PSVR 2 Sense controller charging station review: How useful is it, really?
Sony's official charging accessory is designed to make charging the Sense controllers easier. How useful is this accessory?
I ordered the charging station after I received my Playstation VR 2 because it was not yet available in my region.
After a month of use, my verdict is clear: although the accessory has its shortcomings and is a bit expensive, I can only recommend the charging station. The product looks great next to the Playstation VR 2 and PS5, and it makes getting back into VR a lot easier.
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Here’s how the charging station works
The Sense controllers have a built-in battery that lasts between four and five hours, depending on how much you use them. That's not much, and you'll need to recharge frequently, especially if you're playing long sessions.
Since Playstation VR 2 only comes with one charging cable, you'll need to use the charging cable that comes with the PS5 if you want to charge both Sense controllers at the same time. The PS5 has one USB-A port on the front and two on the back. If you charge both controllers at the same time, they will occupy two of the three USB ports. This is inconvenient if you are using other accessories.
The charging station leaves all three USB ports free. It is powered independently from the PS5 via a cable and power adapter. Two included tiny adapters plug into the USB ports of the Sense controllers and provide the necessary contacts for the charging station.
Get ready for some annoying fiddling
The charging station itself is pleasantly heavy at 377 grams and provides a good grip on the surface of your choice. I find the minimalist shape and color scheme aesthetically pleasing, as it blends seamlessly into the overall look of the PS5, Playstation VR 2, and Sense controller.
The biggest shortcoming of the accessory is that placing the controllers on the charging station is a bit tricky at first. There is no mechanism to snap or click them into place, and no sound or beep to let you know that the controllers are properly seated on the dock. Instead, only the dim status indicator lights on the controller rings flash, which can be difficult to see in bright light.
The charging station blends beautifully with other Playstation products. | Image: MIXED
For an accessory that costs $50, you would expect a better locking mechanism or at least a proper status indicator. If you're not careful, you'll find yourself with a dead controller the next time you want to play.
Conclusion: Recommended for everyone, essential for those who play a lot
The good news is that with a little practice, you should be able to get the controllers in the right place, so you shouldn't have any problems. Here is a tip: Start with the bottom part of the controllers and make sure that the pins make contact before you put the top part of the controllers down.
The Sense controllers charge as quickly using the charging station as they do when plugged into the PS5, which takes about 90 minutes. When the status lights on the controllers stop flashing, the charging process is complete. Again, an LED status indicator on the charging station would have been better.
Overall, I'm happy with the product and wouldn't want to be without it in the future. The controllers look great in the charging station and are always ready to use without me having to plug and unplug charging cables.
My years of VR experience show that even little things like this can get in the way of quickly jumping into virtual reality. Those who play more often and for longer periods should definitely think about buying one.
Now, the PS5 and PSVR 2 combo isn't exactly cheap, and if you're short on cash after such an investment, you can probably get by without a charging station or opt for a cheaper third-party product with a better click-in-mechanism and status display.
If you can recommend such a product, let us know in the comments section.
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