Accessories for Xbox consoles are a group of various additional devices and accessories that transform the gaming experience, increase the comfort of using devices, extend the life of the equipment, and immerse you deeper into the atmosphere of games. With them, you will rise to a new level of gaming. Before purchasing, it will be useful to understand the groups of products and learn about their purpose and advantages.
What accessories are there for Microsoft consoles?
There are a huge number of accessories for different purposes. They vary in price, manufacturability, size, and purpose.
The first thing that comes to mind is, of course, gamepads. The main gadget through which the gamer interacts with games and the console. The standard Xbox set includes one, but only one. And there are many games in the world for two or more players. The beauty of fighting games and sports games is largely based on the opportunity to compete with a living player, especially when you can annoy an opponent in the game who is in reality much stronger than you. There are standard gamepads, and there are special and limited series with customization options – convenient, stylish, and exclusive. For those who want to keep their device clean, we can recommend gamepad cases – a simple but useful accessory, especially for those who game daily.
In order not to move away from the topic of game control, we must immediately talk about controllers for simulators. Steering wheels and pedals are extremely popular. They increase game realism, help you feel like you’re in the car’s cabin and are much more familiar to motorists. It is sometimes difficult for real drivers to adapt to controlling a car with a gamepad, and such gadgets eliminate this problem. There are also adjustable folding stands for the steering wheels and pedals to ensure maximum gaming comfort and atmosphere. Less common on the market are steering wheels and joysticks for aviation and space simulators, but they also exist – feel like a real pilot.
The next most popular gamer accessory, which since the advent of multiplayer games has become an integral part of his external image, is a headset, headphones with a built-in microphone. An absolutely necessary thing for multiplayer, which provides voice communication between players. Teammates without communication drag the team to the bottom and are quickly excluded from the team, and more often they are simply not accepted into the game. The headset is also useful for single games: with headphones, you can better hear all shades of sounds and determine the direction of their source. This increases the success of your actions in the game and immerses you deeper into its atmosphere. And in addition to gaming, you can listen to music through headphones and not disturb your loved ones from going about their business.
For those who, on the contrary, want to involve family and friends in interesting and healthy gameplay, there is motion capture technology – sensors and controllers that allow you to control the game with your own body movements and voice. You can forget about the threat of physical inactivity in adults, but children will find it doubly interesting to play with such gadgets and at the same time develop physically. Special games have been developed for these devices, in which the user almost really runs, shoots, fights with swords, and plays football or tennis. And for those who are not at all attracted to gaming worlds, there are fitness programs and dance simulators.
Let’s move on to less noticeable, but very useful accessories. Real gamers who play many different games simply need memory cards and external hard drives that increase the console’s memory. It would seem that in the modern world, it is absolutely not necessary to keep many games in memory; they can always be installed from the library. But even if you have the fastest Internet in the world, it will be more effective to transfer the game from an external drive to an internal one than to download it again. With an SDD card, it’s even simpler – it’s essentially an internal memory expander; games can be played from it without any loss in speed or performance. If you have a lot of work and household chores, the hour and a half saved on downloading will be very timely and pleasant.
Another small item is a battery for the gamepad. Here the Xbox gaming community is divided into two camps. Some prefer simple or rechargeable batteries as a power source. It’s simple, familiar, understandable, and accessible, but rechargeable batteries require a charger and simple ones are consumed at machine-gun speed. In this case, both of them can sit down during the game, which is fraught with interruption of the gameplay and loss of progress. And humanity has not yet invented an accessory that saves monitors and televisions from violent throws at them by dead controllers. Therefore, another part of the community chooses special batteries for gamepads. They hold a charge for a long time, can be recharged directly while playing via a cable, and do not need to be removed from the device, wearing out the cover and connecting batteries. The batteries are sold complete with a charging station. It is possible to purchase a multifunctional stand. It is equipped not only with a charging station for controllers but also with cooling for the console itself.
And finally, there are very discreet and seemingly insignificant accessories, such as controller stick overlays. The fact is that active users wear them out quite quickly, and it’s inconvenient to play without them. Entire sets of replaceable gamepad elements are available for purchase in case of wear or for purely designer customization.
There are other accessories on the market. For example, wall brackets, backpacks, smartphone mounts, or stands for gamepads. Everyone determines their need for themselves.
How to choose an accessory for the Xbox game console?
For easier orientation in the vast world of Xbox accessories, let’s classify them into categories:
Controllers. This includes steering wheels, steering wheels, pedals, motion sensors, and simple and special gamepads. That is all devices with which the console and console games are controlled. This category is for those who want to diversify their gaming experience or dive deeper into games of certain genres. The steering wheel is for racing fans. Motion sensor – for those who enjoy an active lifestyle. A special series gamepad for the universal gamer or eSports player.
Technical comfort. This category includes headsets, batteries, and charging stations for gamepads, memory cards, and hard drives. All the equipment that increases the comfort of the game. Suitable for active gamers who do not want to interrupt the gameplay once again, and for people who love a variety of genres and prefer to keep several games at the ready. These accessories will also be highly appreciated by active users of online games and streamers.
