Not many people know this, but the Playstation 3 is probably one of the best consoles ever made. Not only is it the most powerful console ever devised, but it can function as a full-blown media appliance for your home theater system. The console has many features that other consoles make you pay extra for: internal hard drive, wireless networking, web browser, free online gaming, and more.
There is one critical feature that the Playstation 3 doesn’t have, and that is removeable batteries for its Sixaxis controllers. Even though the batteries last as long as the Xbox 360 controllers (about 30 hours), the only way to charge them is through a USB cable… and we all know that this can be a slow, painful process. Gamers can continue to play while their controller is tethered to its USB lifeline, but many consoles are in the living room and many people will need a 20-foot USB cable to sit on the couch.
Nyko, as always, has a better solution to charge your Playstation 3 controllers. Their Charge Base 2 can charge 2 Sixaxis controllers at the same time, and doesn’t require awkways USB cables or connection to the host console. Nyko’s other chargers usually come with custom batteries, but since the PS3’s controllers are internal, they had to come up with another solution….
Conveniently and quickly store and charge two PlayStation 3 controllers with Nyko’s Charge Base 2. Utilizing Nyko’s unique USB Charge Adaptors, the Charge Base 2 allows for incredibly easy charging of both SIXAXIS and DualShock 3 controllers. Simply attach the small, lightweight adaptor to the Mini USB port on the controller, and then place the controller into the charging port. No additional wires necessary. The Charge Base 2 utilizes AC power from any wall outlet for a rapid recharge in just 2 hours for one or two controllers.
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- Rapidly charges two PS3 controllers simultaneously
- Store and charge your controllers in one place
- Includes two USB charge adaptors for quick and convenient use
- Plug into any wall outlet or place conveniently in an entertainment center
- Powered by a standard wall plug; no USB port required
- Compact design
- Keep your controllers fully charged, organized and ready for use
The kit comes with two plastic charger nubs. Each connector is made from clear shiny plastic, and has four copper contacts on the front and a small male USB plug in the back. All you have to do is plug them unobtrusively on the front of your Sixaxis controller, and then it can be docked into Nyko’s docking station.
The base is rather attractive, and matches the Playstation 3’s shiny black theme. The base is has two ports that accept your controllers, with printed arrows to show you where they are placed. A raised status area looms over the controller bay like an overlord, and has two large LED domes that indicate each controller’s charge status. A red Nyko logo is printed on the status area. The base has its own power supply, so is no need for clunky AC adapters. A standard 2-prong AC plug extends from the back and plugs directly into any wall outlet.
Using add-on USB connectors is a clever solution, but there are a few issues to take note of. Since the batteries are technically charged through USB, there is a voltage limit, but the unit manages to charge the batteries within 2 hours, which is about the same as charging from the Playstation 3 itself. The other issue is that the LEDs remain on even after charging is complete.
Using the charge base is rather simple. Once the connectors are attached, all you have to do is dock your newly-enhanced Sixaxis controller into the Nyko base. There are two lights that indicate each controller’s charge status. Each light will illuminate red while charging, and green when fully charged, and the LEDs are VERY bright… too bright to not be a distraction in your home theater rack. This would be acceptable if the lights went off after charging (as Nyko’s Xbox 360 Charge base does, reviewed here), but the LEDs remain constantly on as long as the base is plugged in. I had to eventually put some electrical tape over the LED domes to not be so distracting (which produced a calming ring of light instead).
As with other Nyko chargers, as long as you place your controllers back in the base, then you’ll never have to worry about a dead gamepad again… unless you’re one of those who game for 48 hours straight. Because the charge connectors fit onto the front of the gamepad, the controller must be docked head-first, which doesn’t look as nice as Nyko’s Xbox 360 solution (reviewed here). It would have been nice if the connector were designed so the contact points were on the bottom of the controller, allowing the gamepad to lay in a more “relaxed” position.
Again, Nyko delivers a game accessory that makes life more convenient for gamers. The Nyko Charge Base 2 for Playstation 3 costs about $30, which is about the same as Nyko’s other charge bases. The price is a little much, especially considering there is no extra expense of included batteries. Still, the Nyko Charge Base 2 is much more convienient than manually tethering your controllers to ugly USB cables that hang off the front of your console.
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