The Best Gaming Accessories of 2026: Controllers, Headsets and Storage for PS5, Xbox, Switch 2 and PC

Updated November 2026

The right accessories can change how a console or gaming PC feels far more than most people expect. A better controller means more comfort and fewer worries about stick drift, a good headset lets you hear footsteps before you see the enemy, and extra storage means you stop deleting games to make room for new ones. The problem is choice: there are now dozens of third-party pads with Hall effect sticks and back paddles, and nearly every audio brand sells a "gaming" headset. To cut through it, our team compared this year's controllers and headsets on comfort, build quality, features, battery life and value across PS5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC, and narrowed everything down to the gear we'd actually tell a friend to buy.

Below you'll find our quick picks, a closer look at each one, our recommendations by platform, and a short guide on what really matters before you buy.

A note on prices: controllers and headsets are discounted heavily around Black Friday (November 27) and Cyber Monday (November 30), and official pads in special colors often cost a little more than black or white. We show approximate price ranges ($ = under $50, $$ = $50–$100, $$$ = $100–$200, $$$$ = over $200). Always check that you're buying the right version for your platform: many headsets and third-party controllers come in separate PlayStation, Xbox and PC models.

Our quick picks

Best PS5 controller

Sony DualSense Wireless Controller

Still the best way to play on PS5, and a great pad for PC too

Platforms:

PS5, PC (Bluetooth or USB-C)

Layout:

Symmetrical sticks

Features:

Haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, touchpad, motion

Battery:

Around 6-8 hours (rechargeable, USB-C)

Weight:

280g (9.9oz)

Price range:

$$ ($74.99 list, often less on sale)

Sony's own controller remains the one we'd recommend to almost every PS5 owner. Its haptic feedback and adaptive triggers are genuinely innovative, and both Sony's studios and third-party developers use them in ways that make games feel more physical, from the tension of a bowstring to the rumble of different surfaces underfoot. It's also simply a great gamepad: curvier and more comfortable than the old DualShock 4, with superbly positioned sticks and buttons and triggers that feel great.

The weak spot is battery life. All those motors take their toll, and you can expect roughly six to eight hours between charges, so keep the USB-C cable handy for long sessions. On PC it works well too, but support is game-by-game, and haptics only work when the controller is plugged in rather than over Bluetooth.

What we like

• Haptics and adaptive triggers add real immersion
• Comfortable, high-quality build
• Fair price for the features
• Also works on PC

What we don't

• Disappointing battery life
• Battery can't be swapped
• Limited feature support on PC

Want a pro pad for PS5? The Scuf Omega ($219.99) is the most customizable PS5 controller we know of, with swappable faceplates, sticks and button modules, a far better d-pad than the DualSense and around 17 hours of battery. It lacks the DualSense's haptics and is expensive for what you get in build quality. If you play fighting games, the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded is a versatile, modular alternative.

Check price on Amazon

Best Xbox & PC controller

Xbox Wireless Controller

The reliable standard for Xbox Series X|S, Windows PCs, phones and cloud gaming

Platforms:

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Android, iOS

Connectivity:

Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth, USB-C

Battery:

AA batteries (rechargeable pack sold separately)

Extras:

Share button, 3.5mm audio jack

Weight:

287g

Price range:

$$ ($64.99 list in black or white, $69.99 for other colors)

It may look like a boring choice, but the Xbox Wireless Controller earns its spot through sheer reliability. The buttons and d-pad are excellent, the grip is comfortable and well balanced for long sessions, and build quality is among the best at its price. It connects to just about anything: Xbox consoles natively, PCs over Bluetooth or USB, and phones and tablets for cloud gaming, and many PC games treat it as the default controller.

There's an enormous range of colors and special editions, plus Xbox Design Lab if you want to build your own. The main downsides: it still runs on AA batteries out of the box (we'd add the official rechargeable battery kit), it has no back buttons, and its standard sticks don't use drift-resistant Hall effect sensors. For a lag-free connection on PC, you'll need the separate Xbox Wireless Adapter.

