handheld-amd-ryzen-z1-extreme-processor-512gb-white/6542964.p?skuId=6542964
Why you should buy the Asus ROG Ally
In our Asus ROG Ally review, we described it as providing “better performance, more games, and acceptable battery life” which makes it a “winner despite its issues.”.It has a “beautiful 120Hz screen” along with a “flexible control scheme” and “solid performance.” It uses AMD’s Ryzen Z1 Extreme CPU to power proceedings, and there’s 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. The highlight is its 7-inch 1080p/full HD screen with 120Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync technology to cut down on any motion blur.

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