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Freedom251 › Blog › DualSense

Best PS5 Accessories for a New Console Setup

By Freedom251 Team · · 13 min read

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The best PS5 accessories depend on how you use the console, not on a universal bundle. Check which controllers and cables came with your console first, then add only what solves a real need: a second DualSense for local multiplayer or backup use, a charging station for convenient two-controller charging, an internal M.2 SSD when storage is tight, and a Media Remote if the PS5 is also your streaming hub.

These are conditional recommendations based on functions documented by PlayStation, not a laboratory-tested ranking. Product availability, console bundles and SSD compatibility can change, so verify current official specifications before buying.

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Quick answer: which PS5 accessories should you buy?

Accessory Choose it when… Is it necessary? Important qualification
Extra DualSense wireless controller Someone else will play locally, or you want a spare while one controller charges. No. One controller is enough for solo play. Check how many controllers your console bundle already includes.
DualSense charging station You regularly keep two controllers ready and want a dedicated place to charge them. No. A DualSense can charge through USB. The official station docks up to two DualSense or DualSense Edge controllers.
Internal M.2 SSD Your installed games and add-ons are using the console’s internal space. No. Add it only when capacity is a problem. Compatibility is model- and drive-specific; follow current PlayStation requirements.
Media Remote You use streaming services, Blu-ray playback or other media apps on the PS5. No. It is for navigation and playback, not games. It is designed for PS5 and is not compatible with PS4.

For many new owners, the sensible starting point is the console itself plus the included controller. Add a second controller for people, a dock for charging convenience, storage for capacity, and the remote for media control. Buying all four at once is rarely justified.

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What each accessory solves

Think of the four choices as separate solutions rather than parts of one mandatory kit. The DualSense addresses people: it adds another player or provides a backup. The charging station addresses routine: it gives two compatible controllers a predictable place to recharge. The M.2 SSD addresses capacity: it expands internal game storage when the built-in space no longer suits your library. The Media Remote addresses navigation: it makes television apps and playback easier without using a gamepad.

#1 Best Overall
Playstation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller - White (Renewed)
  • Haptic feedback - Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions with dual actuators which replace traditional rumble motors. In your hands, these dynamic vibrations can simulate the feeling of everything from environments to the recoil of different weapons. .Operating temperature : 41 °F to 95 °F (5 °C to 35 °C)
  • Adaptive triggers - Experience varying levels of force and tension as you interact with your in-game gear and environments. From pulling back an increasingly tight bowstring to hitting the brakes on a speeding car, feel physically connected to your on-screen actions.
  • Built-in microphone and headset jack - Chat with friends online using the built-in microphone or by connecting a headset to the 3.5mm jack. Easily switch voice capture on and off at a moment’s notice with the dedicated mute button. Internet and account for PlayStation Network required.
  • DualSense Controller PS5 and PC compatible. Not compatible with PS4.
  • PS Remote Play requires Remote Play App connected to Wi-Fi, PS4 or PS5 console with the latest system software and compatible game. A PS4 or PS5 console with a wired connection via a LAN cable is recommended. Version 4.0 of the Remote Play App on iOS and iPadOS or version 4.1 on macOS is required for games to be playable with the controller over Bluetooth.

This distinction helps prevent unnecessary spending. A remote cannot solve a storage shortage, and a dock cannot create another player. PlayStation describes its accessories range as a way to “Build your perfect gaming setup with controllers, headsets and other accessories for your PS5® or PS4™ console.” The word “perfect” is personal here: the right setup is the one that fits your play and viewing habits.

Start by auditing the console bundle

Retail bundles vary. Before ordering anything, open the box and record the accessories you actually received. Confirm the number of DualSense controllers, the included USB cable, and any game-specific or promotional contents. A second controller is a poor purchase if two are already in the box, while a charging station may still be useful if both controllers will be used frequently.

