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[Tormentoso]

What i don't get is how the xbox 360 controller is just $5 less than a DS3,when it features no motion sensing tech and no build in rechargeable battery.

 

[robochimp]

Rechargeable AA's die too, you know. I always have that problem when I turn on my Wii/360 every once in a blue moon. It's my own fault for never using them.

Eneloop rechargeables are what you need

 

[Pimpbaa]

What i don't get is how the xbox 360 controller is just $5 less than a DS3,when it features no motion sensing tech and no build in rechargeable battery.

Look at the prices of their other accessories like the hard drives and the wireless network adapter. Way higher than what they should be.

 

[zombieshavebrains]

Wired. The 360 cord can comfortably reach from my console to my bed. I have no need for wireless.

 

[The Faceless Master]

360 and ps3 nailed it with being able to charge the controller directly.

wii on the other hand...

 

[Wario64]

Eneloop rechargeables are what you need

Oh yes, Eneloops rock. I could leave a device with Eneloop batteries for months without touching it and it would still work.

If they go for rechargeable batteries, please make it so I can swap them out. PS3's controllers are annoying because of that. And since the PS3 doesnt recharge your controller when it's off, you pretty much have to connect it to a PC if you dont want to leave your PS3 on. Plus I like the option of buying a new battery for it when it does eventually die. Like, when it stops storing its charge after years.

 

[Nekobo]

All you gotta do on the ps3 is switch to your other controller when the battery gets low. Everyone gets an extra controller right?

That's pretty much what I do.

I prefer lithium so I don't have to keep buying AA batteries.

 

[M3wThr33]

Oh yes, Eneloops rock. I could leave a device with Eneloop batteries for months without touching it and it would still work.

If they go for rechargeable batteries, please make it so I can swap them out. PS3's controllers are annoying because of that. And since the PS3 doesnt recharge your controller when it's off, you pretty much have to connect it to a PC if you dont want to leave your PS3 on. Plus I like the option of buying a new battery for it when it does eventually die. Like, when it stops storing its charge after years.

The DualShock 3 are pretty easy to open. I've done it before. Once you get the back off, the battery is the first thing you see. Simple plug and you can remove it.

 

[FourSerioux]

I like the 360's ability to have both, but it should be lithium standard instead of sold separately. Lithium's don't last forever, a long time yes, but not forever, so having the option for batteries is nice. Plus, if you ever lose your charging cord (more specifically for the 360 since it's proprietary, not as much of an issue with the PS3) then you can just use batteries until you get a replacement.

 

[No_Style]

And since the PS3 doesnt recharge your controller when it's off, you pretty much have to connect it to a PC if you dont want to leave your PS3 on.

I've suggested this before:

Most people have Cable Boxes with USB ports. Just use that.

 

[duk]

dilithium crystals

 

[Zophar]

AAs are wasteful and obsolete. Say what you want about rechargables, the fact that something will support AA batteries of all shapes and sizes just perpetuates the wastefulness done by those that don't give a shit about buying dozens more of them every month.

 

[RevenantKioku]

All you gotta do on the ps3 is switch to your other controller when the battery gets low. Everyone gets an extra controller right?

No, why would I?
PS3 is a pain in the ass. The USB cable that I have is also retarded short. I could buy another one, but I just try to change it whenever I can.

 

[Zophar]

No, why would I?

If you had a friend, they could play too.

 

[Elfforkusu]

Well, the 360 way of "both" is probably the best, but AA batteries (well, some type of standard, easily replaceable batteries) seem to be a must to me. Any Lithium battery's days are numbered from the start, and I don't want to end up with a useless controller on down the line just because I don't have the stupid proprietary battery for it.

If AAs are so "wasteful", buy rechargeables. Tada! Problem solved.

 

[Zophar]

If AAs are so "wasteful", buy rechargeables. Tada! Problem solved.

Switching to rechargables doesn't do anything to stop the millions of other console owners that won't. Congratulations, you've done jack shit to stop the manufacture and purchase of millions upon millions of AA batteries.

 

[Lindsay]

has anyone here had to replace a ps3 controller because their battery has worn out? how long does it take?

Yeah my Sixaxis's battery bit the dust in less then a year of ownership ~_~;

And my replacement DS3.... well lets just say if I want to play longer then an hour I better be attached to that ultra short cord!

Everyone gets an extra controller right?

No

 

[SapientWolf]

Switching to rechargables doesn't do anything to stop the millions of other console owners that won't. Congratulations, you've done jack shit to stop the manufacture and purchase of millions upon millions of AA batteries.

It's not really the responsibility of the console manufacturers to do anything. The government needs to tax that shit. Disposables need to go.

 

[Pimpbaa]

If you had a friend, they could play too.

Beaten.

 

[Pimpbaa]

Yeah my Sixaxis's battery bit the dust in less then a year of ownership ~_~;

And my replacement DS3.... well lets just say if I want to play longer then an hour I better be attached to that ultra short cord!

That isn't normal, for a lithium-ion battery in any device. You weren't letting them get drained completely were you?

