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For a new PS5 owner, the most useful first purchases depend on how you play: add a second DualSense for local multiplayer, choose a charging station for convenience, and consider a headset for private audio and chat. An internal M.2 SSD is the most direct capacity upgrade when the console’s storage becomes limiting. A media remote, stand, disc drive, Portal, and replacement cable are situational—not essentials for every setup.
Recommendations below reflect features and compatibility listed by PlayStation and Sony Interactive Entertainment on official product and support pages accessed in 2026. Those pages do not state publication years for most of the listed figures; prices are not included because none are established here.
At a glance
| Name | Best for | Key spec | Platforms | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extra DualSense controller | Local multiplayer or a backup | PlayStation lists multiple colors and variants | PS5 | Oct 2026 |
| DualSense charging station | Keeping controllers charged and ready | Docks up to two DualSense or DualSense Edge controllers | PS5 | Oct 2026 |
| PULSE Elite headset | Over-ear audio and chat | Retractable microphone; PlayStation Link connection | PS5 | Oct 2026 |
| PULSE Explore earbuds | Compact personal audio | Hidden microphones and a charging case | PS5 | Oct 2026 |
| Internal M.2 SSD | Expanding game storage | PlayStation lists an officially licensed option up to 8TB | PS5; check console requirements | Oct 2026 |
| External SSD or HDD | Storing games and playing PS4 titles | Listed options reach up to 2TB (SSD) or 5TB (HDD) | PS5; USB storage | Oct 2026 |
| PS5 Media Remote | Entertainment apps and TV control | Playback, navigation, and compatible-TV IR controls | PS5 | Oct 2026 |
| Vertical Stand | A vertical console setup | Listed for CFI-1000 and CFI-2000 slim model groups | PS5; model-specific | Oct 2026 |
| Disc Drive | Adding disc support to a compatible console | Pairing requires an internet connection during setup | CFI-2000 slim Digital Edition or PS5 Pro | Oct 2026 |
| PlayStation Portal | Remote play on a handheld screen | 5 Mbps minimum; 15 Mbps recommended by PlayStation | PS5 Remote Play | Oct 2026 |
| PowerA HDMI cable | A replacement or longer cable | Listed as 10 feet and supporting 4K HDR gameplay | PS5; compatible display | Oct 2026 |
What accessories do you actually need for a new PS5?
Most owners can start with the console and its included controller, then buy an accessory only when a specific need appears. Local multiplayer, low storage, shared-room audio, or a TV-first entertainment setup can each justify a different purchase; there is no universal bundle of add-ons every PS5 owner needs.
A practical order is to solve immediate play needs first, then add convenience or specialized gear:
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- Second controller: buy one if you expect couch multiplayer or want another controller available while one is unavailable.
- Charging station: consider it if charging and storing controllers is a recurring hassle.
- Headset or earbuds: choose personal audio if you want to hear games privately or chat without relying on speakers.
- Storage: add internal capacity when installed games crowd the console; use USB storage for archiving or PS4 games.
- Entertainment and setup extras: consider the remote, stand, disc drive, Portal, or longer cable only if their specific use fits your setup.
These are use-case judgments based on the official features described below, not performance rankings from comparative testing.
How can you check PS5 accessory compatibility?
Check the console’s model group before buying a physical add-on, especially a stand or disc drive. PlayStation distinguishes original CFI-1000 models, CFI-2000 slim models, and PS5 Pro in its accessory listings, and compatibility is not interchangeable by default.
Find the model information before ordering
Use the model identifier printed on the console or its packaging and compare it with the accessory’s listed compatibility. The official PS5 manual also identifies the console’s USB Type-A and Type-C ports, M.2 SSD expansion connector, and disc-drive port; those connection points matter when choosing storage or a drive-related accessory.
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Do you need a second DualSense controller?
Only if you expect local multiplayer or would benefit from having a backup. A solo player with no need for another controller can defer this purchase.
PlayStation highlights local multiplayer and lists multiple DualSense colors and variants. That makes an extra controller a conditional essential: it enables another person to play locally when a game supports that mode, but it does not improve a single-player setup by itself. Check that the games you plan to play support local multiplayer before buying a second controller for that purpose.