Also consider the console’s role in your home. A system used only for single-player games has different priorities from one shared by children, roommates or a family that watches streaming apps from the same screen. Write down the problem you are trying to solve—multiplayer, charging, storage or media navigation—before comparing products.

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Keep a short inventory on your phone: controller count, cable count, available storage, and whether the PS5 is connected to a television used for streaming. Recheck that list after a few weeks. Accessories bought to solve a real recurring annoyance usually earn their place; accessories bought because a bundle looks complete often do not.

Extra DualSense controller: the practical multiplayer upgrade

When a second controller earns its place

An additional DualSense is the most direct accessory for local multiplayer. It also functions as a spare: if the primary controller is charging, misplaced or unavailable, you can continue playing. PlayStation identifies DualSense as the standard PS5 controller, so a genuine second unit keeps the same controls and console compatibility as the one supplied with the system.

Do not treat it as a mandatory part of every setup. If you play alone and have no need for a backup, the included controller covers the basic setup. Check the bundle first, especially with special editions that may package more than one controller.

Local multiplayer support still depends on the individual game, so check a game’s player options if that is the reason for your purchase. The accessory decision is simply whether another person needs a PS5-compatible controller available at the same time.

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Pair and charge the controller

  1. Turn on the PS5 and connect the new DualSense to the console with a USB cable.
  2. Press the PS button on the controller. The first-use instructions identify this USB connection and button press as the pairing procedure.
  3. After pairing, disconnect the cable if you want to play wirelessly.
  4. Recharge it through USB when the battery is low, or place it on a compatible charging station if you bought one.

Use a cable that supports data as well as charging for first pairing; a charge-only cable may not establish the connection. Keep the cable accessible even if you later rely on a dock, because USB charging is the documented fallback.

Rank #2
PlayStation DualSense Edge Wireless Controller - Midnight Black
  • Ultra Customizable Controls
  • Mappable Back Buttons
  • DualSense Wireless Controller Features Built In
  • Replaceable Stick Modules and Caps

What to check before buying

  • Confirm that the listing is for a PS5 DualSense wireless controller, not a PS4 controller or a third-party gamepad with a different feature set.
  • Check the colour or special-edition design only after confirming the model and return policy.
  • Compare the bundle contents so you do not duplicate a controller already supplied.
  • Make sure the seller clearly identifies the product and its condition, particularly when a listing mixes new, used or refurbished units.

DualSense charging station: convenience, not a requirement

What the station does

The official DualSense charging station provides a dedicated dock and can charge up to two DualSense or DualSense Edge wireless controllers. That makes it useful in a household where two controllers are used regularly: place them on the station after a session and they are stored in one predictable location.

The station does not add a new gameplay function. A DualSense can be charged by USB, so the dock is an organisation and convenience purchase rather than a prerequisite for wireless play.

Who benefits most

  • Local multiplayer households: Two controllers can return to the same charging point after a shared session.
  • Players who dislike cable clutter: The dock keeps charging leads away from the sofa or desk.
  • Owners of a DualSense Edge as well as a DualSense: The official description states support for up to two controllers from those families.
  • People who frequently switch between play and charging: A fixed location makes it easier to see which controller is ready.

A solo player with one controller can usually spend the money elsewhere. If you buy a second controller later, you can add the station then; there is no need to purchase it pre-emptively.

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Simple setup routine

  1. Place the station where both controllers can be returned without blocking ventilation or access to the console.
  2. Connect its power according to the station’s instructions.
  3. Seat each controller firmly on a charging contact after use.
  4. If a controller does not charge, remove and reseat it, inspect the contacts and use USB charging to determine whether the issue is the dock or the controller.

Because USB charging remains available, a dock problem does not have to stop play. Treat the station as a tidy charging habit, not as a replacement for the controller’s basic charging method.

