PS3 Controller (DualShock 3) Charge Time: 2–3 Hours

A fully depleted DualShock 3 (PS3) or Sixaxis controller takes 2–3 hours to reach 100% charge via USB.

Charging Details

• Battery: 3.7 V Li-ion, 610 mAh (DS3) / 500 mAh (Sixaxis)
• Charge Current: ~300–500 mA (USB 2.0 port). PS3 USB ports, PC USB, wall adapters (5V/1A+) all work
• Indicator: Red LED (player number) slowly blinks while charging. Solid off = full (or not connected). No green/orange indicator
• Play While Charging: Yes – cable connected = powered + charging (slower)

Factors Affecting Time

Battery Replacement (If Dead)

1. Buy 3.7 V 610 mAh (or 800–1200 mAh) Li-ion pouch cell with JST connector (eBay/Amazon "PS3 controller battery")
2. Open controller (5× Phillips #00 screws under battery cover sticker)
3. Unplug old battery, plug new one. Reassemble
4. Charge 3 hours before first use

Pro Tip

Keep a charge dock (Nyko, PowerA, official Sony) – drop controllers in after play. Eliminates cable fuss, keeps both ready.