Gamers are being warned that a common summer habit could shorten the life of their favourite kit, from wireless controllers and handheld consoles to headsets, power banks and other rechargeable accessories.
Leaving gaming gear in direct sunlight, hot cars, warm bedrooms or bags sitting by a window can put extra stress on rechargeable batteries and make charging problems more likely, according to official safety guidance.
Expert Advice on Protecting Gaming Kit
Shane Margereson, rechargeable device specialist at Ecigone, said: "People often think about phones overheating in summer, but gaming kit can be treated just as casually. Controllers, headsets, handheld consoles, power banks and vapes all get thrown into bags, left in cars or charged with whatever cable is nearby.
"The two easiest habits are to keep rechargeable devices out of direct heat and to let them cool before charging. If something feels very hot, smells odd, looks swollen or has a damaged cable, do not keep plugging it back in and hoping for the best.
"Gamers spend a lot on their set-ups, so a bit of care in hot weather can help protect both the device and the battery. Keep kit in a cool, dry place, use the right charger and do not charge under bedding or piles of clothes where heat cannot escape."
Official Safety Warnings
PlayStation’s UK PS5 Pro Safety Guide says the DualSense controller contains a lithium-ion rechargeable battery and warns users not to subject the controller or battery to extreme temperatures such as direct sunlight, a vehicle exposed to the sun or near a heat source.
London Fire Brigade also warns that high temperatures can stress lithium-ion batteries, reduce their lifespan, affect charging performance and increase the risk of overheating or failure.
Five Mistakes Gamers Should Avoid in Hot Weather
Leaving Controllers on a Sunny Windowsill
Wireless controllers, handheld consoles and rechargeable accessories should not be left in direct sunlight, even if they are switched off. A windowsill, hot car, conservatory or bag left in the sun can heat up quickly. If a controller, headset or handheld feels hot before it is even being used, move it somewhere cooler and let it return to room temperature before playing or charging.
Charging Straight After a Long Session
Rechargeable devices naturally warm up during use, especially during long gaming sessions or when a handheld console is being played and charged heavily. The safer habit is to give kit time to cool before plugging it in. London Fire Brigade’s lithium-ion battery guidance also advises allowing batteries to cool before charging and not charging a battery that already feels very hot.
Using the Wrong Charger or a Damaged Cable
A gaming set-up can quickly become a tangle of cables, especially when players are charging a controller, phone, headset, handheld console and power bank at the same time. Gamers should use the supplied or manufacturer-recommended charger where possible, avoid cheap damaged cables and stop using any lead that is frayed, loose or causing a device to cut in and out while charging.
Charging Kit Under Blankets or on Soft Bedding
Charging a controller, headset or handheld console on a bed, sofa, blanket or pile of clothes can trap heat around the device. A hard, flat surface is safer because heat can dissipate more easily. Players should also avoid leaving rechargeable kit charging unattended or while asleep, particularly in hot rooms.
Ignoring Swelling, Smells or Sudden Battery Problems
Gamers should stop using a device if it becomes unusually hot, starts swelling or bulging, gives off an unusual smell, shows visible damage or suddenly loses charge much faster than normal. Those signs can point to a damaged or failing battery. The device should be unplugged if it is safe to do so, kept away from anything flammable and checked with the manufacturer or retailer rather than repeatedly trying to charge it.
