Even after more than a year on the market, Sony's PlayStation 5 is still a difficult machine to find, a fact that becomes increasingly more frustrating as the console's library expands. Demon's Souls, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, and Returnal; many exciting games have made their way to the current-gen hardware, a line-up that becomes more enticing with each passing month.
Along with games, the PS5 also has plenty of great accessories, be it first-party or third-party offerings. By definition, these products are completely optional, and a console owner could easily skip out on these gadgets and not feel like they are missing out on anything. However, depending on someone's gaming preferences and requirements, these PlayStation 5 accessories could be must-purchase items.
An accessory's Amazon listing page will be included.
DualSense Wireless Controller
Anyone who picks up a PS5 will receive a DualSense Wireless Controller and a charging cable for the accessory alongside the console. These items are simply necessary to use the system, but if a PS5 owner plans to play local multiplayer, they will need to purchase a second DualSense Wireless Controller.
Those who play only solo can get by without buying another DualSense since they can charge their single controller while playing or when the PS5 is resting. However, a second DualSense can provide some peace of mind as a backup just in case the main controller has any issues that cause it to be temporarily out of commission.
PlayStation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller
Sony's official controller for the PlayStation 5, the DualSense enhances the experience of playing games through haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. These functions prioritize immersion and are used well by certain titles.
DualSense Charging Station
Besides a second DualSense, the other official PS5 accessory that is the closest to being a must-own is the controller's Charging Station. This equipment does exactly what it advertises: makes it possible to charge two DualSense without needing to connect them to the PS5. It is a simple but effective device that ensures players always have fully charged controllers since they can be left on the Charging Station whenever the console is not in use.
DualSense Charging Station
PS5 owners who want to ensure their DualSense controllers are always ready to go can pick up this charging station. Two controllers can be charged simultaneously.
PlayStation Media Remote
Nowadays, consoles are more than just gaming devices. They are media stations designed to allow users to stream content via services such as Hulu, Crunchyroll, and HBO Max. These apps can be navigated using the DualSense or, in some cases, the TV's remote through HDMI-CEC. If the latter is not possible and the former is too cumbersome, Sony's PlayStation Media Remote is also a viable option to elevate the PS5's functionality.
Along with including all the standard playback buttons one can expect from a remote, this accessory comes with quick access to Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, and Disney+. If the TV is compatible, the PlayStation Media Remote can also control its volume and power through its infrared transmitter.
Playstation Media Remote
The PS5 is intended to satisfy a user's full entertainment needs, and the PlayStation Media Remote makes that process as seamless as possible.
PlayStation HD Camera
Here is another PS5 accessory that is indispensable for a specific group of people. Players who want to save their gameplay for broadcasts can pick up the PlayStation HD Camera so they can record themselves alongside their play session. The PS5 also allows users to stream directly through Twitch, making the HD Camera an important purchase for anyone who uses the service. This device captures footage at 1080p, and the PS5 even comes with some lite production options so that users can change up their backgrounds.
PlayStation HD Camera Black
A must-own device for people looking to broadcast their PS5 sessions, the PlayStation HD Camera supports 1080p and comes with a built-in stand.
PlayStation Pulse 3D Wireless Headset
Compatible with PS5, PS4, and PC, the Pulse 3D Wireless Headset is a stylish piece of hardware designed to fit seamlessly alongside Sony's console and its other first-party accessories. The headset offers up to 12 hours of wireless play, 3D audio, and comes with a few volume presets. Players can also fine-tune the equalizer through the PS5 to fit their preferences, and the headset makes it simple to switch between settings.
This accessory naturally comes with two built-in microphones with noise-cancelation, and there is even a button that allows players to check their mic so they can know how they sound to other people.
PlayStation Pulse 3D Wireless Headset
Headsets are a dime-a-dozen, but PS5 owners who prefer to stay with the official merchandise can check out the Pulse 3D. Along with high-end headphones, this headset comes with a noise-canceling microphone.
