The best Xbox Series X accessories in 2023

The best Xbox Series X accessories will help you upgrade your gaming setup into the one you’ve always dreamed of. So many great games on Xbox Series X come straight to Game Pass, which might help to free up some budget for affording a new controller, a better headset, or even a charging stand. We’ve listed a few of the best of each accessory down below, and many of them will make great gifts for a special someone too.

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.

We’ve put together all the best Xbox Series X accessories, drawing on our own personal experience living and playing with headsets, controllers, chargers, and more. You’ll also find that many of the best Xbox One accessories are also compatible with the new platform.

The best Xbox Series X accessories available now

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

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Xbox Elite Series 2 controller
(Image credit: Future/Josh West)
Xbox Elite Series 2 controller
(Image credit: Future/Josh West)
Xbox Elite Series 2 controller
(Image credit: Future/Josh West)
Xbox Elite Series 2 controller
(Image credit: Future/Josh West)

1. Xbox Elite Controller Series 2

The best Xbox controller overall

Specifications

Connection: Bluetooth, USB-CCustomization: Button mapping, interchangeable thumbsticks and paddle shapes, onboard profilesWeight: 345gBattery: up to 40 hours

Reasons to buy

+Wireless charging+New system-level customization options+Adjustable stick tension and trigger travel+Better balance

Reasons to avoid

-Cheaper controllers are quickly catching up

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

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Xbox Series X controller
(Image credit: Microsoft)
Xbox Series X controller white
(Image credit: Future)
Xbox Series X controller blue
(Image credit: Future)
Xbox Series X controller red
(Image credit: Microsoft)
Xbox Series X controller green
(Image credit: Microsoft)

2. Microsoft Xbox Series X controller

The best Xbox controller for most people

Specifications

Connection: Bluetooth, Micro USBCustomization: Button mappingWeight: 287gBattery: AA replaceable, up to 40 hours

Reasons to buy

+The official controller+Improved grip+Multiple colors available

Reasons to avoid

-Doesn’t feel like a next-gen upgrade-Still runs on batteries

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.

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Turtle Beach React-R Controller
(Image credit: Future)
Turtle Beach React-R controller paddles
(Image credit: Future)
Turtle Beach React-R front
(Image credit: Future)
Turtle Beach React-R controller thumbsticks
(Image credit: Future)

3. Turtle Beach React-R

The best cheap Xbox Series X controller

Our expert review:

Specifications

Connection: WiredButtons: 23Remappable buttons: 2Headset connection: 3.5mmCable length: 2.5mWeight: 271g

Reasons to buy

+Grippy texture+Well balanced and spaced+On the fly remapping+Smooth movement

Reasons to avoid

-No rubberized grip of Recon model-Bumpers feel slightly hollow-No chat mix on PC

The Turtle Beach React-R only recently hit the shelves, but it’s stolen the budget crown from the Recon Controller. While both gamepads offer particularly strong value for money, the React-R’s $39.99 / £34.99 price tag can’t be argued with. This is about as cheap as Xbox Series X accessories (worth buying) go, and considering you’re still getting a solid feel in the hand, plenty of extra features, and excellent attention to detail, the latest Turtle Beach gamepad is by far the best affordable option. 

The Turtle Beach React-R has flipped our idea of a cheap controller.

Turtle Beach React-R

You are dropping Pro Aim mode and rubberized grips from the slightly more expensive Recon model. However, there’s still a nice tactile surface to hold onto, on-the-fly remappable paddles, and the brand’s Superhuman Hearing tech baked in here. That’s plenty of kit for under $40, representing stunning value for money.

In our testing, we found the whole gamepad comfortable to use, even over longer periods of time. We particularly celebrated the snappy thumbsticks and larger paddle sizes compared to other budget offerings like the PowerA Enhanced Wired controller. The shoulder buttons do give this price tag away a little, feeling slightly hollow with every press. However, if you’re looking to refit with the best Xbox Series X accessories on a budget, the Turtle Beach React-R is a must-see.

