It wasn’t that long ago that all our video game controllers were wired and therefore, were never lacking in electricity. We’ve all been there…when you have to rummage through your box of various cables to find the USB charger for your PS3 controllers, which is so horribly short that you have to sit eye-burningly close to the television. Unlike the Xbox 360 controllers, PS3 owners don’t even have the option of using a couple AA’s when our controllers are powerless.
Nyko has been making accessories for consoles and the PC for years. Their products include the recently reviewed Charge Base 360 for the Xbox 360 and the Energy Pak for the Nintendo Wii Fit. Now they’ve rolled out a new product for the PS3 called the Charge Base 2. This product provides a quick and easy way to charge your SIXAXIS and Dual Shock 3 controllers. It also gives you a place to leave your controllers rather than in between your couch cushions.
What’s In The Box
Inside the box, you’ll find the base station, which has a six-foot power cable attached to it. There’s also a pair of mini-USB adapters and a page of entirely unnecessary instructions since operation couldn’t possibly be simpler. However, given the litigious nature of society these days, you really need to cover your ass.
The base station is black with a mirrored finish on top with a couple of rubber patches on the bottom for grip. Also, unlike the Charge Base for the Xbox 360 that was reviewed a couple of months ago, the cable is replaceable by removing this plate and unplugging the cable. Of course, the unit itself is $29.99 which is ten dollars less than the 360 version so depending on the price of a new cable and shipping, it might be easier just to buy a new one altogether.
First Impressions
I guess the Charge Base 2 is painted and finished to match the PS3 itself but the plexi, in my opinion, makes the unit look really cheap, making it something would not want to display beside my high end home theater equipment. It would just look out of place. Gigantic LEDs? That’s just tacky. This is unfortunate since the unit seems to be made relatively well.
I would’ve preferred something with a bit more weight to prevent it from sliding around further than just having the rubber feet. Overall, it’s not bad and feels more substantial than other generic stuff floating around out there. It also looks a bit off if you happen to have white Dual Shock 3 controllers like I do.
There are some little touches that are noteworthy and show that the manufacturer’s put some thought into the design. The mini-USB adapters are notched to only fit in one direction so you’ll never get the sided mixed up.
The edges where the controller meets the base are rounded so they won’t get scuffed up. Your Dual Shocks will probably see more abuse in your hands than they will through repeated charging cycles on the Charge Base 2.
Real-Time Price Check – Find More NYKO Products
Settings Things Up
Products don’t get easier to setup and use than the Charge Base 2. Plug the mini-USB adapters into your controllers, plug the base into a standard wall socket and you’re ready to go. Unlike the 360 version, there are no batteries to replace since PS3 controllers don’t have replaceable batteries. Just play and charge when you’re done.
Charging Things Up
Not much operational knowledge is needed here. The controllers only fits in one direction so you can’t screw up where to drop them in. When the light is red, that means it’s charging. When the LED is blinking between red and green, it’s almost done and finally, when it’s fully green, the controller is all charged up. Going from a completely drained battery to a green light took roughly two hours with one controller docked. According to Nyko, two controllers going from empty to full will take just under 4 hours. It is important to note that the red/green blinking cycle is quite long and the trickle to a fully charged is only the last little bit. Your controllers should last just fine with just that first 95% of rapid charge.
Final Thoughts
If you feel the need for a product like the Charge Base 2, then I’m sure your needs will be met with this product. However, I honestly fail to see the actual purpose of this product. At $29.99, it simply creates a space for you to place your controllers other than in between your couch’s cushions.
Some may argue that you are less likely to end up with dead batteries since your controllers are in the Charge Base 2 but if you were disorganized enough to leave your your DualShock3 controllers stuck in the cushions of your couch, then you probably won’t remember to put them back in the Charge Base either. For all intents and purposes, it’s just a dock. If you like the look, it may present itself as an upgrade over simply hooking your controllers up via the PS3’s USB Cables. However, in the end, it is only a mere $30 and it is tough to complain about anything looking cheap when it actually sports a rather frugal price tag.
It all comes down to whether you think you actually need or could use the Charge Base 2. Personally, I don’t think I’ll be clearing a space for it on my shelf.
Pros
- It’s somewhere to put your controllers that isn’t the couch cushions.
- Easy to use.
- Charging is pretty quick.
- Cable is removable, in case your rabbit chews through it.
- 30 bucks.
Cons
- If you’re lazy, your controllers will still be uncharged…and therefore, this is useless.
- Could be weightier so it doesn’t shift around.
- Is supposed to look like the PS3. Same colors…somehow not as elegant.
Real-Time Price Check – Find More NYKO Products
Nyko Charge Base 2 for the Playstation 3 Photo Gallery
Real-Time Price Check – Find More NYKO Products