The best Xbox Series X/S accessories can elevate your gaming experience from a regular good time to a deck-out setup, customized to your needs. Whether you need additional rechargeable batteries, extra controllers that pair nicely with Xbox, a great gaming headset for immersive audio, or even interchangeable thumbsticks, these accessories are all available for the taking (well, buying).
TL;DR – These Are the Best Xbox Series X/S Accessories:
While the Xbox Series X/S console and Xbox Wireless Controller can get you started on your console journey, there’s no harm in enhancing what’s already there. If you want to install more games, for instance, it doesn't hurt to expand the console's base storage. Maybe you want to you want to play with friends or kick racing games up a gear. We've even found some other controllers to get the job done well.
The best part is that you don't have to break the bank to upgrade your setup. However, for those looking to indulge a bit more, there are, of course, premium options available to truly enhance your gaming journey.
1. Seagate Xbox Storage Expansion Card
Best Storage Expansion Card
PROS
Officially licensed
Fast data transfers
CONS
Not the best value
The Xbox Series X comes with a standard 1TB of storage, with some of that being instantly eaten away by the operating system, leaving you with 802GB of usable space. When you consider that some Xbox Series X games are well over 100GB once installed, that space fills up quickly if you're not on top of your data management. So if you want to play the games you want when you want without worrying about having to delete and redownload, investing in an SSD for Xbox is a good idea.
The officially licensed Seagate Xbox Storage Expansion Card is a great external SSD for the Xbox Series X|S, coming in 1TB and 2TB sizes to install way more games. This drive is compact while remaining an easy plug-and-play solution that just about anyone can figure out – no tech wizardry required. Just slot the drive in the Xbox’s dedicated storage expansion port, and it should be good to go.
Since the Seagate Xbox Storage Expansion Card isn’t connecting to the console via USB and opts for a direct PCI Express link instead, it opens up a whole lot of bandwidth. In fact, the speeds are almost the same as the Xbox’s internal SSD, thanks to Xbox Velocity Architecture. Load times and latency in games should feel nearly identical to playing on the internal storage. Support for quick resume is even baked in for seamless switching between titles and getting you back into the action where you left off, all with a minimal wait time.
The only major downside to this highly capable memory card is the price. But considering the speedy 2,400 MB/s transfer speeds, optimized performance, and ease of use, it’s worth the splurge.
2. WD C50 Expansion Card
Best Alternative Expansion Card
PROS
Good value
Supports Quick Resume
CONS
A little slower than the internal SSD
We wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t want to splash all your hard-earned cash on Seagate’s Xbox expansion card. If that’s the case, you might want to turn your head to the WD C50 Expansion Card, a more affordable alternative. It comes in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB storage sizes to keep your favorite titles installed and ready to play.
This expansion card is officially licensed by Microsoft, too, so you can simply plug and play without any hassle of installing additional storage and taking your Xbox apart. Just like Seagate’s offering, this drive slots right into the Xbox’s expansion slot – no major setup required. From there, it’s easy to install the games you want, and thanks to WD C50’s portable size, it can be taken along to a friend's house to play games they haven’t installed.
Unlike the majority of other great external hard drives for Xbox, this one can install and play games straight from the drive rather than downloading them to the console. While transfers and boots might be slightly slower than the internal storage on the Xbox, the difference is hardly noticeable. Support for Xbox’s Quick Resume feature also means jumping right back into the action where you left off is quick and simple. The only time you’ll need to reboot is during game updates.
3. Turtle Beach Stealth 500
Best Headset
PROS
Excellent sound performance for the price
Comfortable fit with light clamping force
CONS
Can't extend or adjust earcups and headband
Combining affordability, simple connectivity, and solid sound, the Turtle Beach Stealth 500 makes for a great Xbox Series X/S gaming headset. Audio quality is the main reason you want to grab this headset. In our review of the Turtle Beach Stealth 500, our reviewer found it delivers well-balanced and bold audio across almost all frequencies. It only really struggles with highs at higher volumes, which is expected from such a well-priced headset. Even in busy, action-packed games, sound remained easily discernible with some detailed positional audio to boot. When communicating with teammates, the microphone is serviceable but sometimes quiet.