Read more: Turtle Beach React-R review

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Xbox Elite Series 2 Core review hero image showing the controller standing up in front of its box
(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)
Xbox Elite Series 2 Core review image of the controller up close
(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)
Xbox Elite Series 2 Core review image showing the white face of the controller
(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)

4. Xbox Elite Series 2 Core

The best affordable Elite controller

Our expert review:

Specifications

Wireless: YesPowered by: Lithium-ion internal packBattery life: 30-40 hours

Reasons to buy

+Cheap for a pro controller+Premium feel+Exceptional battery life+Can use pre-owned / cheaper accessories

Reasons to avoid

-No attachments whatsoever feels a tad stingy

The Xbox Elite Series 2 Core takes the high quality of the full-fat Elite Series 2 and brings it down to a more affordable price point, making it one of the best Xbox Series X accessories out there. Besides the obvious color changes, it’s not easy to tell the difference between the two controllers. In fact, these two gamepads are practically identical in every way, and the main difference is the accessories you get bundled along with them.

Although I’m disappointed that there aren’t any attachments on offer here, and really would have appreciated some form of back paddles or extra stick caps, I can’t seriously fault the Elite Series 2 Core. It feels like going to a bougie, Michelin-star restaurant and being served something as basic as bread and butter. It’s stripped back, simple, and you expect a more complicated course for how much you pay. But it’s probably the best bread and butter you’ll ever eat.

The original Elite Controller Series 2 will set you back $179.99 / £159.99 and comes with all the customizable goodies you could ever need for it. The Elite Series 2 Core only costs $129.99 / £114.99 and comes with the exact same body and features, but none of the accessories. These are available to purchase separately and can be used with the Core, but they will bring the total investment back up to $179.99.

All in all, this is one of the top-performing controllers for Xbox and PC that you’ll find, which in many ways, is no surprise.

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Scuf Instinct Pro
(Image credit: Future)
Scuf Instinct Pro controller review
(Image credit: Future/Brendan Griffiths)
Scuf Instinct Pro
(Image credit: Future)
Scuf Instinct Pro controller review
(Image credit: Future/Brendan Griffiths)

5. Scuf Instinct Pro

The best third party Xbox Series X controller

Our expert review:

Specifications

Wireless: YesPowered by: BatteriesBattery life: Up to 30 hoursBack buttons: 4

Reasons to buy

+Superb back buttons+Customize the design yourself+Great overall build-quality

Reasons to avoid

-So much more expensive than the competition

It’s fair enough to be skeptical of the design-it-yourself Scuf Instinct. For starters, it’s expensive. Really expensive. But if you can move past that, you’ll find a genuinely excellent Xbox Series X controller with the best back buttons we’ve ever used. These things are a revelation.

Sure, you can mix and match designs ranging from simple color-swaps to golden Japanese Koi art. It also has a satisfyingly ergonomic rubber coating at the front for better grip. Oh, and you can change the shape of the thumbsticks before checkout as well. That’s not what stays with you when you boot up a game, though. Rather, it’s the savvy back button placement that makes them so easy to activate in the middle of a Destiny firefight or Call of Duty battle. Because they form a shell of sorts around your index finger, all you need to do is press down or lift up to activate them. It’s much more intuitive than the other alternatives we’ve tried – and we’ve tried more than our fair share.

The trigger locks are right on the money as well. They enable much faster responses than you’d find from the console’s standard controller; we’re definitely not that quick on the draw in Halo the rest of the time. Even the thumbsticks feel bouncier and more taut than usual.

So, is the result worth the money? Should you buy one instead of the Elite Series 2 – the current gold standard? It’s a subjective matter best left in your capable hands, but if you do decide to invest, you’ll find a handset at the top of its game.

Read more: Scuf Instinct Pro review

Xbox Series X headsets

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SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro for Xbox gaming headset
(Image credit: Future/Royce Wilson)
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro for Xbox gaming headset
(Image credit: Future/Royce Wilson)
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro for Xbox gaming headset
(Image credit: Future/Royce Wilson)
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro for Xbox gaming headset
(Image credit: Future/Royce Wilson)
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro for Xbox gaming headset
(Image credit: Future/Royce Wilson)
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro for Xbox gaming headset
(Image credit: Future/Royce Wilson)

1. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro for Xbox

The best Xbox Series X headset

Our expert review:

Specifications

Acoustic Design: Closed back, over earCable length:: 2.7m/8.8ftDrivers: 40mm NeodymiumWeight: 450g/1.01lbCompatibility: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Mac, PlayStation, Switch

Reasons to buy

+Outstanding audio quality+DAC allows for considerable EQ customisation+Comfortable+Also works with PC and PlayStation

Reasons to avoid

-Mic is not retract-to-mute-Questionable earphone cup material longevity-Expensive compared to other wired set

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

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Corsair HS35
(Image credit: Corsair)

(Image credit: Corsair)

Corsair HS35

(Image credit: Corsair)

Corsair HS35

(Image credit: Corsair)

Corsair HS35

2. Corsair HS35

The best Xbox Series X headset under $50 / £50

Our expert review:

Specifications

Acoustic design: Closed BackCable length: 6ft / 1.8mDrivers: 40mmWeight: 8.8 ozCompatibility: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, Mac, Mobile

Reasons to buy

+Excellent value for money+Decent sound+Nice and clear mic

Reasons to avoid

-Lacks features and extras-Only stereo sound

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

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Xbox Wireless headset
(Image credit: Microsoft)
Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset
(Image credit: Microsoft)

3. Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset

The best headset for Xbox Series X for most

Our expert review:

Specifications

Acoustic design: Closed back, over earConnections: Bluetooth 4.2, USB-C chargingCable length: 14-inchDrivers: 40mmWeight: 312g

Reasons to buy

+Super clear mic +Reasonable price point +Solid surround sound +Fantastic bass

Reasons to avoid

-Mic monitoring could be better-Might be too small for larger heads

The official Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset has really disrupted the Xbox Series X headset scene by not only being one of the very best out there, but also holding a significantly cheaper price point. At $99 / £89 we were impressed by the out of the box quality in our testing, being particularly adept at wider soundscapes and excelling in our time with Red Dead Redemption 2. We were particularly pleased to hear a detailed surround sound between these cups as well, and those bass levels could be pumped with additional boost. 

Not only that, but that price offers better value for money over headsets of a similar quality – and you’re even getting luxury features like a dual connection with your phone which typically bumps up the cost as well. The Razer Kaira Pro actually costs $50 more than the standard model to include this feature, so value for money is excellent here. 

You won’t find a more rounded gaming headset on Xbox Series X for such a low price

Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset review

We were initially surprised by the size of the Xbox Wireless Headset, weighing in at just 11oz (312g). In testing we did have to open that headband up a little to find a comfortable fit, and did experience a little pinching from the thinner foam padding around the band itself, but overall we were able to customize the fit enough to last through longer sessions. You’re getting more space here than with the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 but if you are concerned, it’s well worth checking out the slightly pricier SteelSeries Arctis 7X Wireless for an elasticated design instead.

The mic quality is great and we love how the mic itself tucks away neatly when not in use. There is a small light on the mute button when the mic is switched on, and while the brightness is adjustable, we did experience some frustration in testing – just catching the glare out the corner of our eye.

It’s worth noting that while you’re getting the best for Xbox Series X here, the Xbox Wireless Headset is difficult to connect to other devices. You’re still getting a perfectly good Xbox One headset, but the Bluetooth, while the strongest we’ve experienced on Xbox, won’t work on PC, and there’s no 3.5mm port so you’ll need to invest in a USB-C to USB-C.

Read more: Xbox Wireless headset review

Xbox Series X storage accessories

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Seagate Xbox Series X Expansion Cards
(Image credit: Xbox)
seagate storage expansion card for xbox series x 1tb
(Image credit: Seagate)

1. Official Seagate Storage Expansion Card

The best official Xbox Series X storage device

Specifications

Capacity: 1TBStorage type: NVMe SSD memory cardConsole compatibility: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series SPlays Series X/Series S optimized titles : Yes

Reasons to buy

+Matches speed and performance of internal SSD+Super simple installation+Very reliable

Reasons to avoid

-Expensive

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.

