Accessories just seem to be unavoidable when it comes to modern devices, and consoles are no better.
We’ve also covered the PS4 Pro accessories, but the Pro is far from the only major gaming system that a prospective 4K TV owner might consider.
Microsoft’s flagship console has no lack of useful accessories of its own. In this article, we will be taking a closer look at the different controllers and headsets that you can get, as well as a range of miscellaneous accessories that might make your console gaming experience just a little bit more convenient.
Table of ContentsShow
Controllers
The first category will be devoted solely to controllers. Sure, Microsoft ships one standard up-to-date version of the Xbox One controller, but what happens when that one breaks, or you simply need an extra controller?
You’ll be pleased to know that there is actually quite a wide selection of officially-licensed controllers, all of which bring a certain degree of functionality and pack a feeling different than what the standard controller offers.
The Pros:
- Top-quality build
- Customizable inside and out
- Very comfortable to use
The Cons:
- Highly expensive
About The Product
The very first controller on our list is the Xbox One Elite controller. As the name suggests, it is a more high-profile controller built for gaming enthusiasts that combines superb build quality with a number of useful new features.
Key Features
- Solid and durable build – As mentioned in the intro, the Elite controller is a tad heavier and feels much better-built than the regular Xbox One controller. This is partly owing to the numerous metal parts that went into the design, including the analog sticks, triggers, and more.
- Back paddles – The most obvious deviation from the regular controller design is the four metal paddles on the back of the controller. Not only do these provide you with a more convenient way of executing complex maneuvers, but they are also fully programmable, allowing for more intricate macros to be mapped to just a single optional button. And when you’re not using them, you can always take them right off.
- Swappable thumbsticks and D-pad – As an extra layer of customizability, you get several caps for the sticks and the D-pad. Of course, these are not simply aesthetic but can also help make the controls more ergonomic and better suited to your tastes. For thumbsticks, it’s not only the shape that differs but also the height.
- Hair triggers – A feature that shooter-lovers are going to appreciate is the inclusion of hair triggers, allowing for faster trigger action and a more realistic feeling to the triggers themselves. Of course, they still have their own separate rumble motors as in the regular controller.
- Programmable buttons – Perhaps the most powerful component of the Elite controller is the ability to customize nearly everything about the controls. Not only can the keys be remapped, but even things like sensitivity can be altered directly through the companion app.
Our Thoughts
The Xbox One Elite controller certainly is all-inclusive. It is a premium-quality product that comes with a convenient carry case for the controller and all the swappable parts. But is it worth the hefty price tag?
That is precisely the question. There is nothing wrong with the controller itself. As a matter of fact, it might be the best Xbox controller made to date. It takes the familiar ergonomic design and crams it chock-full of great features and durable materials. But ultimately, it will only be appealing to true enthusiasts because its price is more than twice the price of the regular Xbox One controller.
The Pros:
- Chroma RGB strip
- Four programmable buttons
The Cons:
- No wireless connectivity
- Pricey, not as good value as the Elite controller
About The Product
If you’re looking for a flashier controller but do not feel like spending too much on the Elite controller, then you will definitely appreciate Razer’s take on an Xbox controller – the Razer Wolverine Tournament Edition.
This controller takes the regular Microsoft design and spruces it up with some distinct Razer flair, mainly the Chroma RGB strip on the top and some signature green highlights. However, it’s not all about the looks – the controller also has four extra buttons that the regular controller doesn’t, two in the form of underside paddles and two next to the triggers and the shoulder buttons.
Key Features
- Chroma RGB – Razer’s Chroma is some of the best RGB lighting around, and it plays an important role in lending that premium gaming feeling to this controller. It is highly customizable, with numerous pre-made profiles to choose from.
- Hair triggers – Like the Elite controller, Razer has also included a hair-trigger mechanism in this controller’s triggers to make them more responsive, something that truly can make a difference in competitive gaming.
- Programmable extra buttons – As mentioned in the introduction, the Wolverine has four additional buttons, all of which are programmable. Two of them are paddles like the ones seen in the Elite, while two are smaller buttons placed next to the triggers and bumpers, making them easily accessible.
- Razer Synapse – Razer Synapse is a handy piece of software that is used to customize the configurations of nearly every Razer peripheral. It will make customizing the controller easy, but it is not that much better than most other similar utilities unless you own multiple Razer products already.
Our Thoughts
From a functional and an aesthetic standpoint, the Wolverine is quite good. It doesn’t look that much different from the regular Xbox One controller, but the Razer “skin” is remarkably effective. And of course, the multiple programmable buttons are a welcome addition for any serious gamer.
