Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Best PS4 Accessories: Top PlayStation 4 Controllers, Headsets and More

The PS5 is here, but that doesn't mean there won't still be plenty of us getting a few more golden years out of our PS4s while we wait for an increase in both the inventory of the new console and the stack of exclusive titles that actually make the platform worth buying. In the meantime, there's no harm decking your PS4 out with accessories that keep the experience as enjoyable as possible. We've gathered up a hoard of gear to pair with the PS4. We've got everything from controllers that'll give you finer control in your games and headphones that will further immerse you to the peripherals that make your system so much easier to use, like external storage and charging docks. A good many of these PS4 accessories will have the added benefit of working with PC and even the PS5 to help you get more use out of your investment.

TL;DR – These are the Best PS4 Accessories:

1. DualShock 4

The Best PS4 Controller

[poilib element="commerceCta" json="%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2019%2F04%2F30%2FDualShock41556651965101.png%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2019%2F04%2F30%2FDualShock41556651965101_%7Bsize%7D.png%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225cc89fc1e4b0f108f8f17d80%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fzdcs.link%2F72okn%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22DualShock%204%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22Amazon%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D"] Sony wasn't resting on its laurels when it made the DualShock 4 controller. While Sony's controller design hadn't seen much change in the previous generations, Sony actually went about making the DualShock 4 more ergonomic with thicker grips and it added in some advanced motion sensors and a touchpad. The result is a controller that can challenge Microsoft's hegemony in the controller space. And, since none of Microsoft's controllers work on the PS4, that naturally leaves the DualShock 4 as the winner here. The DualShock 4 is plainly the best PS4 controller, but it doesn't earn that title for nothing. The triggers are nicely rounded for long-term comfort, and the symmetrical layout will prove more comfortable to use for some. Though the DualShock 4's battery may not offer crazy longevity, it's easy enough to recharge over a micro USB cable – compare that to the original Xbox One controller, which used AA batteries. And, the DualShock 4 conveniently works with other devices thanks to its Bluetooth connectivity. So, even if you make the move to the PS5 and DualSense controller, you'll still be able to get some use out of your DualShock 4.

2. DualShock 4 Back Button Attachment

Best controller upgrade

[poilib element=""commerceCta"" json=""%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F02%2F21%2Fdualshock4-back-button1582333042746.jpg%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F02%2F21%2Fdualshock4-back-button1582333042746_%7Bsize%7D.jpg%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225e507c76e4b035b46686e4a3%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fzdcs.link%2FW1gLn%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22DualShock%204%20Back%20Button%20Attachment%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22Amazon%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D""] Xbox owners have to pay a hefty chunk of change to upgrade to the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller if they want to upgrade the traditional controller to include handy paddles on the rear. PS4 owners have it much easier since Sony released the DualShock 4 Back Button Attachment. It simply connects to the bottom of the DualShock 4 controller using the USB port there, thus adding two buttons on the underside that can give you more easily accessible controls when your game is too intense to move your thumbs off the analog sticks

3. PDP Gaming Ultra Slim Charging System

Best PS4 Controller Charger

[poilib element="commerceCta" json="%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2019%2F07%2F17%2FPDPGaming-Ultra-Slim-Charging-System1563401119420.jpg%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2019%2F07%2F17%2FPDPGaming-Ultra-Slim-Charging-System1563401119420_%7Bsize%7D.jpg%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225d2f9ba3e4b034e392545321%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fzdcs.link%2FrPrm1%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22PDP%20Gaming%20Ultra%20Slim%20Charging%20System%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22Amazon%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D"] One of the DualShock 4’s biggest pitfalls is its short eight-hour battery life. While that’s enough play time to get you through a hearty chunk of Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers or several matches of Apex Legends, remembering to plug in the micro USB cable to charge your controller gets pretty old. If you find recharging your DualShock 4 to be a real chore, why not invest in the PDP Gaming Ultra Slim Charging System? For only $30 bucks, this recharging cradle makes things so much simpler. Unlike having to push the controllers down onto a cradle every time, the PDP Gaming Ultra Slim Charging System comes with two charging adapters you slip onto the controller, so all you have to do is put it on the tray and you're good to go. The PDP Gaming Ultra Slim Charging System even allows you to recharge two DualShock 4 controllers at the same time.

