How to Double Your DualShock 4 Charge Life

Sick of your DualShock 4's battery? Here's how to get many more game play hours out of your controller.

[pheature]

keep it on the plug and charge?

have 2 pads?

[Alexious]

These are options too, but they come with a cost, obviously.
In the first case, you lose the wireless capability. In the second case, you lose money

[Transporter47]

Gaming is a loss of money anyways. I tend to have two controllers for any console I own, so having another controller is a long term investment on something you don't need in the first place. Its entertainment so you're going to lose money either way. Nothing wrong with buying another controller.

[CuddlyREDRUM]

Transporter - you realize that makes no sense?

Entertainment costs money, so you should buy an extra controller anyway? That is like saying you may as well buy a spare TV for your living room, because you already bought one.

[paidadvertiser]

He said you're going to lose money on something that isn't a necessity in life, which entertainment isn't. He's simply saying, you already lost money on something you don't need, so there isn't much harm in losing a little more. Gaming isn't an actual investment at all or necessary in order to live, so there isn't a return of any kind. Everything he said makes perfect sense. If money is a priority for you over entertainment, that's pretty illogical or just impossible if you already own a 400 dollar toy. If you can't understand such a basic statement, then I'd have to just assume your parents pay for your entertainment and they never explained that it isn't an asset in life.

[abzdine]

isn't it just a matter of exchanging PS3 battery and PS4 battery?
i personaly always have it plugged to micro USB directly from PS4 while playing

[pheature]

where are you loosing money?
buy purchasing another joypad?

we are all not loners :p

[Orange]

In the second case, if your laptop is nearby you can charge via the USB port on the laptop.

[Pixel_Enemy]

Yeah, I have a charge dock and two controllers so when one dies I switch to the other. This is really a non issue for me. I don't think there would be an instance where I would need to use both (two player) for more than 8 hours.

[GarrusVakarian]

I bought a 3 meter USB to micro USB cable for like £3 so i can charge while i play, no more having to sit really close to my TV to charge my controller with the super short cable that comes with the PS4.

[DeadMansHand]

Me too. Honestly, before I did though I never had the controller die on me. 7 hours straight is a pretty serious gaming session. I usually put 3-4 in then either get up to get blood flowing or eat. I put the controller on charger and it was good to go in an hour or so.

[BattleTorn]

I will never play with my controller plugged in. never.

[SSJBen]

1) We're in 2014 and we're supposed to go back to having our controllers wired? Then at the same time gamers wants to bask in future technologies?

2) 2 pads makes sense yes and that's a solution. But when you look at the DS4 costing $60, having poor battery life and mediocre rubber on the analog sticks, that's a stupid investment. The DS3 I bought as an extra in 2008 still works fine today with no cosmetic damaages. Don't see that happening with the DS4 in 2018.

[Concertoine]

i agree, but i think the rubber feels fine, its the battery that just feels inexcusable and we shouldnt have to compensate for it.

[dsswoosh]

The battery option like what is used on the XB1 controller is still the better solution to wireless controllers -

1 - You never need to plug your controller in, no cables. Ever.

2 - You have one set of batteries on charge while you play and swap them over when needed.

Rechargeable batteries and a charger are cheap as chips.

Also, the XB1 controller lasts about 50 hours on a single charge. Meaning you only need swap them over once per week or more.

[Gremdude]

Nobody wants to swap batteries. That is so 1995. And rechargeable batteries suck. They do not last 50 hours. IN other words, everything you said is inaccurate. Well at least you are making yourself happy with your purchase of that Xbox One! There is that!

[mwjw696]

dsswoosh is about right. 50 hours of charge on my brand new Eneloop batteries.

@Gremdude
You want to swap $10 batteries or a $60 controller?

Use shit rechargeable/charger get shit use out of them. I already have to have them for my XP500. So this does not affect me or anyone else with half a brain.

[nukeitall]

@Gremdude:

"Nobody wants to swap batteries. That is so 1995. And rechargeable batteries suck."

And playing tethered to a cable is not 1995 on the DS4 cause you ran out of battery after only 6-7 hours?

