The Xbox Series X has been out for more than a year now, and the console's library is gradually blossoming into something special. While there have not been too many big exclusives released for the system, the future certainly looks bright with titles like Starfield set to drop by the end of 2022. The era of Xbox Series X has only just begun.
After picking up Microsoft's console, owners will primarily invest in games, but they can also pick up a few accessories to enhance their overall experience. These items might not be mandatory, but they are nice to have. Let's take a look at some of the best Xbox SeriesX accessories.
Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller
The Xbox Series X comes with an HDMI cable, a power cable, and a wireless controller (with batteries). As Microsoft has opted to make its latest console backward compatible with quite a few Xbox One accessories, people who owned the last-gen hardware can continue to use their peripherals.
If someone is looking to pick up a second controller, they might want to consider the Elite brand. Now, these controllers are considerably more expensive, but that price unlocks customization options like interchangeable thumbsticks and custom profiles. Considering the standard Xbox Wireless Controller is pretty good, the Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller is the very definition of a luxury item, however, it is also gorgeous.
Elite Series 2 Controller
Originally intended for the Xbox One and Windows 10, Microsoft's Elite Series 2 Controller is also compatible with the Xbox Series X/S.
Xbox Elite Series 2 Core Wireless Controller
The Elite Series 2 Controller is a pricey upgrade to the standard Xbox Controller, and it requires an investment that not everyone might be willing to bear. However, people who are interested in just the controller can check out the Core alternative, a package that strips down the Elite Series 2's features.
The Core includes the adjustable-tension thumbsticks, custom profiles, rubber grip, custom button mapping, and rechargeable battery. However, the package excludes the charging dock, extra thumbsticks and d-pad, carrying case, and paddle sets.
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core
A more budget-friendly alternative to the Elite Series 2, the Core package strips things down to the essentials.
Xbox Rechargeable Battery
For its Xbox Wireless Controllers, Microsoft decided to go with replaceable AA batteries, at least when it comes to its default option. While this might seem a bit antiquated, Microsoft does give people alternatives.
The Xbox Rechargeable Battery slots into the back of the Xbox controller, removing the need to constantly swap out dead cells. This item ships with a USB-C cable so that the controller can recharge either while someone is playing or when the console is deactivated.
Xbox Rechargeable Battery and USB-C Cable
The Xbox Rechargeable Battery is compatible with the Xbox Wireless Controller and eliminates the need to swap AA batteries. When fully charged, the battery can last up to 30 hours.
PowerA Dual Charging Station For Xbox
In a similar vein, there is also the PowerA Dual Charging Station, an accessory specifically licensed for the Xbox. Compatible with the Series X/S and Xbox One, this package comes with two rechargeable batteries, battery doors for both controller generations, and the eponymous station.
With this accessory, players can place their controllers on the station to ensure they always have a full battery, and a single charge should last for roughly 40 hours. The station comes with an AC adapter, so it only needs to be plugged into a socket to get going.
PowerA Dual Charging Station for Xbox One & Series X|S (1 x Dual Controller Dock, 2 x Rechargeable Battery Packs)
PowerA's Dual Charging Station simultaneously charges two Xbox Controllers. The package comes with two rechargeable batteries and four battery doors.
Eneloop Rechargeable Batteries (+ Charger)
Sticking with the controller's lifespan for just one more recommendation, Xbox Series X owners do not need to pick up an officially licensed accessory to move away from disposable batteries. In the world of reusable batteries, Eneloop is the leading brand, and there are a variety of options available online.
This listing was chosen as it comes with a charger that can handle four batteries at once. It is compatible with AA and AAA batteries, so this purchase can have other uses besides guaranteeing that the Xbox Wireless Controller always has energy.
Eneloop Rechargeable Batteries
There are plenty of third-party rechargeable batteries that Xbox owners can turn to in order to keep their controllers charged and ready. The Eneloop Pro comes with four batteries and a charger.
Xbox Wireless Headset
A good headset can make a world of difference while gaming. Microsoft's official wireless headset is one of the best Xbox accessories; however, as the market is flooded with many great headphones and mic combos, the Xbox Wireless Headset is very much a luxury item. If someone already has a decent headset that is compatible with the Xbox Series X/S, they can likely make do without this purchase.
If someone is in the market for a new headset and mainly plays on Xbox consoles or Windows, the Xbox Wireless Headset is a worthy candidate. Offering roughly 15 hours of battery life and supporting surround sound technology like Dolby Atmos, this accessory is high quality, flexible, and comfortable.
Xbox Wireless Headset
Microsoft's official headset for the Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and Windows 10.
Other Wireless Headsets
Depending on somebody's situation and genre of choice, a headset will either be the first or last accessory they purchase. A microphone is a must for most competitive multiplayer games, and headphones can provide a substantial advantage over a TV's speakers. There are plenty of good headsets that work with the Xbox Series X/S, and some of them are officially licensed by Microsoft.
Here are a few alternatives to the Xbox Wireless Headset:
- HyperX CloudX Stinger Core – HyperX is a well-respected brand in the headset game, and the Stringer Core is one of the best budget options on the market.
- Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 – Crisp audio, good mic, and long battery life are all things offered by this headset. It also comes in a wide range of designs.
- Razer Kaira Wireless Gaming Headset – Razer is a name that needs no introduction, and the Kaira headset lives up to the company's reputation.
Seagate Storage Expansion Card
The Xbox Series X has 1TB of storage space, and not all of that can be used for downloaded games. Still, if someone only plays two or three games at a time and does not mind re-installing titles, the internal storage should be enough to see them through this console generation.
Alternatively, there is the option to pick up a Seagate Storage Expansion Card across a range of sizes. This Solid State Drive is designed to integrate as seamlessly as possible with the console, expanding the Xbox Series X's storage space without hampering performance. This SSD is also compatible with the Xbox Series S.
Seagate Storage Expansion Card
An SSD designed for the Xbox Series X/S. Sizes range from 500GB to 8TB, although availability may vary.
Seagate Portable Hard Drive For Xbox Series X/S
Seagate's SSD Expansion Card is arguably the most important Xbox Series X/S accessory, especially for people who love to jump back and forth between a wide selection of games. That said, it is one of the more expensive accessories someone can purchase.
A more affordable alternative is Seagate's external HDD Game Drive. Offering sizes up to 8TB, this accessory expands the real estate available to download and store games. However, the Xbox Series X/S cannot directly run games saved on the HDD, and players will need to transfer the files to the console's internal storage. Still, this device removes the need to repeatedly download the same files.
Seagate Game Drive for Xbox
Seagate's external HDD is compatible with the Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One. The hard drive is a cost-effective way to download and store many games.
Logitech G920 Driving Force Racing Wheel & Floor Pedals
The ultimate situational accessory, the Logitech G920 is a stellar racing wheel that is compatible with the Xbox Series X, Xbox One, and PC. This package comes with floor pedals, although it is also possible to pick up a shifter.
A quality item designed to realistically emulate the sensation of being behind a legitimate wheel, this accessory will level up a player's time with games like Forza Horizon 5 or Assetto Corsa Competizione. The Logitech G920 is very much a premium product, and it is priced as such.
There are also more recent models like the Logitech G923 available on the market.
Logitech G920 Driving Force Racing Wheel
A driving wheel and floor pedals combo that is compatible with PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.