Consoles

The PS3, you can do a lot with Sony’s games console, such as playing games and watching Blu-ray movies. But there is more, much more to the console than meets the eye. This is Absolute Gadget’s guide to getting the most out of you next-generation console.

Tip no. 1 – Start your game where someone else left off

Sometimes you just can’t get past that boss creature in Tomb Raider and it can really start grating after numerous instances of Lara Croft dying. So what better way of getting over it then skipping past the difficulty on onwards to the next level.

The way to do this is search online for “PS3 games saves”. There are literally thousands of these lying around the internet so you can pick up someone else’s finished or half finished game. Simply save this to a USB memory stick and upload it to your PS3. In the relevant game you can head to the menu and select the USB drive inserted and copy it to your hard drive. Et voila, you’ve got past the big baddie. Shame you didn’t do it for yourself – where’s the achievement?

Tip no.2 – Check your gamepad’s charge level

The wireless gamepad’s one drawback it that you can’t tell how much juice is left. And you only find out when the game no longer responds to you button pressing and you die horribly. The way to ensure you have enough power to finish Grand Theft Auto (or any game) is to press and hold the PS button. An indicator will appear and will show up on screen as a small battery. A full battery means you are fully-charged up and ready to play.

Tip no.3 – Make a free video phone call

Ever wanted to chat to your fellow gamers and even see what they look like? No, well sorry we are going to tell you. For this you need to have a USB headset and an EyeToy camera (if you haven’t got them – go out now and buy them we’ll be waiting until you come back).

Once they are both plugged in you simply choose a friend and press triangle. select Start New Chat and write them a message. If they are also playing online at the same time as you, they will be given the option to accept your videochat.

At this point if they too have the necessary equipment then two windoes will open showing you and your chum, so you can chat away. And it doesn’t stop there – you can have up to six gamers joining in the video fun at any one time and all for free!

Tip no.4 – How to reset the video settings

Yes you have your PS3 set to output pictures to your glorious high-definition television, but then your mate calls you up and want you to come around to play your PS3 on his small portable telly. Trouble is that you won’t be able to see a screen once hooked up as it is at a different resolution (i.e. standard definition).

There is a way around this. switched off your PS3 and then restart while pressing and holding the power button. This resets the PlayStation 3 to its basic resolution setting and from there you will be able to choose the defition and cable connection from there ensuring lots of fun for you and a friend.