If you do buy one, you can also decide whether matching the included controller matters. PlayStation’s catalog includes more than one color and variant; the useful choice is the controller configuration you want, not an assumption that every listed version has a different capability.
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- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
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Is a PS5 charging station worth it?
A charging station is a convenience upgrade for owners who want a consistent place to charge controllers without keeping one connected to the console. PlayStation says its official DualSense charging station can dock up to two DualSense or DualSense Edge wireless controllers.
PlayStation describes it this way: “Dock up to two DualSense or DualSense Edge wireless controllers quickly and easily, so you’re always ready to face your friends in a two-player matchup.” The practical benefit is a dedicated charging spot that can serve two compatible controllers. If you own one controller and do not mind charging it through your existing setup, the station can wait; it is not required to use the console.
Do you need a headset for PS5?
No, not if TV or monitor speakers suit your room and you do not need private listening or a headset microphone. If you want personal audio and chat, choose between PlayStation’s over-ear PULSE Elite and compact PULSE Explore earbuds by wearing style.
PULSE Elite: over-ear headset
PULSE Elite is the over-ear option and has a retractable microphone. PlayStation’s support information says it connects to PS5 using the included PlayStation Link USB adapter, so account for that adapter and a suitable USB connection when planning the setup.
PULSE Explore: compact earbuds
PULSE Explore is the earbud option, with hidden microphones and a charging case. It may suit someone who prefers a smaller in-ear form factor to an over-ear headset. The official feature descriptions establish the form factor and microphone approach; they do not establish that either option is best for every listener.
For either choice, base the purchase on whether you want private audio, microphone support, and the stated wearing style. The official feature list alone does not provide a reason to treat a headset as mandatory for all PS5 owners.
Should you buy an SSD or an external hard drive for PS5?
Choose an internal M.2 SSD when you want more space for PS5 games that can be played directly from expanded internal storage. Choose USB storage when your priority is keeping games stored externally, particularly PS4 games that PlayStation says can be played from the external drive.
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- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
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| Storage choice | What PlayStation lists | How games can be used | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal M.2 SSD | Officially licensed Western Digital SN850P option; up to 8TB of internal expansion | PS5 and PS4 games can be played directly from the SSD, according to PlayStation | Adding internal game capacity |
| External SSD | Listed Seagate USB 3.0 option; up to 2TB | Stores PS5 and PS4 games; PS4 games can be played directly from it | External storage and PS4 play |
| External HDD | Listed option; up to 5TB | Stores PS5 and PS4 games; PS4 games can be played directly from it | External storage and PS4 play |
Capacities and supported workflows in this table come from PlayStation / Sony Interactive Entertainment product information accessed in 2026; the product pages do not state publication years for these figures. They are maximum capacities for the listed options, not a promise that every drive in the category offers the same capacity.
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When is an internal M.2 SSD the better fit?
PlayStation’s product catalog says: “Expand your PS5 console’s internal storage by up to 8TB with an officially licensed Western Digital SN850P SSD.” The same official information says PS5 and PS4 games can be played directly from the internal SSD. That makes an internal drive the more direct choice if the goal is to keep more playable games in internal storage rather than move them between locations.
Before ordering, check the M.2 requirements in the official PS5 manual and confirm the drive is suitable for the exact console model. The manual identifies an M.2 expansion connector, but the model-specific installation and drive requirements should be checked there rather than inferred from the maximum capacity on a product listing.
When does external USB storage make sense?
PlayStation lists a Seagate USB 3.0 external SSD up to 2TB and an external HDD up to 5TB. Its product information says external drives can store PS5 and PS4 games, and that PS4 games can be played directly from external storage.
For PS5 games, treat external storage as an archive or copy-back workflow rather than a way to play those games directly from the drive. If you want a stored PS5 game available to play, plan for the internal-storage workflow described by PlayStation. The external option is useful when storage space matters, but its role differs from an internal M.2 expansion.
Is the PS5 Media Remote worth it?
It can be useful in an entertainment-heavy household where people regularly navigate video or music apps on the PS5. It is less compelling if the console is used almost entirely for games or an existing TV remote already handles the household’s needs.
