The love of video games is, like all tech-based pastimes, one that makes us want to acquire and keep acquiring. For PC gamers, this is no issue - there are always some things that can be tweaked, upgraded or rebuilt. For those who prefer to play from the sofa, video game consoles offer little to scratch that unpacking itch post-purchase. Or, so you may think.
While it’s true that players of PlayStation, Nintendo and Xbox don’t have graphics cards, keyboards and mice to help itch that gear-hungry itch, there are plenty of smaller options: gaming accessories. Of course, while gaming accessories make a wonderful present to yourself, the world just as well as a gift for the video gamer in your life.
From headsets to Cable Guys, racing and arcade boards, there’s something out there for everyone. We’ve rounded up the best gaming accessories below, including a few premium picks, such as a soundbar, console-suitable monitor and gaming chair.
The Best Gaming Accessories
Just so you know, while we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections.
Given the rise of mobile gaming and the dawn of Xbox Game Pass streaming, it's no wonder that one of the biggest names in peripherals turned its hand to smartphones controllers. The Razer Kishi delivers ergonomic and intuitive controls, plugging into the phone's charging port. It performs well, with zero lag and can be plugged in during gameplay to charge the device.
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Cable Guys are the perfect blend of fandom celebration and practicality. You can shout about your love for a host of pop culture and gaming icons while having a place to store your phone or controller as it charges. While the base models start around £20, other variations incorporate headset holders and charging ports.
The WD_Black D30 Game Drive provides gamers with the thing most valued in this digital age - more storage. The Game Drive works across PC, PlayStation and Xbox to provide between 500GB and 2TB of speedy 900MB/s storage. Due to broadband limits, this canu2019t play PS5 and Series X|S titles, but it can archive them. For new-gen players, better use of the space is as storage for PS4 and Game Pass titles, as they can be stored and played from the drive. This leaves plenty of space for new-gen titles on the new-gen consoles.
The Arctis Pro is an accurate headset. The drivers deliver a wide frequency range that provides atmospheric and powerful bass, with clear and detailed mids and highs. As well as providing excellent in-game situational awareness, the headset supports DTS Headphone
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The Secretlab Titan is amongst the best gaming chairs weu2019ve tested. The Prime 2.0 PU leather is robust and subtle, and the stitching details are all finished to the highest standard. If you spend your free time gaming at a desk, you owe this chair to your back.
The Blade Hawk RGB Gaming Headset Stand is a neat way of storing, displaying and charging a headset. It also carries are two USB charging ports, RGB lighting and a 3.5mm audio jack - just note this jack degrades surround audio to stereo.
What controller grip is best for fighting games is a contentious and subjective topic. However, no one can deny that they do gain a little something extra when played with an arcade board. This old-school fight-stick from Hori will please both combo-junkies and button-mashers.
No setup is complete without a charming nod to the classics. This little chap, usually seen giving Pac-Man grief, can phase between 16 colours and react to the sound of music when flicked into u201cparty modeu201d.
Itu2019s hard to get excited by a sticky-backed clip, but as we find ourselves with an increasing number of USB charging to keep in order, its function is a blessed relief. Whenever a controller or headset dips into the red, you know where to look.
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Not strictly an accessory but a worthy add-on nonetheless, a Game Pass Ultimate membership unlocks hundreds of video games for a monthly fee. hereu2019s a great spread of new and classic titles, from triple-A blockbusters to unmissable indie successes. With the Ultimate membership, the service is accessible on console, PC and smartphones via streaming. You can read about the best games to download on the service here.
The ASUS RT-AX86U 5700 Wireless Gaming Router is more than an accessory - itu2019s a true gaming upgrade. Thereu2019s a lot of clever tech at work here, but hereu2019s the highlight reel of what it can do: support dozens of wireless devices without bottlenecked performance, operate a priority internet connection specifically for gaming, order internet tasks in order of priority and assign resources as necessary, and optimise wireless performance for online mobile gaming.
The AOC C32G1 is a reliable, affordable gaming monitor suitable for getting the most frames from Xbox, PlayStation and PC. It carries a 144Hz refresh rate - ideal for the smooth gaming offered by powerful PCs and next-gen consoles. The 31.5-inch 1800R curved screen is a delight, maximising the field of view and creating a deep sense of immersion, with a great colour representation via the VA panel.
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The Thrustmaster T300RS is one of the most popular racing wheels around – and for good reason. Itu2019s not a cheap option around, but the outlay is rewarded with an extremely high-performing wheel and pedals. The T300RS has force feedback that convincingly feeds information about the on-screen car into your hands and feet.
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