Gaming starter kit: All the gear you need to play like a real gamer

Yes, your console already came with a controller. But this guide is all about the best gaming stuff, right?

The DualSense Edge is undeniably the best controller that you can pair with your PlayStation 5 (it works great for PC games, too). It packs in every feature from the base DualSense controller, plus more. Not only does it have a more premium build, but it also adds in pro-controller-style bonuses like programmable back buttons, adjustable triggers, a collection of swappable thumbsticks, and a cable lock that keeps your charging cord from popping out during gameplay. You'll even get a nice carrying case to house the whole kit.

In our testing, we loved the half-dome back buttons, but we were a little disappointed that there were only two on the controller — most pro-style controllers have four. Still, they're comfortable to use and can be swapped out for paddles in case you prefer those. If you're a fan of the base DualSense's haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, those are here, too. If we could fix one thing, it'd be the battery life, which clocks in at only five hours per charge. It's not a dealbreaker, but it's a problem that both DualSense models have had, so we hope to see an improvement in the next iteration.

Xbox players, we didn't forget about you. Your choice is also an easy one: The Elite Series 2. Like the DualSense Edge, this is the best pro-style controller you're going to find for the console. This is one of the most premium-feeling controllers we've ever gotten our hands on, and it also comes with a bevy of premium features.

Four programmable back paddles, interchangeable D-pads and thumbsticks (with customizable tension), adjustable triggers, a rubberized grip, key mapping, and a durable carrying case are all on the menu. Plus, it can hold a charge for up to 40 hours. How wild is that? Our only complaint is that it sometimes cramped up our hands after long sessions, but it's a small price to pay (and yes, this one also works on PC).

If you have an Xbox, you need a Game Pass subscription. Simple as that.

It's one of the best deals in gaming, unlocking access to a massive library of games to download and play whenever you please, including Xbox exclusives on day one. You'll also get bonus perks like special deals and discounts, as well as an EA Play membership (as long as you're subscribed to the Ultimate tier).

There are three tiers to the service, but we recommend going straight for the Ultimate tier. It's only $16.99 per month after the 14-day trial, and you get every single perk available under the Game Pass umbrella. Yes, that includes PC Game Pass and cloud gaming support. You'll never run out of new games to play, and you won't have to empty your savings to continuously try out new titles. We love it, and you probably will, too. Our only annoyance is that a Game Pass membership is required to play Xbox games online — it's a matter of principle.

For PlayStation and Nintendo players, you do have the option of signing up for either PlayStation Plus or Nintendo Switch Online, but we don't consider these services to be absolute necessities like we do when it comes to Game Pass. The perks just aren't as good, and their Game-Pass-style catalogs aren't strong enough to justify the cost at this point in time. Though, if you want to play Xbox online with your buddies at all, you'll need a membership anyway (sorry).

If you really want to dive into gaming as a serious hobby, then you're going to be partaking in some marathon sessions (don't be ashamed, just accept it). That's why you need a gaming headset that's going to be comfortable to wear for multiple hours at a time, and that headset is absolutely the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro.

While there's a lot to love about the BlackShark V2 Pro, the comfort factor is where it shines. The headset features FlowKnit memory foam ear cushions surrounded by a padded (and adjustable) headband — both of which feel amazing. We were able to wear the BlackShark V2 Pro for multiple hours without any soreness in the ears or head.

The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro does all the other headset-y things that a great gaming headset should do, too. The audio sounds immaculate thanks to THX Spatial Audio support, which means you'll get some truly fantastic surround sound. The patented HyperClear cardioid microphone has crystal-clear input and output quality, though we wish it was retractable instead of removable. The exposed wiring on both sides of the headset can sometimes get caught on things when taking them on and off, but unless you're super nitpicky, it probably won't bother you.

Valve's Steam Deck remains one of the most impressive pieces of gaming tech to be developed in the last few years — so impressive, that other companies like Asus, MSI, and others have since released (or at least teased) Steam Deck competitors of their own. Simply put, it's a handheld console that shrinks the PC gaming experience down into a conveniently portable package.

