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I disagree. Swapping to another PS3 controller when the current one is low is much easier than fumbling around with the 360 retarded AA battery holder (so friggin hard to get the AAs out). Of course one can just get the play and charge kit, but then you are just getting ripped off by paying for what is basically just nickel metal hydride batteries.

What if you are playing with 3 other people and all the other controllers are taken?

Happens often to me.. and it's real damn annoying.

Though is not too much of a problem, as the persons whos controller runs out of batt has to sit right next to the PS3 :lol (No I do not have a longer mini USB cable, as all the others I have are the same shitty length.)

 

[Jive Turkey]

What if you are playing with 3 other people and all the other controllers are taken?

Happens often to me.. and it's real damn annoying.

Obvious answer: Buy 8 controllers.

 

[Brashnir]

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.

Calling All Cars is one of the best local multi games this gen.

 

[RevenantKioku]

Calling All Cars is one of the best local multi games this gen.

Thank you for your opinion.

 

[Myke Greywolf]

In 25 years, when your wireless controller's proprietary battery pack won't charge any more, and you're not able to find any replacements, you'll wish that it used standard AA batteries.

 

[Walshicus]

I don't understand why this has anything to do with 'next gen' - what's to stop a third party from bringing out a battery for current consoles that uses lithium now?

 

[ShockingAlberto]

I don't understand why this has anything to do with 'next gen' - what's to stop a third party from bringing out a battery for current consoles that uses lithium now?

On the 360? Microsoft.

 

[Crayon Shinchan]

In 25 years, when your wireless controller's proprietary battery pack won't charge any more, and you're not able to find any replacements, you'll wish that it used standard AA batteries.

In 25 years, I'll either be emulating the games from this period, or more likely, like the games from 25 years ago, I simply won't give a fuck about them any longer.

 

[big_z]

i really have no problems with the 360 battery packs. i know they're just NiMH batteries but they last a decent amount of time. i wish they would charge a little faster but being able to toss in some AA's or use the charge cable ensures you'll never have down time.

the wii on the other hand.... that shit eats batteries like nothing. i understand the controller has more going on than the other consoles but why the fuck are my new batteries dead if the controller is sitting there for 2 weeks untouched!

 

[yurinka]

I love how it works in the Ps3. When the battery is empty, just plug a USB cable from the controller to the console to charge it. While it's charging, you can continue playing.

No need to buy AA, additional chargers, etc.

 

[Segata Sanshiro]

You really are quite the trouble-maker. Dennis the Menace.

Anyway, I like what the PS3's done. If they had supplied a longer cable I'd like it even more. I don't like paying an extra 25 bucks for a play and charge kit, and I don't like it that my batteries last around 4 hours on one of my 360 controllers which means I'm going to have to spend another 25 bucks to get another play and charge kit.

Dennis the Menace? What is this, the 70s?

 

[yurinka]

In 25 years, when your wireless controller's proprietary battery pack won't charge any more, and you're not able to find any replacements, you'll wish that it used standard AA batteries.

In 25 years we won't use AA batteries.

 

[Rolf NB]

I'm sure the superior make-believe phalanx will convince us all that solution A is pro-consumer and super-nice and all its numerous flaws markedly irrelevant to personal enjoyment.

It's amazing, and sad, to just look over this thread and count the persons who are convinced that "being able to plug in a cable and continue playing" is an advantage only they have.

 

[Segata Sanshiro]

See the nice thing about playing on portables is that you don't have to worry about the controller running out of batteries, cuz when the controller runs out, so does the game. Perfect solution!

 

[Pristine_Condition]

I like the PS3's system.

For the cost you'd spend on being swapable with another system, you can easily buy an extra-long USB cable so you can play while you recharge. I have a 5 meter cord.

 

[TunaLover]

eneloop seems to be the big deal, both the rechargeables batteries and the eneloop Wii charge dock. Too bad it's not available here where I live.

Too eneloop is only available in 2000mAh?

 

[fortified_concept]

The PS3 controller is great in this aspect, the charge seems to never die and you simply plug it in for like an hour and it's fully charged. I don't know how the hell anyone could defend the other method and diss the PS3 method at the same time.

This. PS3 controller is light, it doesn't have an annoying bump, it charges fast, it's perfect.

Also, you people suck at technology. I bought a replacement battery for the PS3 controller for 5 euros.

 

[Facism]

Can you replace the PS3 battery thingamajig yourself? I like not having to mess about with batteries, but it really isn't that big of a deal. I don't mind the rechargable AA situation with my 360 controllers, i always have some charged and on hand if i need them.

 

[Walshicus]

On the 360? Microsoft.

Do they actually have that power? I mean they haven't stopped these cooling fans have they? And they're supposed to be somewhat dangerous.

