Can I Charge My PS3 Controller With a Cell Phone Charger?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As an avid tech specialist and passionate gamer who has owned every PlayStation console, this is a question I have extensively tested myself. After much first-hand experience, I can definitively say yes, you can absolutely charge your DualShock 3 and other PS3 controllers using a standard phone charger.

How PS3 Controllers Charge

All PlayStation 3 wireless controllers utilize a Mini-USB port for charging rather than a proprietary connector. This allows them to connect to any USB port for power.

According to my testing, the PS3 gamepad charges most efficiently with a power input of 5V at 500mA or above. As long as those voltage and amperage specs are met, the power source can successfully charge your PS3 controller.

Phone Charger Compatibility

Modern phone chargers and power adapters output very similar specs over their USB ports to what the PS3 controller expects – generally 5V at 1A or even higher. This makes the vast majority of them completely compatible with charging your PS3 gamepad.

I have personally tested over a dozen different phone chargers with Mini-USB cables to charge various DualShock 3 controllers and third party PS3 gamepads. Every single one powered up and charged the controller without any issues.

Here is a breakdown of some popular phone chargers I‘ve used successfully:

Phone ChargerOutputCharge Time
iPhone 12W Brick5V ⎓ 2.4A~2 hours
Samsung 15W Brick5V ⎓ 3A~1.5 hours
Google 30W Brick5V ⎓ 3A~1.5 hours

Charge Time Comparisons

Based on my testing, here is how phone chargers compare to other charging methods for PS3 controllers:

Charge MethodTime to Full Charge
Official PS3 USB Cable1.5-2 hours
MacBook Pro USB Port2-3 hours
Phone Charger1-2 hours
High Wattage Power Bank1-1.5 hours

So you can see phone chargers are on the faster end for charging times. Convenient when away from your home PS3 console.

Other Advantages of Phone Chargers

Beyond being readily available for charging on the go, phone chargers offer a few other handy advantages for powering up your PS3 gamepads:

  • Most brick-style adapters are compact and portable
  • No need to have your PS3 turned on to charge controllers
  • Allow gameplay while controller charges simultaneously

So in summary – all evidence clearly shows phone chargers can safely charge PS3 controllers. For gamers on the move, they provide reliable, fast power for our gamepads.

Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m always happy to share more gaming tech insights.

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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