Few video game characters are as iconic as Sonic the Hedgehog. The speedy little blue blur has been around for over three decades, touching every corner of pop culture along the way, from games, to comics, to TV, to blockbuster movies. But we’re here specifically to celebrate the mainline Sonic game series and pick the best of them. Before we start, let’s quickly touch upon our criteria. We tried to rank these games based on a combination of historical significance, innovation, and how well these games stand the test of time. Some games, like Sonic Adventure 1 and the original Sonic the Hedgehog, for instance, are obviously super important to the Sonic series and set the foundation for both 2D and 3D Sonic games to follow, but we felt like they both didn’t quite hold up as well as their sequels when judged by a modern standard, which was why they just missed this list. The 10 games on this list are the ones we feel are the best examples of both classic and modern Sonic style. So w...
Baldur's Gate 3 is a game full of intricate detail. With so many dialogue options, characters, classes, and quests, everyone's experience is a little bit different. Discoveries are around every corner, and the only thing seemingly separating you from success or tragedy is a dice roll. That being said, it's a lot easier to somewhat plot your destiny when you know where you're going. IGN's Baldur's Gate 3 interactive map can help guide you on your quest through Act 1, 2 and 3. See the full Baldur's Gate 3 Map for all locations We have the most updated Baldur's Gate 3 map with the location of every item, chest, enemies, NPC, and more throughout the prologue, Act 1, Act 2, and Act 3. You can also check out our Baldur's Gate 3 walktrough for quests guides and details. Baldur's Gate 3 Interactive Map Currently, our Baldur's Gate 3 map features locations for the Prologue, Act 1, Act 2, and Act 3. This include a Nautiloid map, a map of t...
Nintendo has promised to fix a game-breaking issue in Paper Mario: The Origami King that can keep players from progressing through the story. Light location spoilers for Paper Mario: The Origami King follow. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/05/14/paper-mario-the-origami-king-announcement-trailer"] On Mario and Olivia's journey to the last streamer in The Origami King, players have to collect four stamps for their Spring of Rainbows VIP card in the Shangri-Spa area. After you collect all four stamps from four different hot springs, you gain access to a secret fifth hot spring. However, once you enter the fifth hot spring, the Spring of Rainbows, you lose your VIP pass. And, the other four hot springs will not give Mario a second stamp, meaning it's impossible to regain the VIP pass after you've already used it. If you try to re-enter the Spring of Rainbows, Mario will once again be asked to show his VIP pass. So, if you leave the Spring of Rainbows b...
You’ve got the Xbox Series X/S, and now you’re ready to grab the best accessories to make playing even more enjoyable. Sure, many Xbox One products are compatible with the latest console, but there’s something to be said for the newer peripherals that let you take full advantage of everything the Series X/S has to offer.
There are a number of excellent gaming headsets and quite a few controllers. While an immersive experience in flying, fighting, or racing games, can be found in specialty controllers, like flight sticks, racing wheels, and fight sticks. That makes choosing reliable Xbox Series X/S accessories a tad tricky, which is why we are here to help. From controllers and headsets to storage and charging stations, we’ve compiled a list of the best options while keeping in mind quality, budget, and functionality.
TL;DR – These are our picks for the Best Xbox Series X/S Accessories:
It’s hard to beat the Xbox Wireless Headset, a gaming headset that is literally made for Xbox, even matching the design while costing under $100. Thanks to Xbox Wireless connectivity, pairing to your console is simple and leaves more USB ports free for other accessories, and Bluetooth or a USB-C dongle lets you listen on a host of other devices. However, since you’ll always be listening wirelessly, we would’ve loved a slightly longer battery life, though 15 hours should last through most marathon gaming sessions.
In terms of performance, the Xbox Wireless Headset keeps up with the best of them, even supporting Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and DTS Headphone:X, making it easier to hear and place sound cues in games. The Xbox Accessories App also allows you to adjust the EQ presets, making the audio customized to your ears. And the headset itself offers nifty rotating dials on the ultra-soft earcups to control volume and game/chat balance, making it intuitive and easy to use, a boon during tense game moments.
The Xbox Core controller is as close to perfection as you get, offering superb value in a comfortable and familiar ergonomic form factor. This version keeps the same highly responsive, satisfying to-press buttons, triggers, and bumpers but sees a few minor improvements, like a share button, textured grip, and an easier-to-use, more tactile D-pad. Many of those buttons are also remappable, and you can even make the controller uniquely yours by visiting the Xbox Design Lab to give it personalized coats of paint.
Support of the Xbox Wireless protocol means you won’t have to jump through hoops when using the Core controller with your Xbox, while multi-device connectivity with both Bluetooth and a lag-free wired USB-C are ready for when you want to switch to a PC. The only real place we can fault this gamepad is its seemingly archaic use of AA batteries, but you can always use that USB-C to skip the battery hassle altogether.
