No USB coming with the SIXAXIS... dammit Sony!
by Nick Doerr 
{ Nov 16th 2006 at 5:00PM }
Okay, this is incredibly stupid. We'll make this quick, just like a bullet to the head. In an incredibly shocking move, Sony has decided to not include a USB cable with the retail SIXAXIS controllers. You need the damn cable to charge the controller's battery or it's useless. However, the retail PS3 has a USB cable in the box, so you've got one. If you've more than one SIXAXIS, you can either trade off controllers as one charges and the other gets used or go buy yet another peripheral that should be included with the controller it's to be used with. Lame. Really lame. But if you've got to get that peripheral sales number rise, this is one way to do it. A dirty, dirty way. To make this information a little more manageable, let's post another picture of Assassin Creed producer, Jade Raymond. There. That's a little better.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Renarudo @ Nov 16th 2006 5:19PM
This is a lie. In press shots of IGN and even 1UP's opening of their PS3 packaging, a USB cable can be clearly seen.
go eat your fries biotch @ Nov 16th 2006 5:28PM
yo renarudo, were not talkin about the stock sixaxis that comes bundled with the ps3, were talking about the extra ones.
"To make this information a little more manageable, let's post another picture of Assassin Creed producer, Jade Raymond. There. That's a little better."
thank you nick that lessons the blow to the nuts.
Gray Fox Die @ Nov 16th 2006 5:34PM
Dude,
They are talking about the Wireless controller package... not the PS3 package !!!
microdot @ Nov 16th 2006 5:41PM
ren: he meant in purchasing an extra controller. and yes, that is true.
however, it is far less of a deal than the temper tantrum is making it out to be. me personally, i have a dozen of them laying around the house. its not a proprietary connection... its standard usb.
when was the last time you bought a usb printer that came with a usb cable?
ShadowedAsh @ Nov 16th 2006 5:33PM
This isn't a lie. The article clearly states that you get one in the box of the PS3 but for each additional SIXAXIS you buy, you don't. Very lame, Sony.
pinkm15t @ Nov 16th 2006 5:39PM
RTFA. The article says the retail SIXAXIS controllers - ie - The controllers sold seperatly from the PS3 bundle.
The article also says the USB cable comes with the PS3 Package.
Have to agree though. This is a lame move by Sony.
SuicideNinja @ Nov 16th 2006 6:14PM
Well...Microsoft pulls the same scam with their wireless controllers.
At least you can buy a USB A to mini-USB 5 pin cable for cheaper than MSFT's $20 battery+cable combo. Sony wins this one.
Andir2.0 @ Nov 16th 2006 7:58PM
You could also use the Nintendo DS charger if I'm not mistaken...
Harry_Taint @ Nov 16th 2006 9:29PM
Does the controller have an input similar to what is on a Razr phone because if it does it seems to get all scratched up from the metal of the usb cable.
Riine @ Nov 16th 2006 9:30PM
I have a Sony digi cam and the USB connector seems to be the same, so I'm in luck?
Andir2.0 @ Nov 16th 2006 10:14PM
Riine: I assume that any Mini-USB connection will work. It's just using the power from the USB cable to charge it. Even a cheap $5 cable should do the trick. I'll most likely be leaving my DS charger plugged in near the couch since the connection is the same.
Andir2.0 @ Nov 16th 2006 10:16PM
The only question is...Is the PS3 Mini-A or Mini-B? That could kill my plan if it's not -A.
Renarudo @ Nov 17th 2006 12:13AM
Seems I was mistaken, my apoligies.
It's the same type of plug that goes into the PSP, so not sure which designation that is.
Dr.QR @ Nov 17th 2006 12:34AM
Is it a cheap move? Yes, but it's really only inconvenient. I realize I don't speak for everyone, but I have four or five mini-b cables sitting around that I don't have a use for. They came with various other devices and I've never needed to plug them all in at once.
I think they were working on the idea that you would very seldom need to charge both controllers at the same time and need both charged right away.
Personally, if you and your ps3-line-waiting buddy were going book it home and play Resistance for the next twelve hours solid, I imagine you're nerdy enough to have a couple usb cables on hand.
pixelator @ Nov 17th 2006 3:50AM
You cannot use a Nintendo DS or DS Lite charger.
It's true it doesn't come with the cable, but as the article says, you already have (at least) one if you have a PS3 already, so what's the point? You're not likely to need to charge more than one at a time, and if you do, they cost less than five bucks. Big deal. The full set of Wii controller(s) are still more expensive.
Aex @ Nov 17th 2006 3:38AM
I'm sorry, but this is total ASS. Seriously, what is wrong with sony to they can't afford to stick a $2-$4 cable in with their overpriced controller. Not that it would affect me either way, It just sucks to hear Sony being Sony again -_- Can't even put a freaking cable in a $50 controller pack...
ffaljka @ Nov 17th 2006 8:43AM
whats the big deal, its a freaking USB to mini-USB cord that charges the SIXAXIS controller... isnt it suppose to have a 30 hour battery life to it? Who the hell is going to play multiplayer for 30 hours straight? They're to have a short charge time as well right? SO even with 7 controllers being used at once, you only need to use one usb cord to take turns charging when you know the battery's getting low. Hell even if the batteries only last 12 hours, you just move seats each hour...Yes its an inconvenience, and a little cheap, but so is having 4 usb-miniusb hanging from your ps3 to trip over during breaks.
Besides all this... who doesn't have a few of these cords laying around? If your buying a 500-600 dollar system then you'd at least have a digital camera or MP3 player that uses the same cord. I'm sorry but this is a poor thing to bitch about. Did you complain when your Xbox360 controller didn't come with a play n charge kit? Or if you got a wireless mouse and it didn't come with more than one set of batteries? A printer without a USB printer cable? A cellphone without a car charger? Quit plucking straws... next you'll be whining that the PS3's at gamestop are on timers, my local gamestop got curious to see if it overheats or not and cut the fan and played about 12 hours of Resistance:FoM on theirs without any prob. Its a nice safety precaution, but annoying.
andrewjnyc @ Nov 17th 2006 1:05PM
The second I heard the PS3's enclosed USB cable was a dinky five-foot jobbie, I hit eBay and ordered a ten-footer for $5 including shipping. I'm hoping it gets here today, 'cause trying to play Resistance from the couch with a cable that short when charging the controller this morning was not at all fun...