Sony PS3 controller charger reminds us what we hate about the PS3

(Credit: Engadget)

Engadget has noted the appearance of a new PlayStation 3 accessory in Japan: a USB charger that can juice up two PS3 controllers at once. While we wouldn't be surprised to see this thing appear Stateside as well, the problem is: there's really no reason it should need to exist. And if the PS3 were better designed, it wouldn't have to. In fact, the existence of this sort of accessory just serves as a reminder of some of the PS3's biggest annoyances--all the more evident because the superb gaming console/Blu-ray player/media hub is otherwise close to perfection.

Annoyance No. 1: PS3 controller batteries aren't removable. The PS3 controller's rechargeable battery is locked inside. When it eventually dies a few years down the road, you'll need to invest in a whole new controller. Compare that with the competition: both the Nintendo Wii and Xbox 360 controllers have removable batteries. The Wii uses standard AAs, so you can buy a charger and a set of batteries from the likes of Duracell or Energizer, and you no longer need to invest in an endless supply of new batteries. We've also had good luck with third-party charging solutions from Nyko and Penguin. The 360 has the best of both worlds: it uses standard AAs (or rechargeables you supply, as suggested above), or you can invest a few bucks in the 360 Quick Charge Kit (a recharger and one rechargeable battery, with additional batteries available separately as well).

Annoyance No. 2: Controllers can't charge from all USB sources. I'm a big fan of charging gadgets via USB. These days, a lot of portable products can just be plugged into any standard USB hub, USB charger, or a PC, and they'll start juicing up. The PS3 controller is much more finicky. Sure, it charges from the PS3 via that console's USB port. But plug the controller into any other USB source, and it's more of a 50/50 shot. In our experience, it needs to be something with a "brain"--a direct connection to a PC works, as well as plugging it into a satellite box, such as the Dish ViP622 or DirecTV HR20. But just plugging it into a powered USB hub (that's not connected to a PC) or a USB charger (like the iPod AC adapter) didn't work for us. (There are some dedicated third-party chargers available as well.)

Annoyance No. 3: PS3 can't charge controllers when in standby mode. OK, so you pretty much have to use the PS3 itself to charge your PS3 controllers. Fine--you'll just leave them to juice up overnight, right? Wrong. Controllers can only charge while the PS3 is powered up. Turn it off (standby mode), and the USB ports go dead. By contrast, some recent Toshiba laptops have a feature called "Sleep and Charge," which allow you to power up attached USB devices even when the laptop is turned off.

The PS3's touchy USB ports are doubly problematic, apparently, for anybody who's been trying to create compatibility with the PS3 for a standard IR remote. Adding a USB IR dongle would seem to be the way to go, but that, too, will only work when the console is powered on--so you'll still need to power up the PS3 manually, or with a Bluetooth controller. Some clever workarounds exist, but they're pretty elaborate.

Sony could've addressed the first two issues when they transitioned from the original Sixaxis PS3 controller to the newer DualShock 3 rumble controller--but the sealed battery and inflexible recharging remained, so it's clearly by design. Likewise, the current iteration of the PS3--the 80GB Core model--has plenty of other design and feature tweaks from the original 60GB model, but the company didn't see fit to add an IR receiver or allow the USB ports to draw power in standby mode. (At this point, we're assuming that's definitely a hardware limitation, and not something that can be fixed with a firmware update.) And that, fellow gamers, is how we ended up with the PS3 USB charger pictured above.

Is any of this enough to make me regret buying a PS3? No, the myriad benefits definitely outweigh the drawbacks. But it still aggravates me every time I have to reach from my PS3 controller--instead of my universal remote--whenever I want to watch a movie. After all, there's nothing wrong with wanting the PS3 to be perfect.

Do these little details interfere with your enjoyment of the PlayStation 3? Or are we just way too demanding?

[DaSaintFan1]

John, being a loyal Sony/PS owner, i have to wonder about the statement on dislike #2. ...