One glaring downside to the Wolverine is that it is a fully wired controller, without any form of wireless connectivity. This is highly unusual in this day and age, especially for a high-end controller such as this one. Of course, Razer claims that this is a conscious design decision because competitive gamers always pick a wired connection over a wireless one for maximum responsiveness. Still, one can’t help but feel that the option of going wireless in a non-competitive gaming scenario would be welcome.
With that said, we’d always recommend the Elite over the Wolverine unless you’re really trying to get a good pro-grade controller at the lowest price possible. The former simply packs many more features, wireless connectivity included.
The Pros:
- Very affordable
- Solid build
- Perfect for fighting games
The Cons:
- No rumble
- Questionable D-pad durability
About The Product
Now, let us take a break from flashy, high-end controllers and take a quick look at a much simpler (and slightly nostalgic) solution: the Hori Fighting Commander. This controller adopts the more retro design of old-school controllers, such as those of the Sega Mega Drive.
The classic 6-button layout makes it ideal for 2D fighting games, as the manufacturer clearly states on their site. It is quite lightweight and comfortable to hold. However, it does scrap some of the more advanced features such as rumble and wireless connectivity to be a more appealing budget-friendly purchase.
Key Features
- Classic design – As mentioned in the introduction, the old-school design of the controller makes it ideal for fighting games both due to the compactness and because of how ergonomic it is. All the important buttons are easy to reach, and many users are bound to appreciate the little bit of nostalgia that comes with the layout.
- Responsive D-pad – Xbox controllers have always had trouble with D-pads. Even though the Xbox One controller had finally fixed old input issues, its clickiness and rigidity still made it unappealing for players who preferred using the D-pad for movement. Hori, however, has made their D-pad quieter and better-optimized for movement in 2D environments.
Our Thoughts
It would be easy to bash this controller for missing some of the advanced features of a full-fledged Xbox controller, but keep in mind that this one was designed specifically for 2D fighting games – and it fulfills that purpose admirably.
The only real downside is that the D-pad may feel a bit stiff initially, and there have also been some concerns regarding its long-term durability. Still, at this price tag, this little controller is an excellent purchase for any fighting game enthusiast.
Headsets
The next category is devoted to headsets. As you probably know, the difference between headphones and a headset is that the latter comes with integrated microphones, a feature that is quite handy when it comes to console gaming.
Furthermore, headsets can be either wired or wireless, although the wired ones will essentially be converted to wireless by connecting to the controller’s headphone jack, so there’s no need to debate the pros and cons of either in this case.
The Pros:
- Good sound quality
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Good design, complements the console
The Cons:
- Rather basic mic
About The Product
Let’s start off with the basics: the official Xbox One Stereo Headset. It is by no means the cheapest Xbox One headset available, but it is the most affordable one that actually packs both good stereo sound and a decent microphone.
Key Features
- Clean and fitting design – The headset sports a minimal glossy exterior that fits in well with the general Xbox One aesthetic, as is to be expected from an official Microsoft-made product.
- Memory foam cushioning – Memory foam may not be the best for noise-canceling, but it is definitely the number one choice for on-ear headphones where comfort is a top priority.
- Balanced sound quality – Granted, you can’t expect a headset with a two-digit price tag to blow you away with any groundbreaking sound, but this one certainly does a good job of sounding like it is a bit beyond its price range, especially when it comes to how well it balances the highs and the lows.
Our Thoughts
All things considered, the Xbox One Stereo headset is everything that you could wish for an affordable gaming headset. It is lightweight, comfortable, and offers an immersive audio experience. On top of that, the design complements the console in a way that only an official product can.
The only qualm we have with it is that the microphone is a bit basic, although this is to be expected, considering the price tag. Nonetheless, it is very sturdy and gets the job done, just don’t expect any crystal clear recordings from it.
The Pros:
- Excellent sound for this price range
- Solid build with an aluminum frame
- Overall great value
The Cons:
- Not everyone will like the design
About The Product
Next up, we have a higher-quality headset for the more demanding users. It is made by HyperX, a Kingston subsidiary that focuses exclusively on gaming products. This, of course, includes peripherals, and HyperX headsets have a rather good reputation. So, does the HyperX CloudX live up to it?
Key Features
- Memory foam cushions – Once again, we have memory foam as the material of choice for cushioning. In contrast, the earpads themselves can be made either of leatherette or cloth based on user preference, seeing as they can be swapped at will.
- Aluminum frame – The CloudX may not look all that impressive like some other flashy gaming headsets out there, but it definitely has the build quality right. The closed ear cups are made of solid plastic, and the frame itself out of aluminum, making the headset sturdy and highly durable.
