Enhance Your PlayStation 5 Experience: The Best PS5 Accessories Worth Buying
Remember that feeling of excitement when you first unboxed your PlayStation 5? The sleek design, the promise of next-gen gaming, it was all there. But soon enough, you might find yourself hitting a few common roadblocks – perhaps your console’s storage is already full, or you wish you could game in another room, or maybe your gaming setup just needs a bit more personality. If these scenarios sound familiar, then you’re in the right place! The video above offers a fantastic overview of some of the top-tier PS5 accessories available, and we’re here to delve even deeper into why these additions can truly elevate your gaming journey.
Expand Your Digital Frontier: PS5 Storage Solutions
One of the most immediate challenges for many PS5 owners is storage capacity. While your PlayStation 5 console comes with a decent 825GB to 1TB of built-in storage, that space vanishes quickly. Modern AAA titles, often exceeding 100GB each, can fill it up with surprising speed. For instance, a single copy of a game like Call of Duty can consume a significant chunk of your drive before you even install a handful of other titles.
Fortunately, there are two primary ways to expand your PS5 storage. The first option is an external SSD, such as the SanDisk Extreme SSD mentioned in the video. These drives plug directly into your console’s USB port, offering a convenient way to store your game library. However, it’s crucial to note that PS5 games stored on an external SSD must be transferred back to the internal drive to be played. On the bright side, these external drives are perfect for storing and playing your entire PS4 game collection directly, freeing up valuable internal space.
The second, and arguably superior, option for PlayStation 5 games is installing an internal NVMe SSD. These drives are specifically designed to meet PlayStation’s stringent speed requirements, allowing you to play PS5 games directly from them without any transfer hassle. Prices for these vary, but you could add a substantial 1TB for as little as £50, making it a cost-effective upgrade. Installation is straightforward: simply remove the side cover, a small screw, and a metal plate, then slide the new NVMe drive in, secure it, and replace the covers. This not only looks much neater than an external drive but provides seamless gameplay for all your PS5 titles.
Personalize Your Console: Custom PS5 Covers
Your PS5 console is a centerpiece of your entertainment setup, so why not make it truly yours? The original white faceplates are iconic, but customizing your console’s appearance is an increasingly popular trend. Both official and third-party console covers offer a spectrum of colors and designs to match any aesthetic.
Official options from PlayStation itself include sleek colors like Midnight Black, Grey Camo, Starlight Blue, and Sterling Silver for the original PS5. For the newer PS5 Slim model, there are even more choices, including the vibrant new Chroma range, which recently added a stunning Teal Green color. A cool feature of the Slim covers is that they typically come with both digital and disc drive plates, catering to whichever model you own. Beyond official offerings, brands like Dbrand provide high-quality, unique designs, including translucent options that give your console a distinctly retro look, evoking a sense of nostalgia. You can even find accessories like the Retro PS1 logo stickers to give your console a vintage 30th-anniversary vibe.
Set the Mood: PlayStation Themed LED Lamps
Beyond the console itself, your gaming space can truly benefit from themed decor. An LED lamp, especially one featuring the iconic PlayStation symbols, can instantly transform the ambiance of your room. These lamps often come in a Perspex box design, illuminating the classic triangle, circle, cross (or X!), and square symbols. They can be free-standing on a desk or shelf, or even mounted on a wall using integrated hooks.
While some lamps offer color and brightness options, the primary draw of these PlayStation neon lights is their distinct aesthetic and surprising brightness, capable of lighting up a small room. Connecting via USB, they serve as a powerful decorative element even when unpowered, but truly shine when switched on, creating an immersive atmosphere for your gaming sessions.
Protect Your Peripherals: Gaming Coasters
It’s a universal truth for gamers: drinks and gaming go hand-in-hand. Yet, the rings and watermarks left on desks can be a constant source of frustration. This seemingly small issue has a simple, yet elegant solution: gaming coasters. Official PlayStation coasters, featuring the classic button icons, are not only practical but also add a subtle touch of gaming flair to your setup. For a clean, minimalist look, metal coasters, especially in white, pair beautifully with an all-white desk setup.
Investing in a good set of coasters protects your furniture from moisture damage and maintains a clean, professional-looking gaming area. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference in the longevity and aesthetics of your space, saving you from those annoying water rings.
Stability and Style: PS5 Vertical Stands
The PS5 console is designed to be used both vertically and horizontally. While the original PS5 included a versatile stand for both orientations, the Slim and Pro models often come with only small plastic legs for horizontal placement. If you prefer to display your PS5 vertically, especially to save desk space or improve airflow, a dedicated stand is a worthwhile investment.
