The hidden costs of buying a new video game system

Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes

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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

The PlayStation package is fairly complete, but if you own an HDTV and are wanting to play your video games and Blu-ray films in high definition, the PS3 does not come with the proper cable. You'll need to purchase an additional HDMI cable or a set of component cables to display high-definition content. If you plan on playing your games online, you can play free of charge, but you'll be unable to communicate with other players unless you purchase a bluetooth headset.

This chart shows the average additional cost by video game system. (Photo: Jeff Rivera)

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 system bundles available, but if you buy the PSP Core Pack, you will need the Sony Memory Stick PRO Duo in order to save progress on your games and to download any digital content from the PlayStation Store. If you plan on purchasing music, movies and games from Sony's online storefront, you'll definitely need a large-capacity memory stick. In addition, you'll want to buy a carrying case to protect the PSP while making it easier to bring games and the charging cable along with you on the go.

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 PlayStation Vita isn't available yet, but those planning to pick one up should know that, unlike the PSP that requires a memory stick for saving games or purchased media, some PS Vita games simply will not run without a memory stick present in the handheld. This makes the Vita memory sticks a required item additional purchase. If you purchase the 3G model and wish to use the Vita's mobile data features on the go, you'll need to sign up for an AT&T data plan, similar to what you currently pay for with a cell phone or tablet. Finally, you'll also need a good carrying case to protect the system and bring games and accessories along.

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

The Xbox 360, like the PlayStation 3, is a high-definition gaming console. In order to play in high definition on your HDTV, you will need to purchase an additional HDMI cable or a set of component cables. If you want to play online or access all of the media features available for the Xbox 360 such as ESPN, Netflix, Hulu Plus and more, you'll need to buy an Xbox Live Gold subscription.

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

Nintendo once again provides everything you need to fully enjoy the Nintendo 3DS in the standard retail package, but it is advisable to purchase an additional carrying case. Much like with the other handheld gaming systems, your average carrying case will run you about $15. Total additional purchase amount: $15.

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.