I don't think I need more than one controller.

[superyoda41]

If you want a second controller, just wait a few months for a used one to surface and you might save a few bucks.

The cost of peripherals have gotten so ridiculous that I would pass on the second controller. Honestly, from a business standpoint, that is where Sony/Microsoft are going to make some money off you, which is why they have raised the prices on these items so high. The system is a total loss leader, but that controller I promise you has a profit margin of somewhere between 40-50%. Same with all the other peripherals.

So, pass on it and wait until it comes down a bit.

[Fragems]

If you want a second controller, just wait a few months for a used one to surface and you might save a few bucks.

The cost of peripherals have gotten so ridiculous that I would pass on the second controller. Honestly, from a business standpoint, that is where Sony/Microsoft are going to make some money off you, which is why they have raised the prices on these items so high. The system is a total loss leader, but that controller I promise you has a profit margin of somewhere between 40-50%. Same with all the other peripherals.

So, pass on it and wait until it comes down a bit.

Or better wait for a controller/game combo pack to come out. When I first got my PS3 I also picked up the GoW Collection + Red Dualshock bundle for $40.

[superyoda41]

Oh yea, good point.

That's the other option. Those bundles, especially around Christmas, usually benefit the consumer. Companies need to push as much sales before Q4 earnings reports are due and they always hack the prices with bundles in order to up the amount of product moved. I still wish I had bought the Skyward Sword Gold Wii-Mote bundle. I think it was like 10 more dollars than just the game.

[tintinmayo]

We have a local electronics store here that sells cheap generic input devices (gamepads, joysticks, guitar controllers, steering wheels, etc.) for PS3/2/X360s and PC. They're imported straight from China, re-branded and sold for around 100 pesos (roughly 2-3 US dollars, I think).

The designs are sometimes shoddy but in general they hold up well in terms of durability. They're fun to abuse because you don't have to worry about anything breaking (and sometimes you luck up on a really good build, like the mock X360 gamepad I bought once).

I have around 20 of the things, most of them broken and mined for parts, since I try to repair them myself when they break before buying a new one. The only branded gamepad I own is a 2 year old Genius maxfire blaze 3, which doesn't get much use.

[Omerta]

Always gotta have a spare.

Murphy's Law dictates that when you go to put in a multi-hour gaming session and you only have one controller, there's a high probability one of the kids decided to sneak off with it (where you'll likely find it in the toilet or something) or it will just plain give up on you.

[Hatta]

Or better wait for a controller/game combo pack to come out.

That's how I got my spare 3DO controllers. Found some boxed copies of Zhadnost! on estarland. Terrible game, so it was rightly priced at ~$7. But it's a party game, which requires multiple players, so there's a controller in the box. Better yet, it's a logitech made controller, that's slightly reminiscent of the Saturn model 2 controller. estarland sold out of these a long time ago, but if you find one, buy it. It's the best 3DO controller.