As a gamer, you know that performance is everything. Whether you are chasing a victory royale, completing a raid or streaming to your audience, the last thing you need is your hardware holding you back. A phone that becomes uncomfortably hot, leading to stuttering frame rates or a console that flashes a "storage full" warning just as you are about to download the latest release are common frustrations that can disrupt your experience.
This guide is designed to help you navigate the market for practical gaming accessories that solve these specific problems. We will look at some key considerations before you buy and highlight a few products that offer effective solutions for mobile and console gamers.
Before adding anything to your setup, it is wise to consider a few key factors to ensure you get the right tool for the job.
This may seem obvious, but device compatibility is more nuanced than ever. For a phone cooler for gaming, consider your device's design. A magnetic phone cooler offers great convenience for phones with built-in magnets, like the iPhone's MagSafe system. For other Android devices, tablets or if you use a thick case, a universal clip-on model or one with an adhesive magnetic ring might be a more reliable choice.
For console storage expansion, the rules differ by platform. With a PlayStation 5, an external game drive can be used to store and play PS4 games directly, but PS5 games must be moved to the internal SSD to be played. An Xbox game drive offers similar functionality, allowing you to store Series X|S games and play Xbox One titles directly from the drive. Always check the drive's specifications against your console's requirements.
Your ideal accessory should fit your gaming lifestyle. If you primarily game on the go, a lightweight and portable mobile cooling fan that draws minimal power is essential. For home setups, you might prioritise maximum cooling power over portability.
Similarly, when choosing a portable gaming HDD, consider the balance between capacity and speed. Hard disk drives (HDDs) like the WD Black P10 offer enormous storage space at an accessible price point, making them ideal for building a large library.
For many, a gaming setup is a reflection of their personal style. RGB gaming gear allows for a high degree of customisation, but it is worth checking how that is controlled. Some accessories feature simple, onboard lighting cycles, while more advanced models offer app integration for granular control over colours, patterns and effects. This can be a great way to synchronise the look of your entire gaming station.
Here are our recommendations for accessories that address the critical issues of overheating and insufficient storage, helping you maintain a smoother gaming experience.
Why It Stands Out: This mobile phone radiator is designed for efficiency and convenience. Its strong magnetic attachment snaps directly onto MagSafe-compatible iPhones or other devices using an included adhesive metal ring. It actively draws heat away from the phone's processor, helping to prevent performance throttling during long gaming sessions. The addition of customisable RGB lighting adds a touch of personality to your mobile setup without being overly complex.
Pros:
Who is it for? Mobile gamers who primarily use a MagSafe-compatible iPhone or a slim-cased Android phone and need a straightforward, effective solution to combat overheating during gameplay.
Why It Stands Out: The 5Pro model is a significant step up in cooling capability. According to the brand, it offers up to 35W of cooling power, designed for the most demanding mobile gamers and streamers. Its key feature is smart temperature control via the Shark Arsenal app, which allows for performance monitoring and adjustments. The inclusion of detachable grips and both magnetic and clip-on mounting options makes it a highly versatile mobile cooling fan compatible with a wide range of devices, from phones to tablets and even the Nintendo Switch.
Pros:
Who is it for? Serious mobile gamers, content creators and anyone using their device for prolonged, high-intensity tasks. Its versatility makes it suitable for users with multiple devices (phone, tablet, Switch) who need a single, powerful cooling solution.
Why It Stands Out: The WD BLACK P10 Game Drive directly tackles the problem of limited console and PC storage. With a massive 5TB capacity, this external game drive can hold a huge library of games, eliminating the need to constantly delete and re-download titles. Its durable, portable form factor means you can easily take your game library with you. It is purpose-built for gamers and offers reliable performance for storing and playing PS4 and Xbox One games on their respective next-gen consoles.
Pros:
Who is it for? Console and PC gamers who have a large collection of games and are tired of managing their limited internal storage. It is an ideal solution for players who want to keep their entire library accessible without sacrificing performance for older-generation titles.
Our recommendations focus on solving common overheating and storage issues, but the world of gaming accessories is vast. If you are searching for different peripherals, from high-performance controllers to immersive headsets, explore our full range of Electronic Accessories.
Q1: Do phone coolers for gaming actually work? A: Yes, a mobile cooling fan or mobile phone radiator works by actively dissipating heat from the back of the device. This helps prevent the processor from throttling (slowing down) due to high temperatures, which in turn helps maintain smoother frame rates during intense gaming sessions.
Q2: Can I play PS5 games from an external game drive? A: You can store PS5 games on an external game drive like the WD Black P10, but you must move them back to the console's internal SSD to play them. However, you can store and play your PS4 games directly from a compatible PS5 external storage drive, which is an excellent way to free up valuable internal space.
Q3: Is a magnetic phone cooler better than a clip-on one? A: It depends on your device. A magnetic phone cooler is very convenient for phones with built-in magnets (like Apple's MagSafe series). For other devices, including most Android phones, tablets or phones in non-magnetic cases, a clip-on cooler or a magnetic model that comes with an adhesive metal ring will provide a more secure and universal fit.