The best Xbox Series X accessories should be next on your shopping list after you've bagged yourself a console. Even the latest and greatest versions of the Series X and S that come with expanded storage can benefit from a decent headset, a pro controller, and maybe even more storage in the form of an expansion card or USB drive. There are loads of ways to jazz up your console and make it a bit more your own, and we've tested out so many that we know exactly what to recommend.
First on most people's lists is usually an additional controller of some kind. These often come in really handy whether you want to play co-op games, need a spare for when one runs out of battery, or want a few more buttons at your disposal for competitive play. Many Xbox Series X bundles will offer an extra controller, but it's well worth investing in if you pick up a console by itself.
Next on your shopping list should be a headset. There are so, so many options out there for audio nowadays, which means you don't need to spend big to obtain high-quality sound - even budget cups can carry a detailed soundscape and punch through with some crisp sound effects. Once you've got a spare controller and a headset under your belt, you'll be all set. However, you can also take things a step further and investigate some additional storage options and discounts on services like Game Pass to get even more out of your console.
The best Xbox Series X accessories
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You'll find all our favorite Xbox Series X accessories listed just below. If you're looking to make the most of that low Xbox Series S price, it's worth noting that all of these accessories are compatible with the cheaper console as well.
Xbox Series X controllers
Our favorite controller for PS5 has made its way to Xbox, and its new version might even be an improvement over the original - but don't tell PS5 players that.
The facial components here can be lifted out and rotated, meaning you can finally have symmetrical thumbsticks if you'd like to. If you're a competitive player, you won't find a gamepad more suited to Esports performance. No matter the genre, this controller can adapt to it. You can even swap out the components entirely which is massive for fighting game fans - especially since there's a dedicated fightpad module in the box with six facial buttons.
This controller has so many attachments and add-ons in its case, you'll find swappable thumbstick tops, D-Pad variants, and plenty of other things that'll help you make it your own. Unfortunately, there's no way to add weight to it, but the rumble motors inside the Xbox version do make it feel heftier than the PS5 model. You don't get Hall Sensor tech out of the box here, but stick drift immune thumbstick modules are now available for an extra fee.
The Xbox Elite Series 2 doesn't reinvent the super customizable design ethos of the original model, but refines some of its best features and expands on others to product the most luxurious gamepad the Xbox has seen so far. We were blown away by the new software improvements, being able to completely remap the gamepad with a new menu of inputs, but of course you're still getting those magnetically replaceable paddles, analog sticks, and d-pads.
The Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but at times it feels like a revolution.
Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 review
We were pleased to note that the textured surface running along the grips now runs over the full length of the leg, offering far greater support. In all our testing we didn't notice anything to suggest that this cover will be prone to scratching or wearing away either.
It should already be obvious, but the Xbox Elite Series 2 is designed for those who want to tweak every little aspect of their experience - and it offers the freedom to do just that. The new model takes its analog sticks even further as well, thanks to adjustable tension. We tightened those sticks for competitive titles like Mortal Kombat 11 and Gears 5, and found the new settings particularly handy for those who like a more precise level of control and a faster snap back to neutral position.
Similarly, the Elite Series 2 seems to have taken a note from one of our favorite controllers; the Razer Wolverine Ultimate. Buttons eschew the squish of the classic Wireless Controller in favor of a much tighter, clicky feel with a lower travel distance.
All of those features work incredibly hard to justify the higher price tag of the Elite Series 2, making it one of the best Xbox Series X accessories to pass our palms in a long time.
Read more: Xbox Elite Series 2 controller
The GameSir G7 SE is the first officially licensed controller for Xbox Series X to include Hall Effect Sensor thumbsticks. For those who might not know, these types of thumbsticks use tiny electromagnets and last far longer than the potentiometers you'll find in controllers up and down this list. Essentially, it means it's immune to stick drift. Considering this pad is on par, if not cheaper than the stock Xbox controller, you're getting so much value for money here.