Official PlayStation stands offer a secure circular chrome base that slightly elevates the console. However, many gamers prefer a uniform aesthetic, leading to the popularity of all-black vertical stands. These third-party options often match the console’s color scheme more closely, provide robust support, and are sometimes more budget-friendly. A good stand not only prevents accidental topples but also contributes to better air circulation around the console, which can be beneficial for cooling during extended gaming sessions.
Master Your Game: Essential PS5 Controllers
A second controller is almost a necessity for any PS5 owner. Whether for local co-op, multiplayer sessions with friends, or simply as a backup when your primary controller needs charging, an extra DualSense controller is invaluable. PlayStation offers DualSense controllers in a variety of vibrant colors, like Midnight Black, Cosmic Red, Galactic Purple, and more, as well as themed editions for popular games like Hogwarts Legacy or Spider-Man 2.
For gamers seeking a competitive edge, advanced controllers like the DualSense Edge or the Scuf Reflex offer significant enhancements. Both feature remappable rear buttons, allowing for quicker, more ergonomic inputs without lifting your thumbs from the analog sticks. They also boast instant triggers, reducing actuation time for actions like shooting. The DualSense Edge provides two rear buttons and adjustable triggers that can switch between instant and normal modes. The Scuf Reflex, on the other hand, typically offers four rear paddles and custom trigger options chosen at checkout, often favored for fast-paced shooters like Call of Duty due to its precise instant triggers and potentially lighter weight. While these “pro” controllers come at a higher price point, the enhanced features can significantly improve performance and comfort during intense gaming sessions.
Organize and Charge: Controller Docks & Stands
Keeping your controllers charged and neatly stored is crucial for an uninterrupted gaming experience. Charging docks offer a convenient solution, allowing you to simply drop your DualSense controllers in for a reliable charge without fumbling with cables. Official PlayStation docks are often praised for their compact design and consistent performance. While typically available in white, custom skins or third-party black versions can match a darker aesthetic.
For collectors or those who want to showcase special edition controllers, decorative wooden stands are an excellent choice. These stands don’t charge but provide an elegant display for single or multiple controllers, turning them into a focal point of your setup. They transform a utilitarian item into a piece of gaming art, perfect for limited edition or custom-painted controllers.
Gaming on the Go: The PlayStation Portal
Imagine being able to play your PS5 games from anywhere in your home, or even away from it, without hogging the main TV. That’s the promise of the PlayStation Portal. This innovative device essentially splits a DualSense controller in half and places an 8-inch LCD screen in the middle, creating a dedicated remote play handheld. It lacks local storage, meaning you can’t download games onto it, but it streams whatever is on your PS5 console remotely via Wi-Fi.
While you can achieve remote play with a phone or iPad, the Portal offers a dedicated, integrated experience with full haptic feedback and adaptive trigger support, making it feel just like playing on your console. A strong Wi-Fi connection is essential for a smooth, lag-free experience, particularly for games requiring instant responses. However, for most single-player titles or less latency-sensitive games, it works admirably. Surprisingly, it can even connect to your PS5 from outside your home, as demonstrated by successful remote play from Paris. To optimize your Portal experience, consider a dedicated charging dock for easy pick-up-and-play, a screen protector like those from Spigen for travel, and a sturdy carry case to keep it safe on the go.
Immersive Audio: PS5 Gaming Headsets
A truly immersive gaming experience isn’t complete without high-quality audio. The world of gaming headsets is vast, but some stand out for their performance with the PS5. The Astro A50X is often lauded as a top-tier option, boasting a 24-hour battery life, a convenient base station for charging, comfortable rotatable earcups, and an excellent microphone. Its unique HDMI switcher allows you to connect and switch between your PS5, PC, and Xbox with a single button press. The recently launched A50 Gen 5 offers similar features without the HDMI box, connecting via USB-C.
For those who prefer PlayStation-branded peripherals, the Pulse Elite headset is a significant upgrade from its predecessor. It features an improved microphone, better battery life, and superior sound quality, alongside a practical bracket for hanging it on a wall or under a desk. To keep any headset organized and within reach, magnetic or clip-on headset brackets are fantastic additions to any gaming desk. These affordable accessories prevent clutter and ensure your headset is always ready for action.
Display Your Passion: Framed Games & Steelbooks
For the ultimate fan and collector, framed games offer a unique way to celebrate your favorite titles and add a personal touch to your gaming setup. These displays often feature a game disc or cartridge, sometimes alongside the game’s name and launch date. You can purchase pre-framed classics, or opt for an empty frame to insert your own beloved game, perhaps a rare steelbook edition that deserves to be showcased rather than hidden away.
This accessory transforms your cherished games into works of art, sparking nostalgia and serving as a conversation starter. It’s a testament to the games that have shaped your gaming history, providing a stylish and personal element to your dedicated PlayStation 5 setup.
