What to Look For in a PlayStation 5 Accessory in 2023

As far as specific items are concerned, there are many criteria to consider. For controllers, you’ll want to ensure they incorporate key features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. For headsets, you’ll want something highly adjustable, offers solid noise-canceling skills, and features a crisp microphone. And if you’re searching for an internal SSD, you’ll need to ensure it meets Sony’s long list of specifications.

The key to finding the best PS5 accessories is carrying out diligent research. Scan comments on Amazon, read reviews from professional critics, and (when in doubt) stick to time-tested brands. Our choices meet all these criteria and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

While you’ll find plenty of third-party PS5 controllers on the market, none are as impressive as the first-party Sony DualSense Controller. Featuring a design that matches the PS5 console, it looks great in your game room when displayed next to your new-gen platform.

Not only does the DualSense look great, but it performs even better. Featuring advanced haptic feedback, adaptive triggers that can change tension on the fly, and a built-in microphone, Sony managed to pack a ton of unique features into the gamepad. You’ll also benefit from a 3.5mm jack for wired headsets and a Create button that lets you quickly take screenshots or record videos.

The DualSense is a well-rounded controller, but it’s not perfect. For one, its rechargeable batteries will only last around eight hours before needing to be plugged in. That’s not a dealbreaker, as you can easily charge it through your PS5 when not in use. It’s also a bit expensive, clocking in at $70.

Still, those minor nitpicks aren’t enough to overwhelm the bevy of other features offered by the DualSense. It’s arguably the best controller Sony has ever produced, and it’s an easy recommendation for anyone with a PS5.

If you are diving into competitive multiplayer matches or frantic action games, consider upgrading to the DualSense Edge. Beyond offering everything great about the standard DualSense, it ups the ante with customizable components and two additional buttons.

But instead of giving you a slightly upgraded controller and calling it a day, the DualSense Edge comes with various swappable parts. This includes standard caps, high dome caps, low dome caps, half dome back buttons, and lever back buttons. In other words, you should have no trouble piecing together a controller that suits your playstyle.

The star of the show, however, is the new set of back buttons. These can be mapped to other button input, giving you faster access to your most-used actions. However, all these features come at a price, as the DualSense Edge costs a staggering $200.

It might seem steep, but that’s par for the course regarding premium, pro-style controllers. With all the normal DualSense features, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better gamepad in this price range.

Best Premium PS5 Controller

Sony DualSense Edge Controller

It’s not cheap, but the DualSense Edge is a highly customizable controller that leaves no stone unturned on its quest to give you a premium gaming experience.

The Pulse 3D Wireless Headset launched a few weeks ahead of the official PS5 launch date—yet it remains one of the best headsets available today. Featuring a sleek design, impressive audio, and a reasonable price tag, few products can compete with the Pulse 3D headset.

One of the best things about the Pulse 3D is its $100 price tag. It’s not uncommon for powerful headsets to cost well over $200, but Sony’s first-party device does what third-party companies achieve without inflating costs. Designed specifically to fully use PS5’s Tempest 3D AudioTech, the Pulse 3D can pump out booming explosions, gunshots, and subtle footsteps or rustling leaves.

The headset also includes two hidden microphones, although they don’t perform quite as well as a dedicated boom mic. So if you need something that offers more clarity, consider looking at some of the other best PS5 headsets. But beyond that complaint, most users will find much to love about the Pulse 3D Wireless Headset.

Since your DualSense controllers will only last around eight hours before recharge, the PowerA Twin Charging Station is the perfect way to ensure you always have a gamepad ready to go.

The Twin Charging Station is built to accommodate two DualSense controllers at once. That alone puts it ahead of most charging docks, which are designed for just a single gamepad. It also boasts a sleek white and black paint scheme—which meshes nicely with your PS5 console.

Unfortunately, you’ll need another power outlet to use the Twin Charging Station, which requires an A/C adapter. It would have been nice if a USB port on your PS5 powered the dock, but at least that’ll free up your console’s ports for additional gadgets.

It’s also hard to argue with the great price of $25. If you have two DualSense controllers in your game room, add this charging dock to your collection.

Running out of storage on your internal SSD? Consider picking up the WD_Black 2TB SN850 NVMe SSD to add some usable space to your console. It’s a bit expensive, but you get what you pay for as an officially licensed product.

Sony has a long list of requirements for internal SSDs, but this WD_BLACK product checks them all off. It also features a built-in heatsink, so you won’t have to worry about overheating issues while gaming. And unlike external drives, this internal SSD lets you play PS5 games without transferring them.

The installation process for any PS5 SSD is tricky, as it involves cracking open its faceplate, removing a few screws, and properly formatting the drive. It’s not difficult, but it does require some technical know-how. If you need help, check out our comprehensive guide on upgrading your PS5’s internal SSD.

Unlike the Nintendo Switch, a PS5 isn’t meant to leave your home. But if you decide to travel with it (or are prepping for a move), you’ll be glad you have the CASEMATIX Hard Shell Travel Case.

Designed to carry your PS5 console, two controllers, power cable, and additional accessories, this travel case makes it easy to bring your gaming gear on the road. The outside of the case is built with composite hard shell plastics and is “crushproof,” giving you peace of mind that nothing will get rattled during your trip.

Inside the case, you’ll find blue foam padding with custom cutouts for all your gear. It’s all pulled together with four reinforced latches that also offer a bit of waterproofing and dust proofing—which might seem a bit extreme, but when you have more than $500 worth of gear inside, you’ll be glad for the functionality.

The Travel Case is a bit bulky, and its hard shell design means you won’t be able to squish corners to cram it in the back of your car or an overhead luggage compartment. It’s also a bit pricey at $150, but considering it’ll keep your PS5 safe and cozy during all your adventures, it’s more than worth the investment.