That 6-7 hours will reduce to 4-5 hours in about a year.

That said, the Xbox One controller do have a play and charge kit for $20, and it works just like the DS4, but with a long charge cord.

If convenience is 1995, I will take that!

[G20WLY]

Look, I love gaming as much as anyone else here. But if you spend more than 7 hours per session playing games, you should seriously consider reassessing the way you live your life.

Moreover, if you decide that IS how you want to live your life, I would suggest an additional pad is a negligible additional cost.

[Volkama]

The One controllers do actually last a ridiculous amount of time on a set of AAs. It was about 3 weeks of heavy use before I had to swap out the ones it came with.

But the best solution (imo) is a charging dock to just leave the controller (or battery pack) on between sessions. That's available for both consoles, and takes battery life issues out of the equation.

[T2]

Who doesn't want two controllers? don't people have real friends anymore? and no AA batteries are not in any way a better solution. I went through 8 pairs of rechargeable lithium bats in about four years of x360 use... meanwhile my 4 ds3 all still work perfectly

[ITPython]

It would be really cool if the DS4 took 18650 li-ion batteries. Not only could they be charged via USB just as the battery is now, but 3400mAh 18650's are widely available right now.

Although it probably wouldn't be too difficult to drill a little hole in the back of the controller and run the battery wires out to an external case which attached to the back of the controller and housed a battery such as an 18650 (or any other 3.6v li-ion battery).

If my controller ever kicks the bucket, I may do some experimenting on it. As a small 18650 case on the back running vertically wouldn't affect my hand placement on the controller at all.

[MrPoopyPants]

OMG! Ok people here's an idea, after your'e done playing it for the day, put your PS4 on low power standby mode and plug your controller in. Not only will your controller now be fully charged, your PS4 will be completely updated! I know guys, it's hard to use that thing in your head sometimes. It's ok.

[leogets]

I know right... what's wrong with people

[Mister_G]

I bought 2 pads.

[MikeGdaGod]

2 controllers...no worries

[SmielmaN]

I bought the extra controller at the time I bought the system (along with a game). I learned from the PS3 that I kill my controllers and need another one to tag in every now and then haha.

[360ICE]

None of which actually increase the battery life.

Anyway, I actually think the battery life in DS4 is a minor annoyance. DS3's battery life was really awesome, and I wasn't expecting DS4 to be that much worse.

[Gamer1982]

2 pads was my answer for ps3 and PC and will be for ps4. Though you can get a pack that attaches to the back already that more than doubles its charge.

[Pro Racer]

That's good to know. All you have to do is swap the battery and disable that useless light and you're set!

[karamsoul]

I just wish Sony devs would find some way to make it possible to turn that annoying controller light off. :P

[Transporter47]

Don't point it on your face ? lol. It never bothers me when I play since i sit, usually the light shines down or forward.

[Deadpoolio]

People with cheap ass Tvs cry about the glare...Either that or they are sitting a foot away from it. Never noticed it myself since I don't have a cheap costco or Dynex TV and I sit about 10 feet away from it like your supposed to

[neoandrew]

But why the hell he must use if he don't want to use it, just simple as that?

Not providing such feature it just silly, it only drains the battery, coz sony say they know better than you, what you want.

The battery size is also a joke, the ds3 battery work near 2 times longer!

Srly what were they thinking? Have someone any valid logical point?

[Alexious]

Never bothered me as well. Then again, I play with my monitor and it's obviously above the level of my DS4.

[UnHoly_One]

You don't have to point it at your face for it to be annoying. I play in a dimly lit room and it's super annoying when it lights my crotch up like I have a spotlight on it.

And I don't know how much the light affects the battery life, but every little bit counts. I've now owned 5 wireless controllers, (wavebird, ds3, ds4, XB 360, XB1), and the DS4 has the most pathetically short battery life ever.

I used to regularly run my DS3 dead in one gaming session, and it lasted literally twice as long as a DS4. It's REALLY bad.

And it just makes me love my replaceable Xbox batteries all the more.

[MysticStrummer]

"it's super annoying when it lights my crotch up like I have a spotlight on it."

