Author: Game Infliction

The Xbox Series X is now one of the best-selling video game consoles of all time, even if there were rumors Microsoft was going to stop making consoles – which is thankfully false. If you want to enhance your gameplay even further, then it’s worth considering some of the best Xbox Series X accessories to pair with your Xbox Series X console.

TL;DR – These are the Best Xbox Series X Accessories:

• Xbox Elite Controller Series 2
• Seagate Xbox Storage Expansion Card
• Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset
• WD C50 Expansion Card
• Logitech G923 Racing Wheel and Pedals
• PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S
• KontrolFreek FPS Freek Inferno Performance Kit

From high-end Xbox Series X controllers with additional buttons and paddles to make gaming easier, to immersive Xbox Series X headsets that allow you to hear every movement in-game, there are some seriously cool Xbox Series X accessories to consider.

The good news is, that you don’t need to stretch your budget too far if you want to invest in some new peripherals. But if you want to splurge, the option is there.

The Best Xbox Series X Accessories

1. Xbox Elite Controller Series 2

Best Controller for Xbox Series X

Pros:

• Customizable controls
• Up to 3 custom profiles

Cons:

• Expensive

If you enjoy pro gaming or you want to up your performance in-game, the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 is designed for competitive gamers. It features adjustable-tension thumbsticks, short hair trigger locks, a wrap-around rubberized grip, exclusive button mapping options, and interchangeable components.

Depending on the game you’re playing, you can save up to 3 custom profiles on the controller and switch between them instantly using the profile button on the controller. Admittedly, there’s a hefty price to pay here, but the beauty of this Xbox controller is that it can pair to Xbox Series X|S consoles, Windows PCs, and mobile devices, too, making it great value for money in the long run.

Equipped with a rechargeable battery, you can easily pair the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 with a rechargeable battery kit or something like the PowerA Dual Charging Station for Xbox X|S, so you’re never without charge.

2. Seagate Xbox Storage Expansion Card

Best Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X

Pros:

• Officially licensed
• Up to 2TB of storage

Cons:

• Expensive

The Xbox Series X comes with a standard 1TB of storage. Some of that is instantly eaten away by the operating system, leaving you with just 802GB of usable space. When you consider some Xbox Series X games are over 100GB once installed, you’ll soon realize there’s not much space left on your Xbox to play the games you want.

The officially licensed Seagate Xbox Storage Expansion Card comes in 1TB and 2TB sizes, allowing you to install more of the games you love without any hassle. It’s easy to increase the capacity of your Xbox Series X, though it does come at a price. However, this is really the only sacrifice you’re making since the expansion card runs just a touch slower than the Xbox’s internal SSD.

3. Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset

Best Headset for Xbox Series X

Pros:

• Customizable audio
• No cables or dongles required

Cons:

• There are better headsets but they are more expensive

More affordable than some Xbox Series X headsets, the Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset is the perfect pairing for this console and is noise-canceling too. The adjustable headband means it’s comfortable to wear for long periods of time, and can be shared between your household. And, since it’s wireless, you won’t be tied down to your Xbox if you want to grab a snack in between matches.

The controls are easy to access; you can adjust the volume on the fly and alter the game/chat balance depending on what you’re focusing on. Keeping with its intuitive and lightweight theme, the Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset doesn’t require any dongles, cables, or extras to connect wirelessly to your Xbox. It can even double up as a headset for your phone too as it features Bluetooth connectivity.

Use the Xbox Accessories app to create a customized audio experience just for you, and switch between a range of sound modes including Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and DTS Headphone:X.

4. WD C50 Expansion Card

Best Alternative Expansion Card for Xbox Series X

Pros:

• More affordable than other options
• 512GB and 1TB sizes

Cons:

• A little slower than the internal SSD

We wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t want to splash all your hard-earned cash on Seagate’s Xbox expansion card. If this is the case, you might want to turn your head to the WD C50 Expansion Card, which is a more affordable alternative. It also comes in 512GB and 1TB storage sizes, if you don’t want to go all out and upgrade to 2TB.

This expansion card is officially licensed by Microsoft, too, so you can simply plug and play without any hassle of installing additional storage and taking your Xbox apart. Install all of the games you want, and thanks to its portable size, you can even take this expansion card with you to your friend’s house if you want to play games that they haven’t installed.

5. Logitech G923 Racing Wheel and Pedals

Best Racing Wheel for Xbox Series X

Pros:

• Feels like you’re really driving
• Extremely customizable

Cons:

• One of the most expensive Xbox Series X accessories

Racing fans will love the Logitech G923 Racing Wheel and Pedals, though you might gulp at the price. Featuring Trueforce technology, this racing wheel makes it really feel like you’re in the driver’s seat. The finer details like the hand-stitched black leather wheel cover and polished metal pedals only add to the experience (and cost).