While out-of-the-box sound on the Turtle Beach Stealth 500 headset is great, Turtle Beach offers the Swarm II mobile app to swap between a few audio presets, monitor battery life, and activate features like chat boost and Super Human Hearing. In theory, Super Human Hearing sounds like a great way to detect enemies in games, but in action, our reviewer found it detracts rather than enhances the game. For more advanced customizations, a desktop version is available where it's possible to map hotkeys, adjust sound using a 10-band EQ, and change headset settings.
The headset itself also features a series of controls to adjust settings like volume, modes, and connectivity. The button layout feels cramped and hard to distinguish, making it easy to press the wrong controls. At least, the headset is lightweight and durable with a unibody design and a stretchable strap inside the band that contorts to fit your head. The headband can’t extend, and the earcups aren’t adjustable, but even still, the lighter clamping force and plush design keep the headset comfortable on the head for hours.
Connecting the Turtle Beach Stealth 500 is a straightforward process, as the headset comes with a 2.4GHz wireless dongle for a low-latency connection to the Xbox. Bluetooth 5.2 is available for other devices. However, there’s no wired connectivity option. Luckily, the 40-hour battery life will last even the longest gaming marathons.
4. Xbox Core Controller
Best Controller
PROS
Excellent D-pad
Comfortable design with extra grip for a secure hold
CONS
Requires AA batteries
It’s hard to go wrong with the classic Xbox Core Controller. Sure, it’s a little basic and lacks the flash of some higher-end gamepads, but it works seamlessly with the console, sneaks in a few upgrades from previous models, and remains ultra affordable. An IGN expert reviewed the Xbox Core Controller and loves the familiar, comfortable shape that feels well-balanced in your hands. With the addition of textured grips on the side handles and triggers, the controller is easier than ever to hold firmly in your hand.
The Xbox Core Controller features all the inputs needed to excel in just about every type of game. However, the D-pad is a real standout. It’s slightly more concave than older generations, with the cardinal directions feeling more pronounced than the Xbox Elite Series 2. Each press is clicky and responsive with surprising feedback, preventing mispresses. Games like Mortal Kombat and Midnight Suns benefit most from this improved D-pad.
Another notable design shift is the inclusion of a share button for a simpler way to take screenshots or start recording video clips. While the share button can be remapped, it has functionality limitations, and remapping controls as a whole isn’t as advanced as some gamepads. Still, it’s possible to swap the functions of a few inputs with Xbox’s easy-to-use Accessories app.
Xbox Wireless comes on the Xbox Core Controller, allowing for a simple connection to the console. A new feature called “Dynamic Latency Input” keeps latency to a minimum for fewer misspresses and a snappy experience. Given that it’s a wireless controller, battery life is a concern, and this controller keeps things rather archaic by relying on two AA batteries. A USB-C port is available for those who’d rather just skip the hassle of batteries and opt for a wired connection instead. Still, even with this slight flaw, the Xbox Core controller is the best Xbox Series X/S controller you can buy.
Note that this is also our pick for the best PC controller
5. Turtle Beach Recon
Best Affordable Controller
PROS
Range of customization options
Cooling grips
CONS
Wired only
For a controller that gets all the basics nearly perfect, look no further than the Turtle Beach Recon. This inexpensive gamepad offers a layout similar to most Xbox controllers with all the traditional buttons, sticks, and triggers found on the Core Controller. In our review of the Turtle Beach Recon, we found the buttons were responsive, with only a light touch required to activate them, while the D-pad and thumbsticks kept ultra-smooth.
But what makes this controller shine is its customization options. On the backside are two mappable Quick Action buttons that can be configured to do a range of functions. That’s not all, because above the Xbox button at the front of the gamepad are additional controls. Not only can the mic and headphone volume be adjusted when a headset is connected, but four customizable modes and “Super Human Hearing” are available. “Super Human Hearing focuses on directional audio at a cost to overall sound, while the various “modes” let you change volume settings, adjust EQ, map buttons, and activate the Pro Aim Focus. Pro Aim Focus mode is particularly useful, letting you adjust the right stick’s sensitivity.
You might be wondering what’s actually sacrificed on the budget-friendly Turtle Beach Recon, and the answer is wireless connectivity. It’s exclusively wired, but the excellent performance and build quality more than make up for it. Rumble is even included, and we’re big fans of the cooling grips, ensuring the controller doesn’t slip from your hands during heated moments.