That's some bizarre reasoning there, and quite a stretch to find something to whine about. Shorter battery life, glare on the monitor, or too much light in a dark room are valid reasons to complain about the light. Lighting up your own crotch, which you really shouldn't be spending too much time looking at anyway, isn't much of a reason.

But, you should be able to turn that light off if you want to.

[DragonKnight]

It's an LED light for goodness sake, it's not draining the battery as much as you think. I do agree that there should be an option to turn it off though, only because it's pointless to have an unnecessary power drain on the controller, no matter how small it is.

[Boody-Bandit]

I've played a couple hundred hours on the PS4 with the DS4 and I never even notice the light being even on.

[Volkama]

Lights bug me. I play in a dark room, and any light source besides the TV is noticable. It's not a "cheap-ass TV", it's an expensive high-quality home AV setup.

The DS4 should let you turn the light off (and really shouldn't have the light in the first place, there are more elegant solutions).

The consoles themselves shouldn't light up either.

And the Kinect, that might be the most annoying of all as it is a requirement that you have it by the TV.

[moujahed]

Sony specifically said they left it up to the game developers to make that option.

[ThatEnglishDude]

I sit about 8ft away from the TV and don't even see the reflection. If I hold my hand against the light and gradually move it away, it stops showing on my palm about 3-4ft away, so the range really isn't that distracting at all.

[kaiserfranz]

I agree, it surely seems an overblown issue to me.

[ITPython]

The light itself doesn't bother me while playing, but it is probably sucking down at least 100mA of juice, which even if the light was the only thing being used on the controller that is 10 hours till the battery goes 100% dead.

I have absolutely no need for the light, and should be able to turn it off to get a few extra hours of battery juice.

Also while we can turn the speaker volume 100% down, the little amplifier inside the controller (which works for the speaker and the headphone jack) is still on, which may be the biggest reason for the short battery life.

Options to turn off as much or little as we want is the best solution for everybody.

[kaiserfranz]

This is an intelligent comment, Sony would do great if they let us switch off the lights and the speaker.

[BABY-JEDI]

I like the light. It reminds me that I have a controller in my hand.
; P
LoL

[DJustinUNCHAIND]

Use it half as much?

[Why o why]

The winner, ;)

Its annoying sony couldn't use a more efficient battery to at least match the ds3. I'm not even sure if locking off the light will put it on par with the ds3......seems I underappreciated the ds3 in regards to battery life. I hope they make a revised version with a more stronger battery.

[wsoutlaw87]

if you want a version with a stronger battery the just do what the article says and replace the battery, its just a battery.

[Alexious]

It seems very likely, considering the complaints.
Also, would probably guarantee them a lot of new controllers sold.

[Relientk77]

I have 2 controllers, if one dies I'll just switch

[guitarded77]

That's how I roll too. The only system I have an issue with is the Wii U... just one gamepad, and it bleeds juice. If they'd ever come out with a standalone gamepad, I'd buy a second one of them too. If the price isn't too high.

[SaffronCurse]

Question, What if the WIIU gamepad breaks since they don't sell them individually.

[guitarded77]

@ SaffronCurse

I have no idea... I guess you would have to call Nintendo Customer Support and see what your options would be.

[MysticStrummer]

Yeah it's good to have two controllers for those games that allow local co-op or competitive multiplayer, and you can always have one charging as you use the other.

[Adolph Fitler]

How can the light on the controller be annoying???? It points the opposite way to your face & EYEBALLS......And you'd have to be looking down at it notice, instead of looking up at your screen actually playing your game....
It's not exactly a f^cking strobe light!!!!!
I've been absolutely hooked on just playing NFS:Rivals on my PS4 & I have been sadly ignoring my 6-7 other games (although I've also indulged in the brilliant Resogun), & whether I play in the day or at night with all lights off, the controller light HAS NEVER inhibited my gameplay or even caught my notice whilst I'm engaged in a game...
The only feature on the controller I've noticed that is kind of off putting (in a good way), is the speakers in the controller & when suddenly voices sound like they are right next to you in KZ:SF or the like....I absolutely love that feature, even though it takes some getting used to at first...
But, the new controller is THE BEST controller I've ever laid hands on, & is a big part of the reason Sony will most likely dominate this gen. The controller feels absolutely brilliant in hand & although NOTHING can be perfect, the DS4 is getting close to that, & the only real area I can fault it, is the battery life is substantially less impressive than the DS3 & 360 controllers. But, they last long enough, being that they can go for a 8-10hr heavy gaming session.. So, put it on charge after every session, & if you play for longer than 8-10hrs at a time, THEN SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP.

