I bought a PlayStation 5 a year and a half ago, and the DualSense controller worked fine. Yesterday I noticed it won't charge at all - I plug in the USB-C cable, but the indicator light doesn't come on. I've tried different cables and ports on the console - same result. Is this a defect, or is there something I can fix?
The contacts have probably oxidized or gotten dirty - it's a common issue with USB-C on gamepads. Try cleaning the port on the controller with a dry brush or cotton swab, and check the cable for bends and damage. If nothing helps and the gamepad is still under warranty, it's better to take it to the store or service center than try to disassemble it further.
It might not be a contacts issue. My DualSense controller also "died" while charging - I'd plug in the cable and nothing happens. I tried all the same stuff you did: different cables, different ports. Turned out the power controller inside the gamepad itself glitched. It's not oxidation, it's the electronics that's failing.
First, try this: completely shut down your console (not rest mode), disconnect the controller and leave it in the powered-off console for at least an hour or two. Then try connecting and turning both on at the same time. Sometimes a full power reset helps. You can also press the small reset button on the back of the controller (under the plastic cover) - you'll need a needle or paperclip.
If that doesn't work, the battery's probably shot or the power controller's dead. You've got a two-year warranty, and it's been a year and a half - maybe you can still get it serviced under warranty. If not, it's cheaper to just buy a new controller than to repair it.
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