Sony’s latest games console has been available for more than a year now, but it’s still extremely hard to get your hands on one.
Thanks to the ongoing chip shortage, finding a PlayStation 5 can feel less like a trip to the store and more like hunting for bigfoot.
So when you do finally manage to grab one, you’re going to want to have the best gear available to get the most out of your new machine.
With so many accessories available it can be tough to know which are worth your time and money.
So we’ve put together a list of everything you need to take your gaming experience to the next level.
These are also great gift ideas for your game-loving friends!
1. Play together and keep recharged with an extra controller This may sound like an obvious one, but having multiple controllers at the ready can be a lifesaver. The PS5’s new DualSense controller has a lot of cool features, like haptic feedback, a built-in mic, and adaptive triggers, but all those features also eat up the battery life. You should comfortably get 6-8 hours of use out of the DualSense, but it’s always handy to have a backup for when it runs out of juice during the heat of battle. Having two controllers also gives you the option to throw one to a friend for some good old-fashioned local multiplayer.
2. Never run out of storage space again with an upgraded SSD
One of the most annoying things about all modern technology is that there never seems to be enough storage space available. You always end up having to delete and re-download things, and if this happens on a games console you have to wait hours for games to install. Even though it says 825GB on the console’s packaging, only about 660GB of that is usable space. Thankfully, the PS5 has the option to easily add an additional SSD for extra storage. This certainly isn’t a cheap solution, with compatible 1TB drives costing close to $200, but could be worth it for those with a large catalog of games.
If you do go for the upgrade, one of the best options available is the WD Black SN850.
3. Grab a media remote to always be in control of the show
The PS5 is clearly a gaming device first but it’s also great for watching Blu-ray movies and streaming services. When you’re watching your favorite show and want to quickly pause or change the volume the standard DualSense isn’t always the easiest to use, and that’s where the media remote comes in. Sony’s media remote features all the basic controls you’ll need along with shortcuts to popular streaming apps.
4. Hear every sound with a 3D audio headset
When Sony announced the PS5 one of the big features they talked about was 3D audio. This clever tech is supposed to provide more realistic and immersive sound by trying to replicate the effect of a full surround sound system. Even though it will work with any TV speakers, it’s most noticeable when using a compatible headset.
There are several headsets available that take advantage of the feature but the best all-round option is the official Pulse 3D wireless headset from Sony. It was designed from the start to take advantage of the 3D audio tech so you get good sound quality at a reasonable price. If prices doesn’t matter though, and all you want is the best audio experience, you’ll have to check out the A50 headset from Astro Gaming. This is an extremely comfortable headset that also offers a rock-solid wireless connection and class-leading sound quality.
5. Take aim with some enhanced thumb grips
Having a good grip on the controller is essential in competitive gaming. The standard DualSense may seem fine but some added grips will definitely improve the experience, especially after the thumbsticks begin to wear with regular use. So whether the originals have worn down, or you just want the best grip possible, it’s easy to snap on some new rubber caps to enhance the experience.
There’s almost a limitless amount of these available on Amazon and these from KontrolFreek also include extra palm grips.
6. Pimp the look of your console
Sony shocked us all when it unveiled the PS5 with its gigantic size and unique white design. I’ve grown to quite like the futuristic white sides, but if you still hate them there is now a solution.
You can pick up a set of new side plates directly from Sony to better match your personal taste. There’s a selection of 5 colors ranging from black for full stealth mode to nova pink if you really like to stand out.
