The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →You can make an Xbox Series X setup more useful without replacing the console. Start with free display and connection checks, then consider external storage, a headset, a controller charging solution or a second controller. These are budget-conscious ideas, not a verified cheapest-to-most-expensive ranking: prices and availability vary by product and market, so compare current local listings before buying.
1. Check your display and settings before spending
If you want a sharper picture or smoother play, first confirm what your existing display and console settings support. Xbox advertises up to 120 FPS, but 4K at up to 120 FPS requires supported content and a supported display. A new television will not make a game run at that combination if the game or display does not support it.
Use the Ultra High Speed HDMI cable included with the Series X, then check the console’s display settings and your television or monitor’s supported resolutions and refresh rates. This check costs nothing and can help identify whether a setting, cable connection or display capability is the actual limit.
2. Add storage that matches how you play
There are two distinct ways to add game storage, and they are not interchangeable. Xbox says Series X supports standard standalone hard drives, while its dedicated Storage Expansion Card connects to the port on the console’s rear and provides additional game storage at the same performance as the custom SSD. See Xbox’s Series X specifications and storage information and its accessories catalog.
#1 Best Overall
| Option | What it offers | Best fit | What to compare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard external USB drive | Additional storage for a larger game library. It is not the dedicated expansion card that Xbox describes as matching the console’s custom SSD performance. | Players who want more room for games and are willing to manage which titles are stored where. | Current price per usable capacity, compatibility, and whether the games you want to play can run from that drive. Check the product listing and Xbox guidance for the specific drive and games. |
| Xbox Series X|S Storage Expansion Card | Connects through the rear expansion port and provides added game storage at the same performance as the console’s custom SSD. | Players who want additional storage with the performance described by Xbox for the console’s custom SSD. | Current local price, capacity, seller and availability. Expansion cards are a separate product category from standard external drives. |
Xbox’s catalog includes external game drives and expansion cards, but those listings do not establish which option is currently cheapest. Compare the capacity you will actually use and whether you need to run games from the added storage rather than judging by purchase price alone.
3. Choose a headset for chat and game audio
If you do not already have a suitable headset, a wired model is a straightforward category to compare for chat and game audio. Xbox’s accessories catalog lists wired stereo headsets as well as wireless headset options. A wired-versus-wireless choice depends on your preference and the specific product; compare microphone needs, connection type and current price instead of assuming one category is always cheaper.
Rank #2
- Ideal for Gifting
- Ideal for a bookworm
- Compact for travelling
4. Reduce battery hassle with a controller charging solution
If disposable batteries are an ongoing inconvenience, compare compatible rechargeable or charging products. Xbox’s accessories catalog includes controller charging solutions, including charging products. Before buying, check that the chosen product works with your particular controller revision and that its charging method fits your routine.
5. Add a second controller only if you have a use for it
A second compatible controller can be useful for local multiplayer or as a replacement, but it is not a necessary upgrade for every setup. Xbox says most Xbox One controllers and gaming accessories work with Series X|S; consult Xbox’s compatibility information and the listing for the specific controller or accessory before purchase. The available sources do not establish a current lowest-priced controller, so compare local prices and compatibility rather than treating any model as the cheapest.
What comes with the Series X?
The Series X package includes a controller, an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable and a power cord, according to Xbox. Those are not required purchases for a new-console setup. Check what you already own and what the console includes before buying replacement basics.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- It can be a gift option
- Comes with secure packaging
- Helpful in various ways
Rank #4
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.