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WD_Black P40 image showing the drive's RGB lighting
(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)
WD_Black P40 image up close showing the branding and WD_Black logo
(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)
WD_Black P40 in situ working with a pink PS5
(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)
WD_Black P40 plugged into a pink PS5
(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)

2. WD_Black P40

The best external hard drive for Xbox Series X

Specifications

Capacities: 500GB, 1TB, 2TBStorage type: SSDSequential read: 2,000 MB/sSequential write: 2,000 MB/s

Reasons to buy

+Smaller design+Slick speeds+Nice RGB lighting+Sturdy build

Reasons to avoid

-Pricey-No 4TB model

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.

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WD Black P10 external hard drives xbox
WD Black P10 hard drive
(Image credit: WD Black)
WD Black P10 Xbox hard drive
(Image credit: WD Black)

3. WD Black P10 1-5TB Game Drive

The best Xbox Series X hard drive for most

Specifications

Capacity: 1-5TBStorage type: : HDDConsole compatibility: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox OneUSB type: 3.0Plays Series X/Series S optimized titles : No

Reasons to buy

+Feels sturdy+Runs cool and quiet+3-year warranty as standard

Reasons to avoid

-Just regular loading speeds

We’ve been using our WD Black P10 on Xbox for a while at GamesRadar and easily moved our heaving Game Pass collection of downloaded titles from Xbox One to Xbox Series X with simple plug-and-play ease. 

Nowadays we use it to store new Xbox Series X titles when our internal SSD storage is a bit full, which means we don’t have to go through the fuss of redownloading titles. Get a 5TB version and you’ll be able to download almost every single Xbox Game Pass game. 

The speeds are just the standard for an external HDD, so we’d still move over big last-gen titles like Red Dead 2 to the internal SSD as you’ll cut those loading times in half. For most last-gen titles though, we’re more than content to run them from this HDD. For Series X exclusive games or games with specific graphical enhancements patched in for the new console, you will have to run them from the SSD or the memory card above to get those benefits, but we think this is a smart buy for your last-gen titles, or benching Series X games you’re not playing much at the moment but don’t want to redownload (gluttonous beasts like Warzone and GTAV come to mind).

If you’d like to see a few other storage options, be sure to check out our full guide to the best Xbox Series X external hard drives and memory cards.

Xbox Series X charging accessories

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Razer Universal Quick Charging Stand
(Image credit: Razer)
Razer Universal Quick Charging Stand
(Image credit: Razer)
Razer Universal Quick Charging Station
(Image credit: Future)

1. Razer Universal Quick Charging Stand

The best charger for Xbox Series X controllers

Specifications

Charging time: 3 hoursCompatibility: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One

Reasons to buy

+Color-match to your controller+Overcharge protection+No branding visible

Reasons to avoid

-More expensive than budget alternatives

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. 

venom xbox series x charging dock

2. Venom Twin Charging Dock with Batteries

A super affordable charging solution for a pair of controllers

Specifications

Charging time: 1 hourPlaying time: 15 hoursCompatibility: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S

Reasons to buy

+Simple to use+Super quick charging+2-metre cable

Reasons to avoid

-Battery packs must be in the controller to charge them

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.

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best xbox series x accessories: Venom twin battery pack
best xbox series x accessories: Venom twin battery pack

3. Venom Rechargeable Battery Twin Pack

Super cheap and light on clutter

Specifications

Charging time: 2-3 hoursPlay time: Up to 15 hoursCompatibility: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S

Reasons to buy

+No chunky dock required+Play and charge+Can charge batteries or any USB-C accessory

Reasons to avoid

-Battery pack fit is awkward

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

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Logitech G923 xbox steering wheel
(Image credit: Logitech)
Logitech G923
(Image credit: Logitech)

1. Logitech G923 steering wheel & pedals

The best Xbox steering wheel overall

Our expert review:

Specifications

Rotation: 900°Buttons: 16Pedals: 3Adjustable Pedals: NoCompatibility: Xbox Series X / Xbox Series S / Xbox One / PC

Reasons to buy

+More affordable than direct competitors+TrueForce feels insane+G Hub Software is brilliant

Reasons to avoid

-TrueForce only compatible with four games-No handbrake input and stick shift not included

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

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(Image credit: Thrustmaster)

(Image credit: Thrustmaster)

Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Spider

(Image credit: Thrustmaster)

Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Spider

(Image credit: Thrustmaster)

Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Spider

2. Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Spider

The best Xbox steering wheel on a budget

Specifications

Rotation: 240ºPedals: 2Buttons: 15Adjustable pedals: YesCompatibility: Xbox Series X / Xbox Series S / Xbox One

Reasons to buy

+Relatively cheap+Offers decent control

Reasons to avoid

-Rotation isn’t as good-Doesn’t feel as satisfying to use

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

Game Pass Ultimate

(Image credit: Microsoft)

1. 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. 