 

[DevilWillcry]

Lithium-ion polymer should be standard next gen. Using AA batteries is archaic and adds unnecessary bulk and weight.

THIS.

 

[diss]

i like the 360's controller idea, if it also came with a charge and play kit with the long cable as well as the empty AA battery pack thing for gaming emergencies.

maybe they can somehow make it so that the kinetic energy in moving the controller around will charge it as well like those watches. though given the rate that the wii remote sucks down those batteries i doubt it

BY THE WAY

if you manufacture wireless keyboards/mice let me charge it via a cable while at the desk using it like a wired keyboard/mouse and letting me break off and use it wirelessly whenever i have reason not to be tethered to the desk. charging docks are a bizarre creation IMO.

 

[Dr. Zoidberg]

Rechargable "Packs" as standard, but they definitely need to be removable. I only purchased one DS3, and I hate having to use the old sixaxis with it's occasional "go crazy for two seconds" problems when it runs out of juice.

I see some are complaining about the Wii draining AAs. If nobody's mentioned it yet, you really need to remove the batteries from the wiimote when you're not using it. They will inexplicably suck some juice from them even when you're not using them. I've personally found the batteries last a lot longer if I always take them out when I'm not playing.

 

[diss]

I see some are complaining about the Wii draining AAs. If nobody's mentioned it yet, you really need to remove the batteries from the wiimote when you're not using it. They will inexplicably suck some juice from them even when you're not using them. I've personally found the batteries last a lot longer if I always take them out when I'm not playing.

oh yeah, that's not annoying

 

[Dr. Zoidberg]

oh yeah, that's not annoying

I never said it was a good design. But it is what it is and I'm just telling people how to save some batteries and $.

 

[Pimpbaa]

I see some are complaining about the Wii draining AAs. If nobody's mentioned it yet, you really need to remove the batteries from the wiimote when you're not using it. They will inexplicably suck some juice from them even when you're not using them. I've personally found the batteries last a lot longer if I always take them out when I'm not playing.

This is especially good advice if you are using rechargeable in your wii controller. Since draining nickel metal hydride (and lithium-ion) batteries completely is very bad for it.

 

[MegaKungFuRadio]

I can't believe such a trivial issue turned into another platform parade. I guess the show must go on.

It's not so much a console parade as one person masterfully trolling everyone else into an argument. At least I choose to look at it as trolling. God help them if they're serious.

 

[phez]

Well, the 360 way of "both" is probably the best, but AA batteries (well, some type of standard, easily replaceable batteries) seem to be a must to me. Any Lithium battery's days are numbered from the start, and I don't want to end up with a useless controller on down the line just because I don't have the stupid proprietary battery for it.

If AAs are so "wasteful", buy rechargeables. Tada! Problem solved.

thank goodness the 360's batteries aren't propietary

 

[RevenantKioku]

If you had a friend, they could play too.

That's what the 360 and Wii are for. The PS3 is to remind me I am bad with money.

 

[Staccat0]

as a non-ps3 owner, I say this:

PS3 has it right. the arguments against it are from people who are trying too hard.

 

[Pimpbaa]

Any Lithium battery's days are numbered from the start, and I don't want to end up with a useless controller on down the line just because I don't have the stupid proprietary battery for it.

You can buy replacement batteries for the sixaxis/dualshock 3. Hell, sony even tells you in the manual how to take out the battery.

 

[RevenantKioku]

as a non-ps3 owner, I say this:

PS3 has it right. the arguments against it are from people who are trying too hard.

What exactly is right about it? I would argue they should pack a Play n' Charge kit in the 360 and a longer USB cable in the PS3 kit, but how does non-replacable batteries even begin to be "right"?
Everyone hates that Apple continues to do it, how is Sony doing it okay?

Edit: So they are replaceable? Still, having to take a screwdriver to my controller automatically puts into the "No, this is stupid." category.

 

[DDayton]

This may be a crazy question... but why not lithium rechargeable AA batteries? Would their construction be viable? If it was, that would allow their use in all the hardware out there currently running on AA.

 

[M3wThr33]

This may be a crazy question... but why not lithium rechargeable AA batteries? Would their construction be viable? If it was, that would allow their use in all the hardware out there currently running on AA.

I think the issue that as long as traditional AAs are supported, it'll contribute to waste and lack of enforcing rechargables.

 

[Dizzan]

If you guys have "gaming emergencies" when the controller runs out of charge then you have more serious life issues to deal with.

I much prefer the PS3's battery setup to swapping out the AA's on the Wii.

I always leave a controller or two on charge on the ps3 when i play games and watch dvds. Sometimes I hook it up to the laptop if i know Ill be playing afterwards.

 

[CosmicGroinPull]

Don't care. Just want proper triggers for PS4.

 

[Staccat0]

What exactly is right about it? I would argue they should pack a Play n' Charge kit in the 360 and a longer USB cable in the PS3 kit, but how does non-replacable batteries even begin to be "right"?
Everyone hates that Apple continues to do it, how is Sony doing it okay?

Edit: So they are replaceable? Still, having to take a screwdriver to my controller automatically puts into the "No, this is stupid." category.

see? trying too hard.

