Is anyone else's Steam controller devouring batteries?

[80-watt Hamster]

Title says it all. This didn't used to happen; when it was newer, I'd left a pair in there unused for months, probably over a year. I don't use the Steam controller much, but it beats a dual-analog for certain games. Anyway, the last couple sets of batteries have gone kaput in mere weeks, just sitting in the thing. This last time, it probably had 45 minutes of actual use. It's self-powering off if the light and chime are to be trusted. Is this a bug with the newest firmware, and can it be rolled back if so? I just dropped $50 on the Lunar New Year sale, plus a bunch more on some other recent hardware; not eager to also go controller shopping.

 

[newtekie1]

Wow, someone that actually likes the Steam controller!

I'd just get a set of rechargables.

 

[80-watt Hamster]

Wow, someone that actually likes the Steam controller!

I'd just get a set of rechargables.

Maybe. I used to use rechargeables in Rock Band equipment and wireless KBs/mice. The could even still be around. It'd be a cheaper way to test, if nothing else.

 

[Bill_Bright]

If your old rechargeable batteries are several years old, it may be time to invest in new ones. Not because the old are old, but because the technology for rechargeables have improved so you don't have to constantly recharge them.

 

[DR4G00N]

Just pop the batteries out when not using it, don't have to worry about them leaking that way either.

 

[80-watt Hamster]

If your old rechargeable batteries are several years old, it may be time to invest in new ones. Not because the old are old, but because the technology for rechargeables have improved so you don't have to constantly recharge them.

That's an excellent point, though the batteries that have been dying are fresh Duracell alkalines.

Just pop the batteries out when not using it, don't have to worry about them leaking that way either.

Yeah, that'd also be an effective solution. I'd still love to know why there's an issue in the first place.

 

[qubit]

It’s possible that the batteries from this batch aren’t as good and you’ve only tried two sets.

I suggest buying some fresh Duracells and see how it goes.

Yes, it’s possible that the controller has become faulty. I used to have a Casio graphing calculator that ate batteries for breakfast due to a fault, including standby. It functioned normally otherwise and didn’t get hot. It used several CR2032 batteries, too.

 

[newtekie1]

If your old rechargeable batteries are several years old, it may be time to invest in new ones. Not because the old are old, but because the technology for rechargeables have improved so you don't have to constantly recharge them.

I've switched to Li-ion rechargeables and haven't looked back.

Yes, it’s possible that the controller has become faulty. I used to have a Casio graphing calculator that ate batteries for breakfast due to a fault, including standby. It functioned normally otherwise and didn’t get hot.

Definitely could be this. A small bit of corrosion somewhere could bridge a connection and cause the batteries to slowly drain at all times. Or a component could be faulty causing a small bit of current to pass when it shouldn't be.

 

[r9]

Title says it all. This didn't used to happen; when it was newer, I'd left a pair in there unused for months, probably over a year. I don't use the Steam controller much, but it beats a dual-analog for certain games. Anyway, the last couple sets of batteries have gone kaput in mere weeks, just sitting in the thing. This last time, it probably had 45 minutes of actual use. It's self-powering off if the light and chime are to be trusted. Is this a bug with the newest firmware, and can it be rolled back if so? I just dropped $50 on the Lunar New Year sale, plus a bunch more on some other recent hardware; not eager to also go controller shopping.

I haven't charged my Steam controller since I bought it 4-5 years ago, I used it very little for gaming, mostly as wireless mouse. The batteries finally died couple weeks ago.