Xbox Live

(Image credit: Microsoft)

2. Xbox Live Gold

If you don’t need that catalog of extra games, but you do have an online squad to find, Xbox Live Gold is all you need. Thankfully, the multiplayer service is particularly cheap these days, with six month memberships regularly taking significant discounts. 


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

Best Xbox Series X Accessories: FAQs


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.

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The best Xbox Series X accessories in 2022

The best Xbox Series X accessories can not only enhance your existing setup, but open you up to a far more convenient experience as well. From controller charging docks to headsets with ultra-long battery lives, Xbox Series X accessories can give any tired setup a new lease of life. 

There are some staples we’d recommend any new owner invest in first, though. An additional controller is likely one of the best things you’ll grab for your console – you’ll be able to keep one handy for co-op and you won’t have to worry about running out of battery either. Many Xbox Series X bundles will offer this, though it’s well worth investing if you pick up a console by itself. 

Next, we’d recommend going digital and checking out Game Pass – it’s the jewel in Xbox’s crown and well worth the monthly price. Of course, you’ll need somewhere to store all those downloads, so a strong SSD or storage card should also be on your Xbox Series X accessories shopping list.

We’ve put together all the best Xbox Series X accessories, drawing on our own personal experience living and playing with headsets and controllers. We’ve had our hands wrapped around all manner of storage solutions, charging docks, and more and brought all our findings right here. Plus, all of these can be classed as the best Xbox Series S accessories, too, as all are compatible with both versions of Microsoft’s new console. You’ll also find that many of the best Xbox One accessories are also compatible with the new system.

The best Xbox Series X accessories available now

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

Xbox Series X controller

Microsoft Xbox Series X controller

The best Xbox controller for most people

Specifications

Connection: Bluetooth, Micro USBCustomization: Button mappingWeight: 287gBattery: AA replaceable, up to 40 hours

Reasons to buy

+The official controller+Improved grip+Multiple colors available

Reasons to avoid

-Doesn’t feel like a next-gen upgrade-Still runs on batteries

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 below), but the official standard option is the best all-rounder for the price and one best suited for most players.

Xbox Elite Series 2 controller

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Xbox Elite Controller Series 2

The best Xbox controller overall

Specifications

Connection: Bluetooth, USB-CCustomization: Button mapping, interchangeable thumbsticks and paddle shapes, onboard profilesWeight: 345gBattery: up to 40 hours

Reasons to buy

+Wireless charging+New system-level customization options+Adjustable stick tension and trigger travel+Better balance

Reasons to avoid

-Cheaper controllers are quickly catching up

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

Xbox Series X headsets

Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset

The best headset for Xbox Series X

Specifications

Acoustic design: Closed back, over earConnections: Bluetooth 4.2, USB-C chargingCable length: 14-inchDrivers: 40mmWeight: 312g

Reasons to buy

+Super clear mic +Reasonable price point +Solid surround sound +Fantastic bass

Reasons to avoid

-Mic monitoring could be better-Might be too small for larger heads

The official Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset has really disrupted the Xbox Series X headset scene by not only being one of the very best out there, but also holding a significantly cheaper price point. At $99 / £89 we were impressed by the out of the box quality in our testing, being particularly adept at wider soundscapes and excelling in our time with Red Dead Redemption 2. We were particularly pleased to hear a detailed surround sound between these cups as well, and those bass levels could be pumped with additional boost. 

Not only that, but that price offers better value for money over headsets of a similar quality – and you’re even getting luxury features like a dual connection with your phone which typically bumps up the cost as well. The Razer Kaira Pro actually costs $50 more than the standard model to include this feature, so value for money is excellent here. 

