Why Xbox Controllers Still Rely on AA Batteries
While rivals Sony and Nintendo shifted to internal rechargeable batteries years ago, Microsoft continues to include support for standard AA batteries in its standard controllers.
Radwan AbdulhadiEditor and technology writer
The Persistent Presence of AA Batteries
When Microsoft revealed the Xbox Series X during The Game Awards, the new gaming console arrived with a solid-state drive for much shorter loading times alongside a brand-new controller that still required a pair of AA batteries to operate. By that time, both of Microsoft's console rivals had long abandoned replaceable batteries, opting instead to ship their controllers with internal rechargeable solutions.
The history of Microsoft's wireless controllers dates back to the Xbox 360, which shipped premium units running on a pair of AA batteries. While those cells eventually ran out of juice and needed replacement, the controller could last for a considerable length of time on them. In contrast, Nintendo initially used AA batteries for the Wii before switching to rechargeable options with the Wii U, while Sony went straight from a wired PlayStation 2 controller to a PlayStation 3 controller featuring an internal rechargeable battery. Microsoft, however, has stuck with the pair of AA batteries for standard editions of its console ever since.
Customer Feedback and Microsoft's Stance
The debate over controller power sources remains active among gamers and industry observers alike. When Digital Foundry sat down with Xbox executives, tech YouTuber Austin Evans questioned whether it was time to move past AA batteries, while Digital Foundry's John Linneman defended them in a room that split roughly 50/50 on the topic.
According to Jason Ronald, partner director of program management at Xbox, that room split almost perfectly mirrors what the company hears from its consumer base. Ronald explained that customer preferences are polarized, with a strong camp of users actively wanting AA batteries. Ultimately, Microsoft frames the ongoing inclusion of AA batteries as a deliberate choice centered around giving players options.
The Versatility of Choice
Microsoft's official answer to the power source dilemma is flexibility. Rather than forcing a single design choice, the company allows users to stick with traditional replaceable cells or opt for alternative hardware solutions. For gamers who prefer a rechargeable setup, Microsoft offers a separate accessory that functions similarly to built-in alternatives.
This setup provides Xbox users with a degree of versatility that rivals do not match, as players can choose their preferred power type. With internal rechargeable batteries, a failure of the internal cell can leave users with no choice other than purchasing an entirely new controller.
The Duracell Connection
Beyond Microsoft's official statements regarding consumer choice, external parties have offered their own perspectives on the hardware design. In an interview with Stealth Optional, Duracell UK marketing manager Luke Anderson pointed to a long-standing partnership and constant agreement between Duracell and Xbox.
While Duracell described a collaborative partnership, Microsoft did not confirm a formal deal. A Microsoft spokesperson told MCV/Develop that the company intentionally offers consumers choice in their battery solutions rather than discussing specific manufacturing agreements.
The Great Gaming Community Debate
The internal versus replaceable battery argument remains a hot-button topic within the console gaming community. Proponents of built-in rechargeable batteries argue they are superior because controllers can sit in a charging station or stay plugged in between sessions, ensuring they are always topped off before play begins.
Conversely, many Xbox players contend that running out of power mid-game is handled much better by quickly swapping in a fresh pair of batteries rather than being tethered to the console with a charging cable. Whether the inclusion of AA batteries is viewed as an outdated relic or a practical feature ultimately depends on individual gamer preferences, leaving Microsoft committed to supporting both approaches.
Sources
- EngadgetThe reason why your Xbox controller still uses AA batteries
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