4. LucidSound LS41

The Best PS4 Gaming Headset

[poilib element="commerceCta" json="%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F07%2F21%2FLucidSoundLS411595344795900.jpg%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F07%2F21%2FLucidSoundLS411595344795900_%7Bsize%7D.jpg%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225f1707a1e4b0d737084438a8%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fzdcs.link%2FmxRAq%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22LucidSound%20LS41%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22Amazon%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D"] One of the big perks of the PS4 is its support for a wide variety of different audio setups, including many great, wireless gaming headphones. When it comes to the best you can get for the PS4, LucidSound's LS41 (read our review) headset stands out. These headphones actually support a wide array of devices thanks to both wired and wireless connections, including optical audio connections to its wireless USB dongle. The sound you'll get from the headphones will prove impactful thanks to 50mm drivers with a respectable frequency response range. And then there's the surround sound, which the LS41 headset supports through DTS Headphone: X for a simulated 7.1-channel surround mode. This headset also supports live mic monitoring, so you can hear yourself as you talk to teammates (something we've found helps us avoid shouting). All that, and the headset can last over 20 hours on a charge.

5. Razer Panthera Evo Arcade Stick

The Best PS4 Fight Stick

[poilib element="commerceCta" json="%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F05%2F15%2FRazerPanthera-Evo1589567260470.jpeg%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F05%2F15%2FRazerPanthera-Evo1589567260470_%7Bsize%7D.jpeg%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225ebedf21e4b04aa3f08a91aa%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fzdcs.link%2FZeVLK%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22Razer%20Panthera%20Evo%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22Razer%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D"] While most standard PS4 controllers play well with Mortal Kombat 11 and most fighting games, nothing quite beats a full-fledged arcade fight stick. The Panthera Evo combines an industry standard Sanwa stick with the Razer’s own mechanical buttons for one of the most responsive arcade fighter controllers you can buy. The new Razer Panthera isn’t quite as easy to mod without tools as the previous version and some users might be put off by its default electric blue, triskelion motif, but this is still a fully customizable controller that allows users to change out the artwork and all the parts, even down to the PCB. Aside from meeting these fight stick standards, the Razer Panthera was designed for the PS4 from the ground up so it includes a functional Share button and TouchPad.

6. Thrustmaster T300RS GT

Best PS4 Racing Wheel

[poilib element="commerceCta" json="%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2019%2F04%2F30%2FThrustmasterT300-RS-GT-Racing-Wheel1556653154047.jpg%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2019%2F04%2F30%2FThrustmasterT300-RS-GT-Racing-Wheel1556653154047_%7Bsize%7D.jpg%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225cc8a465e4b0e5cc9bd6278b%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fzdcs.link%2FOXnoM%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22Thrustmaster%20T300%20RS%20GT%20Racing%20Wheel%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22Amazon%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D"] Racing wheels aren’t good for just giving you a wheel and set of pedals to pretend like you’re driving a real car, they also add a degree of precision and level of realism with enhanced force feedback you just can’t get from a controller. Among all the wheels I’ve tested, the Thrustmaster T300 RS GT is the best racing wheel you can get for the PS4. It offers a wide range of movement with 1,080-degree rotation, while introducing realistic pull working against your turns thanks to its brush-less, belt-driven force feedback system. If the Thrustmaster T300RS GT is a little too expensive for you, you may also want to consider the Logitech G29, which offers a slightly less refined wheel but arguably better pedals. Alternatively, if money is no object, the Fanatec CSL Elite is one of the most premium racing wheels with powerful force feedback and an extremely smooth overall experience.

7. AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA

The Best PS4 Capture Card

[poilib element="commerceCta" json="%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2019%2F04%2F30%2FAVerMediaLive-Gamer-ULTRA1556653186676.png%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2019%2F04%2F30%2FAVerMediaLive-Gamer-ULTRA1556653186676_%7Bsize%7D.png%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225cc8a486e4b035b3f8fe9245%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fzdcs.link%2FlP4RE%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22AVerMedia%20Live%20Gamer%20ULTRA%20%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22Dell%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D"] The PS4 Pro’s built-in recording features are pretty robust, but the console can only capture gameplay at 1080p resolution and 30 frames per second (fps)—or 720p 30fps on the PS4 Slim. If you want to start a YouTube or Twitch Channel with the best footage possible, you should look into a personal video recorder (PVR) or capture card like the AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA. Despite its small size, it can record at up to 4K and 60fps, and since it isn’t taxing your system, you can continue to play at the same Ultra HD resolution too. Now, the PS4 Pro (or most gaming PCs) likely won’t be outputting such a high-res image at 60fps, but a PVR this good can help futureproof your setup for the PS5. If you find yourself playing and uploading at a more pedestrian 1080p and 60 fps, you might be interested in the even smaller and more affordable AVerMedia Live Gamer Mini.

