What are the top five essential accessories for PS4?

Question

I recently picked up a PS4 Pro to catch up on some exclusives I missed out on, and while the console itself is great, I feel like my setup is missing a few things to really make the experience complete. I’ve already got the basic controller that came in the box, but I’m looking to optimize my gaming sessions.

I’m curious about what seasoned players consider the 'must-haves.' For instance, I’ve been looking into external hard drives because the 1TB internal storage is filling up way faster than I expected with games like Warzone and RDR2. I’m also wondering if a specific charging station is worth the desk space or if I should just stick to cables. Since I mostly play in the evenings, a decent headset recommendation would be awesome too, especially one that doesn't break the bank but offers clear spatial audio.

I want to make sure I’m investing in gear that actually improves quality of life rather than just buying useless plastic. If you had to narrow it down, what are the top five essential accessories every PS4 owner should own to get the most out of their console?

MisoMischief · Accepted Answer

For your situation, honestly, don't overspend on the fancy branded stuff because you can get way better performance by being a bit tech-savvy. Since you're on a Pro, you gotta take advantage of that USB 3.0 throughput. Instead of buying a pre-packaged "gaming" drive which is usually just a marked-up slow HDD, I'd suggest getting the Western Digital WD Blue 2TB PC Internal Hard Drive 5400 RPM and popping it into a cheap Sabrent 2.5-Inch SATA to USB 3.0 Tool-Free External Enclosure. It'll cost you maybe $65 total, which is way cheaper than those branded ones, and it's super reliable for massive games like RDR2.

For audio, don't fall for the $150 wireless hype. The Philips SHP9500 Hi-Fi Precision Stereo Over-Ear Headphones are legendary in the budget audiophile world (usually around $75) and they have incredible spatial imaging for the price. Just plug 'em straight into the controller. If you need a mic, grab a V-MODA BoomPro Microphone for $30 and you've got a setup that rivals $200 headsets.

As for the charging station, I was cautious too, but the PowerA DualShock 4 Charging Station is actually a huge quality-of-life win for like $20. It uses the bottom EXT port so you aren't constantly wearing out the fragile micro-USB ports on top of the controllers.

So yeah, my top 5: 1. DIY External HDD, 2. Open-back Headphones, 3. Boom mic, 4. EXT-port Charging Station, and 5. Maybe some KontrolFreek Performance Thumbsticks for better grip during Warzone. Basically, focus on the internals and the comfort rather than the flashy plastic. Good luck!!

EmberEpitaph · Answer

Honestly, if you're on a budget, you gotta check out the HyperX Cloud Stinger Gaming Headset. It's super comfy for long nights and the spatial audio is actually decent for the price. For storage, just grab a Seagate Expansion 2TB External Hard Drive STKM2000400—it's plug-and-play and basically essential for RDR2. Also, skip the fancy chargers and just get a UGREEN 10ft Micro USB Cable so you can keep playing while it's plugged in. Super simple setup but it works so well!! 👍

KingOfMaybeLater · Answer

Oh man, I totally feel u on that storage struggle!! Honestly, when I first got my Pro, I thought 1TB would be plenty but then RDR2 and Warzone literally ate it all lol. In my experience, the top five essentials are definitely an external hard drive (MUST have), a charging station because fumbling with cables is annoying, a solid wireless headset for those evening sessions, a decent controller grip, and maybe some back button attachments. My current setup changed everything for me cuz I used to run out of juice mid-boss fight, but that dock is amazing. Seriously, just getting the storage fixed made my life sooo much easier. Gl with the new console!