- Detachable microphone – While it is not a studio-quality microphone, it more than gets the job done when it comes to gaming. Furthermore, it is detachable and very flexible, which is rather convenient both during actual gaming and for when you need to transport it.
Our Thoughts
All things considered, the headset’s defining qualities are the excellent sound and just how well-built it is. You can rest assured that you won’t have anything to complain about in the audio department, be it in the case of gaming or multimedia. After all, Cloud-series HyperX headsets are prized for offering excellent sound at approachable prices.
In the end, it truly is a remarkable headset for the money. The only flaw we could find with it is the design, which just didn’t really sit with us, but that is an entirely subjective matter.
The Pros:
- Superb sound quality
- Great virtual surround
- Free Dolby Atmos key included
- Comfortable to wear for long periods of time
- Extremely long battery life
The Cons:
- Average non-detachable microphone
- Design won’t agree with everyone
About The Product
Moving further up along the price spectrum and digging into the high-end territory, we have an excellent wireless headset from Plantronics – the RIG 800LX.
For those of you who are not up to speed, the RIG headsets are lightweight, modular, and deliver an amazing sound that only befits a renowned company like Plantronics. The 800LX is no exception to this, as it has all of that, as well as excellent virtual surround capability and remarkably good battery life.
Key Features
- Fully modular – Parts of the headset can be swapped at will, including the frame, the headband, and the ear cups themselves. This can not only make the headset easier to transport, but also opens some doors when it comes to customizability.
- Dolby Atmos virtual surround – Dolby Atmos is one of the best pieces of virtual surround software available at the moment. However, it is a paid program. So, as a bonus, Plantronics includes a free code for Dolby Atmos with this headset, along with several others.
- Memory foam cushions – The headset is not only some of the lightest ones around, but the cloth-covered foam cushions make it extremely comfortable to wear and minimize sweating.
- 24-hour battery life – As with all wireless peripherals, keeping them charged can be a hassle. This is not so much an issue with the RIG 800LX, as its battery can last for days without needing a recharge – based on how much you use it, of course.
Our Thoughts
The sound quality of the RIG 800LX is breathtaking enough in itself, but add Dolby Atmos to the mix, and you get a truly superb listening experience on all levels. On top of that, the headset is so comfortable and light that it’s entirely possible to forget that you’re wearing it at all.
Yet, it is still not a perfect product. The microphone is average at best and is non-detachable, which is unusual considering that even cheaper RIG headsets have detachable microphones. Other than that, the design just might be a bit “too much” for some people who don’t much like bulky and detail-heavy exteriors.
Miscellaneous
The final category will consist of miscellaneous accessories that are not quite as relevant to your gaming experience as controllers or headsets are, but are more auxiliary in nature.
The Pros:
- Plug and play on Windows 10
- Relatively cheap
- Nice and compact redesign
The Cons:
- Windows 10 is the only officially supported OS
About The Product
The Xbox Wireless Adapter is just what the name implies: a USB dongle meant to allow your Xbox One controller to connect to your PC or laptop easily.
The latest version is redesigned to be 66% smaller than the original wireless adapter, but it also now comes with a much more modern look: rounded edges and an inconspicuous pairing button on the bottom.
It can support up to 8 controllers simultaneously, and while you’re unlikely to ever need to connect that many controllers to a single PC, it’s nice to know that it has that kind of throughput, mainly for the sake of any headsets that you might want to connect.
Our Thoughts
There’s not much to say about this adapter, seeing as it adds no new functionality but merely repackages the old tech and gives it a much more stylish appearance. The price didn’t change either, and there is no need to upgrade to this new dongle if you already have the old one. The only issue we have with it is that it is only compatible with Windows 10, meaning no straightforward macOS or Linux support.
The Pros:
- Fits in seamlessly with Xbox One controllers
- Backlit keys
- 3.5mm jack and integrated headset controls
The Cons:
- Somewhat expensive
About The Product
As handy as gyroscope-aided typing can be, sometimes it’s just not as fast nor as precise enough for sharing messages when time is of the essence. Whether you need to type faster in chats or just like having the good old QWERTY layout right under your thumbs, you are bound to appreciate the official Xbox Chatpad.
It connects to your controller via its extension port, with two prongs on either side to help keep it stable. The keys are backlit, and it even has its own 3.5mm jack, meaning that it will still allow you to connect any wireless headphones or headsets to the controller.
Our Thoughts
The Xbox Chatpad is an extremely convenient product; there’s no doubt about that. It fits the controller perfectly, and it is not only the best way to compose messages on the console, but it even comes with built-in headset controls. And as a cherry on top, it ships complete with an Xbox Chat headset.
