The PlayStation 5 Pro has several accessories for anyone who wants to complement the experience with their console, especially headsets and charging docks for controllers. In addition to products made by Sony itself, there are other PlayStation accessory brands that offer good alternatives. However, despite the variety, not all of them make sense for players, since they do not add much value.
That happens because not every accessory actually solves a problem you may have or augments your experience while gaming. Some promise to improve the console’s cooling, while other accessories are intended to add new functions. Depending on the product, you may also run into durability or comfort problems, causing a purchase that seemed useful to be set aside after some time.
For that reason, we compiled five categories of accessories for the PS5 Pro that console owners say may not be worth the investment, based on their experiences. Whether because of limited benefits, difficulties during use, or features that are just unnecessary, it’s better to think twice before investing in these PS5 Pro accessories.
External fans for the PlayStation 5 Pro
Keeping the console at a stable temperature is a common concern among users, but even though external fans promise to improve PS5 Pro cooling, their usefulness can be limited. With a hardware update for the Pro, the console received larger fans, new ventilation paths, and changes to the heatsink to keep up with its higher power. For that reason, simply feeling hot air coming out of the device does not mean you need to buy a cooler to protect it.
There are also inconveniences reported by buyers of these PS5 accessories. One owner complained that their fan kept running in Rest Mode, requiring them to turn it off manually, although they acknowledged that it helped with cooling. Another reported shutdowns after installing a cooler but could not determine whether the cause was the accessory or the console.
In addition, before considering buying more cooling gear, the best alternative is to check whether your PlayStation 5 Pro is installed in a place that allows proper ventilation, with nothing blocking the air vents, and making sure there is no dust buildup. There are several measures to prevent a PS5 from overheating, so it is better to try them before buying extra fans.
Dedicated media remotes
If you usually open Netflix and YouTube directly on your smart TV, a media remote for the PS5 Pro will probably have little practical use. If you use the console as your main way to access different streaming apps, the purchase may make sense in some cases, but you can simply use the PS5 controller instead. On compatible TVs, it is also possible to use the TV remote with the PS5 through HDMI-CEC, as is the case with LG models. In that scenario, paying for another device may duplicate commands already available on the remote you use every day.
Even among people who watch through the console, convenience can be affected by small details during use. Owners of Sony’s media remote report frequent battery changes, even with occasional use, and one of them said they stopped using it for that reason. Another buyer criticized the buttons for being difficult to distinguish by touch and the lack of backlighting, requiring them to use their phone’s flashlight to find the right one. For an accessory where the main advantage is supposed to make a viewing session more comfortable, these small interruptions can negatively affect the experience that should justify buying it.
Multifunction stands with cooling and chargers
The idea of organizing everything in one place with a single multifunction stand sounds appealing, especially because some made for the PS5 Pro combine a console stand, controller chargers, and even storage for physical games in some options. However, the problem is that you can end up paying more for functions you do not use, resulting in wasted money.
Among PS5 owners, there are reports of regret with this type of purchase. One owner on Reddit said they used their stand for about a week before abandoning it, stating that they would not buy another one. Another reported that the station started making a very loud noise after about two years, even after cleaning it. In these cases, combining several features did not guarantee long-term satisfaction with the accessory.
So, if you mainly want one of these stands to keep your controller battery charged, it is worth considering alternatives. You can charge the PS5 controller with a connected cable or buy a smaller dock specifically for that purpose. The one sold by Sony, for example, can support up to two controllers and plugs into a wall outlet, allowing you to do this without having to buy other accessories along with it.
Mini keyboards attached to the DualSense
If you play online, a mini keyboard can make sense, especially for MMOs such as “Final Fantasy XIV,” since you will constantly need to type to communicate with other players in chat. However, attaching it to the DualSense also means you have to carry those keys throughout the session, even when you are not using them. So, if you rarely exchange messages, this purchase offers little return, since the convenience of writing an occasional message does not make up for the space taken up by the accessory.
Besides that, there is extra discomfort from holding the controller with a keyboard attached, and this is something some users have already complained about. One owner also reported other problems, such as microphone interference or a poor fit. Another also mentioned inconsistent operation and said that after some time, the accessory ended up sitting on a shelf.
If you want to type a lot while playing on the PlayStation 5 Pro, there are other options, especially ones that won’t affect your comfort. For example, you can connect a keyboard to the console through a USB port using a compatible model, without adding extra weight or changing the ergonomics of your controller.
Bulky external batteries for the PS5 Pro controller
Many PS5 Pro accessories are designed for the DualSense, including external batteries used to extend the controller’s battery life without relying on cables. Even so, just like other accessories made for the controller, they add an extra piece that can get in the way. Since the accessory remains attached during use, its size and shape start to affect the ergonomics of holding the DualSense for long periods.
That is because the bulk of these batteries can occupy space where your fingers would normally rest, while also adding extra weight that can change how the controller feels in your hands. Depending on the fit, your middle fingers may touch the accessory, requiring you to adjust your grip. In fast-paced games, this discomfort can get in the way precisely when you need to move your fingers easily, making the extra battery life not worth the discomfort.
There are some battery options that are less intrusive on the controller and may be worth buying for anyone who wants more battery life. However, bulkier models that may also offer longer battery life by default can turn this solution into an inconvenience during gameplay.
