Whether you play on a computer, Nintendo, Xbox or PlayStation, video games have advanced to the point of near realism. A tiny 60 inch flatscreen TV just can’t capture the grandeur of modern games the way a video game projector can. And if you want that extra edge in your competitive gameplay being able to tell the difference between a lamppost and a sniper can mean life or death (virtually).
You truly need a large projector screen to fully appreciate the details and immersiveness of the games.
So what is a gaming projector? Why are they better than gaming on a flatscreen TV? What is the best projector for gaming? Our projection experts will guide you through these questions and more.
The Best 4K Projectors For Video Gaming
There’s nothing better than vanquishing your enemies. Short of that, the next best thing is vanquishing your digital enemies on a larger-than-life 4K, 120 inch video game projector screen. Here are our expert's top picks for the best 4K gaming projectors:
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Our Favorite Gaming Projector
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Our projection experts picked the JVC LX-NZ30 as the best video gaming projector in 2023 because it’s built for both casual and hardcore gamers. This super bright laser gaming projector boasts an impressive 3300 lumens of brightness making it a great choice for both home theater and living room environments. It features 2 HDMI 2.1 ports for ultra fast gaming with a lag time as low as 6.25ms at 1080p/240Hz and 25ms at 4K making it comparable to top tier gaming monitors. JVC is known for producing projectors with fantastic contrast and colors. The picture produced by the JVC-NZ30 is what pushes this to the top of the gaming projectors. It's even available in both a black and white chassis.
- Brightness: 3300 Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: Infinite:1
- Input Lag: 4K - 25ms | 1080p - 6.25ms
- Refresh Rate: 4K - 60Hz | 1080p - 240Hz
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Best Gaming Projector On A Budget
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If you're on a budget but still want an affordable 4K projector for that immersive video game playing experience the Optoma UHD55 is the way to go. While it offers an impressive 3600 lumens of brightness it does lack the color gamut and contrast ratio of higher end video game projectors. The UHD55 includes a game mode for maximum contrast and vivid colors to capture every detail - leaving you time to focus on winning. This ultra fast Optoma gaming projector offers a fantastic blur-free motion thanks to it's 240Hz refresh rate at 1080p. All but the most competitive gamers will thrive thanks to the enhanced game mode that delivers a 4.2ms lag time at 1080p and 25ms at 4K.
- Brightness: 3600 Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 1,200,000:1
- Input Lag: 4K - 16ms | 1080p - 4.2ms
- Refresh Rate: 4K - 60Hz | 1080p - 240Hz
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Best Ultra Short Throw Projector For Gaming
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The Epson LS800 is an ultra short throw projector that sits directly under the screen. With the ability to project images up to 150 inches the Epson EpiqVision gives you an immersive, gargantuan video game experience like you’ve never seen before. This laser TV sits closer than any other UST and features a powerful built-in Yamaha sound bar. The LS800 boasts a dynamic contrast ratio of 2,500,000:1 for sharp lights and deep darks. This awesome UST projector for gaming shines bright with a 4000 lumen output making it ideal for well lit rooms. When you pair it with the optional bundled ambient light rejecting projection screen you get a true television replacement.
- Brightness: 4000 Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 2,500,000:1
- Input Lag: 4K - 27ms | 1080p - 16.7ms
- Refresh Rate: 4K - 60Hz | 1080p - 240Hz
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Our Favorite Golf Sim Projector
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Golf enthusiasts can play indoors with an immersive golf simulator and the BenQ LK936ST. This 4K golf sim projector offers an outstandingly bright 5100 lumen output and a stunning 4K image. It's built with virtual golfers in mind with an exclusive golf mode for more vivid greens and blues. As a short throw projector it offers robust placement versatility and a low maintenance design.
