The Xbox One is an awesome system by itself, but the maturing console has a range of accessories that can help elevate your general experience. We've rounded up 10 of the most important addons you should consider for your shiny new Xbox. Let's get started.
Staff pick
Microsoft's Netflix-like game subscription service for Xbox gives you access to well over 100 titles on console, but also on PC. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate also throws in Xbox Live Gold, which is required for playing online.
Voice control
You can now control your Xbox console using voice commands via an Amazon Echo speaker. The lowest-cost Echo devices are affordable and currently sport the widest array of support for connected devices and services. The most affordable Echo device is the Echo Dot.
Affordable controller
Xbox gaming is always more fun with a friend or two, and if you want additional controllers, they're available on Amazon for around $50. They also come in all sorts of limited editions and designs, so be sure to browse around.
Xbox controller perfected
This excellent piece of engineering might be the best controller ever. It incorporates its own dock, additional buttons and functions, but it's not cheap. This is for those who are all-in on Xbox.
Control all the things
The PDP Media Remote for Xbox One allows you to control your media experience without having to reach for the controller. It's far more ergonomic than using a controller when all you want to do is skip through Netflix.
Clip it good
In 2020, you will be able to stream your Xbox console to any mobile device of your choosing using Microsoft's XCloud service. Grab one of these to dock your phone with a controller in the future.
Stand at attention
If you want to stand your Xbox console up vertically, you may need a stand. There are separate versions for both the Xbox One S and the Xbox One X, so make sure you're purchasing the correct model.
Extra storage
Game installation sizes are ballooning with added content and sometimes, upgraded textures. As such, it may be worth looking into picking up some additional USB storage to go along with your console.
Superior batteries
The Xbox One isn't bundled with rechargeable batteries, and regular AA cells deplete relatively quickly. It's well-worth investing in rechargeables, and the Eneloops from Panasonic are among the best.
Convenient charging
If you want to eliminate batteries all together, consider this elegant solution from Snakebyte. The Twin:Charge X dock lets you mount two controllers simultaneously for persisent charging, and can also help keep playspaces tidy.
Augment your Xbox
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If you pick up just ONE add-on this list, you have to consider Xbox Game Pass. The Netflix-style subscription service instantaneously adds hundreds of games to your Xbox console, and if you pick up Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, it also comes with Xbox Live Gold for online play, giving you four free games per month in addition to exclusive discounts. It's absolutely a win-win-win subscription service that seems almost too good to be true once you have it. For long-time users like myself, you may already own most of the games in the catalog, but if you're a newcomer, it's absolutely sublime.
Our top pick for additional Xbox hardware accessories is the excellent Amazon Echo Dot smart speaker. They start at just $50, and are often on sale for even less. Adding this into your Xbox One experience gives you a range of additional control over your console experience, which when combined with the IR blaster can give you additional commands over your TV itself. By simply saying "Xbox, volume up," "Xbox, turn off," "Xbox, launch Call of Duty," and hundreds of additional commands, the amazing Amazon Echo is the most game-changing accessory for the Xbox One today.
One easily affordable accessory you should also consider is the PowerA MOGA clip for Xbox controllers. The MOGA clip fits snugly onto your Xbox controller, and allows you to dock all sorts of mobile devices for more ergonomic play. It's cheap and easy to use, and high-quality for long-term usage.
Finally, grabbing additional storage can't hurt. The Seagate storage range starts at $60, although you can use basically any USB storage device compatible with Windows on your Xbox. Simply plug it in, and the Xbox will detect it and format it as appropriate.
