Video Game Accessories
So you've got your console and a selection of titles, either as a gift or to play yourself. So you're ready to go, right? Not so fast -- you're only two-thirds of the way home if you haven't browsed through the exciting lineup of accessories available to trick out your system. The market is rife with products that will expand on nearly every aspect of your video game machine's out-of-the-box capabilities. One of the most unique is Sony's EyeToy. 
The EyeToy exemplifies the quandary some accessories present to gamers. While the device -- a mini-camera that allows the player to see herself onscreen in the game -- is a technological marvel, software manufacturers have been slow to make enough games to back up the capabilities. As a result, a PlayStation 2 with an EyeToy is all dressed up with no place to go. Still, there are several fun games that utilize the EyeToy well floating around out there. Keep this in mind when hunting for accessories. We've put together some general guidelines for beginning gamers looking for a simple setup, moderately obsessed players and full-blown enthusiasts who refer to themselves as hard-core "gamers."
| Simple Setup |
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Video Game Case : Beginning gamers will quickly learn that it's easy to scratch those discs you paid $50 a pop for. Guard against such mishaps by buying protective cases built specifically for your games. |
Wireless Controller : Another lesson newbies quickly learn is that cords are a drag. Unless you want to change the layout of your living room by pushing your couch closer to the TV, you should check out wireless controllers, which grant you freedom to kick back on the couch on the opposite wall. |
DVD Playback Kit : Both Xbox systems and the PS2, as well as the upcoming PS3 and Wii, are capable of playing DVDs, but the playback only works well if you've got a remote made specifically for the system. Get one of these babies and you can reduce clutter by ditching your old DVD player. |
Game Repair Kit : In case you forget to pick up video game cases, you'll want to resurrect your scratched-up games with a repair kit. A minimal investment certainly beats going out to repurchase all your scratched-up games, like you might have had to do with your CDs back in the day. |
| Moderate |
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Video Game Rack : Once your game collection grows so voluminous that the discs stop looking cute when piled in the middle of the floor, invest in a rack that will store your titles neatly. |
Video Game Glove : Playing more than a few hours a week can lead to blisters. Gloves may look a little dorky, but they lend tendon support and help ward off blisters. |
Dance Pad : You may look a little ridiculous hopping around your living room to the electronic beats of J-Pop, but that doesn't matter so much to rhythm game enthusiasts who want to get the most out of their pastime, as well as a solid workout. |
Memory Card : Many game systems come with built-in memory storage. For those that do not -- as well as for gamers who'd like to bring their saves from one system to another -- memory cards are the only way to fly. |
| Full-Blown Gamer |
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Video Game Chair : When you're spending hours on end busting through your favorite titles, you may as well go all-out and buy a piece of furniture geared specifically for gamers. Look for a chair that rocks and provides lumbar support. |
Wheel Controller : A regular controller won't cut it if you're into racing games. Take the wheel for real with a controller that replicates a genuine vehicle design. Steering wheel controllers will give you an advantage in online play. |
Video Game Carrying Case : If you love your gaming system so much you can't bear to part with it, lug the machine around in a carrying case. It's a wise purchase for business travelers who want to bring their Xbox or PS2 aboard aircrafts as a carry-on. |
Gaming Magazine Subscription : Once you're into gaming, you learn quickly that the games you've got are never enough. You'll always be looking forward to see what the next big things will be, and a gaming-dedicated magazine will be helpful to you. |
Do's and Dont's When Accessory Shopping
- DO check for compatibility, especially when gift-giving. You don't want to buy a PSP carrying case for a DS owner.
- DO compare prices. Some companies sell like-new used accessories that are just as good as originals, only half the price or less.
- DON'T buy without checking the power source for your accessory. Some, such as many types of controllers, are powered by batteries; standard or rechargeable. Your new tool won't be of much use to you if it won't run.
- DO e-mail the seller to clarify questions before purchase. It's up to them to sell you on the device. Make them earn their sale.
- DO check out the games that are enhanced with certain accessories before purchasing. For instance, some games adapt to the DS's vibrating rumble pack add-on, while others ignore it.
- DON'T buy a portable gaming system, such as a DS, PSP or GameBoy Advance without also investing in a carrying case and screen guards. A nasty scratch will ruin your gaming experience for years to come.
- DON'T fret about getting cutting edge technology. Game companies are always cranking out new products, so there's no use in sitting around and waiting for the next big thing. Find what you need and go for it, then determine later whether a new innovation is worth a look.
- DO try to imagine how you'd use an accessory before you make your buy. If you're only buying something because it catches your eye, you may be selling yourself short if it doesn't provide enough utility for your dollar.
External Links
- GameSpot -- One of the top gaming resources on the net.
- IGN -- Covers video games as well as the rest of the entertainment world.
- Game Informer -- An excellent video game magazine's home page.