#3 - Despite the claims about power consumption, it's been a general debatable point as to why wouldn't you leave the PS3 running 24/7, and I think that's part of the reason they had the F@H/Life with PS options installed on the PS3. There is (IMO), no real reason to run the machine in standby/sleep mode.

As for #2 - I cannot confirm it works 100% (as again, I tend to leave my PS3 up and running 24/7), but I had picked up a Nyko chargable 7-slot USB Hub (it was ironically much more affordable than some of the 3-slot hubs out there), And as of yet, I have never had a problem with the PS3 controllers charging (other than the fact I only have one charge cable with 2 controllers), even when I did have have the PS3 PS3 off and left the Hub powered up, it seemed to fully charge whichever controller and bluetooth headset that are charged through that hub. But again, i don't know if the battery charge was near full before I brought the PS3 down, or if it charged even while the unit was off.

[jgalkin]

Jesus man, way to spin news against Sony. Crap. I have a 360 and a Wii. And the whole "replaceable battery" thing, is a pain. Especially when I have no batteries lying around?! Seriously, now if I want to play games, I have to go run to the 24 hour walgreens. Stop being a baby, and plug the ******* controllers in. Make sure they've got a good charge when you're playing. Most people play within cord length of their PS3 anyway. More importantly YOU RAG ON SONY FOR HAVING AN ACCESSORY AND THEN AS A COUNTER-ARGUMENT YOU SUGGEST PEOPLE SPEND A FEW BUX FOR A 360 OR WII ACCESSORY. Jeeze, talk about hypocritical. The point is, it isn't that hard to charge a damn controller when you're playing. If you're too lazy to get up and plug your controller in (or hit the PS button to check battery life) then maybe you should be going outside and exercising instead of being a lazy fatarse and sitting on the couch all day playing video games.

Yes - I agree it's dumb you can't charge in standby mode, but I disagree that it's really a big issue. Just check the PS button to see your charge level 30 minutes before you're done. If you're at 1 bar - plug that sucker in while you finish up. Problem solved. Seriously - quit crying over something silly like that. Additionally like you said - you can charge it in 50% of other USB charging ports on computers etc. You tell me if the 360 or Wii controllers can do that. O wait - what's that? You say their ability to do that is what? 0% ? O wow, REALLY?!

Trash. Utter Crap. Try to be a little less biased in your reporting dick. Each console has its faults, but to compare them like you have, is WEAK at best. You AREN'T way too demanding, because you ONLY demand of the ps3 and not of the other consoles.

CNET editors - Fire this toolbag and hire someone with a brain.

[shinelikeitdoes]

wow. the 12 year olds speak up...

i think the point was that allowing offline charging is a pretty simple option and excluding it
is fairly dumb for something with so many other features that isnt exactly inexpensive.

i wouldnt be totally thrilled about the day that my controllers completely die and i cant just go
swap out the batteries either.

i also didnt pick up on any tone in this article that seemed "demanding", pointing out a few annoyances
is pretty forgivable.

[cuzzz3000]

Perfectly put!!! CNET should do better than this crap.... I mean c'mon..... Let's talk green here for all those tree huggers out there. Where do all those batteries end up from the Wii's and Xbox's..... I have a novel idea get more than one joystick and charge while you play.....What a waste...

[nickname0695]

Minor correction, xbox 360 wireless controllers may charge from any USB ports. xbox 360 controllers are easier than ps3 controllers to sync with a pc. Also, wii controllers may also be used with a pc (given it has a IR receiver).

But I do agree, John's argument for the battery thing is a little weak given that xbox 360 controllers don't come readily with a rechargeable battery and the cord to link the wireless controller to the console is sold SEPARATELY.

[Eauboy]

I *do* think it makes sense to turn off the PS3. Especially when running Folding it generates a great deal of heat and no small amount of fan noise. Folding is a great cause, but it carries a significant heat/power/noise price tag.