You'll get full Steam Store access within the handheld itself, so you can download games at your leisure and share them between any other Steam-compatible devices you own. Not every game in the storefront is compatible with the Deck, but Steam has already denoted which ones run best on the device ("Deck Verified"), and the selection is pretty great. The Steam Deck also offers a desktop mode, which you can use for your usual web browsing, as well as installing other launchers to play non-Steam games (this requires some workarounds, but it's worth reading up on).

We also love the hardware itself, especially the rear-mounted buttons and dual trackpads on each side of its screen. It's comfortable in the hand but is a little bit heavy, which you start to feel after extended play. Unfortunately, getting an extended session in is kind of a chore, because the Steam Deck's battery life is really short. Still, you can play it while plugged in to get some extra juice, or just upgrade to the recently released (and more expensive) Steam Deck OLED.

If you already have a PC rig or gaming laptop and don't see the point in getting another device for your Steam library, another great handheld option would be the Nintendo Switch OLED. It's the best Switch you can get, featuring an upgraded display, a new (and much better) kickstand, enhanced audio, and double the storage of the base Switch. Plus, you'll avoid Nintendo FOMO.

What we don't love is that it isn't a huge upgrade from the original Nintendo Switch. Besides the features we already talked about, battery life remains about the same, as well as the GPU and CPU. And even though there's more internal storage with the OLED model, it's still not going to be enough for a lot of people — you'll still probably want to pick up a microSD card for some extra space. If you're looking to upgrade from a Switch console that you already own, this is something you'll want to consider.

But if you don't already have a Switch, there's really no point in going back a generation to get the standard version or Switch Lite, in our opinion (unless you have a smaller budget). We say go for the best one if you're a newbie because the new features are worth the relatively small difference in price.

If you're not planning on picking up a Steam Deck and instead went for the Nintendo Switch as your handheld of choice, we recommend having a PC-adjacent device in your arsenal. Thankfully, you don't have to get an entire gaming PC — not unless you want to. The far more convenient and accessible option would be to buy a gaming laptop, which won't be as powerful as a desktop, but will still allow you to play most games.

Our favorite gaming laptop? The Lenovo Legion Slim 7i. It's not cheap by any means, but the value that you get for your money here is pretty incredible. Although a generation behind, the Nvidia RTX 3070 and Intel Core i7-11700H combo can still comfortably handle many of the latest, most graphically intensive triple-A titles. The battery life is pretty standard among higher-end gaming laptops, but the display is wider and brighter than most of the others that we tested. We were also impressed with the machine's fans, which ran quietly even while running graphically demanding titles.

If fidelity is the most important attribute to you, then you could splurge for the Legion Pro model, which comes packed with an NVIDIA RTX 4090 GPU. But for most new gamers, we think the Slim 7i looks incredible as it is, so you may want to spend the extra cash elsewhere.

If you haven't yet ventured into the world of VR, we think it's high time that you give it a shot. The Meta Quest 3 is most likely where you'll want to start. There are other high-end options to consider such as the Valve Index and PSVR2, but we think the Quest 3 is the far better pick for VR newbies. It's more convenient, more accessible, and more affordable.

The reason Meta Quest headsets are so much more convenient and beginner-friendly is that they're completely untethered, meaning you don't have to hook them up to a PC or console. Not only is it safer (there's zero chance of tripping over a wire), but it's also simpler if you don't have VR experience — no overly complicated setup or figuring out which cord goes where. Just turn the headset on and you're off to the races.

The Meta Quest 3 is also just a fantastic VR headset in general. It boasts a 2064 x 2208 resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and even a new color passthrough feature. Although the hand tracking could be improved, it's still a cool perk, and we also loved the haptic feedback in the controllers. We just wish the battery life was better — it's close to the same as the Meta Quest 2, and we expected more of an upgrade between generations.

Speaking of the Meta Quest 2, we also think it's a great beginner-friendly VR headset, and at a way more budget-friendly price (just $249). While you'll see a downgrade in things like resolution, DRAM, max storage, and the lack of color passthrough, you'll still get to experience plenty of cool stuff. Our reviewers loved the immersive UI, Direct Touch capabilities, and impressive audio setup, among other features.

You really can't go wrong with either option, so just listen to your budget. Whatever model you land on, know that you'll be getting a great VR headset.