Video game accessory

Essentially, video game accessories are everything except the console itself, such as controllers, memory, power adapters (AC), and audio/visual cables.

Memory is usually the most required accessory outside of these, as game data cannot be saved to compact discs.

The companies that manufacture video game consoles also make these accessories for replacement purposes (AC cords and A/V cables) as well as improving the overall experience (extra controllers for more players, or unique devices like light guns and dance pads).

Newer accessories include many home-made things like mod chips to bypass manufacturing protection or homemade software.

In the case of the Xbox series of systems (and Sega Dreamcast), the shoulder buttons are shaped and used more like a gun trigger.

The Dreamcast's memory unit was unique in that it had a monochrome LCD display, a D-pad, and two buttons.

The Xbox system was sold with a new type of data storage for consoles: an internal hard drive to store information.

Since the Xbox precedent, the PlayStation 2 had a hard drive accessory used with the Final Fantasy XI game to store character data.

After users started to complain of lack of space due to HD content, Microsoft released a 120 GB drive bundled with their Elite model, and available for individual sale.

Because portables often come in contact with the elements and are more prone to accidents, most owners use a case to protect their systems.

Many such cases include soft padding to cradle the system while an outside shell provides protection from falls or environmental debris.

While the larger such cases usually provide better protection and more room for games and accessories, they can be rather bulky and difficult to carry in pockets or small bags.

Home console cases are usually designed as a backpack or briefcase and have enough room for the system, cables, controllers, and often, a few games.

This allows gamers to easily transport traditionally stationary systems, making them more mobile and sharable.

Home console video games come packaged inside of a DVD-style case.

Therefore, one may find cases made to hold only the game media, thus saving space and protecting the disks or cartridges from the open environment or improper storage.

With some of the recent systems, homemade games called homebrew are being designed and released publicly.

The Xbox 360 system has official released tools called the XNA so that users can design and proliferate their own content.

Because of Linux's open source methods of utilizing the hardware as long as users write the necessary software, anything can be playable on the PS3.

Add-ons, also known as peripherals, are devices generally sold separately from the console, but which connect to the main unit to add significant new functionality.

A hardware add-on differs from an accessory in that an accessory either adds functionality that is beneficial but nonessential for gameplay (like a Game Link Cable or Rumble Pak), or in some cases may only add aesthetic value (like a case mod or faceplate).

They also may use lower quality materials in the production of the accessories, making them cheaper but usually more fragile and less trustworthy.

While most first-party accessories only have one version, only one kind of controller for example, many third-party companies will expand upon the original product.

A problem with this can be the power requirements of the regular function of the accessory as well as the components used to maintain the wireless connection.

One problem partly enhanced by the uptake of wireless technology is that the user is still forced to stand up and leave their seat in order to control certain aspects of the game system.

In order to alleviate that issue many recent consoles include features that allow powering on, off, and resetting the machine remotely.