What we like

• Rugged, comfortable and well built
• Works with Xbox, PC, Android and iOS
• Long life on batteries
• Huge choice of colors

What we don't

• AA batteries by default
• No back buttons or pro features
• Standard sticks can drift over time

Want more for your money? The Asus ROG Raikiri II Xbox Wireless is our pick for competitive Xbox players, and the GameSir G7 Pro is a strong mid-range option with more features than Microsoft's pad.

Check price on Amazon

Best Switch 2 controller

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller

The best controller Nintendo has made, and worth it for docked play

Platforms:

Nintendo Switch 2

Battery:

Up to 40 hours

Features:

HD Rumble 2, motion controls, amiibo (NFC), wake

Extras:

Two mappable back buttons, 3.5mm audio jack

Weight:

235g

Price range:

$$ (around $85)

If you play your Switch 2 on the TV, this is the upgrade to buy first. The matte finish feels premium, the weight is satisfying, and the thumbsticks are buttery smooth. Nintendo added two back buttons on the grips that you can remap directly from the console's quick menu, which no third-party pad can match, and the d-pad is accurate enough for fighting games. HD Rumble 2 is the star, with precise, refined vibration that's far more immersive than the generic rumble in cheaper pads.

You also get every Nintendo feature: amiibo support, motion controls, wake-from-sleep and a new headphone jack, plus excellent battery life of around 40 hours. The catches are the price, which adds up quickly if you're buying for multiplayer, the lack of analog triggers for racing games, and sticks that aren't Hall effect or TMR, so drift resistance isn't guaranteed.

What we like

• Premium, very comfortable design
• Brilliant HD Rumble 2
• Back buttons mappable from the console
• Excellent battery life

What we don't

• Expensive next to third-party pads
• No Hall effect sticks
• Digital triggers only

Cheaper Switch 2 options: the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller (around $60) adds a charging dock and back buttons and also works on PC and mobile, while the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Bluetooth Controller costs under $30 and has Hall effect sticks, ideal as a second pad for Mario Kart World. Both need a firmware update to work on Switch 2. For GameCube classics, Nintendo's own Switch 2 GameCube Controller is the most authentic choice.

Check price on Amazon

Best pro controller

Razer Wolverine V3 Pro

A truly wireless pro pad for Xbox and PC, with no drift worries

Platforms:

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC

Connectivity:

Razer HyperSpeed wireless (USB dongle), wired USB-C

Sticks:

Hall effect, swappable caps

Extras:

6 remappable buttons, trigger stops, 1,000Hz wired polling

Battery:

10-15h with RGB and haptics on, up to 20h off

Price range:

$$$ ($199.99 list)

The Wolverine V3 Pro is what competitive Xbox and PC players have wanted for years: a premium, fully wireless controller that takes the fight to Microsoft's own Elite. Every one of its six extra buttons and both triggers uses clicky mouse-style switches, the triggers can lock into a short hair-trigger mode, and the Hall effect sticks mean you shouldn't ever have to worry about stick drift. In play it feels incredibly responsive, with no noticeable latency.

Razer includes everything in the box: a braided USB-C cable (wired mode unlocks a 1,000Hz polling rate on PC), alternative stick caps and a hard travel case. The compromises are battery life, which is only average with the lighting on, the lack of Bluetooth, and the fact that you lose a USB port to its dongle. The shape is a little different from a standard Xbox pad and suits smaller hands slightly better.

What we like

• True wireless pro controller for Xbox
• Hall effect sticks
• Superb, tactile buttons and triggers
• Case and extras included

What we don't

• Average battery life
• No Bluetooth; needs a dongle
• Expensive

Other pro options: the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 has 40+ hours of battery, a great charging dock and Bluetooth, but its right bumper has a reputation for failing. Prefer wired? The Razer Wolverine V3 Tournament Edition keeps the core design for about half the price, and the Scuf Valor Pro brings Hall effect sticks and four rear paddles for under $100.

