So your Christmas wish came true and you’re getting a PlayStation 4 from good ol’ Saint Nick this year. Congrats! Get ready for some awesome, next-gen video game action. Before you get too excited, though, take a minute to assess your setup. Do you have everything you need to game for hours without worry? No? Well, don’t fret; we’re here to help.
Here are five PlayStation 4 accessories necessary for any PS4 owner.
1. PlayStation 4 Wireless Controller
So you’ve got a PS4, but guess what? The standard bundle only comes with one controller. It doesn’t matter how much you take care of it; eventually, time takes its toll on electronics that spend the majority of their time in sweaty hands. So, what are you supposed to do? Well, you can’t go wrong buying another DualShock 4. Plus, without at least two controllers, how do you expect to play couch co-op with a friend? Sony’s standard PS4 controller may be a basic accessory, but it’s obviously a necessary component for gaming, so make sure you’re good to go on that front before moving on.
Price: $59.99
Buy a PlayStation 4 Wireless Controller here.
2. PlayStation 4 Controller Charging Station
Okay, you’ve got your PlayStation 4 and an appropriate amount of controllers, but what about a charging kit? In order to charge a DualShock 4 controller, you need to use the short and annoying USB cable that comes with the console, but there’s got to be a better way, right? Yes, of course there is. This charging station juices up PS4 controllers while you’re away from your console so they’re fully charged when it’s time to game, all without annoying controller wires getting in the way. At less than $20, this thing pays for itself.
Price: $19.07 (24 percent off MSRP)
Buy a PlayStation 4 Controller Charging Station here.
3. Elgato Game Capture HD
If you’re looking into using your PS4 to make Let’s Plays (and who isn’t these days?), the Elgato Game Capture HD is the perfect way to do it. This device allows you to capture high-def gameplay footage at 1080p resolution and quickly and easily upload it to YouTube and social media with one simple click. As an added bonus, it also supports livestreaming to Twitch. Even if you don’t want to make Let’s Play videos, you can use this device to create video walkthroughs, game guides or just immortalize your proudest gaming moments.
Price: $138.91 (23 percent off MSRP)
Buy the Elgato Game Capture HD here.
4. PlayStation Silver Wired Stereo Headset
If you’re looking for an affordable way to experience awesome game audio with the ability to communicate online with your gaming buddies, look no further than this headset. It comes with 7.1 virtual surround sound so you can experience the full theater-like quality PS4 games offer. A retractable boom mic makes it easy to talk to friends and teammates alike while playing games like Destiny and Call of Duty. Best of all, the headset is actually comfortable, with plush, on-ear cushions that you’ll forget are even there. As a bonus, this headset will work with your PS3 and PC as well.
Price: $49.99 (29 percent off MSRP)
Buy the PlayStation Silver Wired Stereo Headset here.
5. PlayStation 4 Camera
If you don’t want to throw down over $100 for the game capture device listed above, the PlayStation 4 isn’t a bad alternative. You can broadcast gameplay with it and, using the external camera, even overlay video of yourself playing the game in your stream’s corner. Using the free PlayRoom App on your PS4, your living room becomes the stage for your own online shows. If you have games that utilize movement (I’m looking at you, Just Dance fans), the camera reads body motion, turning you into the controller, much like the Xbox One’s Kinect does.
Price: $54.99 (5 percent off MSRP)
Buy the PlayStation 4 Camera here.
