The Cozy Gamer Starter Kit
Whether your idea of gaming is curling up under a blanket with a handheld console or setting up the perfect pastel desk, there’s something so magical about creating your own little cozy gaming setup! I’ve gathered a few of my favorite essentials for a cozy gamer starter kit that will make your setup feel more comfortable, more accessible, and just the right amount of whimsical.
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Consoles Worth Curling Up With
A cozy setup starts with the right console. What will you reach for instinctively on quiet evenings or slow mornings? These are the systems that feel familiar in your hands, ready for everything from a few minutes of escapism to a full day of cozy play. My cozy gamer starter kit wouldn’t be complete without:
Nintendo Switch
This is the quintessential cozy gamer console for good reason! The Nintendo Switch is portable for bed or sofa play, versatile with docked mode in certain versions (I use a Lite myself, so no docking), and home to countless soft-hearted favorites like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Stardew Valley, and My Time at Portia. Add a set of pastel Joy-Cons or fun thumb grips and it’s instantly aesthetic!
Nintendo DS
Nostalgia, anyone? From Guitar Hero: On Tour to Nintendo’s, the DS defined my own love of handheld gaming—and that of so many others! This little trooper is still wonderful for low-energy play or travel days, complete with classic clamshell clicks.
Macbook Air
I know that PCs are generally recommended for gaming, but my Mac is a key part of my cozy gamer starter kit. It handles games like The Sims 3 and Stardew Valley beautifully (with plenty of mods and expansion packs) and doubles as your workspace or Notion hub between games.
iPhone
Mobile cozy games can easily be overlooked amongst the switches and computers, but there are so many adorable, portable options on iPhone and Android!
Accessories That Offer an Upgrade
Sometimes, it’s the smallest things that make your cozy gaming setup perfect. Maybe it’s the texture of your controller, the way your case fits perfectly in your hands, or just the soft, pastel details that make you smile every time you pick up your console. These little touches bring both comfort and charm, turning your gaming tools into an extension of your personality.
Bluetooth Controller
For longer gaming sessions, a lightweight wireless Bluetooth controller can seriously save your wrists. Look for one in soft neutral or blush tones for an aesthetic bonus—mine even has little cat ears!
Mini Bluetooth Controller
If you’re using your phone for mobile gaming, I definitely recommend a mini bluetooth controller. I ordered one especially for playing Stardew Valley on mobile and it makes such a difference!
Thumb Grips
Thumb grips are tiny, but mighty! They make a surprising difference in comfort, especially during long cozy sessions. They add just enough texture to prevent slipping and can be found in all sorts of adorable designs.
Cases
A good case keeps your console safe and cute. Whether you prefer clear, pastel, floral, or even plush materials, it’s worth finding one that matches your vibe. On my Switch, for instance, I use a clear glitter shell and carrying case.
Cozy Game Library
Could I even call this a cozy gamer starter kit without some games? When it comes to cozy gaming, it’s about stories that feel like home. These are the games you unwind with after a long day, turn to for a soft sense of routine, or just love for a simple spark of joy.
Stardew Valley
Like so many others, I first fell in love with cozy gaming through Stardew Valley. This cozy classic will have you designing the perfect farm or befriending every villager—let us know in the comments who you typically romance!
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
No cozy gamer starter kit is complete without at least one Animal Crossing game! The comforting favorite brings decorating, collecting, and chatting with your favorite neighbors to your bed, couch, or desk.
Nintendogs
This wholesome throwback deserves a revival, but it will have to settle for a spot on this list for now. Nintendogs is the definition of soft nostalgia as you care for your virtual pups, teaching them tricks and hearing tiny barks that never fail to warm the heart.
The Sims 3
For storytellers, The Sims 3 absolutely remains unbeatable. It’s open world feels alive, and whether you’re creating elaborate legacy families or running through a challenge, it’s endlessly fun. Plus, there are so many expansion packs that there are limitless new ways to play!
My Time at Portia
Equal parts crafting, exploring, and connecting with townsfolk, My Time at Portia is perfect if you love games that make you feel at home. It scratches a gentle itch a lot like Stardew, but with a 3D charm.
Bluey: The Video Game
Simple, joyful, and heartwarming, Bluey brings playful, childlike joy to your cozy gamer starter kit. It’s ideal for low-spoon days or sharing the fun with a younger player.
Guitar Hero: On Tour
Sometimes, cozy is just about fun! The DS version of Guitar Hero still sparks pure serotonin.
Cozy Gamer Decor
The atmosphere around your setup can matter just as much as what’s on your screen. A few carefully chosen pieces can make your cozy gamer starter kit even more comforting, personal, and full of joy.
Silicone Pear Light
Soft lighting makes everything better! I got this adorable pear light because pears are my island’s native fruit in ACNH. It glows gently, setting the perfect mood for late-night sessions, and doubles as a sweet desk accessory during the day.
Desk Mat
If you game at your desk even some of the time, a smooth, oversized desk mat can instantly transform your workspace. Choose one in a muted pastel tone or a cottagecore pattern to keep your setup organized and aesthetic.
Plush Chicken
No cozy setup is complete without a mascot! My plush Stardew Valley chicken keeps me company during gaming marathons, and is basically the emotional support mascot of my personal cozy gamer starter kit.
A cozy gamer’s setup isn’t about the fanciest tech or biggest screens but about comfort! The textures, sounds, and stories of your cozy gamer starter kit should make you exhale and smile. Whether you’re tending your virtual crops or building your dream home, pick the items that inspire your softest, most joyful space.