What makes the Logitech G923 Racing Wheel and Pedals stand out is its lifelike replication of driving a car. The programmable dual clutch simulates real race car launch directly from your controller, alongside the ability to fine-tune your speed with the built-in LED RPM indicator.

Adjustable wheel sensitivity, force feedback, and button customizable add to the racing wheel’s appeal, offering the full racing sim experience at home.

6. PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S

Best Affordable Controller for Xbox Series X

Pros:

• Not expensive
• So many designs to choose from

Cons:

• Wired

If you’re not fussed about using a wireless controller on your Xbox Series X, and perhaps don’t want to spend too much on additional controllers for when your friends come over to play, then the PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller is a great alternative. This budget-friendly controller comes in a range of styles to suit every gamer. You could spend hours looking through the vast designs on offer.

Despite its cheaper cost, this controller comes with two mappable advanced gaming buttons, dual rumble motors, and the usual Share button so you can capture screenshots and clips in-game. There’s a volume dial too and a one-touch mic mute which is perfect if you chat with your friends while gaming. The generous 10ft cable shouldn’t get in the way, and it’s easy to plug into your Windows PC or Xbox One, too.

7. KontrolFreek FPS Freek Inferno Performance Kit

Best Thumbsticks for Xbox Series X

Pros:

• Great for competitive gaming
• Enhances gameplay

Cons:

• Could break after prolonged use

Competitive gamers will appreciate the upgraded precision that the KontrolFreek FPS Freek Inferno Performance Kit offers. This cheap and cheerful Xbox Series X accessory comes with a mid-rise and high-rise thumbstick to customize your gameplay.

Best of all, there’s no DIY needed here. Just place the thumbsticks on top of the existing Xbox Series X thumbsticks to completely change up your gaming experience. The rubber material provides additional grip and comfort, giving you the upper hand when you need it.

Xbox Accessories FAQ

What Xbox Accessories are Essential for Gaming?

There are a lot of different accessories you can buy for the Xbox Series X, but the only actually essential accessory is an Xbox controller. You will also likely need multiple controllers if you plan on playing multiplayer games locally on your Xbox. And although not essential for gameplay, a decent gaming headset or gaming earbuds are great if you want to play quietly.

Do Any Bluetooth Headphones Work With Xbox Series X?

Unfortunately, Xbox consoles do not currently support Bluetooth audio. That being said, there is a workaround that will allow you to connect Bluetooth headphones to the console. See our guide on how to connect AirPods to Xbox for more info.

Kegan is an avid gamer who has been playing games since his Atari days. From a young age Kegan was tinkering with PCs and now has a passion for building custom gaming computers.

Balatro publisher Playstack Games has taken to social media to defend its poker roguelike after fans noticed it had been removed from certain stores.

Players started to point out Balatro’s disappearance over the last few days, with some taking to social media to express their concerns. Reddit user JustASmith27, for example, was unable to find the Nintendo Switch eShop store page in the U.K. Players from other countries, such as Australia, have reported that they are running into the same roadblock as well.

Mainly, the problem seems isolated to Nintendo Switch stores outside of the U.S. Playstack shared an explanation behind Balatro’s disappearance on X/Twitter, saying that the team is working “as hard as we can to get the game back on sale as soon as possible.” With some territories still able to purchase Balatro without issue, the publisher confirms its removal is tied to a sudden change in its age rating.

“This is not an issue with the stores themselves, however a reaction to an overnight change to Balatro’s age rating from 3+ to 18+ by a ratings board without any advance warning,” Playstack said, “due to a mistaken belief that the game ‘contains prominent gambling imagery and material that instructs about gambling.’”

Playstack adds that it addressed gambling concerns with the ratings board in October. At the time, Balatro was labeled 3+ after receiving an initial rating of 18+.

“During that specific appeal, the ratings board assured us ‘we have reviewed your product and determined that the disclosure of gambling themes was unwarranted,’” Playstack added. “The game content has not changed since the age rating was amended to a 3+.”

pic.twitter.com/MroeavYY9U

— Playstack (@PlaystackGames) March 1, 2024

The Playstack team says they “fundamentally believe the ratings decision is unfounded,” mentioning that LocalThunk, Balatro’s sole developer, is “staunchly anti-gambling.” LocalThunk took to X/Twitter to share their own thoughts on the matter, doubling down on their stance against the accusation that Balatro contains any form of gambling.