[UnHoly_One]

I can't get 6 hours out of either of my DS4's. I wish I could get the 8-10 you are talking about.

[wsoutlaw87]

I get 8 hours.

[MysticStrummer]

"I can't get 6 hours out of either of my DS4's"

Try spending less time looking at your own crotch and more time gaming.

[DragonKnight]

@Mystic: Lol, you're never going to let him live that one down are you?

[UnHoly_One]

If you saw my crotch you'd be staring at it, too.

It's magnificent.

[moujahed]

Uhhh. There is a power save setting where it can turn your controller off automatically after 10mins or more. I never had a problem with my controller being dead as I tried playing a game.

[Alexious]

I have the setting on as well, but it doesn't make much of a difference.

Anyway, my main issue is that I have too few USB ports in between PS4 and PC for all my devices to charge. It's a hassle, every few hours I have to charge something.

[XtraTrstrL]

Full story link isn't working. I have had 2 controllers from the day I got the PS4 though. I bought one with the $50 Amazon gift card I won a last year on n4g, I got it like 2 weeks before the PS4 released. Then the other ofcourse came with the PS4 when I got it Dec 19th.

It is still annoying, I switch controllers when I'm down to 1 bar and I set the other to charge when the fully charged one hits 2 bars. The same way I do it on PS3. It's just that you end up doing it multiple times a day, rather than once every few days on PS3.

I see they're making those extended batter packs you snap onto the controller, but I rather someone just start making larger capacity internal batteries, like you could find for PS3 on Amazon 'n stuff. It'd be a pain to open the controller and put it in, but you'd only have to do it once. I'd say 2400-3000mah would suffice for atleast twice the current battery life, which would be perfect.

[wsoutlaw87]

thats exactly what the article says, that you can use aftermarket ps3 batteries.

[XtraTrstrL]

On another topic with the PS4 though, they really need to hurry up with those patches. The UI is all clunky and slow when you are playing a game then back out to go check something out.

Also, I thought it was just me, but saw tons of people complaining about it, the share feature is basically broken currently. It is completely inconsistent and unreliable. I hit the button, then go to my vids;

Sometimes there's no vid at all.

Sometimes there's a vid and a screenshot.

Sometimes there's a vid, but it's from hours earlier.

With all the promised features that aren't here yet, you'd think the few they have now would work flawlessly and be well tested, especially the one that has a new button dedicated to it on the controller. I can't rely on it at all for quickly saving a nice run of any type of gameplay.

[Alexious]

That's weird, I haven't had any issues with the share function.

[hollabox]

8 hrs, I probably only get between 6-7 hours, purchased 2 meter micro USB from Amazon, but it makes me feel like 2001 using a cord to play my games. I might look into replacing my DS 4 battery if it jumps from 6-7 to 12-14.

[Npugz7]

Don't do it! I busted my controller trying to open it! It doesn't come apart easily.

[BattleTorn]

thank you for the warning

[jjb1981]

I have to for that reason and for couch co-op

[strigoi814]

buy a cellphone charger which is compatible with the DS4 it charge quicker

[jaseo]

the light bar does not use much power. it is rumble and headphone audio if you have a pair plugged in.(essentially creating a bluetooth headphone)

[jacksjus]

8 hours of game play? No wonder I haven't had any problems. Lol!

[XtraTrstrL]

Ok, the link is working now, I've had those batteries in my Amazon wish list forever. I was always planning on getting them for my Dualshock 3s. I got my PS3 at the end of 2010 though, and the controllers both still hold there charge very well.

