1) We reduced the gamepad's backlight to its minimum setting and were able to play for 8 hours straight. When downloading, we put the system into standby (orange diode) mode so that the full bandwidth is dedicated to the download rather than being split between the PSN, multiplayer, and services. If you're frustrated by a short micro USB cord, you can either 1) buy a longer cable for up to 500, 2) buy a docking station for two gamepads (up to 1000), or 3) buy a second joystick (between 2800 and 3500). The gamepad may be charged (through micro usb) in an hour while in standby mode. Regardless, 8 hours of play time is more than plenty. 4) Hook up your headphones to the controller, and make sure the volume is turned up to maximum (chat is the default). Four) Monthly payments of $999 for three months of access to online multiplayer, digital game discounts, and a new game per month (often a platformer).