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SALT LAKE CITY -- Few things are more exciting for a gamer than buying a new video game console or handheld system. These days there are three major manufacturers of dedicated video game hardware, and each one has their own philosophy of what components and services should be bundled with a system purchase and what should be purchased separately by the consumer. If you are looking to purchase a new video game console or handheld, take the following information into consideration when budgeting for your purchase.
Sony currently has two available video game systems on the market with another system set to release in February of 2012. The PlayStation 3 is Sony's flagship platform, which is a home console. The PSP is the Sony portable gaming system, and the upcoming PS Vita will be the successor to the PSP. Each system is available in a variety of packages, but none of them are complete if you want to fully enjoy the system.
PlayStation 3 additional purchases
- HDMI or component cables
- Bluetooth headset
You should expect to pay between $10-$20 for your high-definition cables and another $34.99 if you purchase the official PlayStation 3 bluetooth headset, though any bluetooth headset will suffice. Total additional purchase amount: $44.99-$54.99.
Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) additional purchases
- Sony Memory Stick PRO Duo memory device
- PSP carrying case
There are memory sticks of varying storage sizes available, and they range in pricing from $10 up to $40. Sony-branded memory sticks cost a little more, but they're often more reliable. There are countless carrying cases available for the PSP, but an average price for an acceptable case is about $15. Total additional purchase amount: $25-$55.
Sony PS Vita Additional Purchases
- PS Vita memory card
- AT&T data plan (3G model only)
- Carrying case
The PS Vita uses a proprietary format for its memory sticks that is only available with official Sony branding. These memory sticks range in price from $29.99 to $119.99, depending on storage capacity (4GB-32GB). Prices have not been announced for AT&T data plans for Vita, but the expected price is to be in line with 3G-enabled tablet rates, which range from $14.99 to $24.99 monthly. Much like the PSP, a good carrying case for the Vita is going to run approximately $15. Total additional purchase amount: $44.99-$134.99 (plus $14.99-$24.99 monthly for optional 3G data).
Xbox 360 additional purchases
- HDMI or component cables
- Xbox Live Gold membership
High definition cables for the 360 will cost $10-$20 for a reliable set. An Xbox Live Gold subscription can be purchased for $9.99 a month, $24.99 for three months, or $59.99 a year. Purchasing a full year at a time makes your montly subscription price rougly $5 per month. Total additional purchase amount: $10-$20 plus $5-$9.99 monthly Xbox Live Gold subscription.
Nintendo Wii
The Nintendo Wii is the rare case where everything you need to enjoy the console is included with your initial purchase. You may wish to pick up an SD card for additional storage space, but it's not necessary to save games or download new content from the Nintendo online store. Total additional purchase amount: $0.
Nintendo 3DS
- Carrying case
If you are willing to shop around, you can often find some of these items and even free games bundled with your console or handheld of choice for a lower cost than purchasing each item separately. But aside from the Nintendo Wii, odds are that you're be paying a higher than advertised price for any console or handheld you purchase in order to fully enjoy all the features the gaming system has to offer.
Jeff Rivera is the owner and EIC of www.GamerTheory.com and co-host of a monthly pinball podcast at www.ThePinballPodcast.com.
