In many parts in the US, we’re in the thick of summer, and it’s time to admit: It’s not getting cooler outside. It would be a great time to go to the pool or the beach. Alternatively, if you prefer clear the heat waves indoors with air conditioning, it’s a great time to slip in with some gaming offerings.
Can’t see anything you like here? Don’t forget to check out our other buying guides, including our guide to the best wireless gaming headsets or sound bars.
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Headset and video game offerings
Photo: Logitech
This Logitech headset is one of our favorites, especially for PC and PlayStation gamers. Lightweight, it supports excellent DTX’s object-based surround sound, and for PC players, the powerful G Hub software adds a host of extra EQ features so you can fine-tune your sound.
If you’re more of an Xbox person, this SteelSeries 9X headset is a great choice. It can be paired directly to your Xbox Series X / S without a dongle, it has a retractable microphone, and it does an excellent job of monitoring your own input so you can avoid yelling at your teammates. At least by accident.
There is never enough space to store all your games, screencaps and recordings. Fortunately, you can add more on the PS5 with a simple upgrade. This internal M.2 drive has 1 TB of storage space in a small, low-profile stick that comes with its own heat sink to keep it cool inside your machine. They are also not that difficult to install.
Sometimes the best accessory you can get for your console is a new TV. This is our preferred entry-level model from TCL. It has full-array local attenuation and a built-in Roku interface. It’s only 60 Hz, so it’s not the best you get, but if you’m still stuck with an old HD TV, it’s a good upgrade.
Offer of replacement accessories
Photo: Orzly
If you prefer the Switch Lite (8/10, WIRED recommends) over the Switch, there’s a decent chance you’re traveling more with your Switch than the average person. In that case, (ha) Orzly’s carrying case is a practical thing to carry. It comes with a slot for multiple games, extra space for accessories like headphones or an extra set of Joy-Cons and an internal protective cover that prevents your screen from being scratched by all of the above.
It’s great that the Switch is portable. It also means that it is more prone to scratches, scuffs and damage than your other consoles. So just like your phone, it is a good idea to have a screen protector cover the screen. This one from amFilm is one of our favorites, and it’s even cheaper than the cheap one used to be.
To protect your Switch even more – and give yourself a little extra grip on the non-ergonomic Joy-Con controllers – this grip case from Orzly encloses your entire Switch, controllers and everything. See our guide to the best switch accessories for more.
Video game deals
PC
PlayStation
Nintendo Switch