So, you’ve got your Xbox Series X or Series S, you’re diving into Game Pass, maybe snagging some new releases – life is good! But then you start looking around your gaming space, or maybe run into a minor annoyance, and think, “Could this be better?” Upgrading your setup or adding convenience often sounds expensive, especially when official gear costs a pretty penny. Good news: it doesn’t have to be!
There’s a whole world of affordable Xbox accessories out there that can seriously boost your gaming experience without emptying your wallet. We’re talking about finding gear that gives you maximum bang for your buck. Forget the cheap junk; these are the budget-friendly finds that genuinely punch above their weight.
Xbox Controller
Features:
- Price Point: $29.99
- Officially licensed by Xbox.
- Mimics standard Xbox controller design and feel (shape, features, logo).
- Includes a 3-meter / 10-foot wired cable.
- Compatibility: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC.
- Available in multiple color options.
Starting with controllers, you know the official ones often run around $50 to $60. But if a wire doesn’t bother you, check out the PowerA officially licensed controllers. These look almost identical to the standard Xbox controller – same shape, features, Xbox logo, the works. They aren’t weird, cheap imitations. You get a solid controller that works with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC for roughly half the price of a wireless one. They come in tons of colors, though the classic all-black is always a safe bet. The included cable is pretty generous too, at 3 meters (about 10 feet), which is usually enough for most living room or desk setups.
Features:
- Price Point: Under $109.99
- Officially licensed by Xbox.
- Adjustable triggers with instant, mouse-click-like option.
- Four remappable back paddles.
- Hall Effect thumbsticks (reduces stick drift).
- Rubbery grip on the back.
- Wired connection only (includes 10ft/3m cable).
- Compatibility: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC.
- Available in multiple color options (approx. 15).
Maybe you want something more advanced, a controller that can actually give you an edge in games, but without the typical $150+ price tag. The Scuf Valor Pro sits nicely under the $100 mark and packs in features usually found on much pricier options. It’s officially licensed by Xbox, so again, it feels familiar. There are about 15 colors, including a cool smoke design.
What makes it “Pro”? It has adjustable triggers. You can use them normally for driving games like Forza Horizon, or flick a switch on the back for instant, mouse-click-like triggers perfect for shooters. It also boasts four remappable paddles on the back – great for actions like jumping or reloading without taking your thumbs off the sticks. Speaking of sticks, these use Hall effect technology, drastically reducing the chance of stick drift over time. A rubbery grip around the back adds comfort. The only catch? Like the PowerA, it’s wired, using that same 10-foot cable. But hey, no charging needed, and it works on PC too.
Keyboard attachment
Features:
- Price Point: Approximately $25.60 USD.
- Attaches directly to the bottom of an Xbox controller.
- Connects via a small USB dongle.
- Does not require separate charging.
- Significantly speeds up typing on Xbox.
Typing messages, redeeming codes, or searching the store on your Xbox using the on-screen keyboard is slow and tedious. A fantastic little fix is a mini QWERTY keyboard attachment. This gadget snaps right onto the bottom of your standard Xbox controller. It connects wirelessly via a small USB dongle you plug into the console and doesn’t require its own charging. Once it’s connected, you’re set. Typing becomes significantly faster, making communication and searching way less of a hassle.
Battery dock
Features:
- Price Point: $27.99
- Includes multiple rechargeable battery packs (e.g., 4).
- Packs fit into the controller, allowing use of the standard battery cover.
- Comes with a charging dock.
- Dock is USB powered (plugs into Xbox or other USB port).
- Charging status indicator LEDs per battery.
- Potential extras: Master power switch on dock, RGB lighting.
- Environmentally friendlier than disposable batteries.
Tired of constantly swapping AA batteries in your controller? Ignoring that “low battery” warning until it dies mid-game? A rechargeable battery pack system is a game-changer. You can get kits that include multiple battery packs – maybe four – which easily slot into the back of your controller, replacing the standard AAs while still letting you use the original battery cover. These kits often come with a USB-powered charging dock. Just plug the dock into one of your Xbox’s USB ports (no extra power brick needed!), and you’ll always have charged batteries ready. Drop a dead controller’s pack onto the dock, grab a fresh one, and keep playing.
Many docks have status LEDs to show when each pack is fully charged, and some even feature a master power switch to turn off the dock once everything’s topped up. As a bonus, some docks throw in RGB lighting for extra flair, and you’re doing a bit for the environment by ditching disposable batteries.
Console wraps
Features:
- Price Point: Approximately $20 – $30.
- Similar wrap-around design to official ones.
- Attaches at the back.
- Designed not to cover vents or ports.
- Budget-friendly customization option
Want to personalize your console itself? Microsoft offers official Console Wraps for the Series X and Series S. These aren’t sticky vinyl skins; they’re fabric wraps that cling securely around the console and fasten with velcro at the back. They completely change the look – options like Mineral Camo, Starfield, and Call of Duty designs exist. Because they’re designed by Microsoft, they fit perfectly and don’t obstruct any vents or ports, so airflow isn’t compromised. They’re super easy to put on and take off if you fancy a change.