Internal M.2 SSD: buy storage only when capacity demands it

Why expansion is optional

Modern games can consume substantial internal space, but not every new owner needs an expansion drive immediately. Start by installing the games you actually play and observe the available capacity. Add an internal M.2 SSD when deleting and redownloading games has become a recurring chore or when your library no longer fits comfortably.

PlayStation’s accessories overview names the officially licensed WD_BLACK SN850P as an expansion option and states a capability of up to 8TB for that product. That figure is a product-capacity claim, not a guarantee that every PS5 configuration accepts every 8TB drive. Confirm the current console and drive requirements before purchase.

Capacity is only one part of the value calculation. Include the drive, any required heatsink, shipping and your time for installation when comparing options. Current prices and inventory vary by retailer and date, so check the live listing rather than relying on an old price or assuming the largest drive is automatically the best choice.

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Compatibility checks you should not skip

M.2 drives are not interchangeable by appearance alone. Before ordering, verify all of the following against current PlayStation guidance and the exact model of your console:

Rank #3
PlayStation DualSense™ Wireless Controller – Chroma Indigo
  • Feel you in-game actions and environement simulated through haptic feedback
  • Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers
  • Chat online through the built-in microphone
  • Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack
  • Switch voice capture on and off using the dedicated mute button
  • The supported M.2 form factor and physical dimensions.
  • The required read-speed or performance class.
  • Whether a heatsink is required and whether the drive’s total height, including the heatsink, fits the bay.
  • Whether the drive is listed as compatible with your PS5 model and system software.
  • The drive’s capacity and warranty terms.
  • Whether the heatsink is built in or supplied separately, and whether the complete assembly remains within the stated size limits.

The available product overview does not establish the complete compatibility table. Do not infer that a drive works merely because it is labelled “M.2,” because the wrong dimensions, speed or heatsink can prevent installation or safe operation.

Safe purchase and installation sequence

  1. Identify the exact PS5 model number and check the latest official M.2 SSD requirements.
  2. Choose a drive whose dimensions, speed, capacity and heatsink configuration meet those requirements.
  3. Read the current PlayStation installation instructions before opening the console so you know which cover and expansion-bay steps apply to your model.
  4. Shut down the console completely, disconnect power and allow it to cool before opening the expansion area.
  5. Install the SSD exactly as shown in the official instructions; do not force the retaining screw, cover or heatsink.
  6. Reconnect the console and follow the on-screen preparation or formatting instructions.
  7. Keep the original drive packaging and documentation until the expansion has been recognised and tested.

If the console does not recognise the drive, power down and recheck seating, the retaining hardware and the drive’s published dimensions. If the specification is outside PlayStation’s current requirements, replacing it with a compliant model is safer than trying to work around the limitation.

Media Remote: for streaming and playback, not gameplay

What it controls

PlayStation says, “The media remote allows you to navigate your PlayStation®5 console and access media and apps without a wireless controller.” Its documented controls include directional and selection buttons, playback controls, and TV volume and power functions. This is useful when the console doubles as an entertainment device and you do not want to pick up a gamepad to pause a film or move through an app.

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The remote is not a substitute for a DualSense in games. It is designed around menus, playback and television control, so a household that never uses the PS5 for media has little reason to buy it.

Compatibility and buying checks

  • Confirm that the product is the PS5 Media Remote. PlayStation support states that it is not compatible with PS4.
  • Check whether your television supports the remote’s power and volume-control functions; those controls can depend on the TV and connection setup.
  • Keep a DualSense available for games and system tasks that require a controller.
  • Check the seller’s listing for the remote itself and its included instructions or batteries, rather than assuming every bundle has identical contents.

When it is worth adding

Choose the remote when the PS5 is a regular streaming, disc-playback or media-app device. If you use those apps only occasionally, the existing controller already provides navigation and the remote is an optional comfort upgrade. Its value rises with frequency of use, not with gaming performance.