An alternate accolade for the GameSir G7 SE could have been the best Xbox Series X controller for platforming because that's where I found it came into its own. Its two back buttons feel incredible - as is the norm with GameSir controllers, but the compact and tactile feel of the G7 SE means it feels great to use in sidescrolling or top-down titles.
Annoyingly, since it's a third-party controller, there's no wireless support to be had here, and there are some pretty unruly thumbstick dead zones out of the box. Luckily you can play around with this by heading to GameSir's Nexus software on PC. There you can also play around with button assignments, vibration, and more. Speaking of vibration, it feels really subtle and precise with the G7 SE.
If it was cheaper than Turtle Beach's option, you could also dub the G7 SE a best budget controller, because you're getting an awful lot of pro controller features here for the price of a stock one. No matter what award you want to give this, the Game Sir G7 SE is one of the best Xbox Series X controllers - and one you should definitely consider buying.
The Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra Wireless is the first ever officially licensed third-party Xbox Series X controller to feature wireless connectivity with the console. That's a landmark achievement for any controller we've reviewed, and one that makes it our favorite third-party option at the moment.
You get the usual connectivity here; a 3.5mm headphone jack and USB-C charging, but with your purchase you get a USB dongle and a small magnetic charging stand too. Annoyingly, the thumbsticks have very slippy tops to them, which feels like a basic mistake that simply shouldn't be on a controller of this standard. Luckily, you get some alternate tops in the box which provide a bit more grip.
The design of this gamepad is no short of stunning. It's got some lovely RGB lines striking through its grips and face, that aforementioned display for customization, and some truly innovative back buttons. Its buttons are microswitch ones, its triggers, and thumbsticks have Hall Sensor tech inside them, and its vibration is punchy without being overbearing.
What I love about this controller is that it does everything well. It isn't quite as good performance-wise as something from Victrix, but it isn't far off. In my testing, I couldn't find a gaming genre this controller isn't perfect for. What's more, its 30-hour quoted battery life is accurate, and thanks to the charging stand, I never have to worry about it running out of charge. It feels like the classic Xbox controllers people love, but it's got that Turtle Beach twist you'll know from a React-R gamepad which only adds to the experience of the games you play.
This is the same Xbox Series X controller that you get with the console (black with the Series X and white with the Series S). It's a refinement more than an upgrade on the Xbox One controller, with improved grip, a more compact design, and (finally!) a proper share button for captures.
The Xbox Series X controller runs on batteries, so there's not an immediate need to pick up an extra one to make sure you always have one charged and good to go, but there's still plenty of reason to pick one up.
Local multiplayer being the most obvious excuse, but Microsoft has been smart early on and has released the new console's controller in a variety of different colors. Sure you could pick up a black or white one, but we're very much taken with the new Robot Blue and Pulse Red options. We often see them go for a slightly higher price, but we think the cool effect is worth it. The price comparison chart above is for the black one, but we've listed prices for the other colors below too.
There are fancier controllers out there (see above), but the official standard option is the best all-rounder for the price and one best suited for most players.
Xbox Series X storage accessories
There's a new king of Xbox Series X an S storage, and it's the WD Black C50 - the second officially licensed expansion card for the console after Seagate's option has played king of the castle since launch. In testing the C50, we found exactly what was promised, and it's almost a like for like match with the original Seagate Expansion Card.
If you want to maximise value as well as features, this is probably the best option on the market for Xbox gamers. You simply slot this into the back of your console, do a quick format, and you're off to the races. The speed of this small card is such that you can quick resume between games stored on the console's internals and the expansion seamlessly, without any delays signalling there's even two drives in play.
Besides some slow-downs during transfers, the C50 performs excellently, and just about keeps up with the Series X's ridiculous internal SSD. While that speedy drive managed to transfer Atomic Heart which ranges 78.96GB to the Expansion Card in just under two minutes, the C50 wrote it back in just under four. In specific speeds, that equates to the internal drive having a write speed of around 5.95GB/s, and the C50 having roughly 3.94GB/s.