The only downside is that it is a bit pricey for a chatpad, but that is understandable given the quality and that the box includes a mono headset as well. And after all, the sheer quality blows any third-party chatpads out of the water.
The Pros:
- Good battery life
- Saves money in the long run4
The Cons:
- May not be compatible with all charging stations
About The Product
People tend to have mixed emotions regarding Microsoft’s approach to controller batteries. Some appreciate the fact that a controller’s power source is user-replaceable, while others do not like the notion of having to make expensive investments in AA or rechargeable batteries.
With the Play and Charge Kit, Microsoft merges the best of both worlds. The official rechargeable battery can provide up to 30-hours of battery life for a controller on a single full charge, it charges relatively quickly, and can always be replaced if there is a significant dip in performance.
Our Thoughts
There is not much to say about this fancily-named rechargeable battery other than that it makes for a worthwhile long-term investment, especially if you use your controller frequently and thus burn through AA batteries quickly.
The advertised 30 hours of battery life mostly hold up, and the battery is quick to recharge. Just keep in mind that it charges via the controller’s micro USB port, meaning that it won’t work with charging stations that do not use said port.
![best xbox one stand](images/best-xbox-one-stand-450x260.jpg)
PowerA Vertical Stand for Xbox One X
The Pros:
- Solid build
- Minimal design
- Very stable
- Does not hinder cooling
The Cons:
- A bit pricey for a vertical stand
About The Product
PowerA is a company specializing in console accessories, regardless of which console we’re talking about. Their inventory is quite diverse, although the first product of theirs we’ll be looking at is a rather simple one: an Xbox One X vertical stand. Just keep in mind that this is a product officially licensed by Microsoft, meaning that there’s no need to fear it not doing what it’s supposed to or being an inadequate fit for your console.
Our Thoughts
This PowerA vertical stand is made of solid plastic, with rubber feet to help keep it stable on any surface. The simple design means that it will blend seamlessly with the console itself without attracting any extra attention to itself.
When properly mounted, there is no wobbling whatsoever, and the console is firmly held in a vertical position. And, of course, the stand is designed so as not to hinder the One X’s cooling system, something that is known to be a problem with some third party vertical stands.
All in all, this stand has everything that you can expect out of a piece of plastic shaped to suit a specific purpose. Although, it might be a bit on the pricey side, at least as far as shaped pieces of plastic go. Nonetheless, if you like the aesthetic of a vertically-standing console, then you can hardly do better than an officially licensed product.
The Pros:
- Sturdy build quality
- Batteries included
The Cons:
- Only works with PowerA batteries
About The Product
Next on the list is yet another PowerA product, only this time, it’s a charging station. These accessories are ideal for charging multiple controllers simultaneously and for reducing cable clutter.
Once again, this is a product officially licensed by Microsoft, so there’s no need to fear that it might damage the hardware. Inside the box, you get two rechargeable 1100 mAh batteries, and the charging station also has one extra USB port for charging your wireless headset.
Our Thoughts
If you want a sturdy charging station that looks good and does exactly what it is designed to do, then you will not be disappointed by this one. It even has signal LED lights at the bottom that let you know when the controllers are fully charged and it fits in well with the console’s overall aesthetic.
Now, the only real issue with this charging station is that it comes with unique PowerA-made batteries that have exposed pins. It is through these pins that the battery actually charges, and while it is entirely safe and efficient, it can make other rechargeable batteries you might own (such as Microsoft’s own Play and Charge Kit) redundant.
The Pros:
- Solid performance
- Massive storage
- Easy to use with any Xbox console
The Cons:
- Could use more design variants
About The Product
The Seagate Game Drive is pretty much just a standard external hard drive, albeit built specifically for the Xbox. It has plug-and-play compatibility with every version of both the Xbox One and the Xbox 360, interfacing via a USB port and requiring no additional power source.
Our Thoughts
The HDD’s performance is surprisingly good, especially considering that it is an external HDD connecting via USB. This makes it good both for just storing data and for actually installing games on it instead of the internal storage. You can get it with 2 TB or 4 TB of storage, although a massive 8 TB “hub” is also available. On top of all that, there are also several design variants, including the standard green, along with three special editions.
All in all, this external HDD is perhaps the best way to increase your console’s capacity without going through the hassle of replacing its internal hard drive. The performance is on point and the storage is truly massive, though some additional exterior designs would be welcome, particularly a black one.
If you’re looking for some more variety, feel free to check out our guide on the best external HDDs.