Choose accessories by use case

Solo gamer with a small library

Keep the included controller and USB cable. Skip the second controller unless you want a backup. Skip the dock unless cable-free organisation matters to you. Add an SSD only after storage becomes a demonstrated constraint.

Two people playing locally

Prioritise a second DualSense if the bundle does not already contain one. Add the charging station when both controllers are used often enough that keeping them charged and together saves daily effort.

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Large digital library

Prioritise an internally compatible M.2 SSD. Capacity alone is not enough: check model, dimensions, speed and heatsink requirements against the latest PlayStation documentation before buying.

Rank #4
PlayStation DualSense® Wireless Controller - Midnight Black
  • Bring gaming worlds to life - Feel your in-game actions and environment simulated through haptic feedback*. Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers*
  • Find your voice, share your passion - Chat online through the built-in microphone. Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack. Record and broadcast your epic gaming moments with the create button
  • A gaming icon in your hands - Enjoy a comfortable, evolved design with an iconic layout and enhanced sticks. Hear higher-fidelity** sound effects through the built-in speaker in supported games
  • Multi-device connectivity - Connect using a USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth technology and easily play on more devices including Windows PC and Mac computers.
  • Elevate PC gaming with advanced features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in a range of blockbuster PC titles.

PS5 used as the household media player

Add the Media Remote if navigating streaming services and playback with a game controller is inconvenient. The remote’s value comes from frequent media use, not from gaming performance.

Shared family setup

Count players, controllers and viewing habits together. A second controller and a dock address shared play and charging; a remote addresses media navigation. Storage is a separate decision based on the size of the installed library.

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How to compare options without a universal ranking

Compare each accessory on five practical axes:

  1. Need addressed: Is it solving local multiplayer, charging convenience, storage capacity or media navigation?
  2. What you already own: Count controllers, inspect cables and check the console bundle before paying for duplicates.
  3. Compatibility: Treat M.2 storage as the strictest check; confirm the console model and complete drive specification.
  4. Use frequency: A media remote earns more value from daily streaming, while a dock earns more value when two controllers are routinely in use.
  5. Optional versus necessary: USB charging makes the dock optional, and built-in storage makes an SSD optional until capacity becomes a problem.

There is no measured best-in-class result behind these choices. Official product pages document functions and compatibility guidance, but they do not establish a universal ranking. Compare the feature to your routine, then check the current listing, return terms and warranty.

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Common buying mistakes and how to avoid them

Buying a duplicate before checking the box

Bundle contents are the first compatibility and value check. Count controllers and inspect cables before placing an order.

Assuming a charging dock is required

It is not. USB charging is documented for the DualSense. Treat a dock as a dedicated, tidy way to charge up to two compatible controllers.

Assuming every M.2 SSD works

It does not. Verify the current requirements for your exact PS5 and the complete drive assembly, including any heatsink. A product’s capacity or M.2 label does not prove compatibility.

Using the Media Remote as a game controller

The remote is for console menus, apps and playback. Keep a DualSense for games and other controller-dependent tasks.

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Confusing a product capability with a universal guarantee

The cited SSD listing’s “up to 8TB” capacity applies to that named product claim. It should not be restated as the capacity supported by every drive or every PS5 configuration.

Best Value
PlayStation DualSense® Wireless Controller – Midnight Black + USB Cable for PC
  • Enjoy precise, comfortable control over 10,000+ supported Steam games.
  • Easily pair the controller directly to your Windows PC via Bluetooth or play as you charge with the included USB Type-C cable
  • Stay paired with up to four different Bluetooth devices, making it easy to enjoy the controller across Windows PC, Mac, PS5 consoles and smartphones. Discover more connection tips and tricks at playstation.com/pair-dualsense
  • Access the latest available controller firmware directly from your PC with the free-todownload PlayStation Accessories app
  • Play games streamed from your PS5 or PS4 console to your PC via the PS Remote Play App

Planning around an old price or listing

Prices, stock and bundle contents change. Check the retailer and PlayStation product page when you are ready to buy, and do not treat a past promotion as a dependable cost benchmark.