Physical comfort. Category for conventional small items: stands, cases, and removable modules for gamepads, backpacks, mounts, brackets, and consumables. Any items that are not technical equipment, but increase the comfort of the game, the location or movement of the console, as well as the durability of other accessories. It Will please fans of customization, gaming ambiance, and design of living space around the console.
Everything you need for virtual racing and flying
Simulator controllers vary significantly in technical specifications and, consequently, in price. Budget options are also suitable for a novice user, an unpretentious player, or a fan of arcade racing. However, an experienced gamer or a lover of full-fledged simulators will miss their capabilities. Whatever category the buyer belongs to, he needs to be very careful when choosing his gadget and carefully study the capabilities and physical parameters of this type of controller, Including thinking about layout options in the apartment. All steering wheels are designed to be mounted to the table, and the pedals have suction cups or other elements that prevent slipping. But what if there is a carpet on the floor and the TV is hanging on the wall? In this case, you can buy a special stand.
Steering wheels differ in size, braid material, rotation angle, number of buttons, and other details. It can be a small plastic and slippery steering wheel with a rotation angle of less than 360° or a full-size copy of a real steering wheel from a real car, both racing and production. And someone buys a fully rubberized unit for professional players, which rotates more than 1000°. Such steering wheels can be with or without a gearbox, wired or wireless, with different levels of vibration and feedback, which is very important for a full feel of the track. Pedals can be plastic or metal, with different mounts, two or three in the device. Pedals and steering wheels most often come as a set but are also sold separately. Separately, you can find steering bases, steering wheels, gearboxes, and gadget mounts.
All this information applies equally to flight simulator controls. Technically, these are similar devices, they just differ in shape and control principle in a three-dimensional environment.
Active games on Xbox
With motion sensors, everything is much simpler. For Xbox, there is only the Kinect system in two generations. Technically, these are two sensors that record movements and create a virtual space, a camera for facial recognition, video chats and streaming, and a microphone for communication or voice control. The device requires installation exactly above or below the monitor and a free space in front of it of about 2-2.5 meters with good lighting.
Casual games have been developed specifically for the Kinect system: sports, dancing, platformers, shooters, and fighting games. Moreover, control sometimes requires truly active actions and not the light waving of the hands. If a high jump is needed, the player will have to jump at the limit of his capabilities. So conservative relatives will no longer be able to say that you are wiping down the sofa while playing games. You are guaranteed many hours of running in place and waving your arms in the cheerful company of friends and relatives. In addition, the system partially supports standard games, including world hits. You can use it to peek around corners and give commands with gestures or voice.
Don’t forget that the system has non-gaming functions. With it, you can communicate in video chats of popular instant messengers. You don’t even have to sit still; the camera will automatically track your movements. You can configure the login to your profile based on your appearance so you don’t have to do it manually. It is even possible to record artificial chromakey without special programs – useful for novice bloggers and streamers.
Useful gadgets for Xbox
The standard configuration of the Xbox console is quite enough for a full-fledged game for one novice player. But it’s much more fun to play together or in a group. It’s rare to see an apartment where the owner’s gamepad is as lonely as his toothbrush. So the second controller is actually a mandatory addition to the console. Gamepads come in standard and special series, with a bright design, improved ergonomics, and additional buttons – a great gift for an avid gamer. In addition, they can be customized independently. For this purpose, there are sets of removable modules on the market.
The headset is no less useful for any player. Absolutely necessary for streamers and fans of online team games. It will help you immerse yourself deeper into the game and not disturb your household with loud sounds. The range of headsets on the market is very wide, from simple devices with one earphone to real speaker systems on the head. When choosing, pay attention not only to the design, although it is the first thing that catches your eye. Headsets differ in weight, elasticity of the headband, softness of the ear pads, and microphone mounts. It Can be wired or wireless. Microphones are removable, fixed, or retractable. The range of choices in terms of sound quality is also incredibly wide.
Progress does not stand still, games are becoming cooler and cooler, which means they take up more and more space on the internal memory of the console. Memory cards (SDD) and external hard drives (HDD) will help gamers expand it for new games. The former is noticeably more compact and work as quickly and conveniently as the internal memory itself. The latter are also relatively small, they are not a direct extension of the built-in card, but they have an impressive capacity. There are instances capable of storing over 10 TB of information. Whatever type of memory expansion you use, it will still be faster than constantly downloading games for several hours, deleting them, and downloading them again.
Players who prefer to power their gamepads from batteries and not interrupt the gameplay by replacing batteries will need charging stations, called docking stations. There are multifunctional stands that are not only chargers for controllers, but also a stand for an air-cooled console. The most important characteristic when choosing a charging station is the volume of batteries included in its kit. The bigger, the better. And the design always remains to the taste of the buyer. It is very important to pay attention to the compatibility of the station with your console. Chargers specialized for a certain set-top box model may not be suitable for another.
What else should I buy for my Xbox console?
Among the Xbox accessories, there are many other useful devices that cannot be classified as technology.