All in all, if you want excellent value for a 512GB or 1TB drive, the C50 is the best you can go for. Although, there really isn't much that separates it from the Seagate option.
If you're finding your Xbox Series X's internal SSD is full already and you're regularly playing a wide range of games, then the official Seagate Storage Expansion Card will let you store even more and not have to worry about losing out on the fastest loading speeds or next-gen performance enhancements. This is one of our absolute favorite Xbox Series X accessories, thanks to its ease of use.
Look at that $220/£220 price though, that's pretty wild - especially if you've recently paid for the Series X itself. This 1TB card comes with 920GB of usable space and to be fair, runs your games with all the same speeds and enhancements as if they were running on the bespoke internal SSD.
We did see a brief discount of $15 around launch, but in reality, given how expensive it is to produce a cutting-edge SSD card like this, we wouldn't bank on prices dropping much further anytime soon. If you're mainly looking for some extra space to play older Game Pass titles, you can save a lot of money and get even more GBs by opting for a standard external HDD like the one below. If you want the ultimate in performance though, this is the best option and will run older games much faster too as we halved Red Dead Redemption 2's lengthy load times in half on this (and the internal SSD) compared to an external HDD.
The WD_Black P40 SSD is the latest in WD's gaming-focused external hard drives, and it's one of the best performers you'll find. It takes the specs and design of the P50 and carries both over to a compact build that makes use of some beautiful RGB lighting.
Disappointingly, the P40 is one of the pricier options up and down this list, particularly because it's a newer release from WD. For your money, you get the drive which comes with WD's Windows dashboard, a USB-C cable and USB-A adapter, a quick install guide, and a 5-year warranty I'd be surprised if you need to use. WD's solid build with forged aluminium means it's a sturdy piece of kit.
Read and write speeds were great in testing. The 2000MB/s speed you see on the box is as good as you'll get in an external hard drive, but in reality, it translates to some great load times and transfer speeds on PS5 and PC. I had a load of game capture footage stored on my PS5 I had been meaning to move across to my computer for video editing, and even though it was about 30 clips spanning a total of 22GB, the P40 swallowed it up from the PS5 in about a minute. The same was true of games once I formatted it for some extra storage. I transferred three games that added up to 18GB, and it transferred in just shy of a minute.
Xbox Series X headsets
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro for Xbox is easily one of the best wired Xbox Series X headsets going, and one of the best wired sets overall that we’ve ever used.
The lightweight gamer-industrial design aesthetic keeps the size and weight down, making it comfortable to wear but still feeling like there’s some sturdiness to it so I don’t have to worry about the cat or one of the kids accidentally sitting on it.
The Digital-To-Analogue (DAC) unit with the unit offers highly customisable EQ adjustment, letting you get the sound just how you like it, and the audio quality in stereo and surround mode is just superb across the board, whether it’s in action-packed action/shooting games, engaging RPGs, thoughtful adventure titles, or enjoying streaming content from the internet.
The sound quality and depth, both in stereo and surround modes, was just superb, being clear, rich, and detailed on both Xbox and PC.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Review
The icing on the cake is compatibility with other systems including PC and PlayStation 5; you can literally have it plugged into an Xbox and something else at the same time and switch between the two systems without having to take off the headset.
The main drawbacks are the very high price ($279.99/£249.99) which easily makes it one of the most expensive mainstream wired gaming headsets going right now, and the ear cushion material; it’s a form of leatherette - and in my experience with other headsets, that tends to split or degrade after a while, especially in hot conditions or very heavy use. The fact the decent microphone isn’t retract-to-mute is also a missed opportunity, and the need to have a cable running to the DAC and then to the Xbox also means you’ve got something else to potentially get in the way (or trip over) during a gaming session.
