Hardware & Accessories

The PlayStation 3 Console

We Recommend: PlayStation 3 160GB

Here's Why: We're going to make this simple...get the $300 160GB PlayStation 3 Slim. The model has a good-sized hard drive that has a moderate amount of storage, and the actual hardware unit itself is smaller and takes up less space than the original PS3 hardware. And as it turns out, Sony lets you upgrade your hard drive with common, off-the-shelf hard drives for laptop computers. If you think you might need more space, grab a 500GB drive for about $50 to $60. You can do the math from there on out.

From time to time, Sony builds out bundles that make the larger bundles quite the deal--if you want the extras. As of recently, you can find a Madden 11 bundle with the 250GB PlayStation 3 for $50 more than the base 160GB model. And should Sony's motion-control system, the Move, pique your interest, you might want to opt for the 320GB PlayStation 3 Move bundle, which includes everything you'll need to get motion-based gaming going and a slightly larger hard drive to boot.

PlayStation Move

Sony recently entered the motion-gaming realm with the PlayStation Move. The Move consists of two major components, the PlayStation Eye camera and the Move motion controller, as well as a third mostly optional component: the Navigation controller. Move-based games make heavy use of real-life motions like golf swings, archery, swordplay and more.

You can purchase a Move bundle for $99, which includes the PlayStation Eye camera, a Move controller, and the game Sports Champions. The individual components are also for sale: $39 PlayStation Eye camera, $49 Move controller, and $39 Navigation controller. There's also the aforementioned $400 PlayStation 3 320GB Move bundle.

To learn more about the Move motion controllers, head over to our in-depth feature.

Accessories

We Recommend: A Hard Drive Upgrade

Here's Why: Current PS3 units come with 160GB of storage space. However, if you find yourself in need of more space, you can actually swap in a 2.5-inch serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) laptop hard drive. Before you go shopping for that new hard drive, we recommend you read through GameSpot's guide to upgrading your PS3's hard drive.

We Recommend: Sony Blu-ray Remote Control for PS3

Here's Why: As we mentioned earlier, the PS3 is not only a great game machine, but it's also a Blu-ray player. While you can use the PS3's wireless controller as a remote control, the analogue joysticks and the X and circle buttons don't offer the ease of use of a more-conventional remote. You can pick up Sony's official Blu-ray remote control for the PS3 for about $20.

We Recommend: HDMI and USB Cables

Here's Why: An HDMI cable will help your PS3 look better on your HDTV, and USB cables will recharge your PS3's Sixaxis controllers, as well as connect your PSP to your PS3. We suggest visiting online electronics sites like MonoPrice or Newegg to grab both on the cheap. Unless you're getting an extra-long HDMI cable, a standard 6-foot cable shouldn't set you back more than $5. Standard USB A to mini-B cables (which is what plugs into the DualShock 3 controller) sell for about $1 apiece.

We Recommend: PlayStation Network $20 Card

Here's Why: Make PlayStation Network purchases easier by grabbing a PSN card. The $20 card lets you purchase up to $20 worth of online content, including downloadable games, movies, and TV shows. You can also find $10 and $50 denominations.