A good gaming chair is about much more than just aesthetics. Sure, it can look incredibly sleek, streamlined, and feature-heavy, but is it a good gaming chair in terms of comfort? No matter how much it integrates with your game or how pretty the buttons and LED lights are if you don’t want to sit it in, it doesn’t much matter. 

Ergonomics, comfort, and style should all come together in one chair. Who doesn’t want a little comfort and relaxation with their sense of style? No matter how old and out of touch you think your grandparents are, it’s hard to deny how comfortable those rocking chairs often look.  

But do gaming chair manufacturers integrate the old-school rocking chair feature in any of their gaming chairs?

Do Gaming Chairs Rock?

Some gaming chairs do rock, especially if you grab one of the C-shaped ones that sit on the floor. But some game manufacturers make desk gaming chairs that rock also, including the X Rocker Pro Series 2.1. 

Rocking chairs have been shown to help improve body posture, increase blood circulation and reduce pain. But it’s not all about the chair. You can have the most ergonomic chair in the world and still experience back pain if you don’t practice good posture while sitting and if you sit for too long without getting up and exercising.

Get up from sitting at least once an hour and do some exercise (squats and standing side torso stretches are good). You should also try to get some walking in every day to keep your lower back loose.

There are several types of gaming chairs—rocker gaming chairs, PC gaming chairs, racing gaming chairs, and hybrid gaming chairs (the latter of which is a combination of racing and PC gaming chairs).

Most of them can recline, some to large degrees, but they don’t really rock back and forth without an awkward level of effort on your part. The Rocker Pro Series 2.1 is a general exception to the rule, as it rocks back and forth despite its hybrid gaming chair style.

Related Article: Are Gaming Chairs Good For Long Hours? (And Which One Is Best)

What Is The Point Of A Gaming Chair That Rocks?

It’s easy to see the appeal of a gaming chair. They offer ergonomic support for long gaming sessions, along with other features found in some or all, such as pillows, lumbar support, speakers, reclining backrests, extendable footrests, and more. 

However, the rocking feature may be a curiosity to some, despite the popularity of rocker chairs. The truth is, there are a lot of benefits to a good rocker chair. 

  • Helps with relaxation due to the release of endorphins
  • Improves your emotional state (always a good thing for competitive gaming)
  • Improves blood circulation
  • Keeps you moving with some light exercise
  • Improves your sense of balance
  • Eases back pain
  • Eases arthritic pain

One of the main reasons we play video games is as a form of escapism and to improve our moods. The act of rocking back and forth only adds to it, releasing endorphins and improving your overall sense of well-being. 

If you suffer from back pain and arthritis, rocking chairs are great for that as well. There’s nothing like a little rehab with a rocking chair while gaming at the same time. The benefits of a rocker gaming chair are far more extensive than any of the other types.

Bottom Line

Not all gaming chairs rock, unless you’re referring to rocker gaming chairs, which are specific chair types.

Some of the hybrid, PC, and racing varieties may have a rocking feature but if it’s something you are specifically looking for, you’ll need to check the specs and features on the chair before you make a purchase.