A sensible setup order

  1. Unbox the console and record the included controllers, cables and other contents.
  2. Pair the supplied DualSense by USB and pressing the PS button.
  3. Decide whether local multiplayer or a backup justifies another controller.
  4. Add a charging station only if two-controller charging convenience matters.
  5. Measure your actual storage need, then select an M.2 SSD that meets current official requirements.
  6. Add the Media Remote if the PS5 is used regularly for streaming or playback.

This order keeps essential setup separate from comfort upgrades and prevents an accessory purchase from solving a problem you do not have.

Bottom line

There is no universal “best” PS5 accessory bundle. A second DualSense is the most useful addition for local multiplayer or backup use; a charging station is a tidy two-controller convenience; an internal M.2 SSD is justified by storage pressure and requires careful compatibility checks; and the Media Remote makes sense for frequent media use. Check the console bundle first, match every purchase to a specific need, and rely on the latest PlayStation instructions for model-sensitive details.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What accessories do I need for a PS5?

For basic solo play, the console’s included DualSense and USB cable are enough. Add a second DualSense for local multiplayer or backup use, a charging station for convenient two-controller charging, an M.2 SSD when internal storage is tight, or a Media Remote if you regularly use streaming and playback apps.

Do I need a PS5 charging station?

No. PlayStation documents USB charging for the DualSense. A charging station is an optional convenience that docks and charges up to two DualSense or DualSense Edge controllers and keeps them in one place.

How do I add storage to a PS5?

Use a compatible internal M.2 SSD. Identify your exact PS5 model, check the latest PlayStation requirements for dimensions, speed, capacity and heatsink height, follow the current installation instructions, and complete the on-screen preparation after installation. Not every M.2 drive works.

What is the PS5 Media Remote for?

It navigates the PS5 and media apps without a wireless controller. PlayStation lists directional, selection and playback controls plus TV volume and power functions. It is for media use, not gameplay, and it is not compatible with PS4.

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Is a second PS5 controller worth buying?

It is worthwhile when another person will play locally or when you want a spare while the main controller charges or is unavailable. Solo players without a backup need can skip it, and everyone should check the console bundle first.

How much should I budget for PS5 accessories?

No single budget fits every setup, and prices and inventory change by retailer and date. Start with the accessory that solves your most frequent problem, verify what is already included, and check current listings rather than relying on an old promotion.

The Bottom Line

Buy for a specific need: another DualSense for people, a dock for charging convenience, an M.2 SSD for capacity, and a Media Remote for frequent media use. Audit the bundle first and verify current PlayStation compatibility guidance.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Playstation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller - White (Renewed)
Playstation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller - White (Renewed)
DualSense Controller PS5 and PC compatible. Not compatible with PS4.; Devices with macOS 11.3, iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5 or tvOS 14.5 or later supported.
$58.00
Bestseller No. 2
PlayStation DualSense Edge Wireless Controller - Midnight Black
PlayStation DualSense Edge Wireless Controller - Midnight Black
Ultra Customizable Controls; Mappable Back Buttons; DualSense Wireless Controller Features Built In
$199.00
Bestseller No. 3
PlayStation DualSense™ Wireless Controller – Chroma Indigo
PlayStation DualSense™ Wireless Controller – Chroma Indigo
Feel you in-game actions and environement simulated through haptic feedback; Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers
$79.00
Bestseller No. 5
PlayStation DualSense® Wireless Controller – Midnight Black + USB Cable for PC
PlayStation DualSense® Wireless Controller – Midnight Black + USB Cable for PC
Enjoy precise, comfortable control over 10,000+ supported Steam games.; Play games streamed from your PS5 or PS4 console to your PC via the PS Remote Play App
$74.00

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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DualSensegaming accessoriesM.2 SSDMedia RemotePlayStation 5PS5

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