Check which PS5 they have first. The standard PS5, the PS5 Digital Edition and the PS5 Pro take the same controllers, but the disc drive question differs. See how to tell them apart.
Controllers
DualSense wireless controller
A second controller for co-op or a replacement for a drifting one. It's the safest PS5 gift there is. Special editions cost more: the Hyperpop Collection designs launched in March 2026 at $84.99, and PlayStation Direct lists a Grand Theft Auto VI Limited Edition DualSense.
See DualSense controllersDualSense Edge
Sony's pro controller, with back buttons, swappable stick caps, a carrying case and remappable profiles. Best for competitive or very dedicated players. It's much pricier than a standard DualSense, so check the current price before buying.
See DualSense EdgeDualSense charging station
Charges two controllers at once. A nice tidy-up gift, though not essential.
See charging stationsPlayStation Portal
The Portal is an 8-inch, 1080p handheld that streams games from their PS5 over home Wi-Fi, so they can play in bed or while someone else uses the TV. It costs $249.99 (Sony's US price since April 2, 2026).
- The PS5 needs to be on or in Rest Mode. Sony's minimum is a 5Mbps broadband connection, with 15Mbps recommended.
- It's Wi-Fi only.
- With PlayStation Plus Premium, it can also stream supported games from the cloud, even with the PS5 off. This is for adult accounts only.
The Portal is a great gift for someone in a busy household who loses TV time. It's less useful if their home Wi-Fi is weak, because it streams everything.
Storage
PS5 storage fills fast. The fix is an internal M.2 SSD, and Sony's requirements are specific:
- PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe. SATA drives don't work.
- 250GB to 8TB capacity.
- A heatsink is recommended. Many drives sold for PS5 have one built in, so don't add a second.
- 5,500MB/s or faster read speed is recommended.
Installing it means removing a cover and a small screw. It's easy, but some people prefer to do it themselves. Our storage guide names specific drives. See PS5 SSDs
The disc drive
If they have a slim-generation PS5 Digital Edition or a PS5 Pro and want to play discs, including old PS4 discs they own or second-hand games, Sony's add-on disc drive makes that possible. It needs an internet connection once to pair. Sony's compatibility list covers the slim-generation models (CFI-2000 series and later), so check the model number on the console's label or box first. A PS5 that already has a disc slot doesn't need it. Note that Sony plans to stop producing physical discs for new PlayStation games from January 2028, though existing disc games stay available.
Audio
- PlayStation Pulse headset: Sony's new wireless headset, $99.99, launching November 19, 2026, with pre-orders from October 29.
- Pulse Elite: Sony's premium wireless headset.
- Pulse Elevate: wireless speakers for a desk setup, $219.99, launching November 12, 2026.
Not sure a headset's the right call? See headset vs. mic. See PlayStation headsets
PlayStation Plus and games
PlayStation Plus is required for online play in most paid games, and the Extra and Premium tiers add a game library. See membership tiers and prices. For games, PS5 owners have the deepest library of recent blockbusters. Our guides to story and RPG games, sports games and teen picks are good places to start, and the big one this season is GTA VI on November 19 (rated M).
Back to the main gift guide.
Quick answers
What does the PlayStation Portal do?
It's a handheld with an 8-inch screen that streams games from a PS5 over Wi-Fi. The PS5 needs to be on or in Rest Mode, and Sony recommends a 15Mbps home connection. PlayStation Plus Premium members can also stream supported games from the cloud without the PS5 on. It costs $249.99.
What SSD works with a PS5?
A PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD from 250GB to 8TB. Sony recommends a heatsink and a read speed of 5,500MB/s or faster. The drive goes in an expansion slot under a cover on the console.
Can a PS5 Digital Edition play discs?
Only with Sony's add-on disc drive. Sony lists it for the slim-generation PS5 Digital Edition and the PS5 Pro, and it needs an internet connection once to pair. Check the model number on the console or its box before buying, because older models aren't on Sony's compatibility list.
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