Anywho, I just now ordered 2 of those to test out with my Dualshock 4s, I also got a screwdriver set for the job, and I got 2 sets of the Grip-Its to deal with the analog sticks wearing down so quickly on the DS4.

[zerog]

Personally I prefered the regular 6 axis controller that came with the ps3 at launch. The battery life on it was insane, like 70 hrs or something. I still have the one that came with my launch console but haven't been able to find another since they started making only ds3s. If you can find one at gamestop buy it and see for yourself. They just say six axis near the lights instead of duelshock 4.

[Soldierone]

I have about 3, I turn them on when my DS3 dies lol It still amazes me I can randomly turn those on when I can't even remember the last time I charged them. I charge em maybe once every few weeks.

[powerplayer25]

Two controllers. Die and switch.

[Soldierone]

I hate taking controllers apart, I can never get the stupid shoulder buttons to go back in right. Especially the Sixaxis ones with the spring that would pop out.

[jukins]

how can battery life be a problem. Are people really gaming 7+ hours non stop?

[ziggurcat]

yes, they are. i've done it several times (taking break to eat, etc... obviously).

[Maxor]

I was watching Netflix then fell asleep. When I woke up my DS4 battery was almost drained.

[G20WLY]

You should set it to turn off after 10 minutes of inactivity.

I still watch TV through the PS3 (PlayTV) and I use the feature on my DS3 (which I use as a remote, since I lost my proper one). Works a treat. :)

[heisenberguk]

I charge mine with my phone charger, charges it a lot quicker than connecting it to my ps4

[XtraTrstrL]

That's what I've been doing recently, since the phone charger cord is plugged in right next to where I sit, it's much easier. I just plug it in, set it on the table or in the drawer and go back to playing with the other controller.

[ramiuk1]

i have wall plug right next to my sofa.
i charge it there and with wall plug it takes around than 30 mins to be fully charged.

i expect sony to upgrade the battry in future ,they should anyway because it wouldnt cost them much more to put 1800mah packs in

[Kribwalker]

Hmmm, complain about buying batteries for Xbox controller, but have to buy two ds4 so you can play wirelessly.....seems kinda dumb. Will buy my ps4 in a year or so, when I can convince my wife that the 2 xbox ones I have (me and the kids, they are totally excited for project spark, and plants vs zombies garden warfare, which is fantastic by the way, game tested it a year ago, and it's fun) are good but want some sony exclusives too, hopefully they fix battery life by then. It was easier last time to convince her when the ps3 was the cheapest bluray player...tough sell this time

[SynestheticRoar]

This fool wrote that the rubber is worn already. Take that shit out your ass. I finish three games and it's still the same.

[Setzer007]

I charge mine while im playing if it starts dying.

[redaxis]

http://www.amazon.com/batte...

Get this adapter, then connect your DS4 to a power bank. This way atleast you are thetered to an external battery instead of to the console.

With the adapter, it also allows you to charge your DS4 with any USB port/charger, so you can charge it like other devices when you are not playing.

[Jdoki]

If the battery is running out in one sitting there's a clue you're playing games too much. :)

I have no doubt Sony chose the battery they did for the DS4 based on two things... 1) Research, and 2) Cost

If their data and research says that the average play session is 3-4 hours (for example) then they would use a battery that has the lowest cost that meets that data point.

I've not had any issue with the short battery life. I normally game for around 2-3 hours at a time on average, and more when new titles launch. When I have a break I plug the controller in to the USB cable. If the battery does start to die, I play with it plugged in. When I'm not playing I set the console on Standby and plug the controller in. It's a non-issue.

[nfl]

Mine are freaky. After buying my ps4 and extra blue controller, i also got the official charger. I charged both and used the blue controller. Next day, i tried the black one and it had no charge at all. I thought it was the charger, so recharged and was fine.
Ever since, it seemed fine as i check both after each charge to make sure it shows 3 bars. Then the other day in the morning, i switched on the blue one and it was drained again after 8 hours of it being charged fully and not used.
I charged.......again. left so many hours and it said 2 bars. But after another charge, I left 2 days and its actually kept at 3 bars.
It's like mine have a mind of their own. Bloody freaky.
Never had this with any of my ps3 ones.

