Here’s one that’s been baffling me for a long time now. Why don’t I seem to be able to charge my PS3 controllers using a standard USB plug? It seems that for it to work, it has to be connected to my PS3, which has to be on.

I’ve tried a variety of USB charging plugs - most of which, BTW, can power my Raspberry Pi, so there’s no lack of electricity there.

I've charged PS3 pads from normal USB chargers. I think they don't look like they're being charged unless they're plugged into a PS3 (I suspect they're doing something funky on the USB data lines at the same time to tell the pad what's happening) but they do seem to keep the pad up and running for me.

They've at least changed this for the PS4 - it'll charge pads even if it's on standby.

I never understood why they bundled a charging cable in the box that is so short I cannot sit on the sofa playing whilst it is plugged in. My lounge isn't big either. I bought a Giotek one that was much better/longer.

IIRC mine worked plugged into a pc (as do my 360 controllers), it seems to require more than just a power source but some form of communication

I wound up buying a separate, enormous dual-charger thing on the cheap for my controller (dual since I had to risk Dremelling one side of it or continuously remove the grips on my controller)... And yet I can charge my Sony gaming headphones via a USB plug

I use a USB extension cable which means I can charge my controller or my headset whilst I'm playing.

I bought one and it only worked intermittently, others didn't work at all

It's an Amazon Basics one but the connection needs to be solid. Even a slightly loose connection means it stops working. I've resorted to duct taping it together.

Seriously, give this a try

Gioteck XC1 HQ Play and Charge Cable (PS3)