Overall though, these aren’t enough to change the fact the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro for Xbox provides an absolutely amazing audio experience on Xbox. So if you’ve got the budget and don’t mind the wired setup, this represents an outstanding and highly recommended option.
Read more: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro for Xbox review
The Astro A50 X has an ace up its sleeve; it features a base station that now functions as an HDMI switcher. Essentially, that means you can use this headset for whatever console you like, which is a massive win for folks who don't want to spend money on two separate headsets for two separate gaming platforms. With Bluetooth and PC compatibility too, this is a true multiplatform headset that's going to be well worth spending money on.
The HDMI functionality of that base station is the real feather in the A50's cap. The dock itself takes HDMI 2.1 input from both an Xbox Series X and PS5 and channels the audio section straight to your headphones. However, there are some drawbacks. If you have a PC in a different location you'll be moving the entire base station between systems. The Bluetooth is sadly limited to the dock rather than being built straight into the headset, and that does result in the Nintendo Switch only being compatible during home sessions.
The Astro A50 X is still very much an Astro headset, though. The angular design is iconic at this point, and although the build quality is primarily plastic, it still feels sturdy. All the controls are also easily reachable, even if the chat mix switch isn't in the best position possible.
In terms of sound quality, the A50s have a well-tuned set of graphene drivers that offer delectable balancing across the soundstage. Bass can be particularly powerful here too, but the smallest details are never missing. Overall, this gives you a bass-forward sound profile, with loads of room for detailing higher up the register. For gaming, that's pretty much ideal.
Taking advantage of the audio jack connection again, and offering a solid budget choice to get you going with your new Xbox console, the Corsair HS35 is the best gaming headset for Xbox Series X for less than $50/£50 or so right now. This is a thoughtfully designed piece of kit, with a sturdy yet comfortable build and some impressive audio qualities, all in one very affordable package.
The Corsair HS35 Stereo headset is a great all-rounder as far as over-ear gaming headsets go, looking stylish and sounding superb despite the lack of 5 or 7.1 surround sound.
Corsair HS35 Review
We loved the memory foam ear-cups and a comfy headband, making the Corsair HS35 perfectly comfortable for long periods of play during our testing. Its design is also robust enough to withstand being pulled on and off your head with a carefree attitude and survive the odd bump or two. We never noticed any scuffs or scratches from everyday use here.
The audio won't win sky-high awards, but it's on a par with most mid-range headsets and manages some snappy treble. We were particularly impressed by the punchy treatment given to our weapons in Wolfenstein Youngblood, with rich tones and excellent feedback to every action. In addition, the mic is clear and detachable, and there's a color-coded cable that plugs into any 3.5mm connection. Simple, easy, and very affordable, so perhaps a risk-free Xbox Series X headset.
Read more: Corsair HS35 review
Xbox Series X charging accessories
There are many different Xbox charging stands out in the wild, but very few manage to offer a truly premium feeling experience. You're getting that pedigree Razer build quality, a variety of colors matching the rainbow of Xbox Series X controllers on the market, and some excellent safety features to keep your gamepads from overcharging as well.
Each charging stand has space for one controller, so if you're dual-wielding that already pricey $49.99 / £49.99 MSRP is going to quickly get in the way. Still if you're after a charger for a solo controller, this is a particularly suave option. Fast-charging can have your clickers juiced up in under three hours via a speedy USB-C connection (you can also plug into a wall outlet to save some space on your console to boot).
Razer doesn't make too many dedicated Xbox Series X accessories, but the Universal Quick Charging Stand is certainly worth looking into.
This is the best charging dock solution we've tested over in the UK for the Series X controllers. There is a slightly cheaper single-controller version, but you're probably better off with this double option for the sake of the difference in price.