- Brightness: 5100 Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 3,000,000:1
- Input Lag: 4K - 25ms | 1080p - 16ms
- Refresh Rate: 4K - 60Hz | 1080p - 240Hz
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Projector Resolution: | 4K |
Brand: | EPSON |
Product Status: | In Stock |
Lumens: | 2400 |
Projector Type: | Standard Throw |
Light Source: | Bulb |
Contrast Ratio: | 200,000:1 |
Chipset: | LCD |
Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 [HD] |
Throw Ratio: | 1.35:1 - 2.84:1 (D:W) |
Native Resolution: | 1920x1080 |
Lens Shift: | Horizontal & Vertical |
Input Lag: | 4K/60Hz: 28.4ms | 1080p/60Hz: 28.4ms |
3D Support: | Yes |
Warranty: | 2 Years |
Standard Lens Focus: | Motorized |
Wi-Fi: | Yes |
Projector Resolution: | 4K |
Brand: | BenQ |
Product Status: | Leaves Warehouse within 2-3 Weeks |
Lumens: | 3300 |
Projector Type: | Lifestyle |
Light Source: | LED |
Contrast Ratio: | 600,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio |
Chipset: | DLP |
Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 [HD] |
Throw Ratio: | 1.15:1 - 1.50:1 (D:W) |
Native Resolution: | 3840x2160 |
Input Lag: | 4K/60: 16.67ms|1080p/60: 16.7ms|1080p/120: 8.3ms|1080p/240: 4.2ms |
Built-In Speaker: | Yes |
Warranty: | 3 Years |
Standard Lens Focus: | Powered |
Wi-Fi: | Yes |
Operating System: | Android TV |
Projector Resolution: | 4K |
Brand: | EPSON |
Product Status: | In Stock |
Lumens: | 2500 |
Projector Type: | Standard Throw |
Light Source: | Laser |
Contrast Ratio: | 1,200,000:1 |
Chipset: | LCD |
Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 [HD] |
Throw Ratio: | 1.35:1 - 2.84:1 (D:W) |
Native Resolution: | 3840x2160 |
Lens Shift: | Horizontal & Vertical |
Input Lag: | 4K/60Hz:19.4ms | 1080p/120Hz: 28.7ms |
3D Support: | No |
Warranty: | 2 Years |
Standard Lens Focus: | Motorized |
Wi-Fi: | No |
ARC/eARC: | eARC |
Projector Resolution: | 4K |
Brand: | EPSON |
Product Status: | In Stock |
Lumens: | 4000 |
Projector Type: | Ultra Short Throw |
Light Source: | Laser |
Contrast Ratio: | 2,500,000:1 |
Chipset: | LCD |
Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 [HD] |
Throw Ratio: | 0.16:1 (D:W) |
Native Resolution: | 3840x2160 |
Lens Shift: | No |
Input Lag: | 4K/60Hz: 21.0ms | 1080p/60Hz: 22.1ms | 1080p/120Hz: 12.3ms |
3D Support: | No |
Warranty: | 2 Years |
Standard Lens Focus: | Manual |
Wi-Fi: | Yes |
ARC/eARC: | ARC |
Operating System: | Android TV |
Projector Resolution: | 4K |
Brand: | JVC |
Product Status: | In Stock |
Lumens: | 3300 |
Projector Type: | Standard Throw |
Light Source: | Laser |
Chipset: | DLP |
Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 [HD] |
Throw Ratio: | 1.36:1 - 2.18:1 (D:W) |
Native Resolution: | 3840x2160 |
Lens Shift: | Horizontal & Vertical |
Input Lag: | 1080P/240Hz: 6.25ms |
3D Support: | No |
Warranty: | 1 Year |
Standard Lens Focus: | Manual |
Wi-Fi: | No |
Projector Resolution: | 4K |
Brand: | EPSON |
Product Status: | Leaves Warehouse within 5-10 Business Days |
Lumens: | 4000 |
Projector Type: | Ultra Short Throw |
Light Source: | Laser |
Contrast Ratio: | 2,500,000:1 |
Chipset: | LCD |
Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 [HD] |
Throw Ratio: | 0.16:1 (D:W) |
Native Resolution: | 3840x2160 |
Lens Shift: | No |
Input Lag: | 4K/60Hz: 21.0ms | 1080p/60Hz: 22.1ms | 1080p/120Hz: 12.3ms |
3D Support: | No |
Warranty: | 2 Years |
Standard Lens Focus: | Manual |
Wi-Fi: | Yes |
ARC/eARC: | ARC |
Operating System: | Android TV |
Projector Resolution: | 4K |
Brand: | JVC |
Product Status: | Leaves Warehouse within 2-3 Weeks |
Lumens: | 3300 |
Projector Type: | Standard Throw |
Light Source: | Laser |
Chipset: | DLP |
Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 [HD] |
