The PlayStation 3 is finally
available for sale--in theory, anyway. Those fortunate few who were
lucky enough to get their hands on Sony's bleeding-edge console will
find that it's chock full of features, but there are some choice
accessoriesCNET editor John Falconethinks you'll want to pick up to maximize the PS3 experience.
1. Extra controllers
The PS3 supports up to seven wireless controllers, but two to four
is still the standard for most multiplayer games. Since the console
ships with just a single controller, you'll need to pick up at least
one more if you want to go head-to-head on launch titles likeResistance: Fall of Man,Madden NFL 07,Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, orNBA 07.
The old PS2 controllers won't work on your PlayStation 3, so your choices are limited. You can opt for anotherSony SIXAXIS wireless controller($50, identical to the one included with the console) or go for theLogitech ChillStream(pictured here, $40), a PS3-ified version of the accessory giant's fan-cooledPC gamepad. It'll keep your palms sweat-free, but--unlike the SIXAXIS--it's not wireless.
Credit: Logitech

2. HDMI cable
Sony has touted the PS3's high-definition pedigree at every
turn, so it's rather ironic that the company ships both versions of the
PS3 with just a composite A/V cable--which can't deliver any high-def
resolutions, let alone the vaunted best-in-class 1080p. To see the
games and Blu-ray movies in HD (and we're assuming you have a
compatible HDTV), your best bet is to get an HDMI cable, which provides
an all-digital audio and video connection from the PS3 to your HDTV (or
A/V receiver) on a single wire.
A lot of people are under the impression that HDMI cables can't be
had for under $80--and, to be sure, you'll pay $100 or more for premium
brand names such asMonsterand Belkin PureAV. But we've had good luck with "generic" brands (like
the one pictured at left), which can be obtained for as little as $20--if not less.
Credit: TRT

3。Home router (wired or wireless)
With the PS3, Sony will be debuting a massive online
infrastructure that will allow users to play games head-to-head,
download demos, access exclusive multimedia content and communicate
with fellow gamers. And unlike Microsoft's Xbox Live, Sony is pledging
that basic online game play will be free of charge (Title-specific
subscrīptions, upgrades and special offers will cost money, of course).
The PS3 even includes a built-in Web browser.
To access all that online content, of course, you'll need a
broadband connection. Both versions of the PS3 include an Ethernet port
(and an Ethernet cable), and the 60GB "deluxe" version offers built-in
Wi-Fi to boot. Just make sure you have a router in the vicinity.
At left is the Belkin Wireless Pre-N router.Click here for a listof the routers that got the highest reviews by CNET editors.

4.
PS2 memory card adaptorDespite reports of some incompatibilities, the PlayStation 3 is
designed to play nearly all of the past PS2 and even original
PlayStation games right out of the box. And unlike the Nintendo Wii,
you won't need your old controllers or memory cards--the PS3 controller
will work fine with the old games, and you can save your progress to
the internal hard drive.
But for those die-hards who've started a game ofGod of WarorFinal Fantasy XIIon the PS2 and have their progress saved on the old console's
proprietary memory cards, Sony's got a workaround. Just plug in the
memory card adaptor ($15) to one of the PS3's USB ports, and you can
copy all your saved games onto the new system.
So, unlike Xbox owners who were forced to exile all their old saved
games when upgrading to a 360, you won't have to start those games from
scratch.

5.
A gameUnlike the Wii, the PS3 ships without a game in the box (though initial shipments of the console include the Will Ferrell movieTalladega Nightson Blu-ray). As mentioned above, most of your old PS2 games should work
just fine, but to see the new console pumping pixels at its full
potential, you'll want to get at least one of the new games available.Resistance: Fall of Man--a PS3 exclusive--is an early favorite.
Only five accessories? That's it? For starters, yes. Once we get a
taste of the PS3's online features (activated only a few days ago),
we'll update the list to include other add-ons (Bluetooth headsets,
anyone?). Of course, the PS3 will really shine when integrated into a
top-notch home theater--with a large HDTV and a full-on surround sound
audio system--but calling either of those an "accessory" would be a
stretch.
This gallery originally appeared on CNET'sCrave blog.
