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How to Charge a PS3 Controller with a PC

USB cable image by dinostock from Fotolia.com

The PlayStation 3's controllers feature a built-in wireless system, and they are quite an upgrade over previous PlayStation controllers. The PS3's "Sixaxis" controller offers motion-sensing capabilities, and the “DualShock 3” controller adds a rumble feature along with the motion-sensing technology. These controllers come with a built-in lithium ion battery that offers about 20 hours of gameplay on a full charge. You can use your PC to charge your PS3 controller when it runs low on power.

Turn your PC on. The PS3 controller will require a power feed from the PC in order for it to charge.

Find an open USB port on your PC. A USB port looks like a small rectangular slot and will usually be on the front or back panel of your computer.

Plug the larger, rectangular end of the PlayStation 3 USB cable into the open USB port on your PC. This cable will have the larger USB plug on one side, and an oddly-shaped mini-USB plug on the other side.

Plug the mini-USB end of the PlayStation 3 USB cable into the PS3 controller. If the controller is off, four red lights on the top of the controller will flash red; this means that the controller is charging. If you're using the PS3 controller while it is charging, only one light will flash.

Wait about two hours before you unplug the controller from the PC. Your PlayStation 3 controller should be fully charged.

Tip

Press the “PS” button in the middle of the controller when you are playing a game to see how much battery charge you have left on the controller. This will appear as a little icon in the upper-right corner of the screen.

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