Throw Ratio: | 1.36:1 - 2.18:1 (D:W) |
Native Resolution: | 3840x2160 |
Lens Shift: | Horizontal & Vertical |
Input Lag: | 1080P/240Hz: 6.25ms |
3D Support: | No |
Warranty: | 1 Year |
Standard Lens Focus: | Manual |
Wi-Fi: | No |
Projector Resolution: | 4K |
Brand: | Optoma |
Product Status: | Leaves Warehouse within 1-2 Business Days |
Lumens: | 3600 |
Projector Type: | Short Throw, Golf Simulator |
Light Source: | Bulb |
Contrast Ratio: | 1,000,000:1 |
Chipset: | DLP |
Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 [HD] |
Throw Ratio: | 0.50:1 (D:W) |
Native Resolution: | 3840x2160 |
Lens Shift: | No |
Input Lag: | 4K/60Hz: 16.9ms | 1080p/240Hz: 4.2ms |
3D Support: | Yes |
Warranty: | 1 Year |
Standard Lens Focus: | Manual |
Wi-Fi: | No |
What makes a gaming projector better than a flatscreen?
Image Size
The biggest advantage video game projectors have over playing on a LCD TV is the size. As big as a 60 inch television sounds, a 120 inch projection screen display is 4 times larger!
The tremendous size of a projector screen offers an immersive experience that nothing compares to. Whether you play first person shooters or third person RPGs, there’s nothing like having your entire field of vision filled with the game’s display.
Another benefit of gaming on a projector screen is the ability to play splitscreen multiplayer games. Back in the days of the N64 and the original PlayStation, you could have a four player split screen and still see all the details to snipe the friend sitting next to you. Modern games have gotten so much more complex that it’s hard to fully enjoy split screen gaming on even a 60 inch tv.
With a projector screen for gaming this isn’t an issue. A 120 inch projection screen is 4 times as large as a regular 60 inch LED TV. It’s like each player has their own 60 inch display.
Ultra High Definition
A larger screen doesn’t mean much without also providing sharp detailed visuals to go along with it.
Both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and Series S feature 4K resolution. Naturally the new generation of video game projectors also displays 4K resolutions to match. These 4K projectors offer a high level of vivid colors and outstanding light and dark contrast.
The improved visual details provided by a projector made for gaming can give you a real edge in spotting camouflaged or hidden enemies before they spot you.
Contrast Ratio
Speaking of contrast ratio, one key aspect of a high quality projector for gaming is of course contrast ratio.
Contrast ratio is the level of light reflected from an entirely white or entirely black image sequence. Therefore, if the projector has a contrast ratio of 2000:1, it means the white image is 2000 times brighter than the black, making the image more crisp and vivid.
For a gaming monitor you want a contrast ratio with a minimum of 1000:1.
Some new projectors claim to have contrast ratios in the millions but this should be taken with a grain of salt. That is because these are measuring dynamic contrast ratio as opposed to native contrast ratio. That said a dynamic contrast ratio of 2,500,000:1 still typically translates to a native contrast ratio well above the 1000:1 minimum for optimal gaming.
Input lag
Input lag is how long it takes for the TV or projector to generate an image, adding time to when you press a button, and when that action occurs on screen. So when you see something like an enemy creeping around a corner for instance, input lag increases the amount of time before you can react to it.
If you're a hardcore game or even a medium intensity online gamer, you probably care a lot about input lag. It has a huge effect on your scores, and who doesn’t enjoy the extra wins?
