With the release of PlayStation 3 many of the third-party hardware companies (e.g. Mad Catz) have all jumped on the band wagon to bring you low cost extras and essentials that do the job, but don't last as long as you wantthem to. Third-parties are good but most don't provide the long lasting quality and functionality you get with the first-party brands (Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony). With that in mind I thought I'd draw up a short buyer's guide for the Official PlayStation 3 accessories.
SIXAXIS Wireless Controller
Release date (Europe/North America): 23 March 2007 / 17 November 2006
Manufacturer's description: The SIXAXIS Wireless Controller for PLAYSTATION 3 employs a high-precision, motion sensitive, six axis system, which detects natural hand movements for intuitive real-time interactive play. With the adoption of Bluetooth wireless technology, the SIXAXIS Wireless Controller allows up to 7 players to play at the same time, without attaching any other external devices. In addition, by simply inserting a USB cable into the Wireless Controller (from the PLAYSTATION 3), users can seamlessly switch from wireless to wired connection and automatically charge its battery while the Wireless Controller is in use. When fully charged, the Wireless Controller's battery life lasts up to 30 hours before recharging is necessary.
RRP: UK£34.99 / US$49.99
Where to buy: Amazon.com/ Amazon.co.uk/ BestBuy.com / Play.com
Blu-ray Disc Remote Control
Release date: 23 March 2007 / 17 November 2006
Manufacturer's description: Designed exclusively for use with the PLAYSTATION 3 system, this remote control uses Bluetooth wireless communication to operate the playback of Blu-ray Discs and other types of disc media* (such as DVD or CD) on PLAYSTATION 3. Sit back, relax and enjoy watching your favourite High Definition BD movies with PLAYSTATION 3 and the Blu-ray Disc Remote Control. * Certain limitations apply.
RRP: £17.99 / $24.99
Where to buy: Amazon.com / Amazon.co.uk / BestBuy.com / Play.com
Memory Card Adaptor
Release date: 25 May 2007 / 17 November 2006
Manufacturer's description: With the PLAYSTATION 3 memory card adaptor, game save information from PlayStation and PlayStation 2 Memory Cards can now be transferred onto the PLAYSTATION 3 hard-disk drive. This allows players to access all of their old games without starting over, keep earned scores and items, and continue where they left off on their PlayStation and PlayStation 2 games.
RRP: £12.99 /$14.99
Where to buy: Amazon.com / Amazon.co.uk / BestBuy.com / Play.com / Game.co.uk
HDMI Cable
Release date: 23 March 2007 / 17 November 2006
Manufacturer's description: The HDMI Cable (3 metres) links your High Definition (HD) television* to digital devices such as PLAYSTATION 3 for high definition video and clear, crisp audio clarity. The HDMI Cable supports all Standard (SD) and High Definition (HD) video resolutions up to a staggering 1080p, and transmits audio from stereo to 8-channel digital surround sound. * Refer to your television instruction manual to see if your TV supports HDMI connection.
RRP: £17.99 / $59.99
Where to buy: Amazon.com / Amazon.co.uk / BestBuy.com / Play.com / Gamestation.co.uk
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Product notes:
- 1) HDMI Cable - These can be rather scarce depending on where you live. At the moment the big online retailers also seem to be reaching limited number from Sony. This is really for those who want the full 1080p experience with no problems. Be cautious though, I've seen these for lower prices than the RRP, both online and retail. The cable is 3 metres in length, which should suit most set ups just fine. For more on HDTV help checkout 'The PS Unions' HDTV FAQ thread.
- 2) Other types of PlayStation 3 connectioncables are the 'AV Cable' (the standard connetcion that comes with the system), 'S VIDEO Cable' (which allows for a slightly sharper picture than AV) and the 'Component AV Cable' (which allows for high and standard definition picture via Y,CB/PB,YR/PR inputs, however this type of connection is not supported by most HDTVs).
- 3) PlayStation 3 Launch Centres / Features: US Launch Centre, UK Launch Centre, AU Launch Centre, Inside and out, Old for new, In profile: An Aussie guide, Internationalhardware, Ten things, Tech Head-to-Head, Hands-On, Graphics Comparison, Graphics Comparison 2, SCEA Gamer's Day, History of PlayStation, PSP Resource Center, PSP Pack Impressions, Sony PSP 101, New PSP Hands-On.
- 4) Blog links: PLAYSTATION.BLOG, ThreeSpeech
- 5) Company Profiles: SCEA, SCEE, SCEJ, SCEI
- 6) Additional Information: Sony, Sony Computer Entertainment, PS1, PS2, PS3, PSP, PSX, Game franchises,Official PlayStation Magazine UK / US, Launch Titles, Launch Events