SIXAXIS PS3 controller batteries not replaceable, but Sony gives free replacements

20 October 2006

3 Comments

Posted by:Ferry

Yesterday it was revealed at the Sony Gamer’s Day that the wireless (and rumble-less) SIXAXIS controllers would not have user-replaceable batteries, and given the fact that lithium ion cells only have a finite number of charges in them, it seemed that users would have to shell out $50 every time one of their gamepads stopped working (similar to iPods).

Engadget continues with that it would be a slap in the face after spending $500 or $600 for a console with a purported 10-year life span. Well Sony felt the same way, so while they said “it’ll be many years before there’s any degradation in terms of battery performance,” a spokesperson confirmed that “we will be providing a service to exchange these items.” So it’s great that Sony is planning on replacing dead controllers for free.

Another something I loved hearing Sony say yesterday is that content purchased from the online PlayStation Store could be downloaded on up to five other PS3s, as downloads are tied to a user account.