Already loaded up on essential (read: should’ve been in the @#$! box to begin with) next-generation gaming peripherals like $50 controllers, wireless network adapters, HDMI cables and the odd removable hard drive? Great – assuming you’re still in the black, let alone able to make rent this month, the good news is that when it comes to pimping out the old playroom, you’re just getting started. But with dozens of tchotchkes ready to gobble technophiles’ loot like Pac-Man does power pellets, allow us to recommend several that’ll satisfy the urge to splurge – and hopefully take your game to the next level.

So, in no particular order, here are ten of my current favorite accessories:

1. PS3 Eye - Three cheers for branding; back in our day, most people simply called these suckers USB cameras. Then again, this audiovisually-enhanced sequel to the EyeToy’s ability to project one’s image on-screen where it can interact with in-game objects does prove pretty forward-thinking. Alternate uses include videoconferencing, creating American Idol-style clips for online distribution via SingStar, inserting your mug into Burnout Paradise or just firing up 3D card-battler The Eye of Judgment for a little Star Wars holochess-style action. View Slideshow

2. I-Case for Wii - As hardcore enthusiasts can attest, nothing says “yawn” (or worse, “married with children”) quite like the Wii’s harmless eggshell-white design. Enhance its look to match other, more eye-catching home theater components – and reassert your manhood – with these snappy DIY case mods, which provide an instant extreme makeover. The basement lair-friendly “Black Knight” option comes recommended, especially for teenager-filled households. But for maximum effect, choose glossy chrome, guaranteed to impress the neighbors and, possibly, Snoop Dogg. View Slideshow

3. XBox HD DVD Player - Consider it the Xbox 360-owning cinephile’s mandatory first port of call. Simply plug in the USB cable, and voila… You can screen stunning films like The Departed and Eastern Promises in 7.1 surround sound and at coworker envy-inspiring graphic resolutions. Note: Though unable to play games (potentially giving the PlayStation 3 a future edge with its technically beefier Blu-ray releases), that’s not to say forthcoming upgrades/expansions won’t remedy the issue. In the meantime: Popcorn, anyone? View Slideshow

4. Rock Band Special Edition - Dream of playing sold-out arenas? Grab this bar-raising music simulation, which lets players happily mangle hits by bands like Metallica, Nirvana and The Ramones. The best part: Grinding out “Black Hole Sun” or “Dani California” requires the use of observer-mesmerizing, full-size wired/wireless plastic controllers modeled after actual Stratocasters and drum kits, with vocals handled via USB microphone. Downloadable tracks and options for jamming with friends online add unlimited replay value… Good luck hitting those falsettos! View Slideshow

5. DreamFlyer - For the armchair pilot who’s gotta have it all. (Including a good excuse why the kids won’t be eating this month.) Marrying a Saitek joystick, throttle and pedals with an LCD screen and 120lb swiveling seat that physically responds to leaning and banking, a barf bag’s all this thrilling replica cockpit’s missing. Well, that, and a PC with associated games, i.e. Microsoft’s Flight Simulator X: Acceleration. Like dignity, surround sound and digital projection supported, but strictly optional. View Slideshow

6. Wireless Racing Wheel - No matter if your passion’s Forza Motorsport 2’s realistic, rubber-burning challenges or Project Gotham Racing 4’s stunt-fueled mayhem, this lap-/table-mountable monstrosity’s a gas. Skid around corners and hop curbs, feeling every bump and gut-wrenching collision thanks to built-in rumble functions, or just mash included pedals, grip the non-slip dash and hold on for dear life. Added bonus: When the wife inevitably kvetches, just explain it’s either this or a Ferrari come your inevitable mid-life crisis. View Slideshow

7. Blu-ray Remote - Wait, was that really Milla Jovovich’s butt or did they substitute in a stunt double? Easily pause, rewind and find out with this responsive Bluetooth remote. Units not only offer unparalleled functionality by replicating every button on the system’s controller, but also boast impressive battery life. Enjoy cinematic bliss on-command, or just sit back, press play and ponder life’s little mysteries, e.g. why 27 year-old knee-slapper Caddyshack’s getting more spins than any current platform-exclusive game releases. View Slideshow

8. Sidewinder Mouse - PC enthusiasts worldwide rejoiced when one of the first dedicated gaming mice (originally launched in ’95) made a recent return. Sure, there’s the built-in LCD display that shows dpi settings and aids with macro upkeep, plus customizable weight/glide features, which quickly prove welcome additions. Still, what we dig most here: Options to dynamically change sensitivity (up to 2000dpi) mid-game, programmable buttons and a responsive scroll wheeled perfectly suited to swapping between pistol and plasma rifle. View Slideshow

9. Wii Charging Station - Waggling the Wii’s motion-sensing remote rocks! Just one problem… Addictive as physically targeting Resident Evil 4/The Umbrella Chronicles’ slavering cadavers or performing Super Mario Galaxy’s spin attacks is, such actions drain the controller’s AA battery-supplied power at a disconcerting rate. Capable of charging two individual controllers, offering multiple rechargeable batteries with rubberized replacement covers for better traction and promising 25 hours’ play between juicings, use this nifty dock to get right back in the game. View Slideshow

10. Sound Rocker - A comfy seat with built-in speakers and 5” subwoofer whose rechargeable battery affords 4-5 hours of relaxing, butt-rumbling bass while besting popular PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii titles. A 2.4GHz transmitter wirelessly beams 8-channel digital audio from your TV up to 25’ away, with older systems and handheld consoles plus MP3 players, iPods and DVD/VCR units also supported. Prefer desktop carnage? Try riding dirty with the Sharper Image-exclusive Wireless PC Gaming Chair 2.1 instead. View Slideshow