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Unpacking a new console is always an exciting moment, which is often followed by realizing you don’t have a crucial piece you need to get playing. Whether that’s a second controller for your younger sibling, a proper audio setup, or a new racing wheel, we’ve got our favorite bits and bobs to enhance your Xbox Series S/X experience.
While you’re here, you should also make sure to check out our other guides for in-depth info on our favorite televisions, the best soundbars to go with them, and of course our favorite gaming headsets when you don’t want the other people in your house to have to listen to you.
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Photograph: Microsoft
A Second Controller
Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller (White)
As far as controllers for your friends go, it’s hard to beat Microsoft’s standard offering, which was updated for the Xbox Series S/X release in 2020. These are mostly minor cosmetic and material changes though, and as noted in our review of the Xbox Series X (7/10, WIRED Review) this will be an extremely familiar layout for anyone who has played on an Xbox since the 360 era.
Unfortunately, they still don’t have built-in rechargeable batteries, but if you picked up our favorite battery pack and charger combo, you’ll already have a second pack and place to charge it. They also come in a huge variety of colors, so you can find one that fits your style.
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Photograph: SCUF
An Upgraded Controller
Scuf Instinct Pro Controller
The included controllers will be fine for most folks, but more competitive gamers may want to check out the SCUF Instinct Pro, our favorite upgraded controller for Xbox Series S/X. The biggest improvement here are the paddles on the back, which sit right under your middle and ring fingers. You can bind a variety of buttons to these, letting you access face buttons or shoulder buttons without taking your fingers off the joysticks.
You’ll also notice an improvement in build quality on premium controllers like the SCUF Instinct Pro. Heavier plastics, sturdier buttons and switches, and charging point improvements all come with the territory. Wireless controllers for the Xbox Series S/X with magnetic Hall Effect sensors are still a rarity, but we’re evaluating options and hope to have one to recommend soon.
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Photograph: Brad Bourque
A Battery Pack and Charger
PowerA Duo Charging Station
Xbox Series S/X controllers still use regular AAs, so the first upgrade anyone should make is a set of proper rechargeable batteries. I like dedicated batteries, preferably with a dock, because it takes all the work out of remembering to charge and check levels. Microsoft has an official battery pack and charger upgrade for $25, but for my money, I think the PowerA Duo is a better value.
For just $5 more, you get two battery packs, plus a convenient dock for charging both controllers at once. Lights on the front and underneath indicate each controller’s charging status, and it includes back panels for both Xbox Series S/X and Xbox One controllers. Unlike some other options, this one requires zero thought or effort, very little setup, and often goes on sale. Just make sure you get the color that matches your controllers.
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Photograph: Brad Bourque
Factory Headset
Microsoft Xbox Wireless Gaming Headset
For most folks, the Xbox Wireless Headset (8/10, WIRED Recommends) will be a great fit, as long as you don’t have a gigantic head like mine. I loved how easy they were to set up and pair with my Xbox Series X, and they support advanced surround sound technology like Dolby Atmos. The large control knobs on either side are easy to find for quick volume adjustments, as well as changing the game and communication audio.
The headset doesn’t include a USB C cable, which you’ll need for charging. As mentioned, it also wasn’t the most comfortable for my big head, partially because of the polyurethane-based leather earcups, which aren’t very breathable.
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Photograph: Eric Ravenscraft
Another Great Headset
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wireless
Speaking of comfortable headsets, the Arctis Nova 5X has soft, meshy earcups, and the stretchy support band is a notable feature on Arctis headsets that can reduce strain during long gaming sessions. It supports Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz via its dedicated USB dongle, which helps it work with a huge range of consoles, computers, and phones.
While they’re more comfortable, they lack Dolby Atmos, which may be a sticking point for folks who like to play the latest, most cinematic games. Instead, Steelseries has game-specific profiles that adjust the equalizer for the best experience. Both headphones also support Bluetooth, so really the preference here comes down to what kinds of games you play, and how wide your noggin is.