Logitech G923 TrueForce
Best Racing Wheel for Xbox Series X/S
Sure, your average gamepad can handle racing and driving games, but for a richer and more immersive experience, you want a steering wheel and a full set of metal pedals. The Logitech G923 gives you both for under $400 and is the best option available for Xbox. Its gear-driven force feedback wheel is realistic enough, though it’s not the most nuanced and can be noisy.
Adding to the realism of the Logitech G923 is a programmable dual-clutch system, a premium brushed metal build and automotive-style leather stitching on the wheel. A “TrueForce” feature is even available for compatible games that helps to simulate things like engine revs, terrain changes, and weather conditions. The wheel also rocks all the Xbox console controls for easy navigation and handy extras like a 24-point selection dial and LED rev indicator lights.
MAYFLASH F500 Elite
Best Fight Stick for Xbox Series X/S
Xbox’s selection of fight sticks is somewhat limited, but fortunately, the tournament-grade MAYFLASH F500 Elite works seamlessly with the Xbox Series X/S. Just plug your Xbox controller into the fight stick via USB, and you’ll get to enjoy the authentic arcade-style feel and high-end Sanwa components in all your favorite fighting games. Those components include nine wildly responsive buttons and a perfectly precise joystick for pulling off combos and smashing opponents.
The MAYFLASH F500 Elite may have rather subdued looks, but it's super comfortable to use and feels secure thanks to two metal panels that help increase its almost seven-pound weight. Another handy design feature is the easy-to-open compartment for storing cables, and it’s even ready for modding out. Plus, you aren’t limited to using your Xbox, as you’re good to game on your PS5, PC, Mac, and Switch, making the $150 cost very digestible.
Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightstick
Best Flight Stick for Xbox Series X/S
When you’re ready to take it to the skies, grab the Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightstick. It offers an ergonomic, ambidextrous grip and eight axes with contactless hall effect sensors to deliver excellent precision and an immersive, realistic flying experience. More than just a stick but not a full-on HOTAS, Turtle Beach includes a multifunction throttle and flap levers to control the engine power and activate secondary controls.
Once you get the hang of the stick and throttle, there are 27 programmable buttons and switches to figure out, including an 8-way digital POV hat and rapid-fire trigger to easily takeout enemies in games like Star Wars Squadrons. You’ll also find an integrated OLED Flight Management Display, allowing you to tune performance and swap profiles to fit your game’s needs. All this functionality comes in a surprisingly sturdy, streamlined design that won’t be a massive eyesore in your living room and is available at a relatively affordable midrange price.
Razer Universal Quick Charging Stand
Best Controller Charger for Xbox Series X/S
As we mentioned, the Xbox Core controller is a bit behind the times with its use of two AA batteries giving you 40 hours of playtime, rather than a rechargeable one. The Razer Universal Quick Charging Stand skirts around this issue by first providing a rechargeable battery, so you don’t have to buy one separately, and then including a stand to make juicing up a breeze.
This stand comes in multiple color options to match the controller, while a magnetic contact system ensures it won’t dismount or disconnect at every knock or bump. There’s even overcharge protection in place to prevent overheating and short-circuiting. Given the name, Razer’s Universal Quick Charging Stand can also get that rechargeable battery back to full in less than 3 hours. And though you don’t get as much playtime out of each charge as the AA batteries, you won’t need to scavenge for them around your home every couple of weeks.
Seagate Storage Expansion Card
Best Storage Expansion Drive for Xbox Series X/S
The Xbox Series X comes with a 1TB internal SSD drive, and the Xbox Series S offers a 512GB drive, which is hardly enough in the gaming world, especially for those with an Xbox Game Pass subscription. Unlike the PS5, you don’t get a second internal SSD slot to add in some speedy storage. Instead, Microsoft lets these consoles expand storage with memory card-style SSDs that easily slot into the back of the Xbox without needing a USB port.
Our favorite one of these cards is the Seagate Storage Expansion Card, increasing memory up to 2TB. It’s designed specifically for the consoles, offering seamless integration into the Xbox Velocity Architecture. You’ll find this plug-and-play option delivers fast, lag-free read and write capabilities, letting you focus on your game rather than being distracted (or frustrated) by sluggish transfer speeds. However, since it is an SSD, it ain’t cheap, with the 2TB capacity setting you back over $350.
Michelle Rae Uy is a freelance tech and travel writer, part-time production editor, and a full-time traveler from Los Angeles, California. She currently splits her time between Los Angeles, London and the rest of the world. Follow her on Instagram@straywithRae.
Image Credit: Annalee Tsujino is a multi disciplinary designer and illustrator. Check them out on Instagram@antsu_illustrations.
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