PS3 Blu-ray Remote Score: 99% Developer: Sony Interactive Entertainment America Device Type: Controller

Function: The PS3 is more than just a game console. In the same way that the PS2 helped to popularize the DVD format by working as a DVD player, the PS3 serves as a Blu-ray player. In addition to Blu-ray discs, the PS3 can also play DVDs, making it the natural replacement for PS2s as the centerpiece of many entertainment systems. Trying to control your DVD and Blu-rau playback with a SIXAXIS controller, however, is far from intuitive and doesn't provide easy access to all of the available features. The PS3 Blu-ray Remote is Sony's answer to this problem, providing control of all of the features you need in a remote for your PS3.

Performance: As soon as I got my PS3, it became my primary movie-playing device. I was not only able to play Blu-ray discs, but I found out that I was able to watch DVDs with audio at 1.5x speed. This came in handy with some training videos I had to watch that had a slower than desired pace. The PS3 Blu-ray Remote made jogging back and forth between normal speed and 1.5x speed a simple task. Possibly my favorite feature of the PS3 Blu-ray Remote is the fact that it is Bluetooth, not infrared. This allows me to effortlessly control my videos without worrying about pointing the remote a certain way or even having a clear line of sight. This makes a huge difference - more than I would have thought before actually trying the PS3 Blu-ray Remote.

Features: Bluetooth Wireless Remote Compatible with PS3 System Software 1.30 or later Non Directional Remote Instruction Manual 2 'AA' Batteries Included

Drawbacks & Problems:: Hmm... Drawbacks and problems? Well, the fact that the PS3 Blu-ray Remote uses batteries means they'll have to be replaced someday, which is a recurring cost... and is bad for the environment. But, at least it includes batteries. Okay, I'm grasping at straws. I found the buttons on the PS3 Blu-ray Remote to be in fairly logical places, feel nice and not get stuck. Add to this the lack of having to play "shooting gallery" to get the PS3 to acknowledge the commands I send and I'm a pretty happy camper.

-Geck0, GameVortex Communications AKA Robert Perkins