14 Best PlayStation 5 Accessories (2023): SSD Storage, Headsets, Controllers, 120-Hz TVs
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Photograph: Sony
A VR Headset
Sony PSVR 2It's extremely pricey at $550, but the PS VR2 is a worthy successor to the original and a welcome addition to the PS5 family.
One of the biggest problems with VR is that it's often a very solitary experience, and streaming to TVs isn't always easy. The PS VR2 streams to TV by default. The headset is also super adjustable, so you can find a comfy way to fit it to your head.
Eye-tracking is the standout feature here. It's accurate and intuitive to use, and our reviewer Eric Ravenscraft noted that you can even make eye contact with characters in games and watch them react. The Sense VR controllers boast best-in-class haptic feedback, making it feel like you're actually grabbing something when you're interacting with objects in VR. For more details, check out our review (8/10, WIRED Recommends).
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Photograph: Sony
A Second Controller
Sony DualSense ControllerIt's 2023 and game consoles still don't ship with two controllers. The first thing you'll need with your new PS5 is an extra gamepad if you want to get in on any couch co-op, and the best one is still Sony's official DualSense model. That might change in the coming months, but right now, no other third-party controller really packs the same level of immersive feedback the DualSense does.
Thanks to the placement of haptic feedback motors throughout the controller, you can feel more nuanced vibrations than you can with other controllers. It's like spatial audio for your hands. If something whips by your character on the left side, you might feel a little rumble under your left hand. It's awesome. Games can control how much resistance the left and right shoulder triggers give you. If you're pulling the drawstring on a bow and arrow, for instance, a game might make it more difficult to press the triggers.
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Photograph: Sony
A Charging Dock
Sony DualSense Charging StationNext, you want a charging dock. Even if you stick with one controller, it's nice to just drop it in the dock when you're done playing instead of remembering to plug it back in. This is the official charger from Sony, so it matches the cyber-clam aesthetic of the PS5, which is a plus. They look really cute together.
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Photograph: Scuf
A Controller for Competitors
Scuf Reflex ControllerThe DualSense above is one of my favorite controllers of all time. I've come to love and appreciate the streamlined design, the slim form factor, and the overall look and feel of Sony's latest controller. That's why I'm obsessed with Scuf's Reflex controller. In the months I've spent testing it, it's managed to do everything the DualSense does, but better.
That extra-ness will definitely cost you, though: The DualSense is about $70, and the Reflex starts at $200. So what does that get you? The body is covered in a soft-touch material that doesn't pick up fingerprints and is grippy without feeling sticky. It's like the suede of plastic.
It also has four (removable) back paddles, which you can configure individually. These are a godsend in games like Destiny 2 where you have to juggle multiple abilities all at once. And the faceplate comes off so you can swap out the thumb sticks if you want. (There are taller ones available that provide a more nuanced sense of control.) You can also swap out the faceplate itself for other colors. Overall, it's everything a premium controller should be, and if you're going to play a lot of competitive online games, it's an accessory I'd highly recommend.