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Photograph: Western Digital
Better Storage
Western Digital P40 Gaming Drive
If the internal storage on your new Xbox Series S/X isn’t quite enough, you can expand it with most modern external USB drives. For the best possible performance, check out the Western Digital P40 Gaming Drive, our favorite external drive for just this sort of situation. It sports super fast top speeds, although it did lag during large file transfers, which shouldn’t be as much of an issue while gaming.
Apart from the high speeds and fancy RGB lights, the P40 operates just like any other external SSD, so you can also use it for moving or backing up files. It sports USB 3.2 for fast transfer speeds, and is compact enough for portable use, even if it may spend most of its life plugged into an Xbox.
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Photograph: Logitech
Upgrade Wheel
Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel
As mentioned above, a proper racing simulator setup can add up quickly, but it does have its benefits. WIRED editor Parker Hall took the higher-end Logitech G Pro out for a spin, and said it was “so good, it immediately silenced any midlife urge to buy a muscle car.” Make sure to check out his full thoughts if that sounds appealing, but know this isn’t quite the easy setup you’ll get with the G920.
You’ll need to purchase both the wheel and pedals, although you can sometimes find them in a combo. The direct drive system also produces more torque than your typical belt-drive wheel, so a pair of racing gloves may help you maintain grip through those tight corners. When all is said and done, you’ll likely be looking at well over $1,000 in dedicated racing gear, so if that sends you running to the pits, I recommend just going with the G920.
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Photograph: Best Buy
A Racing Wheel
Logitech G920
If you enjoy racing or driving games, a proper racing wheel and pedals really adds to the experience. Higher-end options require multiple individual parts, and can quickly move into the thousands of dollars. Instead, most people I know have some version of the Logitech G920, which has all the features you’d want for an occasional track day for less than $300. It has a 900-degree rotation for realistic turns, and customizable pedal response.
Like most wheels, the G920 can mount to the edge of your desk, but a dedicated stand lets you adjust everything to just the right height, and a proper racing chair can put you in a more ergonomic position. I’m also a fan of the manual shifting knob, which feels more familiar to me than the paddle shifters on the wheel.
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Photograph: Ryan Waniata
A Gorgeous TV
Samsung S90D QD-OLED
A high-performance system deserves a screen to match, and the Samsung S90D QD-LED (9/10, WIRED Recommends) has almost every feature we like to see on a TV. All four HDMI inputs support full 144Hz gaming with variable refresh rate, and it has built-in support for a variety of cloud gaming services. Its OLED panel boasts incredibly deep black levels, and the quantum dots produce intense colors that will make your favorite characters pop.
Dolby Vision is a notable absence here, especially because the Xbox Series S/X both support the enhanced dynamic range functionality. The good news is that most games still don’t support it yet either, and those that do will also support HDR 10, which the S90D is happy to provide.
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Photograph: Vizio
Surround Sound
Vizio M-Series 5.1.2 Soundbar
Most importantly, the Vizio M-Series 5.1.2. Soundbar System (9/10, WIRED Recommends) offers full Dolby Atmos support for less than the cost of the Xbox Series X itself, which makes it a great deal if that’s where it will spend most of its life. The budget-friendly price doesn’t short you on speakers though, and the system includes a soundbar, separate subwoofer, and two tweeters.
It also won points with us for its clean design and straightforward setup, which took us from unboxing to gaming in short order. For most people, this system will sound great, and be a notable upgrade from your TV’s built-in speakers, while leaving some room in the budget for more games.
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Photograph: Song
An Upgraded Soundbar
Sony HT-A7000
Anyone looking for a truly premium sound bar should check out Sony’s HT-A7000, which could be the centerpiece of a sweet gaming setup thanks to its sleek design and incredible audio quality. Like the Vizio, it supports Dolby Atmos, but also includes support for DTS:X and Sony’s 360 Reality Audio, making it much more than just a gaming soundbar. Two of the three HDMI ports also support pass-through variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto low latency mode (ALLM) to help you get the most out of your consoles. The Sony doesn’t include a subwoofer, but you have the option to add more speakers later to build out your perfect system.