The Media Remote has dedicated launch buttons for Disney+, Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube, as well as playback controls and console navigation. Its IR transmitter can control power and volume on compatible TVs. PlayStation summarizes its purpose as: “Conveniently navigate entertainment on PS5 with intuitive media and TV controls.” Confirm TV compatibility if you are buying it specifically to control the television, since the listed IR functions are for compatible TVs.
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Do you need a vertical stand for your PS5?
Buy a stand only if a vertical placement suits your space and the stand is listed for your console model. PlayStation’s Vertical Stand entry specifies the CFI-1000 and CFI-2000 slim model groups; check the listing against the identifier on your console rather than assuming it fits every PS5 or PS5 Pro configuration.
If you do not need a vertical setup, this is an easy purchase to defer. Compatibility is the key consideration in the official listing; it does not make a stand a necessary first accessory.
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Can you add a disc drive to a PS5 Digital Edition?
Only on the compatible models identified by PlayStation: CFI-2000 slim Digital Edition consoles or PS5 Pro consoles. PlayStation also says an internet connection is required to pair the drive with the console during setup.
That makes the Disc Drive a targeted add-on, not a universal upgrade for every Digital Edition. Check the model number before purchasing, and make sure an internet connection will be available for pairing. The official listing does not name original CFI-1000 Digital Edition consoles as compatible with this add-on, so do not extrapolate the compatibility to them.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Should you buy PlayStation Portal with a PS5?
Consider Portal if you want to stream compatible games installed on your PS5 to a handheld device over Wi-Fi. It is an optional remote-play device, not a replacement for the PS5 console or a way to play without the console and network conditions it depends on.
PlayStation’s guidance says broadband internet of at least 5 Mbps is required and 15 Mbps is recommended for a better experience. Those figures are PlayStation’s stated connection guidance, not a guarantee of stream quality: the company says quality can vary with the network environment. The device streams compatible games installed on the PS5, so check game compatibility and the conditions where you expect to play before treating Portal as a solution for a particular room or network.
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Replace or extend the supplied HDMI connection only if it is too short or needs replacement. PlayStation lists a 10-foot officially licensed PowerA HDMI cable supporting 4K HDR gameplay with compatible displays; that is a specific option for a cable problem, not a default upgrade when the cable already reaches the screen.
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PlayStation’s catalog also lists a 27-inch monitor rated for up to 240Hz, with up to 120Hz when connected to a PS5 console. The PS5-connected figure is the relevant one for console use; the 240Hz maximum should not be mistaken for the refresh rate PS5 can use on that monitor. The official listing does not make a monitor necessary for a new owner, so consider one only if you are choosing a display as part of a broader setup decision.
How were these accessories selected?
The order prioritizes needs a new owner can identify easily: another controller for local play, charging convenience, personal audio, and then storage expansion. Remaining items are presented as conditional because their value depends on household use, console model, available space, or network setup.
Recommendations are grounded in PlayStation and Sony Interactive Entertainment product, support, and manual information accessed in 2026. No independent survey, comparative benchmark, or controlled accessory test is used to claim that one item outperforms another.
A simple priority list
- Buy a second DualSense if local multiplayer or a backup controller matters to you.
- Add the charging station if you want a dedicated way to keep controllers ready.
- Choose PULSE Elite or PULSE Explore if you want private audio and chat, using the fit and connection details above.
- Consider an internal M.2 SSD when console storage becomes limiting.
- Treat the remote, stand, drive, Portal, cable, and monitor as setup-specific options rather than required PS5 accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a PS5 Media Remote control a TV?
It can send infrared power and volume commands to compatible televisions. If TV control is the main reason for buying one, check the TV’s compatibility rather than assuming every model responds to the remote.
Does PlayStation Portal work without a PS5?
Portal’s described use is streaming compatible games installed on a PS5, so it is not a standalone replacement for the console. Its usefulness also depends on the broadband and Wi-Fi conditions where you plan to play.
Can an external drive play PS5 games directly?
PlayStation’s stated external-drive workflow supports storing PS5 games, while direct play from the external drive is specified for PS4 games. Treat external storage for PS5 titles as storage or a copy-back option, not direct play.
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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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