For a couple of months now the PlayStation 3 has been outselling the XBox 360 according to the NPD group.  Many new PlayStation 3 owners have purchased it for its Blu-Ray functionality as evidenced by the lackluster game sales that do not coincide with the boost of hardware sales.

This top of the line home entertainment console does not come with a top of the line movie playing remote.  You technically could control your movies with the Sixaxis or Dualshock controllers.  Why use both hands though, when you truly only need one.  If you feel like dropping an extra $20-$30, you could pick up some nice equipment that will fit right in with your IKEA entertainment center.

If you are in the market for a Blu-Ray remote for your PS3 there are a few options available for you.  Let us begin with the product Sony offers.

Sony - PlayStation 3 Blu-ray Disc Remote $19.99

KEY THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT THIS PRODUCT Of the three we are looking at today, this is the only one that is Bluetooth.  Theoretically, you could have your PS3 locked in a cabinet somewhere and it would still respond.  Though I would never recommend that. The buttons do not have a backlight feature. This remote works with two AA batteries, which may make the remote a little heavy.

If the slightly blasphemous self-proclaimed Messiah Entertainment brand name of the manufacturer of the remote below doesn’t bother you, perhaps this may be the movie shepherd you have been searching for.

KEY THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT THIS PRODUCT This remote includes docking station that doubles as an IR receiver. This product is not Bluetooth.  It has to be in line of site for it to work. It has built in rechargeable batteries that recharge when docked. The batteries only charge when the PS3 is on just like the Sixaxis. I found some reports of a different matte finish. The buttons have a backlight feature.

If you are budget minded, you will probably be looking at the following product.

Nyko – PlayStation 3 Blu Wave Remote $17.99

KEY THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT THIS PRODUCT This remote works with two AAA batteries. This is an IR device, which means it has to be in line of site of the IR receiver. The IR receiver is a USB dongle that has to stay permanently plugged into the PS3. This product claims luminescent buttons, which could mean glow in the dark.  Be careful.

The two-dollar difference between the Sony and Nyko products does not justify the budget excuse.  Especially when there isn’t much of a difference between them.  For this reason alone, I disqualify the Nyko Remote from consideration.

The true competition lies between the Sony Bluetooth remote and the Jesus Games (Messiah Entertainment) product.

Resolution

Since the Darklite includes a docking station, built-in rechargeable battery and backlit buttons my choice is easy.  The Darklite can do everything the Sony Remote can do and more.  The fact that it looks great is a bonus.

If you purchase any of these remotes or find any others that you like, please let me know.