Ps3 Accessories: Enhance Your Gaming!

The playstation 3 is a powerful media center and is much more than just a next-gen gaming machine. This list of accessories will help you determine which add-ons you need to get the most from your machine.

PS3 Blu-ray (BD) Remote
Just like with the PS2, the next-gen console features a remote that can be used with the Blu-Ray disc feature of the Playstation for watching movies and the like.

Though not entirely necessary, as you can control the playback options of the disk with the controller, it’s all a matter of convenience. Especially if you’ve convinced your family that Bu-Ray is the future and they want to watch a movie without trying to figure out the control scheme of a SIXAXIS.

At half-the price of a SIXAXIS, it makes a lot sense to just get a second controller, but some people prefer the familiar convenience of a remote, and who am I to argue.

The savings will allow you to splurge on a high-end HDMI cable, such as those produced by Monster. The system does come with AV multi-out cables, just like it’s predecessors. If you have an HDTV, you really must get an HDMI cable, the quality is leaps and bounds over component cables.

Logitech Cordless Mediaboard
If you plan to surf the web , this is a must have accessory. This cordless keyboard features a built in track pad for easy navigation. You'll never go back to inputting text with a controller again once you have a wireless keyboard.

Travel Case/Bag
Even if you are simply moving it around the house, a case for your system is essential if it doesn't have a permanent home in a media cabinet.

 The PS, like all next-gen consoles, is a bit more fragile than previous videogame machines. so protect your investment with a travel case if you plan to move it at all. This will also prevent dust build-up during storage.

Controller Charge Base
If you are looking for that special something for the console owner who has everything, this is it. This stand will organize and charge all of your Sixaxis controllers at the same time. There is nothing worse than a dead Sixaxis.

SIXAXIS Controller

 As with all of the “next-gen” consoles, the SIXAXIS connects to your game wirelessly with Bluetooth, but also features a USB mini-B port for charging and hardwiring to the system.

 This has potential to allow users to connect their SIXAXIS controller to a PC or Mac, but as of yet the drivers don’t exist.

Unlike the Wii and 360 controllers, the SIXAXIS runs off of a lithium-ion battery, similar to an iPod or Laptop computer.

 This means no buying new batteries every so often and according to official statements by Sony and developers, the batteries in the SIXAXIS should last 1 or 2 years.

 Even when, and if according to Sony, your battery dies, Sony has said they will offer an exchange service and has included battery replacement instructions in the manual.

The buttons on the SIXAXIS are almost identical to that of the DualShock, with the change of the R2 and L2 buttons to be more recessed (and thus more like triggers) and the addition of a small connect/power between the start and select buttons that syncs your controller with your console, brings up the home menu and can be used to turn the console on and off.

On top there’s a row of four LED lights that will tell you what player this controller is connected to, notably adding 4 person multi-player to a line of systems that had 2 player compatibility, for most games. Getting together a group of people to play games on a single console is quickly being overtaken by online gaming, especially with the new “always-on” update services offered by Sony and Nintendo.

 Still, it’s hard to beat the fun of getting a group of friends together to play in the same room and with 4 player capabilities, buying an extra SIXAXIS or two wouldn’t hurt. At the end of the day, $49.99 for a wireless, motion-sensing first-party controller is quite a bargain.