6. Moza R3
Best Racing Wheel
PROS
Direct drive wheel with smooth, silent, and instantaneous force feedback
Easy to upgrade components
CONS
Spring instead of load cell pedals
Racing games, like Forza Horizon 5 and Crew Motorfest, are taken up a notch when paired with a top racing wheel, letting you feel the twists and turns of the virtual open road. One wheel that does a particularly great job of offering a realistic feel without draining your bank account in the process is the Moza R3. This Xbox-licensed wheel is a direct drive, leaving similarly priced belt- and gear-driven systems in the dust.
An IGN expert tested the Moza R3, finding the force feedback smooth, silent, and instant, even communicating subtle feedback. Sure, it doesn’t offer the arm-shredding power of some higher-end wheels, but the 3.9Nm of peak torque still lets you feel the bumps and curves. When playing on Xbox, it’s even possible to adjust the force feedback to your liking using the Moza Racing app, delivering more oomph to lower-end feedback.
The D-shaped 280mm wheel is comfortable in hand with a polyurethane wrapping to provide a solid grip, although the finish cheapens it slightly. Still, the face is brushed metal with easy-to-access Xbox controls for breezy menu navigation, while the wheel and base come with a reliable and sturdy steel clamp to keep the setup secure. Along with the wheel comes an all-metal two-pedal set that offers good adjustability. Unfortunately, a spring with Hall effect sensors instead of the load cell is used, so breaking is a little less consistent.
If you're not a fan of any components, upgrading and swapping Moza parts is simple. The wheel base and steering wheel snap onto each other easily using a rigid quick-release system, and the pedals can be changed out (or added onto) at any time. So, even though this might be an entry-level system, when you’re ready to kick things up a gear, you won’t have to do so all at once. It’s easy to see why this is our favorite Xbox racing wheel.
7. PDP Solis Media Remote Control
Best Media Controller
PROS
Backlit buttons
Solar and USB-C rechargeable battery
CONS
Some buttons are small
Those who want to make the most out of the Xbox Series X console probably have all their favorite streaming apps installed, like Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+. It’s great that you can skip grabbing one of the best streaming devices, but it can be a pain to switch between your TV’s remote and your Xbox controller. The easiest solution is the PDP Universal Gaming Media Remote Control. This officially licensed product lets you navigate your console, apps, and TV from one handy device.
The PDP Solis Xbox Gaming Media Remote Control offers a layout similar to your average TV controller. The typical volume and channel controls, along with all the necessary media buttons, like play, pause, stop, and fast forward, are available. Each control is easy to access, so you don’t need to fumble around with the buttons on your Xbox controller attempting to figure out what should be pressed. Should you need to use some Xbox controls, the A, B, X, Y, and home buttons are on the remote, while the arrow and select keys make it simple to navigate menus.
Beyond its media and Xbox buttons, this remote offers a few handy features. The biggest plus is the motion-activated backlit buttons, meaning all you need to do is lift the remote to see the controls glow for fewer mispresses in dark spaces. Replacing batteries will never be a concern either, as the PDP Solis Xbox Gaming Media Remote Control comes with a rechargeable battery. There’s even solar charging, so juicing up via the USB-C won’t need to happen as often. But perhaps best of all, this remote control doesn’t come with a high price tag, costing under $20.
8. KontrolFreek FPS Freek Inferno Performance Kit
Best Thumbsticks
PROS
Improves movement and precision
Durable with extra grip
CONS
Might be clunky for smaller hands
Competitive gamers will appreciate the upgraded precision that the KontrolFreek FPS Freek Inferno Performance Kit offers. This cheap and cheerful Xbox Series X accessory comes with a mid-rise and high-rise thumbstick to customize your gameplay. Each is made of a durable rubber material to provide additional grip and comfort for an upper hand when you need it.
With the mid-rise thumbstick installed, control and movements should be improved, while the increased height of the high-rise thumbstick can boost precision and accuracy when aiming. Less force will also be required when using the thumbsticks for easier movements in general. Just be prepared for the slightly chunkier thumbsticks to be a bit harder for those with smaller hands to master.
If you’re worried about installing the Inferno Performance Kit, don’t be. Taking apart a controller is not required, as they just snap right on top of your existing thumbsticks, completely changing your gaming experience in the process. A four-prong design keeps the thumbsticks securely in place during all the action, so you never need to worry about it falling off as you line up and take the perfect shot.
