PS3 Peripherals officially priced for the US
by Nick Doerr 
{ Oct 20th 2006 at 9:00AM }
Well, we knew it was coming... so we'll make it quick. Kind of quick. The Gamer's Day event brought about the announcement of the PS3's pricing for their peripherals. We of course mean the SIXAXIS, the memory card adaptor, and the remote control of bluetooth awesome. Just like the XBox 360 controller, the SIXAXIS is going to run you $50. Now, it may seem like a lot, but you're getting extra motion sensing capabilities! Well, it depends on if you're into the motion sensing thing. But it does seem like a good deal unless rumble and motion sensing are the exact same amount to incorporate. The controller is also $10 cheaper than the Wiimote + nunchuk controller (c'mon, you've practically got to get the nunchuk for some of the games). The memory card adaptor is $15 bucks -- so you and two friends can split the cost quite nicely at $5 each. The remote control is $25 -- but it's not coming out at launch so you can recoup some of those funds before deciding whether or not to get it. What do you guys think? Are these prices as ridiculous as some may claim? We don't think so -- don't get us wrong, $50 for a controller is expensive, but it has become the norm and there's nothing we can do about that.
[via Joystiq]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Hoopster @ Oct 20th 2006 9:21AM
Where is the PS3 headset? Or, can you use any standard bluetooth headset?
Turken @ Oct 20th 2006 9:36AM
Don't forget that you'll have to be replacing your controllers every couple years if you want them to remain wireless. Taking a conservative estimate (based on comments from sony) of 2 years life in your first set of controllers, and three years in the next set (better batteries) You'll still be paying at least $100 "per seat" over a five year console life. In the long run, the Wii is still the better value, even if a "complete" controller costs $10 more. Assuming that you buy a pair of good AA rechargeable batteries and a charger, the cost per controller is still only $65-$70 "per seat."
So, lifetime estimates: PS3 = $350 extra for controllers, Wii = $210. And here's the beauty of the Wii's $40+20 setup... even in the worst case scenario of crapping out you nunchuck's analog stick (historically, the sticks are the only weak part in nintendo's controllers) you can refurb your own remotes for another $20 instead of buying a whole new controller. SO, worst case scenario, 3 controllers + batteries + spare nunchucks still only comes out to $290 over the console lifetime. Still cheaper than the conservative estimate on the sixaxis.
Of cours, if/when I get a PS3 I'll probably just wait for Logitech to make some good 3rd party controllers. They've done well with this gen and I would be quite surprised if they don't make a better and cheaper controller for the next gen also.
bobeotm @ Oct 20th 2006 9:51AM
Sony just announced that they will replace any controllers if they die.
"The latest generation of Lithium Polymer batteries hardly suffer any memory effect at all, so it'll be many years before there's any degradation in terms of battery performance."
But in the case that they do die, sony will replace them. That 2 years comment a sony rep at gamers day said, isnt even accurate. He basically didn't know, and just threw out a number. Even the folks who asked him think that. So i wouldnt base it on one dudes wild guess.
With the replacement plan, if the thing dies before you are gearing up to buy the PS4 (which might not be the case), the controller will still be cheaper than both the 360 and wiimote (includine rechargeable batteries).
majorscud @ Oct 20th 2006 11:25AM
I 2nd the comment about chat headset. WTF is going on? The system is less then a month from release, and we dont know if we'll be able to chat online on release day. If they say that you need a bluetooth wireless I'm gonna be peeved, they are still pretty expensive.
portorikan @ Oct 20th 2006 11:42AM
I can't imagine motion sensing adding $25 to this controller. It seems quite a bit expensive. This is essentially the same controller as the PS2.
Anyway, rechargeable batteries last a pretty long time. But # 1 did make a really good comment, what about the headset for voice-chat, I'm surprised no one has brought this up and how it will connect to the PS3.
Bluetooth sounds like it will be the way to go. About how much do those cost on average?
N00b @ Oct 20th 2006 12:15PM
maybe you can just use any cellphone bluetooth headsets?
atsura @ Oct 20th 2006 1:29PM
Being able to use a cellphone bluetoith headset would be cool. I currently own a motarolla bluetooth headset and use it for talking on skype and my phone. Where else would a headset go honestly. USB headset cords aren't that long and I doubt people would want to sit that close to there PS3. Or the USB Type B slot on the top of the controller. Although there aren't many headsets that use that type of a connector. An adapter maybe would help. Who's knows , we'll find out soon enough, eh?
Jim @ Oct 21st 2006 7:12PM
"but it has become the norm and there's nothing we can do about that."
Are you nuts? That is expensive and of course I can do something about it: No deal!
AwesomeSauce @ Oct 20th 2006 7:27PM
I'm glad someone mentioned the fact that the Wiimote actually uses AA batteries. They're pretty cheap, and if you get a good pair of rechargable ones, then you should be good for a while.
Also, don't forget to mention that the Wiimote uses more advanced motion-sensing than the SIXAXIS.
Bennet McLean @ Oct 21st 2006 12:18AM
Just a note on the price comparision with the Wii controllers.
Currently only one game requires two nunchucks for multiplayer, Wii Sports boxing. So at the moment, for the best Wii multiplayer experience you need four remotes and two nunchucks. So for up to four player multiplayer on all three next-gen consoles you'll be spending the same amount, $200 USD.
Andir2.0 @ Oct 21st 2006 2:56PM
"Also, don't forget to mention that the Wiimote uses more advanced motion-sensing than the SIXAXIS."
Also, don't forget to mention that if the Sun is shining into the room when you use your Wiimote, there is a chance that your position sensing bar might have sensing problem.