Check price on Amazon

Best budget controller

GameSir G7 SE

Pro features for less than the price of an official pad

Platforms:

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC

Connectivity:

Wired (braided USB-C cable)

Sticks & triggers:

Hall effect, hair-trigger mode

Extras:

2 remappable back buttons with locks, 3.5mm jack, audio controls

Weight:

221g

Price range:

$ ($44.99 list)

The GameSir G7 SE packs an amazing amount into a controller that costs around $45. Both the sticks and the triggers use Hall effect sensors, which should hold up far longer than traditional parts and keep stick drift away, and the anti-friction rings make the sticks feel silky smooth. You also get two remappable back buttons (with lock switches so you don't press them by accident), a hair-trigger mode for shooters, audio controls built into the d-pad and support for GameSir's Nexus app on Xbox and PC.

It's compact, light and comfortable, which makes it a great fit for smaller hands, and the faceplate can be swapped or painted. In performance and durability, we'd rank it above Microsoft's own controller. The one big catch is that it's wired only, and the various G7 versions on sale can be confusing, so double-check you're buying the SE.

What we like

• Hall effect sticks and triggers
• Back buttons with lock switches
• Comfortable, high-quality build
• Outstanding value

What we don't

• No wireless option
• Confusing range of G7 models

Even cheaper: the wired Drakong Challenger ($34.99) feels far more solid than its price suggests, with tight, responsive inputs, making it a great spare pad for local multiplayer. It skips software and extras, though.

Check price on Amazon

Best wireless gaming headset

Razer BlackShark V3 Pro

Rich sound, a full-band mic, and battery for days

Connectivity:

2.4GHz, Bluetooth, USB and 3.5mm wired

Drivers:

50mm TriForce Bio-Cellulose Gen 2

Mic:

Detachable HyperClear Full Band 12mm

ANC:

Yes

Battery:

Up to 70h (PC), up to 48h (console)

Price range:

$$$$ ($249.99 list)

The BlackShark V3 Pro is the most complete gaming headset we can recommend. It sounds fantastic, with a textured, vibrant presentation and impressive depth in the low end that makes explosions and soundtracks land, while still letting you pick out details. The detachable full-band microphone is useful if you spend a lot of time in party chat.

It's packed with features too: active noise cancelling, up to 70 hours of battery on PC, THX Spatial Audio on Windows, EQ customization and simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth audio, so you can take a call while you play. It's light and comfortable, with mesh-topped earcups that stay cool. The headband could use a bit more padding, battery is shorter on console, and colors are limited to black or white (the PS5 and Xbox versions add accents).

What we like

• Excellent, spacious sound
• Outstanding detachable mic
• ANC and huge battery life
• Simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz

What we don't

• Expensive
• Headband padding could be thicker
• Shorter battery life on console

Save money or go audiophile: the standard Razer BlackShark V3 ($149 list) keeps the stellar sound and 70-hour battery and adds a 10 ms low-latency mode, without the Pro's extras. If sound quality is everything, the Audeze Maxwell 2 uses huge 90mm planar magnetic drivers for peerless audio and lasts about 80 hours, but it's heavy and costs $329 (PS5) or $349 (Xbox). PS5 owners on a tighter budget should also look at the Sony Inzone H5 ($149), which is very comfortable and handles 3D audio superbly.

Check price on Amazon

Best headset for most people

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless

Mid-range sound and comfort at a near-budget price, for almost every platform

Connectivity:

2.4GHz (USB-C dongle) and Bluetooth

Platforms:

PC, PS5, PS4, Switch, Switch 2, Steam Deck, mobile (Xbox needs the 3X model)

Drivers:

40mm neodymium

Mic:

Detachable ClearCast Gen 2.X

Battery:

Up to 30h (2.4GHz), 40h (Bluetooth)

Price range:

$$ (around $100)

For most players, this is the headset to get. The Arctis Nova 3 Wireless delivers essentially the same audio quality as SteelSeries' pricier Arctis Nova 5, clear enough to track every footstep in a competitive shooter, in a light, very comfortable design you can wear for hours. It connects over a slim 2.4GHz dongle or Bluetooth, and it now works fully with the Nintendo Switch 2 as well as PS5, PC and Steam Deck, which makes it one of the most versatile headsets around.