On the other hand, I guess I'm one of the people with good luck charging my controller from a laptop. My PS3 is tucked away in a cabinet, but my laptop is rarely far away and is more likely to be on anyway.

Charging my controller is pretty far down on my gripe list. NetFlix support, please?

[DaSaintFan1]

Dunno Eau.. I May be just one of those lucky ones.. cause I've been known to run my PS3 almost 24/7 just folding when I don't get downstairs to the basement to play it.. and never had fan noise or heat issues. But then again, it's in my basement where it's usually a bit cooler than most people's game/family rooms.

I just found it ironic they were complaining about the charging, and I never seemed to have that problem as of yet. (again, but I don't know if that's from not paying attention to when I've been charging my equipment)

(as for the Netflix thing - there's a newish program out there that apparently works for that... PlayOnline or something.. I'd have to look it up)

[Delfairen]

Its called playon and it rocks. www.themediamall.com

[Some_One_Plays]

lol, John P. Falcone is an idiot. First of all you don't need to buy a whole new controller if the batteries die, hint, read the manual for this. Then John P. Falcone complains that you have to charge a TV console controller only on the TV console itself, o...k... The last complaint, it takes like around ten minutes to fully charge the PlayStation 3 controller, so you're saying you just can't play for more than ten minutes (no more than half an hour)?

Then ends it off by staying it sucks not using my universal remote, but the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, lol. Is it just me, or does someone have an articulation problem?

[novamat]

I thought you could replace the battery once it died.

Also, the program that allows streaming of Netflix is called PlayOn from MediaMall Technologies. It's still in beta, but I have it and it works fairly well.

[homerocks7]

#2 I plug my controller into my PC and it works all the time. What sort of items are we talking about that don't charge the controller??? PSP??

[yzzlthtz]

I rather thought that the non-removable battery with the 30 hour battery life was a huge advantage over other wireless controllers (360, wii) with a shorter span and the need to replace batteries all the time...
i picked up a $20 charge station and no longer have a problem with charging my controllers when my ps3 is off.....
this article is pretty poor.

[BarnabeeJones]

I actually learned a few things from this article. I never realized that the controller couldn?t be charged from any USB or in standby mode.

Honestly though, I have never had any problem with it. Even with the rumble the battery life seems to last for a really long time (more then 10 hours or so) and the controller charges up quickly so no complaints there.

Usually I charge it every once in a while when I get up to pee or take a break, or during an install, or phone call. The 5 to 10 minutes here and there are all it needs. I end up never missing a beat.

[MadLyb]

I think you are placing some general USB issues on Sony.

The USB standard allows for ports that do not carry enough current to charge other electronics.

Also, most PC's do not put power to the USB ports when not active. It is a standard energy saving measure. We are just now starting to see systems that leave 1 or 2 ports hot as long as the PC is plugged up.
At least give them points for using USB instead of some proprietary connector.

[2cb]

John Falcone. You sir are a moron.
#1 there are 5 screws on the back of a PS3 controller. Remove said screws and replace battery. Its a 3.6v Li-ion Battery. If you can change a battery in a cordless phone, you can change this one. Quite simple. I am still using my original controller from 60gig and stil get 8-10 hours out of it 2 years later.
#2 Try charging a RAZR phone with a USB from a blackberry. Same thing, wont work. They were meant to be charged on the PS3 not the iPod Moron. So your point is nill.
#3 Yes, the controller can't charge while the PS3 is off and thats not a problem. Most people that can afford a PS3 can also afford a second controller for them selves and for friends. When a controller gets low in the middle of your game, turn it off and charge it. I always have one charging, but rarely does it need it. Plus they charge fully in like an hour. You sir are a Moron. I dont see how you guys get your jobs writing this ****. Dont feel bad. Your not the only one. Seems most of you guys that write/blog about technology take someones word on it and spew something out. Your not creative, your not even good. Please, if you have nothing factual to say, say nothing at all. Thanks

[chucho868]

This is a very petty, misinformed critique of the PS3. First of all, as others have said, you CAN fairly easily replace the battery if you've mastered the use of a screwdriver. Secondly, who doesn't have a PC kicking around the house somewhere that can be used to charge the controller? Finally, why do you feel it's a wonderful thing to purchase a charger for the Xbox 360 but a hateful nuisance to buy one for the PS3? In conclusion; too demanding, too inconsistent and too ill-informed.

