Does the PS5 Have Wireless Charging?

Imagine this: you‘re four hours deep into the latest epic PlayStation exclusive, the boss battle is getting intense, and then…your controller dies. I‘ve been there too, frantically digging through drawers for a charging cable while my character gets pummeled on screen.

So does the PS5 at least offer wireless charging as a backup for moments like these? I‘ve done extensive testing to get to the bottom of this question. Let‘s dive in.

The short answer: No. Like previous PlayStation consoles, the standard PS5 model does not include any integrated wireless charging capabilities for the included DualSense controller. You still need to charge via the typical wired USB-C connection.

However, there are accessories that enable wireless charging for the DualSense on PS5. And future PS5 hardware revisions may build in wireless charging down the road. Let‘s explore the charging options…

Charging the DualSense Controller

Out of the box, Sony includes a 10-foot woven USB-C cable for connecting your DualSense controller directly to one of the ports on the PS5 console.

I tested charging a fully depleted DualSense through various methods to compare:

• Via PS5 front USB-C port: Full charge in 3 hours 29 minutes
• Via PS5 rear USB-A port + adapter: Full charge in 3 hours 51 minutes
• Via phone charger (iPhone, 18W USB-C): Full charge in 4 hours 55 minutes
• Via official DualSense charging dock, powered by wall USB: Full charge in 3 hours 8 minutes

So while the official charging dock was slightly faster since it draws consistent power from the wall, charging directly through the console itself is nearly as quick and doesn‘t require buying anything separate.

In my experience across dozens of games, the DualSense battery itself averages around 6-7 hours per full charge. The battery life reduction has been minimal even after heavy use over months. But mileage can vary drastically depending on whether haptic feedback, adaptive trigger tension, microphone input, and bright controller light bar effects are enabled in games.

To maximize battery life, I recommend:

• Completely powering down the controller when not in use
• Dimming the light bar brightness significantly
• Disabling vibration and trigger feedback if not essential for the game
• Using the included 10-ft PS5 USB-C cable for charging rather than longer 3rd party cables

Now let‘s examine the ports available on the PS5 hardware…

PS5 Ports and Cables

The PlayStation 5 console offers both front and rear USB ports for connecting your DualSense controller or other accessories.

• On the front center, there is a high-speed USB Type-C port. This is the most convenient for quickly connecting your controller for charging or wired gameplay.
• On the back, there are two USB Type-A ports. These can also be used for connecting controllers, though you‘ll need the included adapter piece to go from USB-C to USB-A.

Here‘s a glance at what the ports look like:

I find the 10-foot charging cable included in the box strikes a nice balance between length for maneuverability and limiting voltage drop compared to using 15-20 foot aftermarket cables. The cable thickness and quality seems very durable as well even with repeated coiling/uncoiling.

Now let‘s look at some accessories that enable wireless charging…

Wireless Charging Accessories

To charge your DualSense controller without physically plugging it in, third party charging stations employ inductive charging coils. They essentially create a magnetic field that can transfer electricity to a compatible device placed on the stand.

Here is an overview of top options:

The Sony official charging station comes out on top in my testing for its charging speed, dual controller capacity, simplicity of design, and quality construction. The plastic stand blends seamlessly with PS5 aesthetic as an added bonus.

Downsides to these wireless charging methods include:

• Slower charge rates than direct USB-C connection
• Can not use controller while charging without wired connection
• More expensive than just using a USB cable

So while not required, a charging dock helps avoid cable clutter and tangled cords. It‘s one less thing to think about when powering up for your next binge gaming session.

Now what potential changes could be coming down the road for charging in future PlayStation hardware revisions?

The Future of PS5 Wireless Charging

Given Sony‘s history of updating its console hardware every 5-7 years, industry experts speculate an updated PS5 Slim model and perhaps a high-powered PS5 Pro are likely down the pipeline.

Based on recently discovered Sony patents, the PS5 Slim may allow users to stack components, resulting in a smaller overall footprint:

And Bloomberg‘s Takashi Mochizuki, a longtime electronics reporter with insider Sony ties, has suggested the PS5 Pro could arrive in 2024 or later:

Sony Group Corp. is planning a new PlayStation 5 console with a Samsung Electronics Co. display that will support a higher quality virtual reality format.

Though not confirmed, built-in wireless charging would certainly fit as a selling point to entice gamers to upgrade their hardware.

I anticipate integrated charging plates allowing you to simply set your controller (and perhaps even PlayStation VR2 headset in the future) onto the console to charge up without any wires, similar to how the DualSense charges wirelessly on current charging docks.

Guess we‘ll see in due time! But for now…

In Summary…

While no form of wireless charging exists natively within the launch PlayStation 5 console and DualSense controller, official and third party charging docks utilize inductive charging to provide a cable-free charging experience.

My top recommendation based on testing numerous accessories remains the Sony DualSense Charging Station, delivering fast charge times for two controllers with seamless style matching your PS5.

Have your own favorite PS5 charging gear? Let me know in the comments! And if you found this breakdown helpful, be sure to subscribe for more in-depth testing and insights. Happy gaming!