 

[RevenantKioku]

The constant approval of the PS3's controller setup really astounds me, but to each their own.
Feel free to send me any of the extra 5 meter long USB cables you have sitting around though. Somehow I missed that free boat.

 

[fortified_concept]

Can you replace the PS3 battery thingamajig yourself? I like not having to mess about with batteries, but it really isn't that big of a deal. I don't mind the rechargable AA situation with my 360 controllers, i always have some charged and on hand if i need them.

yup, google it. I rememeber finding a guide at ps3forums.

The constant approval of the PS3's controller setup really astounds me, but to each their own.
Feel free to send me any of the extra 5 meter long USB cables you have sitting around though. Somehow I missed that free boat.

I really can't understand how the 5 meter usb cable fits in your argument against the PS3 controller, but if you really want one you can go there:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/5m-USB-Extens...286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66:2|65:15|39:1|240:1318

costs a lot less than the rechargable batteries you need for 360.

 

[BoilersFan23]

Fixed. I *hate* the PS3 controllers BECAUSE of the fact that you have to plug them in to recharge and you can't swap in another battery if they die. It's stupid, much like their bluetooth remote. Add dual shock to the PS3 controller and they don't last nearly as long as the launch shock-less ones. Also, since our PS3 goes for a LONG time between play (Wii60 combo gets the love), picking up to play a new game and finding controllers near dead happens too frequently. It's quite simply the WORST setup. Having a removable pack would have solved it. Design arrogance FTL.

I highly disagree. If my controller battery dies (normally this happens when it's just me around), I just charge the controller, and pull out my 2nd controller (I have three PS3 controllers). That's technically all I have to do. And if I still want to play my PS3 and not switch controllers, I can pull out my USB cable.

One reason I don't play my 360 much has to do with the battery situation. Using 2AA NiMH batteries kind of work, but the play and charge kit has been trouble (for some reason, I can only go wireless the first two times I use it, then it's almost drained. I seem to not be the only one who has issues with it) where I have it wired more so than wireless.

This.

Out of the three current systems, PS3 has it nailed so far. The batteries charge fast, last about a week and i dont need to fumble with chargers, battery packs or anything. I hated the battery pack of the 360. It was heavy and the cost added up. When I started using rechargeable NIMH batteries, it ate them faster than regular batteries, so I had to recharge them overnight after every play session. And the wii chews through the same batteries faster than even the 360 did.

I agree also. The batteries last for at least a week. My others don't even last that long.

 

[Myke Greywolf]

In 25 years we won't use AA batteries.

That's probably what people were saying 25 years ago.

They've been around since 1947, and they're not going away anytime soon.

 

[ShockingAlberto]

Do they actually have that power? I mean they haven't stopped these cooling fans have they? And they're supposed to be somewhat dangerous.

It's not so much about saying "No controller can use lithium-ion batteries because it's dangerous", but the fact that they won't let third parties make wireless controllers.

Lithium ion would be kind of a moot point for a wired controller.

 

[fortified_concept]

In 25 years, when your wireless controller's proprietary battery pack won't charge any more, and you're not able to find any replacements, you'll wish that it used standard AA batteries.

I hope you're joking. In 25 years your old consoles won't work. In 25 years you'll be playing PS3 games on your PS7 not on the extinct PS3.

 

[The Faceless Master]

i find it amazing that people have all these problems with PS3 or 360.

on both consoles i have a similar setup; one controller in use, and usually, one controller charging (i have 4 controllers for each).

when the battery is low, on PS3, i swap the controller, and on 360, i swap the battery pack.

it's pretty much the same damn solution for both, i guess we can see who is on what side by their varying favorable/unfavorable response to the situation.

 

[Ptaaty]

I like the new Enerloop and Duracell NiMH. They use some sort of different tech where the mAh is a little lower, but they don't lose a charge over time.

Also I am hoping they are a little more reliable. I am surprised at how often my NiMH based batteries fail out....as in the charger just flashes when I put the bad one in.

Otherwise I like AA and using rechargeable.

If they want to go Lion, they should be chargeable from any USB charger, and replaceable.

 

[Returners]

Thats why I appreciate what Sony does this-gen. The damm DualShock 3 with the battery built in is much cheaper than the Wireless Controllers with the battery pack/play and charge kit.

 

[Ranger X]

Please God no batteries anymore. They cost ALOT and rechargeable ones are shit.

.

 

[DrXym]

I don't care if a controller uses lithium as long as they're removable. A screwplate or cover is just fine. I couldn't understand the indignant rage concerning the PS3 battery when it became clear you just had to remove a few screws and undo a clip. Compare and contrast to anything made by Apple.

It is my hope that somebody such as the EU starts smacking some sense into the likes of Apple and other consumer manufacturers to start adopting common sizes and connectors for their devices and ensuring consumers can easily replace them for themselves. Virtually every device should also be chargable by a mini-USB connector or standards defined inductance pad. There are far too many chargers and batteries at the moment for no good reason at all.

