Buying Guide: 10 Must-Have Game Console Accessories

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Game Console Accessories

Gaming accessories add a new dimension of fun and functionality to your game console; you can play computer games with family and friends. Here are 10 must-have accessories to make the most of your PC, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii or Xbox 360.

Record TV!

PlayTV turns your Sony PlayStation 3 into a Personal Video Recorder (PVR). Twin high-definition tuners let you watch, pause and record digital free-to-air TV on a PS3.

  • Watch one show while recording another.
  • Easy-to-use interface with a seven-day EPG (Electronic Program Guide).

Wheel Racing

The Wii Wheel helps take your racing games to the next level by letting you steer like you're driving a car. Simply snap your Wii Remote controller into the Wii Wheel and you're away.

Walking And Talking

The Xbox 360 Wireless Headset lets you talk "trash" to your online foes. It utilises 2.4GHz radio technology, which means you get crystal clear reception to a range of nine metres (30ft). It boasts up to eight hours of battery life per charge, and comes with a USB cable for quick, convenient charging from your gaming console.

Chat And Make Movies

The PlayStation Eye lets you enjoy free voice and video chat with friends and family on the PlayStation network. You can also record high quality video and edit it with the EyeCreate editing software (free download). Other features include:

  • Background noise reduction for smoother speech recognition.
  • Faster frame rate for improved video quality.
  • Adjustable zoom lens for extra versatility.

Speed Up Your Connection

The Xbox 360 Wireless N Networking Adapter increases the speed and range of your connection to Xbox LIVE. This means you can seamlessly download or stream HD movies, TV episodes and games from the Xbox LIVE Marketplace in full 1080p and 5.1 surround sound. It helps avoid interference and — because of its increased range — is perfect for larger houses.

Blu-ray Disc Remote Control

Using the Sony PS3 Blu-ray Disc Remote Control makes your viewing experience all the more comfortable. Designed exclusively for the PlayStation 3 system, the PS3 Blu-ray Disc Remote Control uses Bluetooth to operate the playback of Blu-ray Discs and other types of discs ( such as CD or DVD ).

Sing Along!

The SingStar Wireless Microphones let you release your inner pop star, giving you the freedom to dance about, jump from the couch, or anything else that you channel while playing SingStar on your PS3 or PlayStation 2. PlayStation3 models come with Voice Control compatible mode, which allows you to choose tracks by speaking into the microphone, no controller required. You can also shop and search your carousel with this function.

More Accurate Wii

The Wii Motion Plus is an accessories attachment for the Nintendo Wii remote. What the Wii Motion Plus does is increase the response and precision of the remote. You'll need to get one for each Wii remote, but the Wii Motion Plus will sharpen your gaming.

Get Fit, Have Fun

The Wii Balance Board, which comes bundled with Wii Fit Plus, interprets the movement of your feet so you can play active games more realistically.

Shoot 'em Up!

The Wii Zapper adds another level of reality and fun to your active gaming. You'll need a Wii remote and Wii Nunchuck to use the Wii Zapper. It comes with Link's Crossbow Training, which will have you zapping like a pro within minutes.

Extra Memory

Getting extra memory will suit avid gamers and people who use their console for media storage. It could be a memory card, an external hard drive or an upgrade of a console's internal memory.

Keyboard and Mouse

Make your PC and laptop redundant with a keyboard specially designed for your web-browsing PlayStation 3 or Wii. You can get a mouse for the PS3, while Wii owners can use their regular controller.

Arcade and Retro Game Controllers

Controller

Game controllers that deliver that unmistakable arcade feeling - a big joystick and wide, robust buttons - are great for fighting games and arcade classics. Also consider a retro controller to relive the Super Nintendo or Sega Mega Drive days.


Covers

Protect your portable gaming console and look good at the same time. They come in a variety of colours, materials and designs to suit your street wear or interior decor.

Carry Case

Get organised with a custom carry bag for your console, plus all its bits and pieces. No more cardboard boxes or cables dragging across the ground. Item-specific compartments mean you're less likely to leave something behind.