You won’t find a more rounded gaming headset on Xbox Series X for such a low price

Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset review

We were initially surprised by the size of the Xbox Wireless Headset, weighing in at just 11oz (312g). In testing we did have to open that headband up a little to find a comfortable fit, and did experience a little pinching from the thinner foam padding around the band itself, but overall we were able to customize the fit enough to last through longer sessions. You’re getting more space here than with the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 but if you are concerned, it’s well worth checking out the slightly pricier SteelSeries Arctis 7X Wireless for an elasticated design instead.

The mic quality is great and we love how the mic itself tucks away neatly when not in use. There is a small light on the mute button when the mic is switched on, and while the brightness is adjustable, we did experience some frustration in testing – just catching the glare out the corner of our eye.

It’s worth noting that while you’re getting the best for Xbox Series X here, the Xbox Wireless Headset is difficult to connect to other devices. The Bluetooth, while the strongest we’ve experienced on Xbox, won’t work on PC, and there’s no 3.5mm port so you’ll need to invest in a USB-C to USB-C.

Read more: Xbox Wireless headset review

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(Image credit: SteelSeries)

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(Image credit: SteelSeries)

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(Image credit: SteelSeries)

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(Image credit: SteelSeries)

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SteelSeries Arctis 7X Wireless

A premium Xbox Series X headset

Specifications

Acoustic design: Closed BackDrivers: 40mmWeight: 12.4oz (352g)Compatibility: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, PC, Switch, Android

Reasons to buy

+Comfortable for long sessions+Great audio across the range+Decent mic

Reasons to avoid

-Slightly lacking in bass-Sells out regularly

If you’re not interested in Microsoft’s own audio solution, we’d direct you to the SteelSeries Arctis 7X wireless headset. With cooler padding around the cups it’s an incredibly comfortable headset and we didn’t feel any pinching thanks to that elasticated band running across the top. We were particularly impressed with the soundscape on offer here, with bassier tones holding their own details despite the cups themselves offering smaller 40mm drivers, compared to the 50mm standard seen in Corsair and Razer devices. 

You’ll also find a solid mic quality here, perfect for multiplayer, with an easily removable form factor for solo play as well. We generally recommend the Arctis 7X for Xbox, but you can also use the USB-C dongle with PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch, and Android to boot. 

Xbox Series X steering wheels

(Image credit: Logitech)

Logitech G923 steering wheel & pedals

The best Xbox steering wheel overall

Specifications

Rotation: 900°Buttons: 16Pedals: 3Adjustable Pedals: NoCompatibility: Xbox Series X / Xbox Series S / Xbox One / PC

Reasons to buy

+More affordable than direct competitors+TrueForce feels insane+G Hub Software is brilliant

Reasons to avoid

-TrueForce only compatible with four games-No handbrake input and stick shift not included

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

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(Image credit: Thrustmaster)

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(Image credit: Thrustmaster)

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<a href=”https://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-Ferrari-Spider-Racing-Wheel-Xbox/dp/B00IVHQ0KI”>Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Spider</a>

(Image credit: Thrustmaster)

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<a href=”https://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-Ferrari-Spider-Racing-Wheel-Xbox/dp/B00IVHQ0KI”>Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Spider</a>

(Image credit: Thrustmaster)

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<a href=”https://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-Ferrari-Spider-Racing-Wheel-Xbox/dp/B00IVHQ0KI”>Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Spider</a>

2. Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Spider

The best Xbox steering wheel on a budget

Specifications

Rotation: 240ºPedals: 2Buttons: 15Adjustable pedals: YesCompatibility: Xbox Series X / Xbox Series S / Xbox One

Reasons to buy

+Relatively cheap+Offers decent control

Reasons to avoid

-Rotation isn’t as good-Doesn’t feel as satisfying to use

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 storage

seagate expansion card for xbox series x

Official Seagate Storage Expansion Card

The best official Xbox Series X storage device

Specifications

Capacity: 1TBStorage type: NVMe SSD memory cardConsole compatibility: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series SPlays Series X/Series S optimized titles : Yes

Reasons to buy

+Matches speed and performance of internal SSD+Super simple installation+Very reliable

Reasons to avoid

-Expensive

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.