The detachable ClearCast microphone sounds good, fast charging gives around nine hours of use from a 15-minute top-up, and the SteelSeries Arctis app has hundreds of game-specific audio presets. It also comes in fun lavender and aqua colors as well as black and white. Out of the box it's a little quiet and less punchy than we'd like, so spend a minute with the EQ, and there's no noise cancelling.

What we like

• Great sound for the price
• Lightweight and very comfortable
• 2.4GHz and Bluetooth, Switch 2 support
• Detachable mic, fast charging

What we don't

• Quiet out of the box before EQ
• No ANC
• Xbox owners need the separate 3X version

Step up: the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 ($129) adds up to 60 hours of battery and 360° spatial audio (buy the 5X for Xbox). Xbox players who want a similar headset should get the Arctis Nova 3X, which is also a great mid-range choice for PC.

Check price on Amazon

Best budget gaming headset

HyperX Cloud Stinger 2

A no-nonsense headset that just works, for under $50

Platforms:

PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch

Connectivity:

Wired (3.5mm)

Drivers:

50mm

Frequency response:

10Hz-28kHz

Weight:

9.7oz

Price range:

$ (under $50)

If you just need a decent headset for a new console, a second player or a kid's setup, the Cloud Stinger 2 is the one we'd buy. It sounds perfectly good for the money, fits comfortably, and because it uses a standard 3.5mm connection, it plugs straight into any PlayStation, Xbox or Switch controller as well as a PC. Operation couldn't be simpler: there's nothing to charge or pair.

At this price there are trade-offs. The all-plastic build doesn't feel as durable as headsets with steel headbands, and the mic is a little quiet and awkward, which matters if you're always in party chat. For a cheap, comfortable headset that works everywhere, though, it's hard to beat.

What we like

• Great sound for the price
• Comfortable fit
• Works with every console and PC
• Simple plug-and-play

What we don't

• Quiet, cumbersome mic
• Flimsy-feeling plastic build
• Wired only

Other budget picks: want wireless on a budget? The PowerA LucidSound LS500 (around $70) is light and comfy with 2.4GHz and Bluetooth and up to 70 hours of battery, though it feels cheap. The Razer Kraken V3 X is another strong budget option for PC. For Switch 2, the colorful Turtle Beach Airlite Fit costs around $27 and has a clear flip-to-mute mic. If you prefer wired but want better build and sound, the HyperX Cloud Alpha is our favorite wired headset.

Check price on Amazon

Best PS5 storage upgrade

Samsung 990 Pro

The fastest way to add space to your PS5, in sizes up to 4TB

Type:

M.2 NVMe SSD, PCIe Gen 4.0 x4

Capacities:

Up to 4TB

Read/write:

See manufacturer specifications

Heatsink:

Available with or without

Warranty:

5 years

Price range:

$$$ to $$$$ depending on capacity

Modern games are huge, and the PS5's built-in storage fills up fast. The Samsung 990 Pro is the internal SSD upgrade we recommend: it's a Gen 4 M.2 drive that hits the very top of what PCIe 4.0 can do, comfortably beyond what the PS5 requires. The version with the integrated heatsink makes installation hassle-free, slotting straight into the console's expansion bay, and games load just as quickly as from internal storage.

It's readily available, now comes in capacities up to 4TB, and has excellent write endurance. The downsides: it's rarely cheap, random 4K performance is a touch disappointing for the price, and the PS5 can't use all of its top speed anyway. If you buy the bare drive, you'll need a compatible heatsink for your PS5.

