This article is part of a directory: Complete guide to the Xbox Series X
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The Xbox Series X and Series S have everything you need to get started, including the console, the cables, and the controller. However, to delve deeper into the games, picking up at least a few accessories is recommended. Unlike the old days, when there was a gadget for every game, these days you can manage with just a few choice selections to enhance the experience.

These selections include a gaming headset, some sort of reusable battery, and perhaps even a better controller if you're a more competitive gamer. So, with that in mind, here is a list of Xbox Series X and S accessories that we believe can upgrade your gaming experience and make life easier in the process.

  • Seagate
    Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S 2TB
    Best overall

    Games are getting bigger.

    $250 $360 Save $110

    The 2TB Seagate Expansion Card for Xbox is an excellent choice for Xbox owners. Games are getting bigger, and having the extra storage is a huge boon when games these days are over 100GB fairly consistently. It's expensive but worth it.

  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X
    SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X
    Best gaming headset

    Come for the sound, stay for the functionality

    $136 $180 Save $44

    There are myriad options for Xbox gaming headsets, but the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X is an easy recommendation. It's comfortable, sounds good, and is reasonably priced with support for all modern gaming consoles.

  • Xbox Wireless Controller
    Xbox Wireless Controller
    Best Xbox controller

    It never hurts to carry a backup

    $45 $60 Save $15

    The official Xbox Wireless Controller is a good investment for your gaming experience. Whether it's playing multiplayer or having a backup in case your primary controller breaks, it's never a bad idea to have an extra one of these around.

  • Microsoft Elite Series 2
    Microsoft Elite Series 2
    The best pro controller

    Complete with paddles so even your pinkies can play

    $151 $180 Save $29

    Those who want more out of their controller should check out the Microsoft Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller. It has additional buttons and paddles, a more robust design, and is built specifically for competitie gaming.

  • PowerA Dual Charging Station for Xbox Series X|S
    PowerA Dual Charging Station for Xbox Series X|S
    Best charging dock

    Easy, steady, inexpensive

    Rechargeable batteries are a must for Xbox controllers as you can reuse the same ones over and over again, saving you a ton on AA batteries. The PowerA Dual Charging Station is an inexpensive solution that works well.

  • Panasonic Eneloop Power Pack
    Panasonic Eneloop Power Pack
    Best rechargeable batteries

    Surprisingly great for gaming

    $44 $50 Save $6

    The Panasonic Eneloop Power Pack is another great rechargeable battery solution for Xbox controllers. They come in a pack of eight with a charger so you can swap and play on the fly without worrying about running out of batteries.

  • Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
    Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
    Best for games

    A good way to browse and play Xbox's library of games

    Even though Xbox Game Pass isn't a physical item, it still makes for a great accessory. It gives you access to hundreds of games that you can download and play, alleviating the need to buy $60 games every other month until you build a collection.

  • Xbox Adaptive Controller
    Xbox Adaptive Controller
    Best for accessibility

    One special controller

    The Xbox Adaptive Controller is a special controller specifically made for folks with disabilities. It was developed by The AbleGamers Foundation to make gaming more accessible to everyone.

Related
Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S: What's the difference?
Which next-gen Xbox is the best for you? The powerful Series X or the more affordable Series S? We compared the two to help you decide.

The bottom line: Best Xbox Series X/S accessory

Honestly, every accessory in the list above is useful, depending on what you want to do. The added storage from the Seagate Expansion Card, the ability to talk to people with the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X, and the rechargeable battery options are arguably the three must-have Xbox accessories. The extra Xbox controller, Game Pass, and the Microsoft Elite Series 2 controller are more or less optional but are sizable upgrades when you're ready to take the plunge.

However, if we had to pick just one, the Seagate Expansion Card is the top pick. Starfield is approximately 140GB once installed, which is an astounding 14% of an Xbox Series X hard drive and twice that on an Xbox Series S. That means you can have less than 10 such games installed before you run out of storage.

How did we choose these Xbox accessories?

We have several Xbox gamers on the Pocket-lint staff, including myself. We have reviewed and used Xbox Series X and S accessories for years at this point, and our writings are linked throughout the article above. The list came together quite quickly when it came down to what gamers need to have a better gaming experience. It was mostly about choosing the best storage, rechargeable battery, headset, and controller experience. From there, everything fell into place.

Do I need accessories to play Xbox?

Technically, no. The Xbox comes with everything you need to get started right out of the box. However, given that gamers can quickly expand their horizons upon receiving a new console, accessories soon become necessary for optimal experiences. A headset for multiplayer gaming, rechargeable batteries, and extra storage solutions top the list of the first few things a new Xbox owner will likely need for the best experience.