Gaming is an incredibly popular hobby these days, with millions of people across the world enjoying video games on consoles like PlayStation and Xbox as well as on PC. However, a great gaming setup requires more than just the console or PC itself – accessories can make all the difference in leveling up your gaming experience.
In this article, we'll take a look at some of the best gaming accessories available right now that are worth buying, whether for yourself or as a gift idea for the gamers in your life. We've included accessories suitable for Playstation, Xbox and PC setups, with options at various price points so there's something for every budget. Let's dive in!
Console Skins and Wraps
Customizing the look of your console is easy these days thanks to removable skins and wraps. For the PS5, you can pick up official faceplate replacements in colors like black, purple and gray camo directly from PlayStation. There are also cool unofficial PS5 skins available from companies like dbrand, including retro classic PlayStation-inspired designs.
For Xbox Series X|S consoles, there are official wraps from Xbox that you apply directly onto the console. These vinyl wraps cover the entire console and velcro on the back – I'm a big fan of the textures and details on the Starfield and Mineral Camo wraps. You can completely change up the look in seconds!
Light Up Console Logos
LED lit console logo lights can add a nice glow and personality to your gaming setup. PlayStation has some awesome official logo lights, like a retro colored one with the classic face buttons and a massive blue one.
For Xbox, the clean looking engraved logo light is a subtler way to rep your platform of choice. There are also minimalist wooden Xbox and PlayStation logos from Geek Made Designs if you want something understated.
Video Games
You can never go wrong gifting video games to a gamer! Some of the top recent releases spanning various genres include Elden Ring, Horizon Forbidden West, FIFA 23, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, God of War Ragnarok and Pokemon Scarlet/Violet.
Consider gifting a gaming gift card from retailers like Amazon or Best Buy so they can pick out exactly what games they want. Pro tip: buy gift cards from third parties like Raise or Giftoff to score discounts on the full face value.
Backbone One Mobile Controller
The Backbone One is a must-have accessory for mobile gaming. This clever controller snaps around your iPhone or Android phone to turn it into a portable handheld system. It has integrated buttons, triggers and joysticks to make mobile gaming feel console-quality. You can even use it for Xbox and PlayStation remote play.
Retro Mini Arcade Machines
For retro nostalgia, check out the new officially licensed mini arcade machines from Capcom and Taito. These compact devices are pre-loaded with classic arcade games like Street Fighter II, Space Invaders and Pac-Man – no quarters needed! The screen and controls are nicely done for the size.
Multi-Port USB Hubs & Chargers
Running out of ports on your laptop, console or PC? A USB hub can majorly help with that. The Ugreen 6-in-1 USB C Hub adds 2 USB-C ports, 2 USB-A ports and dual 4K HDMI ports. Another handy gadget is their compact 4-port fast charger which can charge multiple devices like iPads, phones and more from a single outlet.
RGB Lights
RGB lighting can make any gaming space look amazing. LED strip lights that go on the back of monitors/TVs, NanoLeaf panels and Philips Hue bulbs that sync colors with your screen are awesome options. The Y Lights hexagon panels are my newest RGB addiction – they are fully modular and can display any color.
Framed Console Controllers & Tech
Looking for some gaming wall art? Grid Studio makes beautiful framed displays using disassembled controllers and tech devices. These are so well designed, with the components artfully arranged. I have their classic PlayStation and PSP frames up in my office! They've also got Game Boy, iPhones and more.
Extra Controllers
You can never have too many controllers! Pick up an extra one in your favorite color or design for Xbox, PlayStation and Switch. There are special editions for popular games like Elden Ring. Premium pro controllers like the Xbox Elite Series 2 and DualSense Edge are great for competitive gaming too.
Multi-controller charging stations from PowerA and collective skins from dbrand help keep all your controllers organized. Or show off your favorite with a controller stand – I recently got the Venom cable guy holder which looks awesome.
Gaming Monitors
Serious gamers need a monitor that can keep up with high frame rates and deliver stunning visuals. Some of the best options right now include:
- LG 27GP950 – This 27" 4K OLED gaming monitor with HDMI 2.1 is ideal for PS5 and Xbox Series X. Deep blacks and ultra fast response time.
- Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 – For an immersive ultra-wide experience, the 49" dual QHD resolution and 240Hz refresh rate are hard to beat.
- Gigabyte M32U – Affordable yet specced out with 4K resolution, 144Hz refresh rate and HDMI 2.1 connectivity. Great value 4K display for console gaming.
- Alienware 34 Curved QD-OLED – At 34 inches, this monitor surrounds you in its 1900R curvature. Vibrant quantum dot OLED technology and silky smooth 175Hz refresh rate.
- Asus ROG Strix XG27AQM – With its 270Hz refresh rate and IPS panel, this 27 inch WQHD monitor excels for esports and competitive gaming.
External and Internal Storage
With game install sizes ballooning up to 100GB+ these days, running out of space is common. You have a few options for expanding your storage capacity:
- External SSDs – Plug n play portable SSDs like the WD_BLACK P50 or Samsung T7 Shield provide 1-4TB of space and improved loading times.
- M.2 NVMe SSD – Higher internal storage for PCs and PS5. WD_BLACK SN850 and Samsung 980 Pro are blazing fast – just be sure to get one with a heatsink.
- Xbox Storage Expansion Card – Seamless storage for Xbox Series X|S consoles that slots right into the back and integrates as easily as internal memory. 1TB or 512GB sizes available.
Pop Figures & Collectibles
Fun gifts for gamers are collectible figures and toys from their favorite fandoms. Pop figures from Funko are a huge hit – they've made Pops for just about every gaming, movie and TV show imaginable. First4Figures makes stunning resin statues for collectors too.
For gamers who like to build and display, LEGO sets with themes from popular games like Horizon Forbidden West, Sonic, Super Mario Bros. and more make great gifts.
Mice, Keyboards & Headsets
Every gamer needs quality peripherals. For mice, check out the Logitech G PRO X Superlight for its lightweight comfort and wireless freedom. The Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro is also an exceptional wireless rodent.
Top-tier keyboards like the Roccat Vulcan Pro or SteelSeries Apex Pro provide versatility and customization for any game genre. Headsets are crucial for both sound quality and communication; the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is regarded as one of the best gaming headsets available today.
Charging Docks & Stands
Keep your controllers, headsets and other gaming gear organized and powered up with some kind of docking station or stand. The Officially Licensed DualSense Charging Station looks sleek sitting next to your PS5.
PowerA makes a similar dock for Xbox Series X|S controllers. Headphone stands like the Corsair ST100 RGB headset stand also charge and display your headset when not in use.
And those are our picks for must-have gaming accessories and gift ideas spanning a range of budgets! Let us know which ones caught your interest. Upgrade your gaming setup today with some of these awesome gadgets and accessories designed for gamers. Game on!