The PlayStation 3 is an amazing piece of hardware. It's an online, web browsing device, upgradeable Blu-ray player, media download station, and ultra-powerful gaming machine all wrapped up into one sleek, black, sexy piece of gadgetry. With all that going for it, you'd think there wouldn't be very much to add. You'd think that... but you'd be wrong. If you have someone on your gift list that owns a PS3, let us show you a handful of subtle additions that will plaster a smile on those faces for years to come.

 

NYKO Charge Link

Wireless controllers might just be the best thing that this generation of games consoles has made standard. They're super-comfortable to use, largely hassle-free, and they even allow us to do neat motion-control stuff, which sometimes works... and sometimes doesn't. Regardless of any waggle-rific shortcomings, the PlayStation 3's wireless controllers do have one problem, which is shared by all of its wireless brethren — unlike Nico Belic's cell phone, they will eventually run out of juice. However, the biggest issue the PS3 has regarding controller charging isn't even related to the device itself — it's the charging cord that Sony decided to include in the box. You'd think that with a price tag like that of the PS3, Sony could afford to include more than a four-and-a-half foot mini-usb cord, but alas, they could not. 

NYKO solves this problem for us with their Charge Link charge cord. The Charge Link uses the same Mini USB technology as the standard charge cord, but it has one major advantage: you don't have to sit four feet from your PS3 to use it. NYKO has given us a more generous 10 feet of play, which is more than enough to kick your feet up on your coffee table and raise some havok in a Home near you. The NYKO Charge Link goes for $15, can typically be found at any videogame retailer.

Sony Blu-ray remote

Our next pick shouldn't really come as a surprise to anyone who has attempted to use the PS3 as their #1 movie-watching box. The PS3's Blu-ray capabilities are certainly nothing to sneeze at, as it is one of the few online-upgradeable Blu-ray players available today. The shortcoming of the console comes when you realize that a game controller just isn't the most ideal way to navigate all those super-exclusive features on your top-of-the-line disc.

Fortunately for all of us, the company behind the system also manufactures an extremely affordable remote for the movie side of things. Matching the sleek black aesthetic of entertainment centers everywhere, the PS3-mote (yes, we did just go there) is a fantastic addition to the tribe of remotes gathering on your end table. As if that weren't enough, Sony's remote uses Bluetooth technology, meaning you don’t even have to pay attention to the direction the remote is facing in order to work your movie magic. Isn't technology wonderful? Sony's PS3 Blu-ray remote will cost you $25 and is available at any electronics retailer.

 

PlayStation Eye

Sometimes an accessory only needs one great game to make it worthwhile. Lucky for the PlayStation Eye, it has more than one good game going for it, not to mention a growing list of Eye-specific titles that is bound to expand as the PlayStation Network's library of exclusives does likewise. However, at the moment there is still one game that really makes the PSEye a must-have for PS3 owners everywhere: LittleBigPlanet.

We won't go into the specifics as to what makes LBP such a fantastic title, but suffice it to say that if you own a PS3, you'll probably end up with it on your shelf sooner or later — it's just that good. Because of this, you'll also want what turns out to be perhaps the greatest customization device available for said title, and that just happens to be Sony's PlayStation Eye. The Eye allows you to take high-quality captures of whatever you please and in turn, import them into the game itself. Now we know what you're thinking, and no, we haven't seen a single bare rear end yet... so don't get any ideas. Sony's PlayStation Eye will set you back $40 and can be found anywhere games are sold.

 

3M Electronic Equipment Cleaner

Yes, that's a simple can of electronics cleaner and no, we're not joking. If you don't believe us, just go ahead and ask anyone who owns a shiny, beautiful PS3 what frustrates them most about their pretty black box. Without hesitation, one of the first things they'll note is that the while the system is one of the most advanced and awesome additions to their entertainment center, it's also that hardest thing in the entire home to keep clean. Dust, fingerprints, and every bit of pet hair in your residence will flock to the PlayStation 3 like iron to a magnet.

3m comes to the rescue with their anti-static Electronic Equipment Cleaner. The EEC, as we like to call it, is a fantastic addition to any entertainment center, and it will be sure to make that PlayStation owner in your life grin from ear to ear as they stare at the hypnotic wonder of that sexy, glossy PS3 logo they just got done polishing. This wondrous spray will come to your rescue faster than you can say "Obsessable rules!"...but you should still say it anyway. Prices for the spray vary, but we've been able to find it for as low as $5, which makes it not only the item you may get the most use out of, but also the cheapest. Stocking stuffer, anyone?

Now, after taking the time to read this, it looks like you have less than 45 seconds to complete your holiday shopping. We don't want to suggest taking any drastic measures, but you might need to call in a helicopter for a last-minute extraction from the mall parking lot. And no, you can't use the 3M cleaner as pepper spray... but nice try. Happy Holidays everyone!

Need more last minute gift ideas?

Check out our whole 2008 holiday gift guide »

[Image credit: Header image from Flickr user MNgilen. Used via Creative Commons.]