Wi-Fi 7 is poised to become the new gold standard for wireless connectivity, but for now, it remains more of the future. And while it is almost guaranteed to improve speeds, performance, and wireless stability, the reality is that, for now, Wi-Fi 7 is still an emerging technology.
While its benefits are undeniable, adoption across gaming devices and accessories is still in its early stages. That said, major brands are already laying the groundwork. Acer, for instance, has launched Wi-Fi 7-ready routers like the Predator Connect T7 and the 5G-enabled Connect X7, signaling that the gaming industry is gearing up for the shift. So, the question remains: Do you really need Wi-Fi 7 for gaming, or is it better to wait? Let’s break it down.
What Is Wi-Fi 7?
Wi-Fi 7 (IEEE 802.11be) is the future Wi-Fi standard, utilizing three frequencies (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) to achieve faster speeds, lower latency, and a higher maximum bandwidth.
What sets Wi-Fi 7 apart from previous generations is its ability to use 320 MHz channels, 4K QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) for denser data transmission, and Multi-Link Operation (MLO), which allows devices to send and receive data across multiple bands simultaneously.
This, in theory, means more consistent connections, even in congested networks, and performance that’s fast enough to support high-bandwidth activities like cloud gaming, AR/VR, and ultra-high-definition streaming, wirelessly. For gamers, this represents a major leap toward closing the gap between wired and wireless performance.
Wi-Fi 7 vs Wi-Fi 6/6E: What’s the Difference?
The key difference between Wi-Fi 7 vs Wi-Fi 6/6E is the increased number of frequency bands and an improved max. speed, plus a larger channel size range. That's not all...
Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6 |
|---|---|---|
Launched 2024 | Launched 2021 | Launched 2019 |
802.11be IEEE Standard | 802.11ax IEEE Standard | 802.11ax IEEE Standard |
46 Gbps | 9.6 Gbps | 9.6 Gbps |
2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz | 6 GHz | 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz |
Multi-Link Operation | No Multi-Link Operation | No Multi-Link Operation |
WPA 3 Security | WPA 3 Security | WPA 3 Security |
20, 40, 80, 80+80, 160MHz, 320MHz Channel Size | 20, 40, 80, 80+80, 160 MHz Channel Size | 20, 40, 80, 80+80, 160 MHz Channel Size |
4096-QAM OFDMA Modulation | 1024-QAM OFDMA Modulation | 1024-QAM OFDMA Modulation |
16X16 MU-MIMO | 8X8 UL/D/ MU-MIMO | 8X8 UL/D/ MU-MIMO |
How Does Wi-Fi 7 Improve Gaming Performance
Thanks to the advanced capabilities of Wi-Fi 7, it's pretty safe to assume you'll experience noticeable performance boost across several key areas while gaming:
- Faster Downloads and Updates: With significantly higher data throughput, game downloads, patches, and updates complete much more quickly.
- Lower Latency for Real-Time Responsiveness: Reduced latency means faster reaction times in competitive games, creating a more fluid and responsive experience.
- Wider Bandwidth for More Data: The jump to 320 MHz channel bandwidth allows Wi-Fi 7 to transmit much more data at once, reducing congestion and ensuring high-speed performance.
- Greater Stability and Reliability: MLO allows devices to use multiple frequency bands simultaneously (2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz), improving connection stability and reducing lag spikes during gameplay.
In practice, this all rings true based on what we here at Gfinity have experienced. Online games that demand a lot from your Wi-Fi just seem to run more smoothly and without as much, if any, lag and latency.
Of course, Wi-Fi 7's performance in your home is influenced by your overall broadband package, but the upshot is that devices like the aforementioned Predator Connect T7 and Connect X7 can give your online gaming experience a boost.
What Gaming Devices Support Wi-Fi 7?
The main gaming device that supports Wi-Fi 7 is the PS5 Pro.
Released in 2024, the PS5 Pro was the first major gaming console to support Wi-Fi 7. This upgrade makes it well-equipped for the future of online and cloud-based gaming, offering faster downloads, lower latency, and more reliable connections in busy network environments.
For PC gamers, Wi-Fi 7 support is starting to appear in high-end systems:
- The Acer Predator Triton 14 AI is a cutting-edge gaming laptop that combines portability with next-gen connectivity, making it ideal for competitive gaming or high-speed downloads on the go.
- The Acer Predator Orion 3000 is a powerful desktop option that’s ready for Wi-Fi 7 out of the box, perfect for gamers looking to future-proof their home setup.
More devices, from motherboards to handhelds, are expected to include Wi-Fi 7 support throughout 2025 and beyond, but for now, these are among the first wave of gamer-ready options.
Do You Need a Wi-Fi 7 Router for Gaming?
Not necessarily, but it depends on your setup and what kind of gamer you are.
If you're a competitive gamer seeking the lowest possible latency over Wi-Fi, or you live in a household with many connected devices and high network traffic, a Wi-Fi 7 router can offer noticeable improvements in speed, stability, and responsiveness.
However, for most casual gamers or those already using a solid Wi-Fi 6 or 6E setup, especially when gaming on a wired connection, the upgrade may not be essential just yet.
It's more about future-proofing than an immediate need, as there aren't many gaming devices available that currently support this next leap in Wi-Fi technology.
Final Thoughts
In the end, Wi-Fi 7 offers impressive potential for gamers, but it's still early days in terms of widespread device support. If you're looking to future-proof your setup and stay ahead of the curve, it’s a solid investment, but for most gamers today, it’s not a must-have just yet.