Wanting to take your PS4 gaming experience to the next level? You’ll be pleased to read that there are a growing number of great accessories you may want to check out for your PS4. Here we take a look at the current top 12 PS4 accessories…
1. Wireless Controller
Remember the days when the only multiplayer option was to get a friend over and play split-screen? Whilst many of us now play multiplayer games via the internet, the need for a second controller is still an option for some. Another great addition of having a second controller is that you can switch controllers when one is getting low on battery, meaning you’ve always got access to a wireless controller. If you aren’t already familiar, the DualShock 4 Wireless Controller for PS4 gives you maximum control over your gameplay. The touchpad provides a new way to interact with games while the contours of the controller fit nicely in your hands. There’s a built-in speaker and a headset jack. The LED light bars helps you to quickly identify players. There’s even a share button to push if you want to stream your live gameplay to Twitch / UStream or upload video to social media. What’s great is that you go a little funky with the colours, you aren’t restricted with the familiar black. Will your second controller be blue, red, white and urban camo – more choice will be coming soon, too!
2. Charging Station for Wireless Controller
If you’re going to use wireless controllers, then you’ll definitely want to have a docking station to charge your controllers so you won’t be in the middle of gameplay when the batteries suddenly die, let’s face it, we’ve all been there! The POWER A DualShock 4 Charging Station allows you to charge two DS4 controllers at the same time, and it runs on AC power. The design matches the PS4 as well and is officially licensed by Sony.
3. Vertical Stand
The PS4 is a slim console, and, unfortunately, the ability to stand it vertically is next to impossible, unless you want to risk is been knocked over. Sony, either recognizing the need or creating themselves with the PS4’s design, has created the PS4 Official Sony Vertical Stand. The stand is perfectly contoured to the console so that you can stand it vertically and the way the system clips in eliminates any wobble. If you want to save space, and prefer a vertical style, then the vertical stand is one way to do it.
4. PS4 Carrying Travel Case
If you plan on going abroad, or even if you just want to haul your PS4 gear to a friend’s house to play all day, transporting the console and all of your accessories can be a pain unless you have a portable carrying case. The PS4 FlexTravel Carrying Case is the perfect solution for your PS4 portability needs. This padded case will keep your console well protected, but it’s also great because it has pockets to store your controllers, headset, camera, and cables. The whole case is durable, and the strap is dual reinforced so you won’t have to worry about it breaking. If you plan to travel with your PS4, this is a great accessory to have.
5. Wireless Headset
If you want to experience game audio up close in stunning quality, then you’ll love the Playstation 4 Gold Wireless Stereo Headset. It provides 7.1 virtual surround sound, which helps you to hear the tiniest whispers of sound and the loudest explosions with absolute clarity. There’s even a hidden noise-cancelling microphone built-in that is great for chatting with friends as you play in multiplayer. Because it’s designed by Sony, you can download the Headset Companion App and access custom audio modes. The headset is even comfortable enough to be worn for hours without discomfort.
6. Camera
You can live broadcast your gameplay and create picture-in-picture video as you’re playing with the PlayStation 4 Camera. Become a gaming expert for other players to turn to by creating video walkthroughs and uploading them online. The PS4 Camera has facial recognition for quick log in. The camera’s 3D depth-sensing technology allows you to control your gameplay through your body’s motions, giving PS4 owners an immersive gaming experience not provided by other systems.
7. USB Extension Cable
If you don’t want to go the wireless controller route, or if you prefer to charge your controller from the PS4 during play, then you might want to pick up a USB Extension Cable. You can use this to extend the length of your stock PS4 controller’s cable, or you can use it to connect your wireless controller to the PS4 for charging while you play. A 10-foot cable from Amazon will only run you about $6.
8. Sharkk Backlit Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard
Every PC gamer has access to a keyboard. We like to think that we live in a world today where we shouldn’t need a keyboard, the fact is many of us still do. Let’s face it, if you aren’t using your voice, then there’s no better way to communicate other than by text, for example, I couldn’t imagine writing this article with a DualShock 4 Controller! Yes, you won’t be using your PS4 to write articles, but the PS4’s built in browser makes searches and filling in forms an absolute breeze with a keyboard. This begs the question as to why most console gamer’s don’t realise that they can use a compatible keyboard with their console. The Sharkk Backlit Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard is a fantastic companion for your PS4 console, it’s sure to come in handy, and you can use it with many of your other home gadgets too!
9. Thrustmaster VG T300RS
Not everyone is into racing games, but for those who are, you’re sure to be interested with a racing wheel. Even if we fast forward to when VR headsets are readily available, this wouldn’t change the fact that you’d want a racing wheel. If you’ve got the space (it’s not too big) and the budget, then this type of accessory should be on your wish list. Imagine playing Gran Turismo 7 with this Thrustmaster VG T300RS, now we’re talking!
10. Game Capture
If you fancy broadcasting on sites other than the two big players ‘Twitch’ and ‘UStream’ then you’ll likely want to invest in a game capture card. Sometimes you play so well, you just want to immortalize it forever. With the Elgato HD Game Capture, you can. Record 1080p HD video while keeping a low file size for sharing and uploading. Its compact size and the ability to run power from just connecting it to the PS4 make this a convenient way to record your best moments of playing your favourite game. Record gameplay or live stream it for an audience to watch you do what you do best. Use recorded audio to review and see where you need to make changes to become even better. The Elgato HD Game Capture stores hours of footage, so you can choose and edit what you want to share.
11. Controller Thumb Grips
If you want maximum control over your analog sticks on your controller, you might want to invest in some thumb grips that will prevent unwanted slippage in the middle of gameplay. When your thumbs slip in the middle of play, it can be one of the most frustrating problems because it can cost you a lot in the game. The Grip-It Analog Stick Covers fit nicely on your analog sticks and because of the friction created by their unique material, you won’t have to worry about slippage anymore. The DualShock 4 Wireless Controller thumbs are also vulnerable to wear and tear, another great reason to get these cheaply priced controller thumb grips.
12. Second Screen Controller Clip
Did you know that you can utilize your smartphone to connect to the PlayStation App and access second screen features on some of your favourite PS4 games? The Nyko Smart Clip allows you to conveniently clip your smartphone to your controller for easy viewing access. This can also come in handy to quickly browse walk-throughs or tips as you’re playing a game. The positioning of your phone is adjustable.
If you’re serious about gaming, the accessories above are definite considerations if you’re a PS4 owner.
Tom is a gamer, blogger, article writer, storyteller, and screenwriter who also teaches writing for a living as a high school English teacher.