PlayStation 3 Accessories

If you have an HDTV, the first accessory you need to buy for the PlayStation 3 has to be a component or HDMI AV cable. All PlayStation 3 systems only ship with composite cables which are fine for standard-definition displays, but can't support HD resolutions. Very clever, Sony. Here are some accessories you might want to check out while you're at the store picking up the cables.

• Dual Shock 3 Controller

  

  What's better than the Sixaxis controller? A Sixaxis with rumble. After almost a year of decrying rumble as a last-generation feature, Sony finally gave in to consumer demand and announced that it was releasing the rumble-enabled Dual Shock 3 controller. The controller has all the tilting capabilities of the Sixaxis, as well as the heft and vibration of the Dual Shock.

• PlayStation Eye

  

  Console owners can use the PlayStation Eye accessory to interact with camera-enabled games. There aren't a whole lot of camera games currently available, so you may end up using the Eye for video chats more often than for gaming. The camera ships with EyeCreate video editing software that lets you capture and edit video on the console. The camera also has sound covered with a built-in microphone array that can preserve exceptional voice quality even in noisy environments. The PlayStation Eye is available as a separate accessory or as a bundle with The Eye of Judgement, a card battle game that uses the camera to track card placements on a real playing area.

• Blu-ray Remote Control for PlayStation 3

  

  Yes, we know the PlayStation 3 has a Blu-ray disc drive, but do we really have to call the remote control accessory a Blu-ray remote? Hey, it uses Bluetooth instead of IR like most common remotes. If you're determined to tack on some kind of branding, at least make it somewhat accurate. Call it the Blu-tooth Remote Control for PlayStation 3.

• Memory Card Adaptor for PlayStation 3

  

  You can use the memory card adaptor to transfer your precious PlayStation 1 and PlayStation 2 game saves to the PlayStation 3. You'll go back and finish Final Fantasy VIII one of these days, right? Shiva misses you.

• Bluetooth Headset

  

  Pick up the official Sony Bluetooth Headset to talk with other people when playing online. Other USB headsets will work with the system, but Sony's Bluetooth headset is wireless and has a dual-microphone setup that helps reduce ambient noise. The headset comes bundled with SOCOM US Navy SEALs: Confrontation.

• Wireless Keypad

  

  Anyone that's tried to register a PlayStation Network account on the console realizes very quickly that the gamepad isn't the ideal text-entry device. Using the analog stick and action buttons to hunt and peck through the virtual numpad slows communication considerably. The PS3 Wireless Keypad solves the problem by providing a full mini-keyboard that attaches to the top of the Sixaxis or Dual Shock 3 controller.

top