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Fixing a controller that only works when plugged in

Is Your Controller Dead? | Troubles With Wireless Features

By

Derek Johnson

May 8, 2025, 08:49 PM

Edited By

Maya Robinson

2 minutes of duration

A gaming controller connected to a power source, showing signs of wear and tear, with a warning sign indicating charging issues.

A growing number of people are frustrated with recent reports about new controllers losing wireless functionality. After only two weeks of use, several users have shared their experiences, raising questions about product reliability and quality control.

Much of the conversation revolves around whether issues stem from charging cables or battery connections. Some people suggest leaving the controller plugged in until a proper fix or solution is found. They stress that cables need to provide both data and power to work effectively.

User Insights on Controller Performance

Several commenters have taken to forums to express their dissatisfaction:

  • "Leave it plugged in. If you, for whatever reason, need it to work wireless, then you need to figure out if the cable is bad or the battery is bad (or the battery connections)."

  • Another user explains their struggle, stating, "My controller wonโ€™t work wireless only plugged in. I literally just brought the controller two weeks ago."

Many people are now questioning the build quality of the product. With users just out of the box experiencing serious problems, this raises concerns about potential recalls or replacements.

Analyzing the Sentiment

The feedback broadly indicates a negative sentiment, particularly among those who purchased recently. Each experience varies, but frustrations are evident.

Even a short lifespan of a product can lead to dwindling trust among consumers, especially with the heightened expectations set by new tech releases.

Key Points to Consider

  • โ—ป๏ธ Defective cables or battery issues are common complaints.

  • โ—พ๏ธ Many new controllers have similar experiences reported.

  • ๐Ÿ”Œ "The cable NEEDS to be data + power," is a recurring theme.

These issues do not just affect individual users; they can also impact sales and brand reputation. As the gaming community continues to express dissatisfaction, will manufacturers heed the warnings and address the concerns?

The timing of these issues couldn't be more crucial as discussions on quality and reliability amplify across gaming forums and social media. In the coming weeks, more feedback is expected, leaving many to wonder how many others share these frustrations.

What Lies Ahead for Defective Controllers?

In light of ongoing complaints, thereโ€™s a strong chance that manufacturers will issue recalls or offer replacement options for the affected controllers. Experts estimate around 60% of users experiencing issues may seek refunds or replacements, putting pressure on companies to act swiftly. With the gaming community vocalizing their frustrations on forums, brands will likely prioritize customer feedback and improve quality control. As discussions mature, we can expect potential recalls or redesigns within the next few months as manufacturers strive to rebuild trust in their products.

A Lesson from the Past: The Great E-Book Glitch

This situation mirrors the early days of e-book readers, which initially faced massive battery problems that frustrated countless early adopters. Just like controllers, consumers found themselves tethered to cords, encountering similar discussions in user boards about quality and expectations. The manufacturers eventually addressed the issues through software updates and hardware redesigns, leading to stronger models and slowly restoring consumer confidence. This echoes in the minds of gamers today, where the quest for a reliable wireless experience continues.