Best Console Controllers & Accessories
Long single-player or co-op sessions test your gear. Here's what's actually worth buying for PS5 or Xbox, and what's a waste of money.
PS5: DualSense vs DualSense Edge
The standard DualSense that ships with every PS5 is genuinely good, adaptive triggers add real feedback to driving (resistance changes with acceleration) and weapon handling. Many first-party and Rockstar titles lean into DualSense's haptics more than most third-party developers, so there's no need to buy anything extra just to play well.
The DualSense Edge. Sony's premium controller with swappable stick modules, back buttons, and adjustable trigger stops, is aimed at competitive shooters and racers, not open-world story games. Skip it unless you already want it for one of those genres.
Xbox: Wireless Controller options
The standard Xbox Wireless Controller covers everything most games need. Xbox's Elite Series 2 controller (remappable back paddles, adjustable tension thumbsticks) is a genuine upgrade for competitive multiplayer, but like the DualSense Edge, it's overkill for a primarily story-driven open-world game.
What's actually worth buying
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Second Controller
The most-used "accessory" for any big single-player release, for couch co-op with other games, or so you're not stuck sharing during a long session.
Charging Dock
DualSense and Xbox controllers both run on internal batteries with mediocre battery life under heavy haptic/vibration use. A dock beats hunting for a USB cable mid-session.
Controller Grip / Skin
Cheap, and genuinely helps with sweaty-palm slippage during long driving or combat sequences, the highest value-per-dollar item on this list.