If you haven’t heard already, Sony is releasing an updated model of the PlayStation 4. The new console is smaller in size in addition to consuming less power and producing less noise during operation. If you are planning to buy the PS4 Slim, there are few add-ons we recommend checking out as well if you want to get the most out of your new console. Below, you can find our guide for the best accessories to buy for the PS4 Slim.
Official Vertical Stand
Since the new PlayStation 4 model has different dimensions when compared to the original PS4 system, the stand for the original model won’t fit.
Fortunately, the new official vertical stand is designed to hold both the new slim model in addition to the upcoming PlayStation 4 Pro. The mounting mechanism should hold the console securely while the non-slippery rubber feet should prevent it from being easily knocked over.
If you are interested, you can purchase the official vertical stand for the PS4 Pro and PS4 Slim with this link on Amazon.
PlayStation Camera
Another accessory worth checking out for new owners of the slim PS4 is the PlayStation Camera. The accessory has multiple functions. One of which is using voice commands to navigate the system menus. You can also use it to broadcast yourself playing PlayStation 4 games.
A few select titles also support the camera. For instance, Until Dawn will record your reactions during jump scares.
You can buy the PlayStation Camera for the PS4 with this page.
PlayStation VR
The PlayStation Camera is also required for PlayStation VR as it tracks the position of the headset in addition to the DualShock 4 and/or PlayStation Move controllers.
For the uninformed, the PlayStation VR is Sony’s attempt at virtual reality gaming. A few PS4 games support some sort of PSVR content, including Batman Arkham VR, Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, Dead or Alive Xtreme 3, EVE: Valkyrie, Final Fantasy XV, Here They Lie, Job Simulator, PlayStation VR Worlds, Rez Infinite, RIGS, Rise of the Tomb Raider, Robinson: The Journey, Summer Lesson, Tumble VR, Until Dawn: Rush of Blood and more. So, if you are interested in virtually reality, you should definitely check out the PSVR headset.
The product is launching it two SKUs. One of which is the standalone PlayStation VR headset, which you can check out here. The other is the PlayStation VR Launch Bundle, which comes with the virtual reality headset in addition to the required PlayStation Camera plus two PlayStation Move controllers and the PlayStation VR Worlds videogame. Purchase the launch bundle via this link.
DualShock 4 Battery Extension
Although the PlayStation 4 slim does come with the new DualShock 4, which adds an extra light strip on the touch pad among other new features, the controller still has the same short battery life. As a result, you may end up being disappointed with how often you have to recharge your controller. Fortunately, there are several accessories that will extend the battery life of the PS4 Slim gamepad.
We recommend picking up the Ortz PS4 Power Bank Adapter, which adds an additional 1000mAh battery, effectively doubling the battery life of the DualShock 4. This accessory attaches to the back of the controller, weighing in at just 40g, so that you won’t feel any different when holding the gamepad without the external battery.
If you are interested, you can purchase the Ortz PS4 Power Bank Adapter, which comes with a free charging cable, with this page.
First-Party Gaming Headsets
You will be missing out on a lot of the experience with the PlayStation 4 Slim if you don’t have a proper surround sound stereo setup. Instead of investing in expensive speakers, we recommend picking up a quality headset. Sony currently has three gaming headsets for the PS4.
The cheapest option is the PlayStation Silver Wired Stereo Headset, which connects via USB to the slim console. Despite its low price tag, the product supports 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound. You can find the PlayStation Silver headset here.
A better quality PS4 gaming headset is the PlayStation Gold Wireless Stereo Headset. Along with a wireless connection, the more expensive version also uses the 7.1 VSS. You can purchase the PlayStation Gold headset with this link.
The newest headset should also end up being the best option. The PlayStation 4 Platinum Wireless Headset comes installed with 50mm drivers that will produce even better 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound. It will also take advantage of 3D audio, a feature that will be widely used in PlayStation VR games. You can buy the PlayStation 4 Platinum Wireless Headset via this page.
All three aforementioned gaming headsets use the Headset Companion App, a free application that is available for download from the PlayStation Store. This program allows you to install custom audio modes, including profiles for specific games. The supported titles so far include Bloodborne, Ratchet and Clank, The Last of Us Remastered and Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End.
Remote Play Devices
One of the new features about the PlayStation 4 is the ability to play its games on other compatible devices. The PS4 slim should provide an even better quality video output thanks to the added support for 5Ghz WiFi.
One option is the PlayStation Vita as you will be able to play your PS4 games on the go. Not to mention that you will also gain access to a variety of handheld games (including those that support the cross-buy initiative). If you haven’t done so already, you can purchase the Vita here.
Another good Remote Play hardware is the PlayStation TV. In addition to being able to play games streamed off of your PlayStation 4 Slim console, the device can also play select Vita-compatible titles on a HDTV. You can buy the PlayStation TV, if you are interested, via this link.
PlayStation Plus
Last but not least, you should also consider getting PlayStation Plus if you haven’t done so already. This is because membership is required to play online multiplayer games. Of course, there are other benefits as subscribers can also get free access to select titles (the list is refreshed monthly) is addition to exclusive discounts.
If you aren’t a member already, you can buy a one year subscription for the PlayStation Plus via this page.
So, if you are planning to purchase the PS4 Slim, make sure you check out the accessories we mentioned above so that you can get the most out of the new model.