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For so many players video games are about kicking back, relaxing, and having a good time. When it comes to getting the most out of our games and consoles, it isn’t just about what we play—but also how we play. Take a look at this lineup of Insignia gaming accessories that can assist in helping to create the best gaming experiences.

Charge it up

In the age of wireless controllers and devices, one of the biggest issues following gamers around is battery life. It used to be that we could simply plug our controllers into our consoles and go. There were no worries about keeping our gamepads and peripherals juiced up and ready to perform.

Today we’ve largely lost the tether, entering the age of wireless gamepad freedom. That amenity comes at a cost however, and we must always be conscious of having batteries on hand or plugging in our controllers after use. Luckily there are a number of Insignia gaming accessories that are making this process much easier.

Nintendo Switch Power Cords and Chargers

First up we have my personal favourite among Insignia gaming accessories with the Insignia Charge Station for Nintendo Switch Joy-Con, which I use on a daily basis. This charge station holds and charges up to four Joy-Con controllers simultaneously. It’s an absolutely indispensable solution for someone like myself who owns multiple pairs of Joy-Cons.

Not only does it ensure you always have a pair to play with, it becomes extremely useful for multiplayer situations as well. If you have a group of family or friends eager to play a party or racing title, having multiple Joy-Cons at the ready without having to scramble is fantastic. Not to mention its appealing and space-saving design.

If charging Joy-Cons isn’t enough however, this device has another trick up its sleeve. It also has an additional USB port for charging your Nintendo Switch Pro Controller as well—complete with a very handy USB-C cable!

Also available is the Insignia Power Pack for Switch. This accessory boasts a lengthy 6.5′ USB A to USB C cable, making it easy to play and charge. It also comes with a wall charge adapter as well as a car charge adapter. The latter is perfect for keeping your Nintendo Switch going on those long road trips.

Nintendo 3DS XL chargers

Keeping within the realm of Nintendo, we also have a handy solution for your handheld-only device among the family of Insignia gaming accessories. The Insignia Charging Station for 3DS XL has your favourite Nintendo handheld in mind. It’s compatible with both the original Nintendo 3DS XL and the New Nintendo 3DS XL.

This charger features a wall plug adapter along with a handy charging cradle. Rather than fuss with plugging the charger into the console, players simply rest the 3DS XL on the cradle in an upright position. It’s not only a quick and easy way to charge, it also puts your Nintendo 3DS on display. This is particularly great if you have a fancy or limited model that you want to show off.

Xbox One Chargers

There are also multiple options when it comes to Insignia gaming accessories for charging with Xbox One. Firstly the Insignia Battery Charging Station for Xbox One S offers an integrated charging solution specifically for that model. It features a perfectly-shaped USB hub that connects to the left side of the console.

Once connected, it opens up a USB port (accounting for the one it takes up in connecting) along with a dock containing two rechargable battery packs. These packs fit any standard Xbox One Wireless controller. So no more burning through AA batteries—this handy charging station will keep its battery packs ready when you aren’t playing.

Of course if you need a solution for any model of Xbox One, try the Insignia Charge & Play Kit for Xbox One. This option forgoes the dock and simply provides a rechargable battery pack along with USB charging cable. It provides the same AA-shedding benefits with the additional option of being able to play while charging, since the battery pack charges while in the controller.

It’s truly a marvellous time to be a gamer. Right now there are more options than ever before for players to choose from—including video game consoles, software, and even controllers. With so many factors to consider, the choice can be daunting, so let’s break down some of the key differences in gamepad peripherals with this guide on how to choose the right controller.

Premium controllers

Most consoles ship with a quality controller right out of the box. Everyone is familiar with Sony’s Dualshock 4 or Microsoft’s Xbox One controller. However, for those gamers with a serious appetite for the most high-end experience available, there are a few gamepads available that fit the description of “premium” controllers. These controllers may come with a hefty price tag, but they also provide an experience like no other.

The first example that comes to mind is the brand new Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless Gamepad, compatible with Xbox One and PC (and confirmed to be compatible with the next generation Xbox consoles as well). This controller boasts a host of top shelf features, including swappable buttons and controls, rear inputs, adjustable triggers, and more. Everything about the Elite Series 2 is just that—elite. From its textured grips to its magnetic charging dock and everything in between, this controller spares no expense in refining the quality of your gaming experience.

Check out our review of the Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless Gamepad

Another option—this time with PlayStation 4 gamers in mind—is the Astro C40 TR controller. This controller is much in the same vein as the Elite Series 2, granting PlayStation gamers access to the same wealth of premium features. Programmable inputs, swappable controls, rubber grips and more make the C40 another option for players looking to gain the best features the industry has to offer.

Check out our review of the Astro C40 TR controller

Finally, the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller may not have quite as many premium features (or the lofty price tag to boot), but it is certainly the premium experience for that console. This controller gives a more traditional gamepad feel to players who aren’t satisfied with the dual Joy-Con approach. Furthermore, it receives regular praise among many for its comfortable design and for its long battery life as well.

Battery types

There are 2 primary types of battery power for most modern controllers. Some, such as the DualShock 4 have an internal, rechargeable battery. Other controllers such as the standard Xbox One controller require replaceable AA batteries. Choosing the right controller can depend on which scenario better suits your preference.

The upside to the former is never having to worry about replacing batteries or having those pesky AA’s on hand. Conversely, the downside is the possibility of losing your charge mid-game. Here there is no option but to plug in and recharge. Certain controllers may have hacks for reducing power consumption though—such as disabling the light bar on the DualShock 4 to extend its life.

On the other hand, a controller that uses replaceable batteries is always ready to go with a fresh swap of AA’s. However, frequent gamers may find it irritating and hard on their wallet to constantly keep them on hand.

There are also a number of solutions on the market to help combat the low battery epidemic. Controller docks, charge-and-play kits, and more can provide options to keep your controllers ready for action. It also never hurts to simply have a spare controller on hand to swap out when the current one is running low on juice.

Aesthetics and style

Sometimes choosing the right controller can boil down simply to style rather than function. For example, Nintendo’s Joy-Con controller essentially features one standard configuration across the entire platform. Yet a huge part of the appeal is the many interchangable colours and combinations of Joy-Cons.

To date the Joy-Con is available in a number of shades, from neon red and blue to purple, orange, green, pink, yellow—the list goes on. And since any two left and right Joy-Cons can pair together, many players revel in choosing their favourite combination.

This holds true for the DualShock 4 and Xbox One controller as well. If you already know that the standard console controller is the one for you, then it really comes down to choosing your favourite colour and aesthetic. Both have a wide range of shades and patterns to express your personal style.