Third-Party PS5 Stands
The PS5 ships with a stand tailor-made for both vertical and horizontal placement. Regardless of how it is set up, Sony's console does require the assistance of a stand, and the packaged one gets the job done (and is arguably the best vertical PS5 stand on the market). However, the third-party scene is flooded with alternatives, some of which come with quite a few different features.
Here are a few of the best PS5 third-party stands:
- OIVO PS5 Stand: OIVO has an array of options available on Amazon, but one of the company's most highly-regarded stands also comes with a charging station, cooling fan (that has garnered mixed reviews), and slots to store 12 games. It is charged by the PS5.
- NexiGo PS5 Horizontal Stand: A simple-to-install alternative, this horizontal stand uses two legs to the PS5 on opposite ends, and it comes with slip-resistant pads.
M.2 SSDs
The standard PS5 has 825GB of storage space, although not all of that can be used to save games. Considering AAA projects can require more than 50 GB on their own, PS5 users are likely to run out of space quickly, especially if they plan to download a bunch of games from PS Plus Extra and Premium's libraries.
People who prefer to have an expansive selection of games ready to go should consider expanding the PS5's storage space through the acquisition of an M.2 SSD. Prior to making any purchases, it is recommended to read through Sony's compatibility guidelines since an M.2 SSD costs more than any other PS5 accessory.
For a rundown of the best SSDs to install in a PS5, please check out this article. Here are a few recommendations:
- Corsair MP600 PRO LPX: Available up to 4 TB and supports 7,100 MB/s read and 6,800 MB/s write speeds.
- Samsung 980 PRO SSD: Available up to 2 TB and supports 7,000 MB/s read and 5,100 MB/s write speeds.
Seagate Game Drive (External Hard Drive)
SSDs are expensive, and the accessory can be a tough pill to swallow after investing $500+ on Sony's console. Consequently, external hard drives are worth considering since they provide a more cost-effective way to expand the PS5's storage. Now, games stored on external hard drives need to be transferred to the PS5's internal SSD in order to be played; however, this accessory removes the need to constantly redownload titles.
Sony has officially licensed the Seagate Game Drive for PlayStation consoles, with the hard drive being compatible with both the PS5 and PS4. Available in a myriad of sizes starting from 500 GB and ending at 8 TB, this drive should be a plug-and-work type of experience.
Seagate Game Drive for Playstation Consoles
An external hard drive officially licensed by Sony, the Seagate Game Drive expands the PS5's storage capacity to lessen the need to redownload games.
Third-Party External Storage Devices
External Hard Drives For PS5
Sony might have licensed the Seagate Game Drive, but users can also turn to third-party hard drives to satisfy their storage needs. The market is flooded with options that cover a wide range of budgets and sizes. Therefore, people interested in picking up a hard drive for their PS5 should conduct some research before making any decisions.
Prior to purchasing anything, please check that a hard drive supports SuperSpeed USB with connection speeds of 5/10/20 Gbps as those are the PS5's requirements. In terms of size, the PS5 supports drives ranging from 250 GB to 8 TB.
Here are a few third-party PS5 hard drives:
- WD_BLACK P10 Game Drive: Available in a variety of sizes up to 5 TB, the P10 supports speeds up to 140 MB/s and can also be used with the PS4, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One.
- Toshiba Canvio Gaming Portable External Hard Drive: Available in three sizes (1/2/4 TB) and also compatible with the PS4, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One.
External SSDs For PS5
Alternatively, PS5 owners can purchase an external SSD. While typically more expensive than an HDD, a solid-state drive will make the process of transferring files a lot quicker. External SSDs adhere to the same requirements as their HDD counterparts.
Here are a few third-party PS5 SSDs:
- WD_BLACK P50 Game Drive: Supports up to 2000 MB/s transfer speed and is also compatible with PS4 and Xbox consoles.
- Samsung T5 Portable SSD: Supports up to 540 MB/s transfer speed and is designed with portability in mind.