What we like

• Maxes out PCIe 4.0 speeds
• Easy install with the heatsink version
• Excellent endurance and 5-year warranty
• Up to 4TB

What we don't

• Fairly expensive
• PS5 can't use its full speed
• Bare version needs a separate heatsink

Spend less: the Nextorage NEM-PA Series is our budget PS5 SSD pick, and the older Samsung 980 Pro with heatsink is still a great value if you find it discounted. On Switch 2? It only accepts microSD Express cards; the official Samsung 256GB microSD Express Card doubles the console's storage with transfer speeds up to 880MB/s.

Check price on Amazon

Best gaming accessories by platform

Best gaming accessories by need

Not sure where to start? If you only buy one accessory, make it a second controller from our list for your platform, then a headset. Most people are happiest with their console's official pad, but if stick drift has burned you before, a controller with Hall effect sticks like the GameSir G7 SE or Razer Wolverine V3 Pro is worth the switch.

How to choose gaming accessories: 7 things that actually matter

1. Check platform compatibility first

This is the most common mistake. Xbox consoles only work with licensed controllers and headsets, and many headsets come in separate PlayStation and Xbox versions (like the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless and 3X, or the PS5 and Xbox Audeze Maxwell 2). Third-party Switch 2 pads may need a firmware update. PC is the most flexible: almost everything works there.

2. Hall effect sticks prevent drift

Stick drift, where your character moves on its own, is the most common way controllers die. Hall effect and TMR sticks use magnets instead of parts that wear down, so they should last much longer. Official Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo pads still use traditional sticks; many third-party pads, including budget ones, now use Hall effect.

3. Back buttons and trigger stops help competitive players

Back paddles let you jump, reload or crouch without taking your thumbs off the sticks, and trigger stops (or hair-trigger modes) make shooting faster. If you mainly play single-player games, you can skip them and save money.

4. Wired vs. wireless

Wired controllers and headsets cost less, never need charging and have no lag. Wireless is more convenient from the couch. For headsets, look for 2.4GHz via a dongle for low latency in games; Bluetooth on top is a bonus for your phone or Switch 2.

5. Battery life

Controller battery varies hugely: around 6-8 hours on the DualSense, up to 40 hours on the Switch 2 Pro Controller. Headsets range from about 30 hours to 70-80 hours on the best models. Features like RGB lighting, ANC and haptics all drain batteries faster.

6. Comfort and the mic

A headset you'll wear for hours needs to be light with soft earpads; heavy audiophile headsets sound amazing but can get tiring. If you chat a lot, prioritize a good boom mic, since budget models often sound quiet or thin to your teammates.

7. Storage: buy the right type

The PS5 uses M.2 NVMe Gen 4 SSDs and needs a heatsink, so the easiest choice is a drive sold with one. The Switch 2 only accepts microSD Express cards, not regular microSD cards. When to buy matters too: Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the best times of year to pick up controllers, headsets and SSDs.

Frequently asked questions

Is the DualSense Edge worth it over the regular DualSense?

For most players, no. The standard DualSense already has the haptics and adaptive triggers that make PS5 games special. If you want a pro-grade PS5 pad with heavy customization, our favorite is the Scuf Omega, though it's expensive and drops some DualSense features.

Can I use a PS5 or Xbox controller on PC?

Yes. The Xbox Wireless Controller works over Bluetooth or USB and is the default for many PC games. The DualSense works too, but its haptics only work over a USB cable and feature support depends on the game.

Do I need the official Switch 2 Pro Controller?

Not necessarily. It's the best Switch 2 controller, with HD Rumble 2, amiibo support and back buttons you can map from the console. But 8BitDo's Ultimate 2 and Ultimate 2C are excellent, cheaper alternatives, especially if you need several pads for multiplayer.

Are cheap gaming headsets any good?

Yes. The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 and PowerA LucidSound LS500 sound good and are comfortable. What you give up at lower prices is mostly mic quality, build quality and extras like ANC or very long battery life.

How much storage should I add to my PS5?

If you play several big games at once, 2TB is a comfortable sweet spot; 4TB means you'll rarely need to delete anything. The Samsung 990 Pro comes in sizes up to 4TB.