What you need for a gaming night

A gaming night needs more than games and screens. You’ll need enough controllers, headsets, cables, power strips, seating, drinks, and snacks for the full group. Plan the food and drinks around the number of players, then check every gaming station before guests arrive. The items people most often forget are spare batteries, network cables, cable ties, name badges, and serving utensils for the buffet.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 44

Equipment

Gaming computersqty 12
Monitorsqty 12
Game consolesqty 6
Game controllersqty 24
Gaming keyboardsqty 12
Gaming miceqty 12
Gaming headsetsqty 12
Network Switchesqty 6
Router
Projector
Projection screen
Power stripsqty 14
Extension cordsqty 12
Network cablesqty 30
Cable tiesqty 100
Spare batteriesqty 24

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 50
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 2
Knivesqty 4

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 10
Buntingqty 4
Balloonsqty 40
Name badgesqty 50

Lighting

Atmosphere lightsqty 6

Cleaning

Vacuum cleaner
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mop set

Catering

Groceries
- Pizza margherita - 8 pieces
- Pepperoni pizza - 8 pieces
- Vegetarian pizza - 4 pieces
- Gluten-free pizza - 2 pieces
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Snack nuts - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Mini cucumbers - 3 packs
- Carrots - 2 bags
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Brownies - 40 pieces
- Cookies - 5 packs
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Spa Rood - 3 bottles
- Energy drink - 24 cans
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 8 pieces
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Paper towels - 4 packs

Tips

Plan one complete controller, headset, keyboard, and mouse setup for each active station, plus at least two spare controllers for the evening. Label each station so equipment does not get mixed up between rounds.
Bring one power strip and enough extension-cord reach for every gaming table, while keeping cables secured with cable ties. Test the network switch, router, and every network cable before shopping is finished.
Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then roughly one more drink per person for each additional hour. Chill part of the supply in coolers and keep reusable cups at the drinks table.
Buy or prepare one snack portion per guest for the first serving, with extra portions if the night lasts longer than three hours. Use serving platters and serving spoons rather than leaving guests to handle shared food with cutlery sets.
Set aside name badges, spare batteries, and a small cable reserve at the reception desk before the first guests arrive. These are quick to replace during setup but disruptive to find once a tournament round has started.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a gaming night?: Plan gaming computers or consoles, monitors, controllers, keyboards, mice, headsets, a router, network switch, network cables, power strips, and extension cords. Add seating, reusable cups, plates, cutlery, drinks, snacks, coolers, and spare batteries.
How many drinks do I need for a gaming night?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one additional drink per person for each extra hour. Keep a chilled supply ready and place reusable cups beside the drinks table before guests arrive.
How many gaming stations do I need?: Use one complete station for each player or team playing at the same time. For example, 16 simultaneous players need 16 stations, plus at least two spare controllers and extra network cables for replacements.
When should I buy and test gaming night equipment?: Buy consumables and replacement items at least one to two days before the event. Test the network, games, monitors, controllers, headsets, power strips, and cables on the day before, then repeat a quick check two hours before guests arrive.

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