PowerA PSVR Charge & Display Station Hardware Review – Form & Function

I’m all in on PlayStation VR. I’ve been loving it and generally find myself with the headset on every couple of days at least. I’ve had no major problems with the functionality of PSVR when in use, but storage has been a bit of an issue. Out of sight, out of mind is a very real thing. The headset is incredibly easy and quick to use, but it’s much easier to decide to play something outside of VR if the headset is tucked in a cabinet. Of course I also don’t want to just leave it out with cats running around and no real space to keep it that’s out of the way. I live in a relatively small space, and trying to figure out where to put the headset for easy access while still being out of the way has been a primary challenge of owning it.

The other main contention comes in charging the two Move controllers, which, while not completely required for most applications, serve to enhance the VR experience and sense of presence that players feel. The Move controllers were never redesigned to make use of the currently more common micro USB, still using the dated mini USB connector to charge. Add to this the PlayStation 4’s limited number of USB ports (two on the normal version, three on the Pro), and the fact that PSVR requires one itself, and it’s common to find yourself without charged controllers when game time rolls around. Repeatedly swapping cables and USB ports to charge everything became a huge hassle and even cut short some otherwise enjoyable VR sessions.

The PowerA Charge & Display Station for PSVR is a Sony licensed product, and it meets the standards of quality that I have come to expect from something approved to fly the PlayStation logo. Building the Charge & Display Station from the included pieces is quick and easy, and in under a minute I had a solid stand ready to solve the only real issues PSVR has ever given me. The construction of the stand is relatively lightweight plastic, but feels robust enough that I am comfortable putting nearly $600 worth of tech on it.

Problem Solver

The stand holds the PlayStation VR headset, as well as charging two Move controllers and a single DualShock 4 on the front (using the accessory port on the bottom of the controller). It’s charges everything independently of the PS4 in that it plugs into a wall and doesn’t require the use of one of the USB ports. This also means that it doesn’t need to be tethered to the area where your PS4 is, although I did find the power cable to be shorter than I would have liked. The length of the cable may create some limitations for wanting to put the stand somewhere that doesn’t have a power outlet easily accessible.

The other primary complaint that I have seen from most users (mostly on the Amazon reviews) is that the headset doesn’t sit on the stand properly and tends to slip off of the front rounded portion. I had never had this problem in the few weeks that I’ve been using the stand, and when I took a closer look, I realized why. I had inadvertently solved this issue by using the stand incorrectly. Instead of setting the back part of the headset into the stand and letting the front part rest, I extend the headset strap around the back and let the tension hold it on the stand the same way it would sit on your head.

When I did try to use it in the way it’s meant to be used, I found the same issue with slippage that others have complained of. It usually stayed fine if there were no bumps and jolts, but the moment the surface it was on got jostled in any way the headset would slip further and further over the front. Now having three cats that like to climb on everything in the house, this obviously is not an option, so I reverted to extending the rear strap around the back as I had been doing from initial set up.

Display With Pride

What makes me most happy about PowerA’s Charge & Display Station — aside from the easy way to charge the Moves — is the compact size. The stand takes up no more desk space than the size of the the PSVR headset, and is only about a foot and a half tall with the headset on it. This compact size does mean that there’s a certain order to getting everything onto the stand. The Moves can be a little cumbersome to get on and off with the headset already on the stand, but let’s be honest, what are you doing trying to use the Moves without also using VR? It’s a minor quibble that rarely causes issue, only when I forget to put the Moves onto the chargers before placing the headset on its spot.

The PowerA Charge & Display Station is a great accessory for PSVR owners that solves the issues of tucking away the headset and controller charging woes. It’s also a great looking stand that doesn’t seek to show itself off, but rather puts your VR headset and favorite DualShock 4 on display, becoming nearly invisible itself. I may not be mounting the headset as intended, and I’ve got the power cord stretched to its max, but it’s been a great way to make sure that my PlayStation VR headset and Move controllers are available and ready anytime I want to play.


PowerA PSVR Charge & Display Station provided by manufacturer. Product has been in use for about two weeks as of time of writing. Please see our Review Policy for more info. 

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