What are the must-have accessories for a PS4 in 2024?

Question

I’ve been holding onto my PS4 Slim for a few years now, and honestly, I’m not ready to jump to the PS5 just yet since my backlog of games is still massive. However, I’ve noticed my current setup is starting to feel a bit dated, and I want to make sure I’m getting the best experience possible in 2024.

My biggest struggle right now is definitely the storage. With games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Warzone taking up so much space, I can only keep a few titles installed at once. I'm debating between getting a reliable external hard drive or finally taking the plunge and swapping in an internal SSD to help with those aging load times. Also, my original DualShock 4 is starting to suffer from some pretty annoying stick drift, so I’m on the hunt for a solid replacement—either an official one or a high-quality third-party alternative that won't break the bank.

I’ve also seen a lot of those all-in-one cooling stands with controller charging docks, but I’m skeptical about whether they actually help with the console's fan noise or if they're just a gimmick. I'm really looking for gear that adds genuine value to my daily gaming sessions.

What are the absolute must-have accessories you’d recommend for a PS4 user in 2024 to keep the console feeling fresh and functional?

CerealKiller_Alt · Accepted Answer

Yo, cooling stands are basically useless imo, so skip 'em. Pro tip: Check out the 8BitDo USB Wireless Adapter 2 if you wanna use other controllers you already own, and grab the Crucial MX500 1TB 2.5 Inch Internal SSD for those RDR2 load times. For proof, check out *Digital Foundry's* PS4 SSD comparison videos... they're super helpful for budget builds! gl!

NoodleNighthaze · Answer

So yeah, I've been tinkering with my PS4 for years and honestly, keeping it fresh in 2024 is totally worth it. That backlog isn't gonna play itself! I've tried a few setups, so here's my take on the gear.

For storage, it really comes down to Speed vs. Capacity:

* **Internal SSD (Speed):** This is the single best upgrade you can do. Even tho the Slim is technically capped at SATA II speeds, the random access times on something like the Samsung 870 EVO 1TB SATA III 2.5-Inch Internal SSD make the UI fly and cut load times in Red Dead by like 30-40%. Basically feels like a new console.
* **External HDD (Capacity):** If you literally just want 50 games installed at once and don't care about loading, grab the WD_BLACK 5TB P10 Game Drive. It's built like a tank and you'll never worry about space again.

Regarding the controller, stick drift is the absolute worst... ngl it ruins everything. If you can find an official DualShock 4 Wireless Controller for PlayStation 4 at a normal price, grab it. But wait no... if you want a high-quality alternative that feels pro, I've had good luck with the Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro Controller. It's pricey but the build quality is way better than the stock ones.

And those cooling stands? Total gimmick imo. Most of them just blow air at the plastic shell which doesnt actually help the internal heatsink. If your fan is screaming, basically just use some compressed air to clean the vents.

I'd personally go with the Crucial MX500 1TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD for the best performance boost. gl!

MelonMystery · Answer

ngl i have this exact same issue with my slim and it is honestly so draining trying to figure it out. ive been stuck in this loop for months, constantly browsing RTINGS and deep-diving into hardware forums to compare the build quality of Western Digital WD_BLACK P10 against some of the SanDisk options, but i still cant find a clear winner for my setup. it is seriously frustrating because my backlog just keeps growing while i go back and forth on which brand is actually gonna hold up over time... i basically spend more time researching than actually playing at this point.