The right accessories make a console more comfortable, faster and more fun. This guide covers the PlayStation 5 accessories and Xbox Series X accessories that are actually worth buying in 2026, explains the free Xbox Accessories app, and answers common questions about the PlayStation camera and using a keyboard and mouse on Xbox.
Best PS5 accessories
| Accessory | Why buy it |
|---|---|
| Extra DualSense controller | For local multiplayer and as a spare while one charges |
| DualSense Charging Station | Charges two controllers without using USB ports |
| M.2 NVMe SSD with heatsink | More storage for PS5 games; see the PS5 storage upgrade guide |
| Pulse Elite headset or Pulse Explore earbuds | Lossless wireless audio with PlayStation Link |
| Media Remote | Easier control of streaming apps |
| Disc drive (for Digital and Pro models) | Play physical games on drive-less consoles |
| Vertical stand | The slim and Pro models do not include one |
| PlayStation Portal | Play your PS5 on an 8-inch handheld screen |
The PlayStation camera and PS5 camera
The PlayStation 5 camera, officially the HD Camera, is a small 1080p dual-lens camera that lets you add a picture-in-picture video of yourself when streaming or sharing gameplay, with background removal. It is not required for any game. The older PlayStation camera for PS4 was used for the original PS VR and some motion games; it works on PS5 only with a free adapter for PS VR, and only for PS4 VR games. The new PS VR2 does not need any camera because it tracks itself.
Best Xbox Series X accessories
| Accessory | Why buy it |
|---|---|
| Rechargeable battery pack | Stop buying AA batteries |
| Storage Expansion Card (Seagate or WD C50) | Play Series X|S games from extra storage; see Xbox storage guide |
| Xbox Wireless Headset | Pairs directly to the console and your phone |
| Xbox Elite Series 2 or a Hall effect controller | Paddles and drift-resistant sticks |
| Media Remote | For movies and streaming apps |
| Charging dock | Keeps two controllers topped up |
| Racing wheel | For Forza Horizon 6; see racing wheels |
What is the Xbox Accessories app?
The Xbox Accessories app is a free Microsoft app for Xbox consoles and Windows PCs. With it you can:
- Update controller and headset firmware.
- Remap buttons and save profiles (up to three on the controller and many more on the console).
- Adjust stick sensitivity curves, trigger dead zones and vibration on the Elite Series 2.
- Change the brightness of the Xbox button.
- Check battery level and connection type.
On console it is already installed; open Settings > Devices & connections > Accessories. On PC, download it from the Microsoft Store and connect the controller with USB.
Can you use a keyboard and mouse on Xbox?
Yes. Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One support USB keyboards and mice, and many games support them natively, including Call of Duty, Fortnite, Apex Legends, Gears 5, Minecraft, Sea of Thieves and Microsoft Flight Simulator. Plug them into any USB port; wireless sets with a USB dongle also work. Games that do not support mouse input will only use the keyboard for menus and chat. Some games put keyboard and mouse players in separate matchmaking pools or let developers block them. Officially licensed “Designed for Xbox” keyboards and mice from Razer and others add Xbox-specific keys, such as an Xbox button.
Accessories worth skipping
Not every accessory is a good buy. Cheap “cooling fans” that clip onto the PS5 or Xbox Series X can actually disrupt the console’s designed airflow, and some have been reported to damage USB ports. Dust covers are mostly unnecessary if the console sits in an open space. Universal remotes that promise full console control often miss features of the official media remotes. Third-party charging stations without certification may overheat batteries. And anything that promises to “boost” Wi-Fi by plugging into the console’s USB port is marketing. Spend your money on storage, a good headset and a second controller instead.
Accessories by budget
Under $30
- Rechargeable battery kit for Xbox controllers.
- A long USB-C cable so you can charge and play from the couch.
- A vertical stand for the PS5 Slim or Pro.
- A screen cleaning kit and microfiber cloths for your TV.
$30 to $100
- A second controller.
- A charging dock or the DualSense Charging Station.
- A wired headset such as the HyperX CloudX or Cloud Stinger.
- The Xbox or PS5 media remote.
- The PS5 HD Camera if you stream.
$100 and up
- A 2TB NVMe SSD for PS5 or a 1TB Storage Expansion Card for Xbox.
- A wireless headset such as the Pulse Elite or Xbox Wireless Headset.
- A pro controller: DualSense Edge or Xbox Elite Series 2.
- A racing wheel or a fight stick for fighting games.
- The PlayStation Portal or PS VR2.
Accessories for families and kids
Parents should set up the free Xbox Family Settings app or the PlayStation Family Management tools first; they control screen time, spending and who kids can talk to. Durable controller shells, volume-limiting headsets for kids, and a second controller for couch co-op games are the most useful extras for families.
Accessories for streamers
If you stream to Twitch or YouTube from your console, add a USB microphone or a headset with a good mic, the PS5 HD Camera or a USB webcam (Xbox supports webcams for party chat and Twitch broadcasts in some apps), and good lighting. For higher-quality streams, a capture card connected to a PC gives you full control over overlays and audio. See our Discord on Xbox and PlayStation guide for voice chat.
Accessories FAQ
Do Xbox One accessories work on Xbox Series X?
Yes. Controllers, wired and wireless headsets, wheels, keyboards and most other Xbox One accessories work on Series X|S. Kinect does not.
Do PS4 accessories work on PS5?
Many do: PS4 controllers work for PS4 games, and most USB headsets, wheels and fight sticks work. The PS4 camera works only with an adapter for PS VR, and DualShock 4s cannot be used in PS5 games.
What is the single best accessory to buy first?
Storage. Modern games are huge, and a bigger SSD or expansion card saves hours of re-downloading.
Storage: the accessory most players need first
With game sizes over 100GB, extra storage is often the most useful upgrade. On PS5, add a fast M.2 NVMe SSD with a heatsink; see our PS5 storage upgrade guide. On Xbox Series X|S, the official Storage Expansion Card is the only way to play Series games from external storage, while a USB drive can store them and play older games. See Xbox storage expansion explained.
Charging and power accessories
A dual charging station keeps two controllers topped up and saves cable clutter. For Xbox, rechargeable batteries are a cheap upgrade over AAs. For PS5, Sony’s DualSense Charging Station uses the controller’s bottom contacts, so you never wear out the USB-C port. Add a surge protector for the console itself: it protects against power spikes, and it is far cheaper than a repair. More on power in our console power cord guide.
Protecting your controllers and console
Silicone skins and thumb grips protect controllers from wear and improve grip in long sessions. A vertical stand gives the PS5 or Xbox Series X room to breathe, and a microfiber cloth plus a can of compressed air keeps vents free of dust.
How to avoid fake accessories
Counterfeit controllers, chargers and memory cards are common on marketplaces. Buy from official stores or major retailers, look for licensed badges such as Designed for Xbox or Officially Licensed by PlayStation, and be wary of prices far below normal. Fake chargers are a safety risk, and fake controllers often fail within weeks. Keep receipts, because official accessories come with a warranty and retailers will exchange faulty units within their return window. When an accessory fails, our troubleshooting guides cover the common fixes before you buy a replacement.