“I do not condone gambling (staking something personally valuable on an uncertain event) nor do I believe that Balatro contains gambling,” the post says. “I did add risk/reward mechanics and RNG to Balatro, but these are core mechanics to the genre at large.”

Re: the Balatro news today

I do not condone gambling (staking something personally valuable on an uncertain event) nor do I believe that Balatro contains gambling

I did add risk/reward mechanics and RNG to Balatro, but these are core mechanics to the genre at large

— localthunk (@LocalThunk) March 1, 2024

While Playstack is confident Balatro will remain on PC storefronts like Steam, it’s not sure how other platforms will be impacted. It adds, “Please rest assured the game will be back up on sale, possibly with a temporary 18+ rating while we resolve the issue.”

Balatro launched for PC, Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X | S on February 20, 2024. Although its Steam page boasts that it is “the definitive poker roguelike experience,” it also features a variety of gameplay twists, such as cards with unique abilities, a campaign, difficulty modes, and more.

“Combine valid poker hands with unique Joker cards in order to create varied synergies and builds,” its description says. “Earn enough chips to beat devious blinds, all while uncovering hidden bonus hands and decks as you progress. You’re going to need every edge you can get in order to reach the boss blind, beat the final ante and secure victory.”

Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He started writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work at outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.

Be sure to give him a follow on Twitter @MikeCripe.

Bethesda Game Studios has teased what players can expect in Starfield’s next update, with the upcoming patch emphasizing quality-of-life improvements and bug fixes.

In a thread on X/Twitter, Bethesda Game Studios made a thread highlighting some of the changes coming to Starfield. The update will be available on March 6 via the Steam Beta before a full release at a later date.

The most notable fix will address a bug in the “Sabotage” quest for the Ryujin Industries. The bug in question caused an NPC required to complete the quest to not spawn in the location. Bethesda previously tried to address this bug in update 1.8.86, released last November, but some quickly pointed out that the NPC failed to spawn after installing the patch.

We also tracked down the elusive David Barron, who had mysteriously been unavailable at the SSNN for many players in “Sabotage.”

Other fixes include an issue causing the player’s head to turn left while sprinting and some issues preventing Starborn Temples from appearing… pic.twitter.com/3vBsL3RCAv

— Bethesda Game Studios (@BethesdaStudios) March 1, 2024

Other patch highlights include:

• Adding facial expressions in photo mode;
• Improvements to the scanner that will allow you to use it to monitor the in-game world when harvesting resources; and
• A quality-of-life improvement that makes missions active when you set course on an inactive mission.

The latest update comes over a week after the February patch was released, where it introduced a number of changes to Bethesda’s sci-fi action RPG, most notably AMD’s FSR 3 and Intel’s XeSS supersampling tech support.

The support for Starfield is part of Bethesda’s plan to have “a steady stream of updates about every six weeks” to address various issues in Starfield. Bethesda previously teased additional fixes and improvements, including adding city maps and “new ways” of traversing.

In our review of Starfield, which we awarded a 7 out of 10, we said: “Starfield has a lot of forces working against it, but eventually, the allure of its expansive roleplaying quests and respectable combat make its gravitational pull difficult to resist.”

Taylor is a Reporter at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.

SSD prices are trending upwards for 2024, which makes this deal even more amazing. Right now Amazon (or more specifically, Amazon Japan) is offering this Verbatim 2TB PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 solid state drive (SSD) for only $90.20. It also comes pre-installed with aslim PS5-compatible heatsink. Note that the product title specifically mentions a 2 year limited warranty. However since this item is shipped overseas, there is no guarantee on that. You do, however, have a guaranteed 30-day return policy from Amazon. Frankly, I think it’s still worth it given the low price point and the fact that it has pretty solid reviews, especially when used as a PS5 SSD. All of the other recommended PS5 SSDs cost $50 or more.

Verbatim 2TB SSD (PS5-Compatible) with Heatsink $90.20

The Verbatim Vi7000 meets all the requirements for your PS5 SSD upgrade. It supports transfer speeds of up to 7,400MB/s read and 6,500MB/s write which is well above the 5,500MB/s minimum threshold. It also includes a robust looking aluminum heatsink that fits right into the slim PS5 drive bay.

The PS5 is an outstanding gaming console, but the 1TB SSD is a real bottleneck. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, for example, can exceed 200GB alone. NBA 2K23 weighs in at 150GB and even older games like God of War: Ragnarok and Horizon Forbidden West require 90GB of space. Future games like Grand Theft Auto VI will undoubtedly demand even more space.

Looking for another brand? Check out all of the best PS5 SSD deals today.