As for the comments on batteries in xbone. I ain't got one, but i have the 360. I have used duracell stay charged and duralock stay charged, which regain 80% of battery upto a year. I have used these for 2-3 years and there amazing. They last ages and even when i don't use for weeks or months, they still show full bars. I use a 1 hr fast charger and there done. Best charger and batteries i ever used.

[Jsoc]

I get about 8hrs on my DS4 , and I have mine since launch Nov.15 and my rubber on the sticks still look brand new. And I game about 4-8hrs a day now that I'm retired and can enjoy gaming more. I think that the people complaining about the rubber on the sticks got a defected DS4..

[nfl]

Not always the case, but it could be the way it's handled also. I have read so many stories regarding even headphones even breaking easy. I never had anything go on me as i use it and put it away. Most stories are people saying either they sat on them or stood on by accident.......erm.......and they wonder why they break easy.
I have had xbox, ps, nintendo, sega over the years. Not one worn away.

[Jsoc]

Lol u make a point there..... I also have all the game systems u said and they all work fine...

[heisenberguk]

I think it's because of the concave shape, people are putting a lot of pressure in 1 place, the bottom edge of the stick instead of it being spread over the whole surface

[tjg59]

I don't have a problem with ds4's battery life. I have a problem with the left analog stick wearing down after a month.

[iistuii]

Why are so many people so desperate to defend their console at all cost. I have a PS4 & it's great, but there's no getting away from the fact the battery life is crap. After every session i put the PS4 in standby mode & recharge, but the fact is it needs doing more than it should. It doesn't bother me, but people, stop the defending Sony at all cost & accept it.

[brbobcat]

I just charge my controller at night when my PS4 is in sleep mode... it's not that hard...

[GW212]

I've said it before and I'll say it again: if you are playing long enough to where the DS4 runs out of juice, it's probably time to take a break anyway.

And by probably I mean absolutely.

[LogicStomper]

I agree with that but, that doesn't justify the shorter battery life. It should theoretically be improved from its predecessor rather than made worse.

[GW212]

Of course. I was just commenting on the fact that it's really unhealthy to be playing video games 7 hours a day. I love my PS4 and play on it a lot. But I also have a job and like to work out, go outside, go to a bar, and bang a girl here or there.

You know, normal stuff.

[lex-1020]

Who actually sits that far away that a standard cable won't reach the controller?

Simple solution, buy a longer cable. Here's 2, yes 2, 15 foot cables for $9.

http://www.amazon.com/Cable...

Just buy a longer cable.

[bleedsoe9mm]

its funny , once you buy an other ps4 controller and the camera , and some rechargeable batteries for your xb1 controllers , these consoles are the exact same price .

[feraldrgn]

Smaller TV, sit close enough to have it plugged in.
"Wow the TV is so big when I'm sat this close, why did I spend so much on a huge TV only to sit further back?"

Jokes aside... Could always get another controller if you're playing it all day.

[sweendog]

For those living in the uk http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/...

[thejigisup]

Sooooo lame, what a waste of time. The light(led) hardly uses any battery. Defacing your controller will likely cause you to miss out on a game that actually uses the light bar for something worthwhile. Someone mentioned that the light was 150% useless. Moron, that's impossible. The battery life one the DS4 is definitely not the best but i usually get one and a bit of a gaming session with it. I always plug it in when im done and my ps4 stays in standby after and i don't feel slighted at all. I forsee a ds4 with a better battery coming out but im damned happy that they didnt go with battery packs. I've known so many problems stemming from having to buy replacement packs, clips breaking(i've had at least 2 friends tape the back of their xb controllers.) The camera is totally going to be utilized. The camera for the ps4 has a much higher adoption rate than the eye for the 3 i feel like there will be plenty of people that enjoy it and use it often.
Other than that everyone should have complained about this sooner before it became a problem, now you're stuck with it unless you wanna jump ship bc a light or "short" battery life really kills your gaming experience. Suck it up.