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.
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.
The DualShock 4 is a great starting point for any gamer, but those who want to really excel in competitive games may find they want something to give them an edge. The DualShock 4 Back Button Attachment may be just the tool. This accessory seats itself on the back of the DualShock 4 and provides an extra two buttons that can be used to duplicate other controls.
So, say you want to continue to have control of your movement and aim at all times. This means you need to have your thumbs on the two analog sticks at all times. Now you can’t really make use of the four face buttons or D-Pad while you’re moving and aiming. The two back buttons added by this attachment give you access to key controls while allowing you to keep your thumbs in place on the analog sticks. Now, whether you want to jump, throw a grenade, pop a heal, or toggle an ability, you can map two of those controls to the back buttons while keeping your character moving and your sites on target all at the same time.
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.
PlayStation 4 owners are in luck as the Sony Pulse 3D headset that Sony made for the PS5 is actually compatible with the PS4 as well. This wireless headset is surprisingly affordable at $99, which already gives it a strong start. Knowing that it’ll also keep working for you if you upgrade to a PS5 in the future also doesn’t hurt. The headset’s large ear cushions and suspension headband also shouldn’t hurt.
The Sony Pulse 3D may not deliver the same Tempest 3D surround sound experience on the PS4 as it does on the PS5, but it’s still providing low-latency, wireless connectivity. It has a 3.5mm port for wired backup (which you can also use for PSVR), but you should get plenty of time playing wirelessly with the 12-hour battery life. The headset has two hidden microphones to handle your online voice chat as well, making it an effective, all-in-one option.
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.
If you’re ready to hit the pavement in your favorite racing games, the Thrustmaster T248 Racing Wheel will get you speeding past the finish line in no time. This racing wheel is not the cheapest out there, but its impressive performance and versatility make it a sound investment. It’s not only compatible with the PS4, but also the PS5 and PC. This wheel is perfect if you’re not ready to invest in a whole new gaming system yet but want your accessories to be equipped to work with it when you do.
The Thrustmaster T248 comes ready to perform thanks to its dynamic force feedback. With a hybrid belt drive system, you will get a more realistic driving experience. The three different types of force feedback featured on this wheel allow for more customization based on your gaming preferences. Plus, the leather-wrapped wheel offers a wide array of buttons giving you plenty of options when assigning controls in games, and the built-in dashboard display allows you to control wheel settings manually or see important game stats, like lap times and RPMs. Finally, the magnetic paddle shifters and pedals offer excellent precision that will last through even your most intense gaming sessions.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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
Continue reading...
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:
- DualShock 4 Controller
- DualShock 4 Back Button Attachment
- PDP Gaming Ultra Slim Charging System
- Sony Pulse 3D Headset
- Razer Panthera Evo Arcade Stick
- Thrustmaster T248 Racing Wheel
- AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA
- Samsung 870 QVO 2TB
- WD Black P10 Game Drive 5TB
- PlayStation VR
1. DualShock 4
The Best PS4 Controller
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
The DualShock 4 is a great starting point for any gamer, but those who want to really excel in competitive games may find they want something to give them an edge. The DualShock 4 Back Button Attachment may be just the tool. This accessory seats itself on the back of the DualShock 4 and provides an extra two buttons that can be used to duplicate other controls.
So, say you want to continue to have control of your movement and aim at all times. This means you need to have your thumbs on the two analog sticks at all times. Now you can’t really make use of the four face buttons or D-Pad while you’re moving and aiming. The two back buttons added by this attachment give you access to key controls while allowing you to keep your thumbs in place on the analog sticks. Now, whether you want to jump, throw a grenade, pop a heal, or toggle an ability, you can map two of those controls to the back buttons while keeping your character moving and your sites on target all at the same time.
3. PDP Gaming Ultra Slim Charging System
Best PS4 Controller Charger
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. Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Headset
The Best PS4 Gaming Headset
PlayStation 4 owners are in luck as the Sony Pulse 3D headset that Sony made for the PS5 is actually compatible with the PS4 as well. This wireless headset is surprisingly affordable at $99, which already gives it a strong start. Knowing that it’ll also keep working for you if you upgrade to a PS5 in the future also doesn’t hurt. The headset’s large ear cushions and suspension headband also shouldn’t hurt.
The Sony Pulse 3D may not deliver the same Tempest 3D surround sound experience on the PS4 as it does on the PS5, but it’s still providing low-latency, wireless connectivity. It has a 3.5mm port for wired backup (which you can also use for PSVR), but you should get plenty of time playing wirelessly with the 12-hour battery life. The headset has two hidden microphones to handle your online voice chat as well, making it an effective, all-in-one option.
5. Razer Panthera Evo Arcade Stick
The Best PS4 Fight Stick
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 T248 Racing Wheel
Best PS4 Racing Wheel
If you’re ready to hit the pavement in your favorite racing games, the Thrustmaster T248 Racing Wheel will get you speeding past the finish line in no time. This racing wheel is not the cheapest out there, but its impressive performance and versatility make it a sound investment. It’s not only compatible with the PS4, but also the PS5 and PC. This wheel is perfect if you’re not ready to invest in a whole new gaming system yet but want your accessories to be equipped to work with it when you do.
The Thrustmaster T248 comes ready to perform thanks to its dynamic force feedback. With a hybrid belt drive system, you will get a more realistic driving experience. The three different types of force feedback featured on this wheel allow for more customization based on your gaming preferences. Plus, the leather-wrapped wheel offers a wide array of buttons giving you plenty of options when assigning controls in games, and the built-in dashboard display allows you to control wheel settings manually or see important game stats, like lap times and RPMs. Finally, the magnetic paddle shifters and pedals offer excellent precision that will last through even your most intense gaming sessions.
7. AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA
The Best PS4 Capture Card
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
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
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. 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
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.
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
Continue reading...