You get two battery packs with this dual charging dock and an hour of charging fills the 850 mAh batteries for around 15 hours of play. When charging the packs they need to be in the controller as pictured, which isn't as much of an issue if you have two controllers as you can always make sure you have one juiced and good to go. We wouldn't recommend trying to remove the packs and placing them on the charging connections as they don't attach well without the controller.
To be fair, with such a short charging time, not to mention this also charges even if the console is just in standby mode you could leave this charging when you're not gaming too. Note: this product is generally only available in the UK.
Tired of forking out for batteries and prefer your gaming setup to be a bit lighter on clutter? The Venom Rechargeable Battery pack is a great option as it comes with two battery packs and a three-metre cable (so you can play and charge at the same time if needed) that splits into two USB-C connections. The cable can also be used to charge up any other Xbox Series X accessories (like headsets) that have a USB-C port.
The packs do take longer to charge than they would with a charging dock (like the one below), but this twin pack and cable combo is cheaper and having the option of charging other devices at the same time is super handy. This will charge in standby mode too. If you're a little bit naughty, you can actually use this cable for charging your PS5 accessories too.
Xbox Series X steering wheels
To borrow Max Verstappen’s trademark line, the Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel, and the matching G Pro Pedals are simply lovely. And much like Verstappen’s 2023 Red Bull F1 car, they’re a high-quality upgrade on a successful previous iteration that now delivers even better results. Not only are the 11nm strong force feedback wheel and 100kg load cell brake pedal an immersive joy to use, but they actually improved our reviewer's lap times.
Stylized grilles cover the front and back of the Logitech G Pro base and add a touch of flair to an otherwise plain chassis. They serve a purpose beyond aesthetics with active onboard cooling hidden inside. Around the back, a USB hub provides connection points for the G Pro Pedals (which you’ll need to buy separately) and other accessories like a gear shifter.
Of course, there is a rather large elephant in the passenger seat - its price. £999/$999 for the wheel plus a further £349/$349 for the pedals is an eye-twitch-inducing amount of money. While we'd say it offers better quality than almost any of the options on this list, we understand that that price makes it unattainable for most players - it's a shame because it might otherwise take the top spot on this list.
The G Pro racing wheel and pedals feel like a real step up from the G920, and besides the drastic increase in payment, they're all the better for it. Everything is a bit bigger, a bit smoother, and a bit more premium (and then some). It’s an improvement in every way. Mount this setup to something like the Playseat Trophy, and you've got just about the best Xbox steering wheel setup money can buy.
Under your fingertips, you’ll find magnetic gear shift paddles which feel wonderful in action. The movement is crisp and responsive with a soft clack giving nice audio feedback at the same time. Below them is a pair of dual-clutch paddles with smoother travel than their magnetic counterparts. These can be bound to a number of in-game actions using either Logitech’s G Hub software on PC or the onboard controls.
Logitech created some of the best steering wheels on the market, and the G923 is no exception. With high quality, reliable construction, and TrueForce feedback baked right in, the G923 caters for both the enthusiast and entry level buyer perfectly. While it's not the cheapest Xbox steering wheel on the market, it's likely the best value for money thanks to the additional features it brings into play (900° rotation, dual-clutch, and premium leather cover). You can pay a lot more for a few more fancy add-ons, but overall this is the sweet spot for most players looking to dive into Forza in the evenings.
A steering wheel is one of the best Xbox Series X accessories for anyone who enjoys some time on the track, but we'd recommend this to those who regularly play more than four or five hours each week. At £350 / $400, this isn't an impulse buy device, but if you're looking to improve your lap times and immersion at the same time it's a solid go-to.
We found it easy to set up, with everything working straight out of the box (a luxury that can't be taken for granted once you start looking at high-end setups). We were also impressed by the power of the TrueForce immersion, with strong torque that had us wrestling with certain tracks. Not only that, but we loved the use of G Hub software on PC, so if you're looking for a cross-platform device we'd heartily recommend the G923 for both Xbox Series X and Windows.
