11 esports gaming accessories every serious player should own

Not every gamer was planning an upgrade in 2024, but the ones who were had a clear wishlist. So, what’s there among the gaming must-haves in 2025? 

The latest YouGov data highlights which gaming accessories topped the charts and what kinds of gaming stuff players were most interested in. And while this survey covered the broader US gaming population, many of the top picks – headsets, monitors, mice – also reflect what competitive and esports-focused players tend to prioritize.

This article breaks down the data, ranking the most popular accessories and unpacking what influenced players’ decisions heading into the second half of 2024.

According to YouGov Profiles data published in May 2024, just over half of US gamers said they were planning to buy at least one gaming accessory in the second half of the year. While a large share – around 47% – had no plans to upgrade, the remaining 53% showed clear patterns in what they were interested in. 

For competitive players and esports fans, the most popular picks were geared toward performance, comfort, and control. Here’s a closer look at the gaming stuff that stood out.

Headsets topped the list, with 14% of gamers saying they planned to buy one before the end of 2024. 

In esports, sound plays a crucial role. Players rely on clear audio to track movement, stay alert to enemy actions, and respond quickly during intense matches. 

Team communication also becomes sharper with the right gear, especially in fast-paced multiplayer environments. So, among all video gaming accessories, a quality headset stands out as one of the most impactful upgrades for competitive play.

Close behind, 13% of gamers were looking to buy a controller. 

These are essential for games like FIFA, Street Fighter, and Rocket League – titles where console-style input is the norm. 

With more games offering cross-platform play, players on PC also turned to controllers for a smoother experience, so for anyone building a flexible gaming-accessories PC setup, it’s a smart addition.

Gaming chairs were on the shopping list for 12% of respondents. 

Long gaming sessions take a toll, and players have started to treat comfort-focused video game accessories as part of performance. 

A good chair helps with posture, reduces fatigue, and keeps focus sharp. While it might not seem like core gaming equipment, more players see it as a smart upgrade for play.

Around 10% of gamers said they were planning to buy a monitor, often with higher refresh rates and lower response times. 

In esports, those few extra frames can change how quickly a player reacts. Better visuals also make it easier to spot enemies or stay aware of what’s happening on-screen. 

For anyone competing on PC, monitors rank high among essential PC gaming accessories.

Also at 10%, gaming mice were another common upgrade. 

These offer better accuracy, more customisable settings, and faster response times, all helpful in shooters, MOBAs, and RTS titles. Comfort also plays a role, especially in longer matches. 

Players looking to fine-tune their setup found mice an essential part of gaming accessories for PC.

About 9% of gamers were interested in buying a steering wheel. 

These are mainly used in racing games like Gran Turismo or F1, where detailed control and realism are part of the challenge. Although not for every player, steering wheels became essential gaming equipment for sim racers.

Among video game gadgets, steering wheels offer some of the most immersive gameplay.

Gaming keyboards attracted interest from 8% of gamers. 

They’re known for quick key response, custom switches, and features like macro support, all helpful in competitive games that require speed and accuracy. 

For esports fans, keyboards were one of the more important gaming peripherals, especially in strategy and MOBA titles, where precise PC gaming accessories can offer an edge.

Also at 8%, high-end graphics cards were a bigger investment, but still a priority for many. 

Gamers who wanted smoother frame rates, better visuals, or VR compatibility were willing to spend more to future-proof their systems. These video game accessories are often needed to get the most out of high refresh rate monitors and demanding games.

Gaming mousepads may seem minor, but 7% of gamers planned to buy one. 

A smoother surface can help with more accurate aiming and less resistance, so for players who rely on quick reflexes and sharp movement, this simple upgrade has real value. It’s also one of the more overlooked gaming setup accessories.

Also chosen by 7%, controller grips are part of the gaming gear that helps improve comfort and control during longer gaming sessions.

They’re especially useful in competitive console play, where grip and hand fatigue can affect performance. As part of everyday gaming gear, these small gaming peripherals give players a better handle, literally, on their games.

Rounding out the list, 7% of gamers said they planned to upgrade their speakers. 

While headsets remain the top choice for competitive play, speakers still have a role, especially for solo sessions, casual practice, or streaming setups. Among traditional gaming accessories, they offer flexibility without sacrificing sound quality.

When gamers shopped for accessories in 2024, their decisions were shaped by more than just hype or brand names. 

The top priority was getting value for money. Most players weren’t just looking for the cheapest option; they wanted gear that struck the right balance between performance and price.

Beyond value, many players looked at what the gear could actually deliver in-game:

Reviews and availability also played a role:

Style was another factor, especially for gamers who cared about aesthetics:

Social factors played a smaller role:

While marketing had some impact, most gamers stayed focused on practical value and performance when choosing their gear.

From high-end gear to everyday essentials, the data shows that esports players were selective about the gaming accessories they chose in 2024. Performance, comfort, and value guided every decision. 

Whether you’re building a setup from scratch or upgrading piece by piece, investing in the right gaming stuff can make all the difference, especially when the competition gets serious – the right tools really do help sharpen your edge.