An important detail for the active gamer was the case for the gamepad. Even if you thoroughly wash your hands before each gaming session, the control device will still become contaminated with dust and natural skin secretions. If you do not carry out regular cleaning, this may negatively affect the functioning of the device. Besides, it’s simply not aesthetically pleasing. The range of cases is large: silicone, rubber, and shades of all colors of the rainbow to suit every taste. A gamepad case is a must-have for clean and thrifty gamers.
Another simple device is a stand or holder for a gamepad. The main characteristic is its appearance. They can be designed in the form of figurines of famous characters from computer games and popular culture. It Can be used for smartphones and other small devices. In the form of a collectible figure, the stand will be a pleasant surprise for a child or a fan of a certain franchise. All that remains is not to make a mistake with the choice among the available variety.
Gamepad stick covers are a consumable that never goes out of place. They come in low and high, smooth and embossed, silicone and rubber, with or without patterns, different in color and quantity in the set. Relatively cheap accessory. Even the most expensive branded sets of special softness, increased grip, and durability rarely exceed the price of 1000 rubles.
The best accessories for Xbox One/Series
Let’s move on to a brief overview of specific accessories. Each of these products is an excellent representative of its category and will not disappoint the most demanding users.
Artplays Street Racing Wheel Turbo C900 + pedals
Full-size gaming steering wheel with built-in gear shifter. Compatible with game consoles Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4, PS3 and PC. The rotation angle of the rubberized steering wheel is 270°. Equipped with two vibration motors and a control sensitivity regulator. Pedal block with two ribbed pedals and anti-slip system. An excellent option in its price segment. Suitable for beginners and fans of arcade racing.
Hori Force Feedback Racing Wheel DLX XBOX Series X|S (AB05-001E)
Fully customizable racing wheel with vibration feedback and force feedback. Created specifically for the Xbox One, Xbox Series S, and Xbox Series X consoles. The steering angle is 900°. Ergonomic shape and many programmable buttons, securely attached to the table. The set includes a foot block for three pedals. A gaming accessory for confident users, good for realistic racing that requires good feedback from the gadget.
Thrustmaster T-3PM WW Pedals
Magnetic three-pedal gaming unit with metal heads. Compatible with Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, PS4, PS5, and PC, as well as Thrustmaster T-Series wheels. Customize for different types of races and equipment configurations using four pressing modes. Pressure resistance up to 200 kilograms. An excellent purchase for advanced users who want to enhance the experience of their favorite games and move up a notch.
Microsoft Kinect Sensor 2.0 OEM
A touchless controller for Xbox One designed for action gaming. Equipped with a video camera, microphone, and motion sensors, as well as appearance and voice recognition systems. Supports up to six people in games. It Can be used for streaming and video chats. First of all, it will be useful for adherents of an active lifestyle and lovers of outdoor games. It will be a lot of fun for children. Please note: a special adapter is required to connect to other Xbox models.
Gamepad PDP XB Series X|S Wired Rematch Purple Fade
Wired controller for Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, and PC. Made from high-quality plastic. Equipped with a hybrid cross. The corrugated pattern on the triggers is tactilely pleasant and increases grip on the skin of the hands. The deep purple color is pleasing to the eye. Suitable for players who want to emphasize their individuality with a beautiful and high-quality gadget.
Seagate 2TB Memory Card for XBOX Series X|S (STJR2000400)
SDD card for expanding the internal memory of Xbox Series S, and Xbox Series X consoles. The principle of operation is similar to the operation of the built-in memory – you just need to connect the card to a special connector on the rear panel. A Memory capacity of 2 TB is the maximum configuration in the Seagate card line. Useful for active players who like to play different genres without frequent reinstallations.
Microsoft XBOX Wireless Headset
Wireless headset that supports Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and DTS Headphone:X surround sound technologies. These systems help to determine by ear the location of the enemy in a shooter or the overtaking direction in car simulators. Uninterrupted operation time 15 hours. The controls are built into the ear cups and are easy to adjust. The headset is suitable for listening to music or watching movies. A parallel connection with two devices is available, which means you can talk on the phone without looking up from the game. One of the best models in its price range. A great thing for experienced gamers, streamers, and e-sportsmen.
AOLION charging station for 2 XBOX Series / XBOX One gamepads + 2 batteries 1100 mAh + 4 covers
A dual controller charging station that supports standard Xbox Series, Xbox One, and Microsoft Xbox One Wireless Controller Elite controllers. The kit includes two 1100 milliamp-hour batteries and four covers for gamepads. The charge lasts a long time, and if necessary, it can be replenished using a USB cable. It will be useful for those who do not want to interrupt the gameplay by changing batteries in the controller and do not want to bother disposing of hundreds of batteries.
Cable Guy: Star Wars: The Mandalorian: Stormtrooper Figure Stand
Collectible stand figure of a Stormtrooper from the Star Wars franchise. Made of polyvinyl chloride, decorated with dyes that are safe for health. Installed on a rotating platform. The total height of the structure is 25 centimeters. A bright decorative element and a reliable stand for a gamepad, smartphone, headset, or portable console. A nice gift for any Star Wars fan, and children will also love it.
You can find and purchase all the Xbox accessories described here in the online store. They will increase the comfort of the game, diversify the gaming experience, and bring a lot of pleasure to you and your loved ones.