Read more: Logitech G923 review
If you're not looking for the latest and greatest driving experience, maybe you play for a few hours every month or so, or jump in and out of these titles, the Thrustmaster 458 Spider will be much better. At just over $100 / £100, you're dropping some of the fancier features like Force Feedback, but the Spider manages to overcome these sacrifices with a few tricks of its own.
'Linear resistance' is packed into the steering wheel, so it's harder to turn the further you spin the wheel. You won't get the feel of a dedicated system here, but it's certainly a nice to have if you're looking for a degree of immersion without breaking the bank. That also means we'd recommend it more for arcade racers and more relaxed driving games, rather than hardcore simulation titles.
A smaller degree of rotation means you'll get less precision out of each turn, but you'll still feel a world of difference under your fingertips compared to a gamepad. With solid construction and an easy assembly, there's still plenty of value in this cheaper steering wheel alternative.
Xbox Series X services
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
One of the best Xbox Series X accessories sits on your console itself. Game Pass is Microsoft's biggest selling point at the moment, packing a serious roster of titles into a low monthly price and offering first party releases on day one. However, we'd recommend upgrading to the Game Pass Ultimate subscription. It's a must-have if you're playing on console and still want to roll your online play into the same membership without having to pay a separate Xbox Live Gold price. You'll find all the best Xbox Game Pass deals available now just below.
Best Xbox Series X Accessories: FAQs
Are official Xbox Series X accessories better?
Microsoft has kitted out its next generation console with a suite of Xbox Series X accessories specifically designed for this console. The only tangible benefit to stick all-Microsoft for your setup is the increase in Bluetooth reliability that you may experience. There are plenty of brands like Razer and Turtle Beach also producing high quality peripherals tailor made for the new console.
Which Xbox Series X accessories do you need?
With all the Xbox Series X accessories out there vying for your attention, which ones should you focus on grabbing first. Well, we'd recommend picking up an extra controller and a charging dock as a first port of call. That way you'll be set up to always have a gamepad juiced up and ready to go.
However, after that we'd thoroughly recommend getting on Xbox Game Pass. The service has revolutionized Microsoft's systems, bringing thousands of gameplay hours to your fingertips for a great price. We don't think any Xbox fan should be without this impressive roster, especially considering first party titles land here on day one.
Do Xbox Series X accessories work on Series S?
The vast majority of Xbox Series X accessories will also work on the cheaper Series S system. However, when considering items like Xbox Series X gaming monitors and the best TV for Xbox Series X, the graphical limitations of the S model should be considered.
How we test Xbox Series X accessories
The biggest Xbox Series X accessories are controllers, headsets, and storage solutions. As with everything we test, we live with all of this gear in our everyday lives, playing with each item that passes our desks for weeks at a time before making our final recommendations.
Controllers are tested across a range of genres and playstyles to ensure they perform across the board, and are also put to the test based on their own individual shapes and designs as well. Headsets are run through not only a variety of genres, but a range of soundscapes and mixes. First person shooters are used to test surround sound performance, wider open world titles can show us how detailed a stage is, and epic single-player campaigns can help us work out how well each headset balances dialogue and music with sound effects. Of course, running through all of that is a constant eye on build quality and comfort as well.
When testing the storage solutions we recommend, we run each device through a series of industry tests to ascertain read and write speeds in an isolated manner. However, we also install each drive and check those numbers in a real world setting as well, running our own fast travel and install tests.
You can find out more about the recommendations we make in our full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.
- How we test headsets at GamesRadar+
- How we test controllers at GamesRadar+
- How we test SSDs and hard drives at GamesRadar+
If you're still after a console, we're bringing you all the latest Xbox Series X stock. We're also rounding up all the best Xbox One accessories and the best Xbox One steering wheels for those looking to save a little extra on their setup. For more Series X gear, though, take a look at the best Xbox Series X wireless headsets for more inspiration.