WD Black P10

WD Black P10 1-5TB Game Drive

A bit pricey, but reliable hard drive built to last

Specifications

Capacity: 1-5TBStorage type: : HDDConsole compatibility: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox OneUSB type: 3.0Plays Series X/Series S optimized titles : No

Reasons to buy

+Feels sturdy+Runs cool and quiet+3-year warranty as standard

Reasons to avoid

-Just regular loading speeds

We’ve been using our WD Black P10 on Xbox for a while at GamesRadar and easily moved our heaving Game Pass collection of downloaded titles from Xbox One to Xbox Series X with simple plug-and-play ease. We loved it so much, we awarded it a ‘best gaming hard drive’ prize at the GamesRadar Hardware Awards 2020.  

Nowadays we use it to store new Xbox Series X titles when our internal SSD storage is a bit full, which means we don’t have to go through the fuss of redownloading titles. Get a 5TB version and you’ll be able to download almost every single Xbox Game Pass game. 

The speeds are just the standard for an external HDD, so we’d still move over big last-gen titles like Red Dead 2 to the internal SSD as you’ll cut those loading times in half. For most last-gen titles though, we’re more than content to run them from this HDD. For Series X exclusive games or games with specific graphical enhancements patched in for the new console, you will have to run them from the SSD or the memory card above to get those benefits, but we think this is a smart buy for your last-gen titles, or benching Series X games you’re not playing much at the moment but don’t want to redownload (gluttonous beasts like Warzone and GTAV come to mind).

If you’d like to see a few other storage options, be sure to check out our full guide to the best Xbox Series X external hard drives and memory cards.

Xbox Series X charging accessories

Fosmon Dual Max 2 Charger

Fosmon Dual 2 Max Xbox Charging Dock

A solid third-party charging option at a good price point

Specifications

Charging Time: 6 hoursPlay time: 40 hoursCompatibility: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One

Reasons to buy

+Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S compatible+Charges two controllers at once+Long battery life after fully charged

Reasons to avoid

-No wall plug included

You might be skeptical about third-party Xbox Series X accessories, but the Fosmon Dual 2 Xbox Charging Dock is here to banish that skepticism. At just $30, this charging dock can charge two controllers at once, and considering the official Microsoft single controller charging dock is $40, this is quite the steal. Plus the Fosmon Dual 2 comes with two sets of battery plates for both the Xbox Series X/S and the Xbox One controllers, so you’ll be able to use it across console generations.

You can also find this model in either black or white, so you can match to your Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, or Xbox One – an important feature of peripherals for gamers who like to look good. Once you swap out your pesky AA batteries for the Fosman Dual 2’s rechargeable battery packs, you can easily slide your controllers onto the dock – there’s no locking mechanism that requires you to fiddle with the controller, you just need to place it in the dock and the contact points line up.

The Fosmon Dual 2 has a USB to micro-USB cable, so you can plug it directly into the front of your console and since it’s a flat-lying dock, you could easily put it in front of your television and not obscure your vision. There are two problems with the charger: the lack of a wall plug for it and the charging cord’s relatively short length. However, you could easily swap in any longer-length phone charger – and at this price point, it’s worth the minor inconvenience.

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Venom Rechargeable Battery Twin Pack

Super cheap and light on clutter

Specifications

Charging time: 2-3 hoursPlay time: Up to 15 hoursCompatibility: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S

Reasons to buy

+No chunky dock required+Play and charge+Can charge batteries or any USB-C accessory

Reasons to avoid

-Battery pack fit is awkward

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.

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 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.

venom xbox series x charging dock

Venom Twin Charging Dock with Batteries

A super affordable charging solution for a pair of controllers

Specifications

Charging time: 1 hourPlaying time: 15 hoursCompatibility: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S

Reasons to buy

+Simple to use+Super quick charging+2-metre cable

Reasons to avoid

-Battery packs must be in the controller to charge them

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.

Xbox Series X services

Game Pass Ultimate

(Image credit: Microsoft)

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. 

Xbox Live

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Xbox Live

If you don’t need that catalog of extra games, but you do have an online squad to find, Xbox Live Gold is all you need. Thankfully, the multiplayer service is particularly cheap these days, with six month memberships regularly taking significant discounts. 

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


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.

About Fox

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