9. Microsoft Xbox Series X/S Play & Charge Kit
Best Rechargeable Battery Kit
PROS
More eco-friendly and economical than disposable batteries
Can play as batteries recharge
CONS
Not the fastest charging
As mentioned, our top Xbox controller, and the one packaged with the console, the Xbox Core controller, uses AA batteries. Luckily, Xbox makes it simple to swap out those disposable ones for a more eco-friendly, rechargeable option. The Microsoft Xbox Series X/S Play & Charge Kit is a rechargeable battery pack, so you’ll never need to worry about searching the drawers, cabinets, and remotes for batteries again. It’ll probably be more economical in the long run, too.
The Play & Charge Kit can fully recharge within 4 hours, getting you back in on the action quickly. However, playing as you recharge is even possible, thanks to a USB-C cable, ensuring the battery doesn’t run out during an integral game moment. That cable is pretty long, so it should be able to reach you on the couch or chair. Even when you’re not playing, the batteries will still charge up with the Xbox in standby mode.
The amount of playtime that comes with each full charge is reported to be right around 30 hours. That’s in line with many other wireless controllers. However, the actual playtime will vary based on how you use the controller.
10. Razer Universal Quick Charging Stand
Best Charging Stand
PROS
Various color options
Controller securely held on stand by magnets
CONS
No charging brick included
Compatible with all Xbox controllers, aside from the Xbox Elite 2, the Razer Universal Quick Charging Stand conveniently charges controllers when not in use. The controller simply mounts into the stand, coming back fully charged in about 3 hours, ready for the next gaming session. You’ll know the gamepad is charging when the indicator light at the front of the stand begins to glow.
The stand comes in a range of colors that match perfectly with the controllers. Whether you’re after a bit of flash that comes from a green or red option or would rather keep things more subdued with white or black, chances are, there’s something that suits your gaming setup. The charging stand also helps keep things looking a bit more organized, and the solid build quality means it should last just as long as your controller.
With overcharge and overheat protection, there shouldn’t be much worry about short-circuiting your controllers. Protection from accidental drops is also considered, so there’s rubber at the bottom of the stand that prevents slippage, and the controller will securely slot into place magnetically. However, the high-end design comes with a higher price tag, and a charging brick isn’t even included with the price.
Upcoming Xbox Series X/S Accessories
New Xbox Series X/S accessories are released all the time. Whether it’s new third-party controllers, headsets, or even different color options for the accessories you already have.
However, one of the most notable upcoming Xbox accessories has to be the Elite Series 3 controller which is rumoured to release soon.
How to Pick the Best Xbox Series X/S Accessories
Choosing the best accessories for your Xbox Series X/S can really take your gaming experience to the next level. But deciding on what accessory to invest in can stump many users. Think about what you value most in gaming. Are you all about competitive play, or do you prefer immersive single-player adventures? Your gaming style will no doubt determine your accessory choices.
It goes without saying, but before making any kind of purchase, you must check that the accessory you're eyeing is compatible with your specific Xbox Series X or S model. Not all accessories work with both, so it's important to match them up correctly.
Decide on the features you want. Are you looking for extra buttons on a controller for more control, a high-quality headset for crisp audio, or a charging station to keep your gear powered up? Once you’ve made a decision, ensure you pick an accessory from a reputable brand with good user reviews.
Accidents happen, and sometimes things just don't work out as expected. Make sure to check the warranty and return policy for any Xbox accessory you buy to avoid any potential headaches down the line.
Ultimately, however, gaming is a personal experience. Choose accessories that resonate with you, as you’ll be the one using them!
FAQs
Which Xbox accessories do you need?
This question is really dependent on your personal needs. However, some of the most essential Xbox accessories include additional storage, like the Seagate Xbox Storage Expansion Card, extra controllers, and a solid headset.
What is the best Xbox controller?
There are some great Xbox controllers available, including the Xbox Core Controller. However, if you want advanced controls, the Elite Series 2 controller and Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra are two great higher-end options. But, if you’re on a budget, you can get a plenty of capability from the Turtle Beach Recon.
Can you prevent stick drift?
You can prevent your Xbox controllers from sticking or drifting by regularly cleaning them. Avoid eating or spilling drinks near your controller, and add a controller cover to protect it.
Best Xbox Accessories in the UK
Kegan is an avid gamer who has been playing games since his Atari days. From a young age Kegan was tinkering with PCs and now has a passion for building custom gaming computers.
