How long will your Quest 3 controller battery last?
In this section, we will provide an overview of the typical battery life for Quest 3 controllers and how it varies depending on usage.
The battery life of Quest 3 controllers is influenced by the type of AA battery used and the frequency of play. On average, the controllers will last six to eight weeks per charge with regular console usage, although this duration may be shorter for daily players. The controllers are shipped with inactive batteries that can be activated by pulling a tab, and afterwards, one AA battery needs to be inserted into each controller.
How the Quest 3 controller battery life compares to the rest
In our experience, the Quest 2 Touch controllers had a battery life of approximately three months per charge, or even longer for infrequent players. However, the Quest 3 controllers have some distinct differences that affect battery life. The addition of TruTouch haptic motors throughout the controller, as opposed to just one motor in the Quest 2, provides a more immersive experience but also slightly reduces battery life. Additionally, the Quest 3 controllers rely more on embedded LEDs for tracking, which likely has minimal effect on battery life.
Which Quest 3 controller battery should you use?
While the official Quest 3 Charging Dock offers convenience and infinite battery life for the controllers, its high price may deter some users. An alternative option is to purchase a four-pack of rechargeable AA batteries and rotate them, charging the spare pair when the controller battery percentage is low. A previous guide on Quest 2 AA controller batteries can provide helpful recommendations for suitable options.
Compared to the Quest 3 headset’s battery life
The battery life of the Quest 3 headset is often as short as two hours per play session. In comparison, any of the controller options mentioned earlier, including the Quest 3 controllers, the Quest 2 controllers, and the Quest Pro controllers, will offer significantly longer durations. It is important to consider this when selecting a controller option to ensure a compatible and balanced gaming experience.
Additional considerations for Quest 3 controller battery life
One key consideration is the presence of tracking rings in the Quest 2 controllers, which are absent in the Quest 3 controllers. The Quest Pro controllers, although offering enhanced accuracy and compatibility with the Quest 3, have a relatively short battery life of eight hours per charge. Therefore, potential buyers should weigh the benefits of improved functionality against the downsides of limited battery duration.
Overall, the Quest 3 controllers offer a decent battery life compared to other options, and users have multiple strategies to ensure prolonged gameplay without interruptions.
Analyst comment
Positive news: The Quest 3 controllers offer a decent battery life compared to other options, and users have strategies to ensure prolonged gameplay without interruptions. The addition of TruTouch haptic motors and embedded LEDs slightly reduce battery life. The official Quest 3 Charging Dock offers convenience but is expensive. Users can consider purchasing rechargeable AA batteries as an alternative. The Quest 3 controllers have a longer battery life compared to the Quest 3 headset, which lasts only two hours per play session. Potential buyers should consider the benefits of improved functionality of the Quest Pro controllers against its limited battery duration. Overall, the market for Quest 3 controllers is expected to be positive as they offer satisfactory battery life and various options for users to manage it effectively.
