For those of you who are new to the wonderful world of Sony, one thing that they’ve always done well is make great controllers. The DualShock 4 controller for the Playstation 4 is no different. It’s comfortable, ergonomic, and easy to use…but what about if your controller runs out of batteries?
Well, thankfully, it won’t be a problem if you’re near a power source because the PS4 controller can charge via USB! Whether it’s through the front an hour later or directly from your computer overnight, this guide will tell you just how long it takes to fully charge a PS4 controller…plus some tips on taking care of them, so they don’t run out in the middle of an epic multiplayer match!
The short answer [how long it takes] is approximately 3 hours to charge the PS4 from a completely drained battery. Of course, this depends on how drained your controller’s battery is when you plug it in. The time estimate comes from Sony themselves, so don’t worry about being surprised by a surprise fee at checkout for some secret service that will allow you to charge your controller in record time.
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Why does this matter?
It matters because there are few things worse than going into a multiplayer match with no ammo or dying right before you get to use your special move. After all, your controller died mid-game! We’ve all been there, but we’ll go over some tips on making sure this doesn’t happen to you.
PS4 Controller Charging tips:
– First and foremost, always have a fully charged spare controller! This should be a given for all gamers, but having a dead controller is no fun. And trust me, if you take the PS4 on vacation or to your friend’s house, at some point, your battery will die…especially if it’s been sitting in the tray for long periods between gaming sessions.
– If possible, do not use USB 3.0 ports to charge your controllers! As tempting as they might be because they’re typically faster than 2.0 ports (and who doesn’t love that boost?!), these ports end up providing less power to the controllers because of their design. Plus, most, if not all, USB 3.0 ports are on the back of your computer, making it more difficult to have to charge cables right by their side when you’re gaming.
– Once again, always have a fully charged extra battery for your controller! You can easily do this with official Sony controllers or buy an extra one that is not officially branded. It’s cheap insurance to give yourself ample playtime until you get home and can plug in your PS4 controller to charge via USB connection.
– Know how much time you have left before the controller dies, so you’ll be aware when it does go out! The PS4 will show an orange light where the “L1” button is when the controller has 40% power remaining, turning red around 20%.
– Check to ensure that you don’t have any aftermarket 3rd party USB controllers. Some of these connect into the PS4 controller’s Micro-USB port but are wired controllers with their batteries…meaning they will completely drain your DualShock 4 in no time flat!
So there you have it, folks! If you follow these tips, hopefully, your controller isn’t dead long before you get home, or at least make it until the end of the gaming session so that when you do get home, everything is ready to go again. It may seem like a lot of extra work to play video games, but this is one place where convenience does not equate to savings!
Can Playstation4 Controller Charge Fast?
Yes and no. Charging a PS4 controller via a USB connection is the fastest way to charge it, especially if you’re using a high-powered port like those on the front of your PC or laptop.
Is charging a Playstation 4 controller via cable different than plugging it into the console?
Yes, charging your PS4 controllers with the included Micro-USB cable will allow you to play during the process while charging via USB connection will not. Charging directly from your PS4 system will usually take longer because multiple controllers need to be charged as well as data being transferred from disk media, games and movies which run through another part of your system so rarely do they run at full capacity at all times…
Why Does My PS4 Controller Die So quickly?
PS4 controllers have plenty happening. They feature a lights bar and speakers, vibration motors, as well as an option to remain active for the duration of time the system is turned on. All of these will deplete your battery in a short time. However, there are a few solutions.
- Dim the intensity of the light bar.
- Switch off the vibration feature
- Take away your default “always-on” setting.
- Change the battery to a more powerful one.
A majority of these can be handled within the menu settings. To control the lighting bar, pull into the Quick Menu, choose DualShock 4. and reduce or remove the light.
You can cut down or eliminate the vibrating and then turn down or off the speaker in the same menu
- Navigate to Settings Menu. Options Menu
- Select the Devices
- Choose Controllers
- Uncheck the box that says activating vibration.
- Adjust the volume in the Control of Volume
All of these actions can help prolong the battery’s life in your DualShock 4 controller in between charges. If you want to go crazy, you can upgrade the battery included with it.
The PS4 controller has a built-in 3.7v Lithium-Polymer battery with a 1000mAh capacity. There’s a way to change it if you’re comfortable with completely disassembling the PS4 controller.
You’ll need to buy a thoroughly researched upgrade and follow the steps in this article to replace it without harming the controller.
How long can I Play A Video Game Before Charging My Controller?
There are a lot of PS4 owners out there who have been wondering: How long can I play a video game before my PS4 controller needs to be recharged?
The short answer is: around eight hours. However, that number could change depending on whether or not you’re using the PS4 controller in conjunction with other devices and peripherals, such as the PSVR headset, PS Move controllers, etc.
All Things Considered
The DualShock 4 controller for the Sony Playstation 4 is one of the best controllers that has ever been produced. Their Achilles Heel is a short battery timer.
Now knowing that you can charge it within two hours, you can quickly charge it, change the battery and let the most of it. You’ll be able to get much more enjoyment out of this well-designed device that means you can play longer between charges.