Sure you can get a 3rd party peripheral for alot less but how would you like to replace that every week or so because it's broke or just plain doesn't work? I didn't think you'd like that one. For instance, the 16MB memory card from Interact for the PS2 is a complete and utter waste of time and money as it's like buying some plastic packaged in a nice little box because it doesn't work. For controllers, buttons are loosened each time you depress them. It would take alot less time to break a 3rd party controller due to it's use of inferior parts to save money, money that you thought you were saving(until it broke and you had to buy a new one). In the end, the choice is left up to you whether to try out these 3rd party peripherals or not but i know of at least one person who isn't ever going to risk doing just that anymore. I will say that i have had an Interact 360 block MC for the PSX that has only had one problem but that was one more problem then i would have had to deal with on a Sony MC. Well, i hope that you enjoy posting and have fun gaming. :thumbsup: