Topic: PS3 controller issues

I thrifted a PS3 controller today, but upon plugging it into my PC it didn't work. It didn't indicate being charged and none of the lights ever turned on. It being thrifted and not having a warranty, plus it can't be returned, I opened it up. There isn't a battery. I looked up if PS3 controllers can work without a battery but I didn't find anything helpful.
Upon further inspection and help from redditors I figured out it's pretty much a fake (feels like the real deal though). I wonder if it's actually even able to work at all since it looks like it has all parts inside besides the battery and I don't mind playing over USB.
I am thinking maybe it's the USB connection on the controller (it wobbles, a lot) that doesn't work but at this point it could be anything. I couldn't inspect it much further since I'm not that good at tech.
Here's the reddit link: https://www.reddit.com/r/playstation/comments/onj4zj/i_bought...