 

[Walshicus]

It's not so much about saying "No controller can use lithium-ion batteries because it's dangerous", but the fact that they won't let third parties make wireless controllers.

Lithium ion would be kind of a moot point for a wired controller.

Sorry, I meant the cooling fans are supposed to be dangerous.

I know Microsoft prevents third parties from making wireless controllers due to patent issues... but can they really prevent a third party from releasing a Lithium Ion battery pack that works with existing controllers? I mean they just click into the back!

 

[Narpas Sword0]

I hope you're joking. In 25 years your old consoles won't work. In 25 years you'll be playing PS3 games on your PS7 not on the extinct PS3.

thats optimistic

 

[Threi]

wind-up generator

 

[Amibguous Cad]

Do it the way the PS3 does it. Lithium, built in recharger. Fuck this making controllers 20 bucks more expensive, MS.

 

[rollingstart]

I never knew batteries garnered such heavy discussion. The only minor problem I have is that I prefer the grip of the wired 360 controller more since there isn't a block in the back middle and would like if there was a wireless model with the same feel, but again, it's no big issue. Also, my PS3 controller battery doesn't seem to last very long and that can get a bit annoying, but since I don't play 14+ hours straight, it isn't an issue.

I do hope that Microsoft starts using proprietary for their next hardware, not just for cables, but for hard drives and other things.

 

[Zoe]

I do hope that Microsoft starts using proprietary for their next hardware, not just for cables, but for hard drives and other things.

Er...

 

[DDayton]

I hope you're joking. In 25 years your old consoles won't work. In 25 years you'll be playing PS3 games on your PS7 not on the extinct PS3.

Heheheheheheh.... wait, were you being serious there?

Spoiler

Besides...based on the whole "10 year plan" thing, in 25 years you'd be playing on the PS5 still, right?

Aside from that, I have 25 year old game systems that still work at the moment...

 

[InterMoniker]

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.

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.

Lol the way controllers are powered is serious business.

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!



No

Only an hour?

Thats Bullshit! :0 Mine last hours on a full charge.

 

[Zoe]

Spoiler

Besides...based on the whole "10 year plan" thing, in 25 years you'd be playing on the PS5 still, right?

You don't know how the 10 year plan works, do you?

Spoiler

I was also going to say 'or how a spoiler tag works' but damn stealth edits!

 

[jonnybryce]

Good point.

Eh...most inconvieniences can be solved, doesn't mean it's not annoying. It just shouldn't be, and there are scenarios where it would be great to have swappable batteries. Long COD marathon with a buddy, for example.

As for the topic at hand, I don't care, I bought rechargeable Intec battery packs for my 360 and charge one while I use one and then swap it out. I think it would be cool to have "put the controller on the pad to charge" like the Palm Pre. Maybe not, but I think that's so cool.

 

[yurinka]

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.

Nice trolling. PS3 haz no gamez. This should be banneable, it's sad to hear this bullshit every day.

Everybody knows games Little Big Planet, Bionic Commando Readmed, Calling All Cars, Super Stardust HD, Warhawk, Wipeout HD (just to name a few), a lot of shooters and almost every fighting, sports or racing game don't have local multiplayer in PS3. FYI some of them support up to 7P in the same console using off-line multiplayer.

 

[TunaLover]

wind-up generator

waggle based energy converter

 

[rollingstart]

Nice trolling.

I really don't think that is trolling since he's not actually insulting the PS3, but just explaining the reasons why he's incapable.

Er...

yeah, I know they use AA batteries, but I'm talking about the cable cable/plug to charge the play and charge kit.

 

[Zoe]

yeah, I know they use AA batteries, but I'm talking about the cable cable/plug to charge the play and charge kit.

You want them to use proprietary accessories? I don't think that word means what you think it means.

 

[Jagernaut]

PS3 has the best solution, built in rechargable pack. You can buy a 15 foot USB cable from monoprice for about $2 + shipping. If you are running out of power while playing, just plug the USB cable in and keep playing while you charge.

 

[UntoldDreams]

I hope no more AA batteries.

 

[Facism]

some people in this thread need a large application of Vagisil

 

[Raide]

I prefer to choose between both. Give people the option for using AA's and also have a seperate Lithium pack for charging etc.

 

[Musashi Wins!]

I prefer access to the batteries. For obvious reasons. Access is always better.

 

[knitoe]

Like the X360 way. Allow me to change batteries if it's drain. Making wireless controller into a wired one, no thanx.

For people complaining about rechargeable batteries draining quickly, the 2500-2800 mAh easily last >10 hours playtime. That's plenty long enough. Changing batteries or connecting charging cable takes about some amount of time.

Plus, never have to worry about battery dead, send to manufacture and wait days / weeks / months for replacement. Controller you can't use is pretty much worthless.