- Top Pick: MENEEA Charger Stand Cooling Fan for Xbox Series S Console&Controller,White | Vertical Dual Cooler System Charging Dock Accessories with 2x1400mAh Rechargeable Battery, Earphone Bracket for Xbox Series S
- Best Value: Mcbazel 4 Port USB Hub for Xbox Series S, USB 2.0 Port Expander, White | USB Hub Accessories for Xbox Series S Front Port, Splitter for Controllers, Keyboard, Mouse, Headset Adapter, Plug and Play
- Premium: Media Remote Control for Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S (Black) – Original Accessories for Better Navigation
The best Xbox Series S accessories are a storage expansion card or fast external drive for players who run out of space, a headset or a second controller for everyday play, and a charging dock for anyone tired of swapping batteries. Because the Series S is the smaller, disc-less, lower-storage console in the family, the accessories that matter most are the ones that fix its specific limits: the 512 GB internal drive, the lack of a disc tray, and a setup that often lives in a spare bedroom or a dorm desk.
This guide sorts current accessories by the problem they solve, explains what the makers state about compatibility, and flags the trade-offs by budget tier. Product details come from the makers’ own listings and from reviewer round-ups at outlets such as Engadget, TechRadar and Windows Central, which regularly cover Xbox gear. Accessory lineups change, so treat model names as the current generation at the time of writing and read the maker’s compatibility notes before buying.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Accessories at a glance
| Accessory | Best for | Key stated points | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seagate Storage Expansion Card | Players who want optimized games to run from extra storage | Licensed for Xbox Series X|S; plugs into the rear expansion slot; offered in several capacities up to 4 TB | Proprietary format; usually costs more per terabyte than a plain USB drive |
| WD_Black C50 Expansion Card | Same use, often a lower-cost alternative | Licensed for Xbox; the maker lists a five-year limited warranty | Top capacity is lower than the largest Seagate card |
| External USB hard drive or SSD | Bulk storage of games you are not playing right now | Connects over USB; Engadget suggests drives such as Seagate’s Game Drive for the Xbox family | Series-optimized games must be moved back to internal or card storage to run |
| Xbox Wireless Headset | Simple plug-and-play chat and game audio | Connects to the console without a dongle; the maker lists spatial audio support | Fewer tuning options than premium rivals |
| SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X | Players who also use a PC or handheld | The maker states the wireless dongle works across Xbox, PlayStation, PC and Switch | Mid-range to premium tier |
| Xbox Play and Charge Kit | Replacing disposable batteries | USB-C rechargeable pack; the maker lists roughly 30 hours of use | Adds slight weight to the controller |
| 8BitDo charging dock | A tidy desk and swap-and-go batteries | Docks Xbox wireless controllers | Read which controller models it fits |
| Extra Xbox Wireless Controller | Local co-op | Works with the console, Windows PCs and many phones and tablets over Bluetooth | Standard battery bay uses AA cells unless you add a kit |
Storage: the first thing most Series S owners buy
The Series S ships with 512 GB of internal storage, and reviewers report that usable space after system files is noticeably smaller. Modern releases can run well over 100 GB each, so a handful of big games can fill the drive. This is why storage tops nearly every accessory list, including those at TechRadar and Windows Central.
Expansion cards
The Seagate Storage Expansion Card and the WD_Black C50 are the two licensed cards usually named by reviewers. Both slot into the dedicated port at the back of the console and are built to the same performance standard as the internal drive, so Series X|S optimized games can be stored and played directly from them. Windows Central notes that the WD_Black C50 delivers practically the same performance as the Seagate card, so the decision often comes down to the capacity you need and which one is in stock. The C50 comes in sizes up to 2 TB, while Seagate’s range goes higher, to 4 TB.
Fit note: these are not generic memory cards. They only work in the Xbox Series X|S slot and are designed to stay in place. If you plan to move games between a console and a PC, an external drive may be more flexible.
External USB drives
An external USB 3 drive is the budget route. It can hold games for the console and can run older Xbox One titles and backward-compatible games directly. Series-optimized games, however, must live on the internal drive or an expansion card to be played. A common approach is to use the external drive as a library of installed games and move whichever title you want to play into faster storage. A hard drive costs less per terabyte; a USB SSD moves games faster and runs quieter. For a Series S owner on a modest budget, a hard drive for the archive plus a smaller card for current games is a sensible split.
Audio: headsets and what to look for
The Series S has no optical audio output, so wired headset convenience comes from the controller’s headphone jack, while wireless sets connect either through the console’s own Xbox wireless protocol or through a USB dongle. Reviewers at Windows Central and TechRadar highlight different winners, which says more about taste and budget than about a single correct answer.
- Official Xbox Wireless Headset: connects directly to the console without a dongle, and the maker lists support for spatial audio formats. Stuff notes it can also pair with a Bluetooth device at the same time, which suits players who take phone calls.
- SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X: Engadget names this as its headset pick. The maker states the wireless dongle works across Xbox, PlayStation, PC and Switch, which is handy if you play on several systems.
- Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3): Windows Central places it as the best overall pick, citing battery life and value.
- Corsair HS35 v3: TechRadar names it for the budget tier.
Whichever you choose, confirm the box states Xbox compatibility, because some sets sold for other consoles use a different wireless protocol. Comfort matters over long sessions, so look at clamping force and ear-cup size, especially if you wear glasses.
Controllers and charging
A single controller is included with the Series S. A second Xbox Wireless Controller is the standard purchase for local co-op, and it also works with Windows PCs and many phones. The official controller uses AA batteries by default, which is where charging accessories come in.
The Xbox Play and Charge Kit is a rechargeable battery that charges over USB-C. The maker lists roughly 30 hours of use per charge, and you can keep playing while it is plugged in. A charging dock, such as the 8BitDo dock mentioned by Engadget, suits people with two controllers who want a fixed place to leave them. For budget buyers, PowerA wired controllers are named by reviewers as a lower-cost second pad that skips batteries entirely.
Players who want extra inputs can look at licensed third-party pads. The GameSir G7 Pro is one that GamesRadar singled out for value. Enthusiast controllers may add back buttons and adjustable triggers, but they cost more and may lack some features of the official pad, so read the listing against what you need.
Series S-specific extras
- Media remote: Engadget likes the 8BitDo Media Remote for streaming apps on the console; it comes in long and short versions.
- Travel case: because the Series S is small, a padded carrying case is practical for dorm moves and trips. Look for room for the power cable and a controller.
- Portable screen: Windows Central has covered screens designed to turn the Series S into a portable setup. The console still needs mains power, so these suit hotel rooms and shared living spaces more than commutes.
- Display: a monitor or TV with HDMI 2.1 and variable refresh rate support lets you use the display modes the maker lists, but it is not required to play.
- Racing and flight gear: Engadget lists the Logitech G923 wheel and the Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas One for sim players. Confirm the model’s Xbox label before buying.
Budget tiers
| Tier | What to prioritize | Sample picks |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Extra space and a battery solution | External USB drive, rechargeable battery kit, wired headset |
| Mid-range | Faster storage and comfortable audio | WD_Black C50 card, official Xbox Wireless Headset, charging dock |
| Premium | Large capacity and multi-platform audio | Large Seagate card, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X, enthusiast controller |
Pick X if…
| Pick this | If you… |
|---|---|
| Expansion card | play new, big releases and want them to launch straight from extra storage |
| External USB drive | want a large game library on a budget and don’t mind moving titles |
| Official wireless headset | want the simplest setup with no dongle |
| SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X | move between console, PC, handheld and Switch |
| Play and Charge Kit or dock | keep swapping batteries mid-session |
| Second controller | play local co-op with friends or family |
Alternatives worth considering
If you only play a few games and can tolerate uninstalling, skip the storage purchase and manage the internal drive. Players who want a better picture or smoother motion may be better served by a gaming monitor with HDMI 2.1 than by another small accessory. A PC gaming headset with a USB dongle can also work on the console if the maker lists Xbox support, which helps people who share one headset across devices. Finally, some owners treat cloud play through a phone or tablet with a clip-on controller as a secondary option under the same subscription. None of these replace the accessories above, but each can stretch the console’s usefulness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an expansion card for the Xbox Series S?
Not strictly, but most players with several large games find the internal drive fills quickly. A card lets optimized games run from extra storage, while a USB drive only stores them. If you play a rotating few titles, you may be fine without one.
Can I use any memory card or SSD in the expansion slot?
No. The slot accepts only the licensed proprietary cards, such as those from Seagate and WD_Black. Other formats will not fit or work, so a standard SSD must be used over USB instead.
Will my old Xbox One headset work on the Series S?
Wired headsets that use the controller’s 3.5 mm jack generally do. Wireless sets depend on their protocol, so read the maker’s compatibility list. Sets that use the official Xbox wireless standard are the safest bet.
Are third-party controllers worth buying?
They can be, especially as a second pad or for extra buttons. Reviewers like value options such as the GameSir G7 Pro. Features like headset passthrough and battery type vary, so read the listing against what you need.
How do I keep controllers charged?
The simplest method is a rechargeable battery pack or a dock that charges the controller while it rests. The Xbox Play and Charge Kit is the official route, with the maker listing roughly 30 hours per charge. Standard AA batteries remain a fine low-cost option.
What should I buy first on a tight budget?
A rechargeable battery kit and a basic wired headset cover the most common daily needs at a low tier. Storage can follow once your library grows and the internal drive starts to feel full.
