We’ve been lucky enough to have had the opportunity to check out a number of great Xbox One accessories throughout 2015. With new headsets, controllers, thumbsticks and grips all coming our way, which of the multitude of Xbox One accessories that are available and on the market should be on your Christmas list?
Well, the following should be right at the front of your requests!
Headsets
Winner – PDP Afterglow AG 9 Wireless Headset for Xbox One
There is no debating that the PDP Afterglow AG 9 Wireless Headset really does let you speak freely. Fully wireless, a simple USB dongle attached to your Xbox One is all that is required for you to be able to listen to some of the best video game sounds and fellow gamers in party chat.
A quick press of the power button fires up the glorious green lighting and ensures that your gaming sessions are filled with delightful sound. It may not boast to be a tournament ready set of cans, but these are most definitely our go-to headset for those times when we need to be whisked away into a world of gaming.
The price is pretty stunning too
Runner up – ASTRO A40 TR and MixAmp Pro
The ASTRO A40’s manage to scrap into the Headset runner up spot due to their sheer build quality.
We’re not sure we’ve ever put a pair of headphones on our bonces that have been so lovingly created and we know for a fact that there isn’t much in this world that sounds better than a pair of A40’s and the attached MixAmp pinging out some stunning Dolby 7.1.
But the fact that cables are required (and that the mic is a little dodgy), means the expensive ASTROs come up just that little bit short.
Controllers
Winner – Official Lunar White Xbox One Controller
You may expect to see the Elite controller on this list, but if truth be told, I’m not a fan. Not only is it too heavy, but in my opinion it isn’t weighted properly either. The Special Edition Lunar White though? Well, that’s near on perfect!
A stunner to look at, the Lunar White controller combines glorious white, with shiny gold trimmings. Losing the coloured face buttons does it a huge favour too as the all black affair works brilliantly, with the textured back giving grip in places where you never thought you needed grip.
If you are in the market for one controller, then forget about the super customisable Elite and spend the cash on two Lunar Whites instead!
Runner up – PDP Afterglow Prismatic Controller for Xbox One
We don’t normally like wired controllers but yet again PDP have delivered and ensured that we very nearly had to create a new category. Their Prismatic Xbox One controller is just too good to leave out of this list!
With the option to light up your gaming sessions with near on every colour under the sun, the smooth feel that the Prismatic brings is in stark contrast to that found in the wireless offering above. But sometimes smooth is good and sometimes the wires that usually blight a gaming session can be hidden away and forgotten about.
That is nearly the case with the PDP. For the fun factor alone, it’s worth a little look.
If only it were wireless!
Thumbsticks
Winner – KontrolFreek Galaxy Thumbsticks for Xbox One
If there is one accessory that I urge you to buy it’s the KontrolFreek Galaxy thumbsticks. They are nothing short of stunning.
Coming in with a mid-rise left solution and a higher rising stick for the right thumb, the Galaxy thumbsticks by KontrolFreek give grip like that never experienced before. Part of that is down to the concave style that they bring, but the purple topped sticks feel great to touch and are super sticky, ensuring that no matter how long you play for, your thumbs will never slip in those all important moments.
They may be pricey, but every now and then something crops up that is an essential purchase – or at least an essential addition to that present list.
Runner up – KontrolFreek Vortex Thumbsticks for Xbox One
The Galaxy may be the clear winner in this category but KontrolFreek need a bit of praise for the Vortex sticks as well. A bright orange colour (and when I say bright, I mean just that!) combined with a tough, hardened feel that doesn’t allow slip, these are most definitely the thumbsticks for you should you wish to run to the highest mountain and scream ‘look at me’!
Some may be scared off by the super tall right stick, but in use it ain’t all that bad, combining nicely with the shorter left stick. Unfortunately they don’t match the Galaxy range for sheer tactile joy, but we’re happy with them none-the-less.
Grips
Winner – SquidGrips for Xbox One
The SquidGrips for Xbox One are superb and even if you didn’t think you’d need to attach them to your controller, after only a few minutes use, you’ll find you can’t do without them.
Easy to apply, simple to adjust and coming in with a stunning design that is complimented further by the addition of a few well placed badges, the SquidGrips are non-offensive and provide a superior grip to those lengthy hot sessions. If you find yourself slipping with grip, then look no further.
Runner up – KontrolFreek Grips for Xbox One
KontrolFreek may have the thumbstick category sewn up but they will have to settle for a second spot in the grips market. The KontrolFreek Grips are certainly not a bad product but lack of colour and a dodgy time in fitting means that we can’t place them higher than the SquidGrips.
For what they are though, if you want a stealthy look for your Xbox One controller, then check them out.
So there we have it, our favourite Xbox One accessories and a number of additions to that last minute Christmas list. Did we miss anything out? Let us know in the comments below. Don’t forget to check out each review by hitting the green links above!