I'd bet money that you have never had the fucking thing die and neither has anyone you know. Hell, we havent seen someone in this thread say its happened yet. Of course, by now, I should know your schtick

 

[DDayton]

I think the issue that as long as traditional AAs are supported, it'll contribute to waste and lack of enforcing rechargables.

If folks really find it to be that much of an issue (waste issues from "standard batteries") we can always ban the use of disposable batteries. However, that wasn't really my point. Rather, wouldn't it be possible to simply improve the quality of AA form factor batteries, rather than continue to release quasi-proprietary batteries for each new gadget? Is there any particular reason that we -aren't- seeing lithium rechargeable AA or AAA batteries? I'm assuming it's not feasible in the form factor at the moment, but...

 

[RevenantKioku]

If you guys have "gaming emergencies" when the controller runs out of charge then you have more serious life issues to deal with.

I much prefer the PS3's battery setup to swapping out the AA's on the Wii.

I always leave a controller or two on charge on the ps3 when i play games and watch dvds. Sometimes I hook it up to the laptop if i know Ill be playing afterwards.

I'm not going to pretend I even play my PS3 enough to warrant keeping track of how charged the controller is. So when the blue moon strikes and I have to keep myself 2 feet from the TV for a while I get kinda irked.

Sure, I could buy a longer USB cable, but that's besides the point.

The point is, I don't know. I'm lazy. The fact that I'd have to go out and get the specific battery that I'm sure I haven't seen at stores, or at least obviously, have the right sized screwdriver and then perform surgery just seems a tad bit asinine to me.

This is the goddamned 21st century. I want one, two, done. Fuck that, I want to be done before I start.

Microsoft got it right, Nintendo has no reason to not offer their own charging dock (I have two different ones and they both suck) and Sony is in this weird middle ground where yes, it's not terrible, but it's somehow stupid at the same time.

 

[M3wThr33]

I'm not going to pretend I even play my PS3 enough to warrant keeping track of how charged the controller is. So when the blue moon strikes and I have to keep myself 2 feet from the TV for a while I get kinda irked.

Sure, I could buy a longer USB cable, but that's besides the point.

The point is, I don't know. I'm lazy. The fact that I'd have to go out and get the specific battery that I'm sure I haven't seen at stores, or at least obviously, have the right sized screwdriver and then perform surgery just seems a tad bit asinine to me.

Replacing a battery once every 5 years and buying a $2 cable is SUCH a bitch.

 

[RevenantKioku]

It's the principle of the matter that offends me.

If we can't get offended by principles, what do we have left to do?

 

[Jive Turkey]

Anybody who uses AA batteries for a controller that aren't Eneloop needs to be kicked in the nuts.

Anybody saying plugging your controller into your console as the only means of recharging needs to be kicked in the nuts twice.

 

[jts]

360 and ps3 nailed it with being able to charge the controller directly.

wii on the other hand...

I've actually read on this issue. They couldn't and can't come up with such a solution due to Wiimote's free movement nature.

 

[hwateber]

You know, I'm appalled that there are people who complain about the short USB pack-in cable. You honestly don't own another usb cable from another electronic device? Seriously?

 

[RevenantKioku]

You know, I'm appalled that there are people who complain about the short USB pack-in cable. You honestly don't own another usb cable from another electronic device? Seriously?

One, and it's the same length. Why would I have excessive USB cables of great length around?

Should have been a bigger pack in, that's all there is to it. Don't defend this with shit like "you should have longer cables around" or the even stupider "you should have another controller".

 

[jts]

Microsoft got it right, Nintendo has no reason to not offer their own charging dock (I have two different ones and they both suck)

There are Nintendo licensed Eneloop charging docks:

They're supposed to rock. Dunno if they are Motion+ compatible though :/

 

[RevenantKioku]

Where the fuck are those available? I gotta hunt around.

I need to make the investment in the eneloops for my 4 Wiimotes and Balance Board, but I am scared of how much that will cost.

 

[Staccat0]

It's the principle of the matter that offends me.

If we can't get offended by principles, what do we have left to do?

play games. Better functionality/value/ecological impact >Your principles

 

[Pimpbaa]

Should have been a bigger pack in, that's all there is to it. Don't defend this with shit like "you should have longer cables around" or the even stupider "you should have another controller".

How is that stupid? It's one of the first things I buy with a console. Because I like to play games with friends. It's pretty antisocial not to think of this when buying a console.

 

[RevenantKioku]

How is that stupid? It's one of the first things I buy with a console. Because I like to play games with friends. It's pretty antisocial not to think of this when buying a console.

It's stupid because it's not a necessity for everyone.
A console needs to give you the games you want to play multiplayer before buying another controller. There's a reason I own 4 Wiimotes and 4 360 controllers, but no reason why I should own more than one PS3 controller.

And another thing, when the controllers are being stupid, I can pop out the batteries and plug 'em back in and it's the PS3 controller that gets stupid the most and I can't do it. Gotta tether myself down until I can save and reboot the PS3. Tsk, tsk, tsk.