8. Samsung 870 QVO 2TB

The Best PS4 Storage Upgrade

[poilib element="commerceCta" json="%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F09%2F16%2FSamsung870-QVO-2TB1600276545309.jpg%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F09%2F16%2FSamsung870-QVO-2TB1600276545309_%7Bsize%7D.jpg%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225f624845e4b023927fc642d2%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fzdcs.link%2FDl2LX%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22Samsung%20870%20QVO%202TB%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22Newegg%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D"] Let's face it – the hard drive that originally came in your PS4 is some dated tech. It's probably packed and not exactly fast. But, you can upgrade to better internal storage fairly easily. You can see just how easily in our PS4 hard drive upgrade guide. The best option for upgrading is the Samsung 870 QVO 2TB SSD. This drive will give you a whole new level of speed while offering tons of storage space for your game library. Best of all, the Samsung 870 QVO doesn't cost nearly as much as SSDs you've probably seen in the past. The Samsung 870 QVO manages lower prices for its capacities by using QLC flash. There are some trade-offs to speed and longevity, but those won't be much of an issue for this drive when it's installed in a PS4. Since the drive will spend most of its time being read from, it's unlikely you'll run into slowdowns or a pre-mature drive failure. The drive may even outlast your PS4, and then you can take it out and use it as extra storage for a gaming PC or even a PS5.

9. WD Black P10 5TB Game Drive

The Best PS4 External Hard Drive

[poilib element="commerceCta" json="%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F02%2F21%2FWDBlack-P101582333815582.jpg%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F02%2F21%2FWDBlack-P101582333815582_%7Bsize%7D.jpg%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225e507f7be4b0e6d43845ebad%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fzdcs.link%2FdnxG2%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22WD%20Black%20P10%20Game%20Drive%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22Amazon%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D"] You don't want to run out of room for your game library and have to re-download your games when you just want to quickly revisit them. That's where a massive external hard drive can come in, and the WD Black P10 Game Drive is a winner. It's compact and just needs a single USB connection with your PS4 to run, but it'll offer you 5TB of extra storage. All that better that it uses a high-speed USB 3.0 connection for read speeds up to 140MB/s. That'll keep the external storage from feeling too sluggish when you boot up a large game or load a new level.

10. PSVR

The Best (and Only) PS4 VR Headset

[poilib element="commerceCta" json="%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2019%2F04%2F30%2FPSVR1556652158262.png%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2019%2F04%2F30%2FPSVR1556652158262_%7Bsize%7D.png%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225cc8a082e4b035b3f8fe9242%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fzdcs.link%2FBr7Lv%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22PlayStation%20VR%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22Amazon%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D"] To be honest, choosing the best VR headset for the PS4 isn’t hard when the PlayStation VR is the only one that actually works with the console—or any console, given the Xbox One doesn’t support Microsoft’s own Windows Mixed Reality headsets. To get the full-bodied VR experience, you’ll need a PlayStation Camera as well as a pair of PlayStation Move Controllers to enable motion control. All of that might sound like a lot of hardware to buy, but it’s well worth it to play some of the best VR games available only on the PS4 such as Astro Bot and Moss. Plus, PSVR is the only way to currently experience Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown (at least until next year) and Tetris Effect in virtual reality. The good news is the whole headset, cameras, and controller package can be bought together in a bundle with two additional free games, usually for as much as the HTC Vive or Oculus Rift will cost—and you won’t need an expensive, high-powered gaming PC to power it. [widget path="ign/modules/recirc" parameters="title=Expert%20Tech%20Reviews&type=articles%2Cvideos&tags=tech-review&count=4&columnCount=4&theme=article"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Kevin Lee is IGN's Hardware and Roundups Editor. Follow him on Twitter @baggingspam Mark Knapp is a regular contributor to IGN and an irregular Tweeter on Twitter @Techn0Mark

from IGN Articles https://ift.tt/2PJhYaJ

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