Binary Culture - Review_Games - Dual Charger AC by Nyko by Matt Cohick on 04/15/2007

Dual Charger AC by Nyko
Written by Matt Cohick
Published on 04/15/2007
Originally from Binary Culture / [the-lowdown.net]
http://www.binaryculture.net

One of the biggest issues with having a Playstation 3 is recharging the wireless Sixaxis. Sure you can use the included USB cable to charge the controller during gameplay but having a controller attached defeats the purpose of having a wireless cable. Even worse, the PS3 does not have an idle power mode so you cannot charge the controller while is idling. Before noticing some improvements over the recent PS3 firmware updates, turning off the Playstation 3 does not automatically turn off the wireless Sixaxis controller. That means that somehow, the controller is sucking up lots of juice. Also the Sixaxis does not have an ilde mode when the PS3 is on idle unlike the Xbox 360 wireless controller.

There is some good news for the hardened Sixaxis veteran; Nyko has an affordable AC charger that is perfect for you. This AC powered device has two USB ports and two Sixaxis compatible cables so you do not have to scour your den/room/mancave to find the right cables. Even though it comes with two four foot cables, I do not think that they are intended for regular gameplay since the Dual Charger AC is best suited for when the PS3 is off.

Pssst, this is how you charge your $50 Sixaxis without turning on the PS3

Not only the Dual Charger AC adapter works with Sixaxis controllers, it also works with any USB powered device like the recent generation iPods, MP3 Players, fans, notebook lights, and even an USB powered vacuum, just like the DustBusters in the 80's. It this time is untested to work with USB powered robots named Ping-chan or Cyberdoll May.

Not only it works with the Sixaxis, I can vacuum my power outlet

Even though I do not engage in overnight online sessions of Motorstorm or Resistance: Fall of Man, the Dual Charger AC adapter does charge up very fast. After twenty plus hours of letting a freshly charged Sixaxis and a brand new opened from the box one idling until the flashing one bar on the PS3 screen; the Dual Charger AC charges up to the three bar status in about two hours. Now that's what I called fast.

With the Dual Charger AC, you do not have to look for the extra USB cable

I also charged an iPod nano and I received similar results; a full charge under two hours.

Finally, an iPod charger at a bargain price

If you do not have an USB powered port running twenty-four seven and intend to do some hard-core PS3 playing; the Dual Charger AC is a purchase that you will not regret making. You can get it at most retailers for under $25; piece of mind for not running a hot PS3 never cost this low. Besides, it looks better to have your Sixaxis being charged by a sleek black box and compared to an off white Microsoft product.

Dual Charger AC, bringing utility back away from the PS3. Yeah!

All works are © (copyright) by their respective authors, with permission to be published by Binary Culture and CAKE Workshop. For contact regarding reprinting, errors, and other inquiries please send email through contact@binaryculture.net.

Thanks for reading.

This site and all content within is maintained and hosted by CAKE Workshop.