Tried and tested: the best gaming accessories
Want to know the best accessories to boost your gaming? Our tech editor trialled them and here's her top picks.
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WD_BLACK P10 Game Drive for Xbox (2TB)
A smart and portable way to boost your games library
$129, harveynorman.com.au
PROS
Simple Xbox upgrade
Available up to 5TB
Tough body for travel
CONS
Not solid state storage
No USB-C cable
For storing, not using games
This looks like it was made for gaming, arriving in a container-like form that is rugged and handsome. This hard drive plugs directly into the back of one of Microsoft’s new consoles, to boost the number of titles you can store locally. Its capacity ranges from one to five terabytes but because it’s a hard drive, not a solid-state drive, don’t try to play games directly from it. A solid buy.
Razer Kishi
This gadget makes it feel like Xbox made a portable machine
$160, razer.com/au
PROS
Authentic controls
Pass-through charging
Very easy to connect
CONS
Won’t accommodate all phones
On the pricey side
Only works with one system
This smartphone gaming accessory will make you think the Xbox can travel. The ends of the Razer Kishi open up to fit around most standard shape Google and Apple phones, plugging into the charging port. No fiddling is required to play games from the Xbox cloud, and this model even comes with a 14-day Game Pass code. Two clickable joysticks, triggers and familiar buttons offer authentic gameplay.
Backbone One
The ultimate mobile gaming accessory has landed
$180, playbackbone.com.au
PROS
Solid design with full controls
Suits games from many platforms
Very easy to set up
CONS
Only available for iPhone now
Requires subscription after a year
Optional iPhone 13 accessory to fit
From the moment you install it, it’s obvious the Backbone One was created by dedicated gamers. This mobile game controller snaps to both ends of an Apple iPhone, while a dedicated Backbone app delivers quick access to games from many sources including Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Remote Play and Apple Arcade. It also has the greatest number of controls, a shortcut for screen captures and a solid build. On the downside, after a year you’ll be asked to pay a $76 annual fee, and there’s no model for Android devices yet.
Otterbox Mobile Gaming Clip
A cheap way to elevate your gameplay
$34, otterbox.com.au
PROS
Cheap way to get started
Holds phone tightly
Works with lots of phones
CONS
Must provide own controller
Can be tricky to set up
Too chunky for a phone stand
This is one of the cheapest ways to take your mobile gaming to the next level. The clip springs open at one end to hold a Google or Apple phone, while the clip on its other end levers open to hug an Xbox One or Series controller. When connected, you can play Apple Arcade or Xbox Games Pass games with buttons designed specifically for it.
Logitech G733 Gaming Headset
A glowing, striking and comfortable headset for gamers
$300, logitechg.com
PROS
Super comfortable for long wear
Removable boom mic
Pulsing, programmable lights
CONS
Can’t connect to a phone
Requires USB stick and software
Plastic build
There’s no mistaking this headset for regular headphones, with its pulsating light strips. Available in four colours, including vivid lilac, the headset features large ear pads for long wear, and a removable boom microphone for chat. Buyers might be disappointed to learn they don’t have Bluetooth and can’t be used for phone calls after a game.
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