The gaming world’s come a long way since the days my brother and I used to battle it out on our Playstation. Looking back, I’m glad we never bought too many accessories for our dinosaur consoles – the Sega Mega Drive, the original Nintendo Console, and the original Playstation. Why, you ask? Well, the accessories of yesteryear just don’t compare to the vast range of add-ons available today.

Top gaming accessories earn their titles, and they really do enhance your gaming experience; it’s the whole reason they exist, after all.

In this article, I’ll be reviewing some of the top gaming accessories designed to work with the leading game consoles that have hit the market over the last couple of years. I mean, of course, the XBOX 360, the Nintendo Wii, and the Playstation 3 (commonly known as PS3).
Here goes…!

Must-Have's for XBOX 360

Microsoft publically unveiled the XBOX 360 on MTV a little more than two years ago: May 12th 2005; a huge development effort in collaboration with electronics giants IBM, ATI, Samsung, and SiS. It's predecessor, the XBOX video game console, had been earned a second place position in the the last generation console war, far behind Sony's Playstation 2. Today, the XBOX 360 competes with Sony’s PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of gaming systems.

If you were quick enough to grab this console when it first hit the stores (it apparently sold out within days), you’ll know what a dynamite system it is. What you might not know is that this console has a whole range of accessories intended to make your gaming experience (or whatever else you happen to be doing, such as watching movies or listening to music) a completely relaxed one.

Microsoft recieved big kudos for their original XBOX Controller S on the original XBOX, and after a few tweaks and modifications for the 360... it's even better. If you dove into the Premium or Elite XBOX 360, you'll find nothing wrong with that beautiful 2.4 GHz Wireless controller. It's comfortable to hold, easy to use, and lets you execute complicated moves with minimal effort. The only problem is that it only comes with one! Priced at about $50, this is one of several accessories that can seriously enhance your gaming experience, and Core system owners can get untethered without sacrificing performance.

Now that you got one or more of those nifty wireless XBOX 360 controllers, it's time to introduce you to must-have XBOX 360 accessory #2 - the Play and Charge Kit. Stop throwing disposable batteries into the back of your controller when a fully rechargable solution is a mere $20 away! Using the play and charge kit is simple: plug the USB end of the cable into the front of the XBOX 360, and snap the other end to the top of the controller. Play a game, and before you know it, you're powered up and ready to play wireless for hours on end. Seriously, a single charge lasts a long time, and you never have to fumble with those disposable batteries again.

If you play a lot and you’re interested in having your saved games portable, you can invest in the XBOX 360 64MB or 512MB Memory Card. What makes this card REALLY worth the money? You can load up your XBOX Live! Gamer info right to the card, and logging in as you from a friends XBOX 360 is just as easy as if it were your own. Besides, why should that freeloader get all the credit for your achievements? At $29.99 and $49.99, it's a worthwhile investment for the gamer on the go.

XBOX 360: More Than Just Gaming

Take Control of Your Nintendo Wii

Like the Xbox 360, the Wii (pronounced “we”) from Nintendo is a leading contender in seventh generation of gaming consoles. It’s the direct successor to the Nintendo GameCube, and is considered by many to have a broader demographic than that of Microsoft’s XBOX 360 and Sony’s PlayStation 3.

The most compelling feature of this console, however, is the wireless controller: the "Wiimote", which lets you move around as you play. You don’t have to invest in a wireless controller for this console, but can, of course, invest in an extra controller for $40. The Wii supports as many as four controllers.

Wii Points are one of its major attractions. At 100 points to the dollar, the Virtual Console lets you purchase classic games from the Super NES, the Nintendo 64, the Sega Genesis, and the TurboGrafx16. At least thirty titles have been made available since 2006, including Donkey Kong (NES), Super Mario 64 (N64), and Sonic the Hedgehog (Genesis).

The Wii has 512MB of built-in storage for Virtual Console games. However, if you’re close to filling this, you can get an additional 1GB with an SD card (purchased separately). The wireless access point is also available, offering online “channels” that include news and weather. You can also plug the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector into any nearby PC on a wired network and link your Nintendo up to play games online.

Another accessory to consider, particularly if you like high-definition graphics, is the proprietary component video adapter, which costs about $20. This feature offers DVD-level 480p video graphics output.

More Ways to Get More Out of Your Nintendo Wii

Hardcore Gaming on Playstation 3

When it comes to the latest offering from PlayStation, a couple of accessories go a long way toward making your gaming experience immensely more satisfying. The Logitech NetPlay Controller offers a USB Keyboard and Gamepad. The USB Keyboard detaches and works perfectly as a separate keyboard on both the PS2 and PS3 consoles.

The Nyko Intercooler runs with the PlayStation 3 to offer improved air flow within the console. At about $30, the cooler keeps your console running at an optimal temperature, providing your system with increased longevity.

Next, the Joytech HDMI Tri Link Switcher expands your digital connections. With the HDMI TriLink from JOYTECH, you can connect up to three HDMI compatible devices to the input on your TV or display.

If you’re into driving games, the Logitech Driving Force EX Steering Wheel provides force feedback; its ergonomic rubber grips allow for 300° wheel rotation. Priced at about $40, this unit will enhance your driving game experience. Another option—pricey but worth it—is the s2000 Sound Rocker Gaming Chair. This lets you feel the action during your games, movies, and even allows you listen to music. It’s also versatile: the chair’s compatible with the PS2, the PS3, the XBOX, the GameCube, the PC, and the Nintendo Wii.

Finally, the Datel Bluetooth Wireless Headset is the last piece of equipment you absolutely need to stay one step ahead of your opposition in online games. With these headphones, you can strategize, control, and otherwise communicate while you are play.

More ways to get the most out of your PlayStation 3

Conclusion

Whatever console you decide to invest in—or whatever console you already have—there are plenty of accessories to pick and choose from depending upon your preferences. The ones mentioned here aren’t the only accessories on the market, but they’re the top-sellers. Take a look around before you dig out your wallet, but I believe you’ll find that they’re generally the best buys available today.

What are some of your can't-live-without accessories? Post them below.