Tax’ in Gaming Accessories
If you’ve spent any time gaming or shopping for gaming gear, you may have noticed something strange. There’s a category of products labeled “for her” that often costs more than their unisex or “for him” counterparts. Sound familiar? That, my friends, is what’s known as the “pink tax,” and it’s a frustrating reality that spills over into the gaming industry too.
The pink tax isn’t an actual tax, of course. It’s more of a pricing phenomenon where products marketed towards women are slapped with a higher price tag. This can range from everyday items like razors and deodorants to, yes, gaming gear. It raises questions like, “Why is this pink headset more expensive than the black one?” or “Am I being charged extra just because this chair has glitter on it?”
Today, we’re unpacking the pink tax in gaming accessories and what it means for gamers, particularly women. Spoiler alert: It’s not just about the price; it’s about what this practice says about inclusivity and fairness in gaming.
What Exactly Is the Pink Tax?
Imagine this scenario. You’re in the market for a new gaming headset. You stumble upon a sleek, high-performance headset in black for $70 (about ₹5,775). Perfect! But wait, there’s an identical model in pink labeled as a special “edition for her,” and it costs $80 (roughly ₹6,600). The difference? Just the color.
This pricing trend isn’t limited to headsets. Gaming chairs are another common example. The rugged “pro gamer” black chair costs $250 (₹20,625), while the pastel pink version jumps to $300 (₹24,750). For what? A little color? Perhaps a heart sticker on the headrest?
Accessories like keyboards and mice often follow the same pattern. A pastel-themed “gamer girl” keyboard and mouse bundle might cost $100 (approximately ₹8,250), while an identical set in neutral tones is priced at $80 (₹6,600). The functionality? It doesn’t change. You’re paying for aesthetics that companies assume all female gamers want.
It’s frustrating, right? And the cherry on top? Many of these “for her” designs lean heavily on outdated ideas of what women want—as if all female gamers exclusively prefer pink, glitter, and floral patterns.
Why Gender Stereotypes Don’t Work
Here’s the thing about stereotypes in gaming gear design. They don’t just result in higher pricing—they ignore the diversity that exists among women gamers. Gaming is not one-size-fits-all, and neither are the tastes of its players.
Take my own experience. A couple of years ago, I was shopping for a gaming mouse and couldn’t believe how many “female-oriented” options were just different shades of pastel or plastered with sparkly designs. I’m a practical gamer—I care about performance, comfort, and maybe a touch of style. What I didn’t care for was paying more money for features I didn’t want. And, trust me, I’m not alone.
There are companies that are finally catching on to this. Instead of marketing pink or glitter as “female-friendly,” they’re creating inclusive designs that offer choices. These brands are proving you can cater to diverse tastes without resorting to gender-based gimmicks.
Progress Toward Functional and Inclusive Gear
Thankfully, there’s hope. Some forward-thinking brands are paving the way with inclusive, high-quality products that don’t lean on lazy stereotypes. For example, one company recently launched a gaming chair available in versatile colors like gray, navy, and red, without arbitrarily hiking up prices for different designs. Whether you pick neon green or classic black, the chair costs ₹18,000 ($220). Equal, fair, and simple.
Another great example is gaming mice designed for different hand sizes and ergonomic needs, offered in various colors—including non-pink ones—for a consistent ₹3,300 ($40). Brands that focus on options without inflating prices prove it’s possible to meet everyone’s needs without alienating anyone.
Why It Matters
Beyond the money, the pink tax is a metaphor for equality in gaming. When women are asked to pay more for equal or lesser value, it signals that their preferences don’t matter as much. It implies that women aren’t seen as serious gamers but rather as a niche to market toward.
Gaming thrives on creativity and innovation. The pink tax, in contrast, feels outdated and uninspired. Real progress in the gaming industry means ensuring that everyone has access to equipment they love at a fair price, regardless of who they are.
Time to Level the Playing Field
If you’re a gamer who’s encountered this frustrating price disparity, you’re not powerless. Your voice matters. Share feedback with brands, support companies championing inclusivity, and call out unnecessary price hikes when you see them.
For gaming companies, the mission is clear. Include everyone. Design products that transcend gender stereotypes. Focus on functionality, style, and fair pricing. Whether it’s rethinking product design, creating more inclusive marketing efforts, or simply shelving the pink tax for good, the possibilities are endless.
At the end of the day, gaming should be about adventure, skill, and community—not paying extra for pink paint. Gaming companies, it’s time to play fair.