These official ones cost around £50, but you can find third-party wraps on sites like Amazon for much less, maybe £15 to £20. These cheaper options work similarly, wrapping around the console without blocking vents, offering a budget-friendly way to customize your Xbox’s appearance.
Headset stand
Features:
- Price Point: $19.99
- Provides dedicated storage for a gaming headset.
- Features official Xbox branding/logo.
- Lights up (often with multiple modes, e.g., always on, on when headset present).
- USB powered (plugs into Xbox or other USB port).
If you’ve got a gaming headset, you need somewhere to put it when you’re not using it. An official Xbox headset stand is a neat option. It securely holds your headset, features the Xbox logo prominently, and even lights up. There’s usually a button to cycle the lighting modes – maybe always on, or only lighting up when the headset is actually resting on it. Like many accessories these days, it’s typically USB-powered, so you can just plug it straight into your console.
Mobile controller clip
Features:
- Price Point: $20 – $30.
- Clips securely onto a standard Xbox controller.
- Adjustable clamp holds a smartphone firmly above the controller.
- Creates an integrated handheld gaming setup.
- Ideal for Xbox Cloud Gaming and Remote Play.
Xbox Cloud Gaming and Remote Play let you play your console games on your phone, but holding the phone and controller separately is awkward. The Otterbox Mobile Gaming Clip solves this perfectly. It snaps firmly onto your existing Xbox controller and has an adjustable clamp to securely hold your smartphone above the controller. This creates a comfortable, integrated handheld gaming setup, letting you use the proper controller while having the screen perfectly positioned.
Controller carry case
Features:
- Price Point: $10 – $20.
- Hard-shell exterior protects the controller during travel.
- Protects thumbsticks from damage.
- Often includes an integrated, fold-out stand for a smartphone.
- Some designs can accommodate the controller with the mobile gaming clip attached.
For gamers who take their controller on the go, perhaps for that mobile gaming setup, a dedicated carry case is invaluable. These hard-shell cases protect your controller, especially the vulnerable thumbsticks, from getting knocked around in a bag. Many also include a nifty little fold-out stand integrated into the case lid, allowing you to prop up your phone if you’re not using the clip. The best part? Many cases are designed to fit the controller with the mobile gaming clip still attached, keeping your whole portable rig safe and organized.
Xbox storage locker
Features:
- Price Point: $29.99
- Officially licensed by Xbox.
- Design resembles a miniature green locker with Xbox logos.
- Internal storage for up to 10 physical Xbox game cases.
- Side brackets hold up to 4 Xbox controllers.
- Integrated headset stand on top.
- Small drawer/tray at the bottom for cables, accessories, or small items.
- Multi-functional storage and display piece.
Need a storage solution that screams Xbox? Check out the officially licensed Xbox Locker. It looks like a miniature green locker with the Xbox logo emblazoned on the doors. Inside, it has slots to hold up to 10 physical game cases – handy if you still buy discs or just want to display your collection neatly. On the sides, there are brackets designed to hold up to four controllers. It even incorporates a headset stand on top. And down at the bottom, there’s a small drawer or tray, perfect for stashing charging cables, extra batteries, or maybe even a secret stash of snacks. It’s a multi-functional piece that organizes your games, controllers, and headset while adding a distinct Xbox vibe to your setup.
LED lights
Features:
- Price Point: $20 – $40.
- Design: Classic white Xbox sphere logo and text.
- Power: Can be powered via USB or batteries.
- Provides subtle Xbox-themed ambient light.
Lighting can really enhance a gaming space. There are a couple of cool Xbox-themed lights available. One is the classic white Xbox logo light, featuring the sphere logo and text. It’s been around for a bit and can usually be powered either via USB or with batteries, offering flexibility in placement. It looks good even when off. A newer, perhaps more striking option is an LED neon-style light. This often comes as a Perspex box containing the letters XBOX, which glow with a vibrant green neon effect when switched on. These are seriously bright and can cast a noticeable green ambiance in your room, perfect for night gaming sessions. This neon style is typically USB-powered only, but its clean design looks good whether it’s illuminated or not.
Xbox trophy
Features:
- Price Point: Approximately $20.
- Design: Looks like a chrome Xbox achievement trophy.
- Function: Doubles as a light.
- Lighting Modes: Button toggles static glow, flashing/rotating light, or off.
- Serves as decorative gamer merchandise.
Finally, for the achievement hunters or just dedicated fans, there’s a neat Xbox trophy light. It looks like a shiny chrome achievement trophy, a nice bit of gamer decor for your shelf. But it also functions as a light. Tapping a button on the base usually cycles through modes – maybe a steady glow, or a pulsing/rotating light effect. You can also just leave it switched off to appreciate the simple, clean look of the trophy itself.