[planblove]

Hey John, next time do a little bit of research before typing out your ps3 controller manifesto. The only one I kinda agree with you on is not being able to charge while in standby. But even I don't think much about that one because the controllers charge so quickly and can be charged by my pc. And no John you don't have to throw away an entire controler once the battery dies. This was mostly a waste of the 5 minutes it took me to read and respond to this.

[invisible21]

This is yet another example of totally un-knowledgeable "journalism" from a supposed technology blog. I could probably get better advice from a Best Buy employee.

As others have pointed out, Sony includes the battery model number as well as replacement instructions in the manual. Sure you have to take a few screws out but the instructions are there and the procedure is fully supported by Sony.

My only real gripe with the SIXAXIS is that additional controllers don't come with an additional charging cable for some reason. You'd think that for $50 they could include a 3 ft. USB cable.

Anyhow, why doesn't CNET just report on what the product is and leave the opinion/blog to somebody who knows what they're talking about.

[nufc159]

**** you john. you don't know anything, most of your comments are ill-informed and complete useless information. i have just wasted 5 mins reading stuff that i already know and stuff that is ********. hey john, look at the ps3 manual. it tells you how to change the battery in the controller. i would be suprised if you kept your job after this ****. once again **** YOU ****!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! **** YOU!!!!!!!!! **** YOU!!!!~~~~

[hill71]

John P. Falcone you are a ****

[hill71]

Annoyance No. 1: PS3 controller batteries aren't removable. The PS3 controller's rechargeable battery is locked inside. When it eventually dies a few years down the road, you'll need to invest in a whole new controller
b u l l s h it sony will replace the controller for free dipstick

Annoyance No. 2: Controllers can't charge from all USB sources more b u l l s h it i can charge mine from my sky box

[hill71]

Compare that with the competition: both the Nintendo Wii and Xbox 360 controllers have removable batteries.


what happens when the batteries go flat and u have to drive to the shops a get new ones sausagejockey

[Crometooth]

Sorry,
this is just a poor article, all around. I suspect the writer is 9 years old. The hub won't charge your controller because most hubs require a control signal from a PC before they allow full current. How exactly is this the PS3's fault? The remainder of the article is pure opinion, which is fine I suppose but it does make you sound like a child. In my opinion your wrong. I hate the batteries in the Wii Controller, and replacing the battery in a PS3 controller isn't difficult. I wear the controller out before the battery goes bad and besides, I like the way it charges. It charges quickly and then it lasts a long time.

[superdynamite]

I bought my PS3 at the original launch (Nov 16th 2006). The controllers work as if they were brand new. So far, the batteries have no signs of slowing down.

How much money would I have spent on AA batteries over 2 years?

I went through 2 sets of batteries for my XBox360 controller in 1 year.

Over 2 years I spent less on my PS3 controllers than any other game controller. If I bought a new PS3 controller today, I would have still spent less.

This article is a product of not having anything to write about. Absolutely no research was done before writing this article.

[muchenik]

I bought my PS3 on the 1st of December and have had both of my PS3 controllers fail over the last month. They will no longer accept a charge from any system (friend's PS3 or PC). The controllers work fine if they are connected to the USB cable but when they are removed they are dead in the water and no longer show lights. I attempted the reset fix by pressing the reset button on the back while plugged in and also while having it away from the system and it did not fix the issue.

I was instructed by Tech support that since they are out of warrenty that I would have to spend another $100 on Sony controllers if I wanted to play my PS3 wireless.

I have a launch 360 and my charge and play batteries are still going strong.