Ideally you want an input lag time 30 milliseconds or less. It might not seem like it makes much of a difference, but when you’re playing a multiplayer game like Call of Duty facing a charging enemy, every millisecond feels like an eternity.
In the past, projectors were notorious for having poor input lag times. With faster processors and advancements in projection technology it’s now much easier to find projectors that offer lag times under 30 milliseconds.
Refresh Rate
The refresh rate is the number of times the monitor updates with new images each second.
When it comes to gaming monitors, increasingly, 120Hz, 144Hz, and even 240Hz refresh rates (or framerates) are becoming more and more popular. You can see the difference slowed down.
However at full speed, many players can’t tell the difference between a 60Hz and 120Hz refresh rate. So as long as you’re not a pro-gamer 60Hz is a recommended minimum refresh rate for video games.
High Dynamic Range (HDR)
High Dynamic Range is a technique used in TVs and projectors to enhance the image shown. HDR significantly expands the range of both contrast and color. Lighter parts of the image can become much brighter, so the image appears to have more depth and contrast. The vividness of colors also get expanded to show brighter blues, greens, reds and every shade in between.
HDR has become increasingly more common in AAA games. Titles like Horizon Zero Dawn, Gears of War 5, The Last of Us: Remastered, and Mass Effect Andromeda produce more immersive and breathtaking environments thanks to the utilization of HDR.
In order to capture the true value of high dynamic range games you need a device that can handle it. Luckily the best video gaming projectors are high dynamic range ready, meaning they can fulfill the requirements to raise your gameplay experience to the next level.
Play Even In Well Lit Rooms
In the past one of the biggest drawbacks to playing video games on a projector screen was that you couldn’t play in a well lit room. The image would look washed out and not vivid enough to capture the intricate details of modern titles. If you wanted to game on a projector screen you’d need to have a dedicated dark room.
Thanks to new Ultra Short Throw technology projectors can sit right below the projector screen and deliver a clear, rich image in spite of being placed in a bright room. This is thanks to the extra luminous laser light source. With a UST laser tv you can play anytime, anywhere on a huge screen right in your own home.
The Cool Factor
Any way you slice it playing video games on a gigantic projector screen is just plain awesome!
Best Video Games For Playing On A Projector
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Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
As the sequal to Breath of the Wild, you'll experience the grandeur of Hyrule in a way that can only be truly captured on a giant 120 inch projector screen.
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STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor
With fast paced action and the rich vivid colors of galaxy far, far away, Jedi Survivor is a fantastic video game to showcase the capabilities of a video game projector.
3
Skyrim
Skyrim is an epic game. An epic game should be played on an epic screen. Truly immerse yourself in the world of Skyrim with its massive landscapes and lifelike fauna.
4
Super Smash Bros Ultimate
When it comes to same room multiplayer games nothing is more fun than Super Smash Bros Ultimate. This fast paced brawler has tons of vibrant colors best captured on a 4K projector screen. With a huge display it’s easy to get the fun going for all 8 players on the same screen.
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Valorant
The 2020 smash hit team-based first person shooter similar to Counter-Strike continues to surge in popularity. Get the edge playing on a giant projector screen and see details you’d otherwise miss, so you can lead your team to victory.
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Dead Space
Dead Space is a contemporary classic horror game, recently rebooted in stunning 4K. This terrifying masterpiece akin to Ridley Scott’s ‘Alien’ was made for the immersive experience of a video game projector.
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Crysis
Similarly to Dead Space, Crysis was remastered with beautiful 4K graphics in 2020. When first released in 2007, this graphically intense game was the ultimate test of a computer’s gaming ability. Now the gorgeous visuals of this first person shooter can be the ultimate test of your video game projector’s graphic capabilities.
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Goldeneye
For a night of retro gaming Goldeneye is always a fan favorite. While it doesn’t require the 4K graphics of modern games you’ll have a blast as James Bond with the golden gun on a gigantic screen unlike how we used to play. (No Oddjob!)