One of the best features of the latest
next gen consoles is that the controllers are wireless. This also
means that these controllers are now battery powered. Of course, you
can always use rechargeable batteries. Luckily, Sony actually went
one step better and created a controller with a built in rechargeable
battery.
To charge these controllers, they use a
mini USB port for available power. So to get the DualShock 3 or
Sixaxis controller juiced up, you need to hook it up to a USB on a PC
or on the PS3 itself. Having cables hanging off your PS3 is
unsightly and can get in the way.
Now, there is an easier way to charge
up two PS3 controllers at once. Nyko, the makers of the excellent
Wii Charge Station recharger, has released the Charge Base 2 for the
PS3. This charging station is AC powered and is compact so it can be
stored easily.
Let’s take a closer look…..
Nyko Charge Base 2 for the PS3
Reviewed by: Tomas Ratas
Tech Specs,Features or the
Basic Info:
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.
Dual Charging Ports
With 2 built-in USB adapter ports
the Charge Base 2 can simultaneously charge two PlayStation 3
controllers
USB Charge Adapters
Attach the included USB charge
adapters and easily drop and charge your controllers in the Charge
Base 2
SIXAXIS and DualShock 3 compatible
Store and charge both SIXAXIS and
Dual Shock 3 wireless controllers for the PlayStation 3
AC Powered
The Charge Base 2 plugs directly
into the wall, leaving the USB ports on the PS3 open and the console
tangle free
Charge Base 2 Features
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
A Better Look at Things
:
The Charge Base 2 for the PS3 comes in
a clear plastic box. The front has a picture of a PS3 controller
sitting in the charger with a small clear area, where the Charge Base
2 can be visualized. The left side panel has a clear window to get a
better view of the device, while the right side panel has picture
based instructions. On the back of the package we see a list of
features in both English and French.
Inside the package we find the Charge
Base 2, two charge adapters and the instructions. The Charge Base 2
is primarily black with silver and clear acrylic on the main surface.
On one end we see the Nyko logo and two round LED lights. The power
cord originates from this end of the device. In the middle of the
Charge Base 2 we see two arrows and two recessed areas with four
elevated charging prongs.
The two charge adapters are composed of
clear acrylic with four metal contact points on one side and a mini
USB connector on the opposite end.
Installation, Testing and
Comparison:
Setup involves plugging in the power
cord into the back end of the Charge Base 2. Next insert one of the
charge adapters into either a PS3 Sixaxis or DualShock 3 controller’s
mini USB connector. Now rest the controller with the charge adapter
facing down, so that it comes into contact with the Charge Base 2’s
charging port. That’s all there is to it.
There are two LEDs on the top portion
of the Charge Base 2. For each controller plugged in they will blink
either green or red. The LEDs light up red while charging blink
alternating green and red when almost fully charged and turn green
once the controller is fully charged or the charging port is empty.
It took a little over an hour to charge
a half empty PS3 DualShock 3 controller and two hours for a totally
drained one.
The only complaint I have about this
product is that the LEDs light up green when the charging port is
empty, so it is silly to keep the Charge Base 2 powered on when not
charging. Unfortunately Nyko did not include a power switch on the
device, so one needs to unplug the device; unless they want a green
light show.
It is also important to note, due to
the shape of the charge adapters, non Sony brand controllers will not
fit in the Charge Base 2 for the PS3.
Summary and Comments
Nyko is becoming the name in console
recharging systems. Like the Wii Charge Station before it, the
Charge Base 2 for the PS3 is a solid performer. It is well
constructed and easy to use. Although it is limited to Sony brand
controllers and has always on LEDs, it is still a stellar product.
DragonSteelMods gives the Charge Base 2
for the PS3 a 4.5 out of 5 score.
Pros:
Sturdy construction
Portable
Easy to use
LEDs clearly seen
Cons:
Bright LEDs that do not shut off
Dongles only designed for Sony brand
controllers
Price
I would like to thank Nyko for the chance to review the Charge
Base 2 for the PS3 and for their support of
DSM.
review#524