Ditch the light strips, here's how to build the ultimate RGB gaming setup in 2026

Nanoleaf Lines attached to white wall — (Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)

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RGB lighting
RGB accessories

Looking to kit out your PC setup with those all-important RGBs ahead of the new year? I beg of you, please don't buy those cheap LED light strips. I've been there, done that - it's never a good idea. They're fiddly, unreliable, and leave you with a great big wad of white tape on every surface. Instead, I'd implore you to check some alternative lighting solutions.

I'll be focusing on two brands in this setup guide; Govee and Nanoleaf. They've been vetted by the GamesRadar+ team and run with all your favorite smart home services to boot. Whether you're after light bars or wall ambience, they'll have you covered.

Why stop there, though? I'm also dropping the RGB-heavy gadgets I'd use to create my own lighting-forward setup just below. Razer's taking up a lot of this space with its excellent Chroma devices, but you'll also find HyperX keycaps that make the most of your keyboard's backlighting and a Corsair mouse pad that keeps the party going as well.

RGB lighting

RGB accessories

For more setup upgrades, check out the best gaming keyboards and best gaming mouse models I've tested so far, or take a look at the best gaming headsets on the market right now.

Managing Editor of Hardware at GamesRadar+, I originally landed in hardware at our sister site TechRadar before moving over to GamesRadar. In between, I've written for Tom’s Guide, Wireframe, The Indie Game Website and That Video Game Blog, covering everything from the PS5 launch to the Apple Pencil. Now, i'm focused on Nintendo Switch, gaming laptops (and the keyboards, headsets and mice that come with them), PS5, and trying to find the perfect projector.