Xbox controllers still use AA batteries because of a long-standing agreement with Duracell

[texasrattler]

For a long time Xbox 360 peripherals came with Energiser batteries. This is fake news.

Wow really. First, it was about the new xbox controllers not the 360. Also no one said they never came with ENERGIZER batteries. Let's not forget that Duracell did say the deal has been going on awhile. Likely since the Xbox one.

 

[Ravey]

I have never liked the concept of using separate batters to run a controller... after use the majority of batters end up in landfill as no one every recycles them properly..

It's a nice sentiment to offer choice but the impact on the environment from waste batteries must be huge!

 

[OortCloud]

Having the ability to change the battery as well as buy rechargeable packs is just better. So this article which tries to crucify MS for doing this is just dumb. It also means the controller isn't hard to repair once the battery gets older. If MS managed to get a deal with Duracell as well is just good business.

 

[Irata]

Thank you MS for keeping replaceable batteries.
Don't listen to anyone that questions you!

Totally agree. I use the charge back but I love the ability to easily replace it in case it dies or to use rechargeable batteries without the need for disassembly.

I miss easily replaceable power cells in laptops and also in phones like the Lumia series had.

 

[arrowflash]

I get around that by using the same 360 controller I've had for years for those times when I need to use a controller. Those are arguably the "Model Ms" of the controller world.

Nice analogy! The early Xbox 360 controllers really are the Model Ms of controllers.

I have a wired Xbox 360 controller purchased in late 2007, still going strong. Sometime around 2019 I noticed it was getting less responsive, so I opened it and did major cleaning and de-oxidized all contacts (also took the chance to do a d-pad mod using thin cardboard, to make it stiffer and more responsive). Since then it's working better than when it was brand new. Only signs of its age is that the coating material in the analog sticks has disappeared and now they're on raw plastic, and the white shell is starting to turn beige.

I also own a wireless "Xbox 360 controller for Windows" purchased in 2013 or '14, no issues so far.

 

[arrowflash]

For a long time Xbox 360 peripherals came with Energiser batteries. This is fake news.

Now that you mention it, I do remember that my standalone wireless Xbox 360 controller "for Windows" that I purchased in 2013 or '14, came with Energyzer batteries.

However, my memory might be hazy, but I think the wireless controller on the Xbox 360 I purchased in 2007 did come with Duracells.

 

[hahahanoobs]

Nobody is roasting Xbox. It is just curious that they have not switched to internal batteries which seem to be the norm. I find their reasoning sound in that they want to offer flexibility to users, but odd that they do not confirm they have partnered with Duracell and have for years. Again this is their business and it is probably only because they do not want to insinuate that their users have to use Duracell. The spokesperson was very clear about saying players could use replaceable batteries "from any brand."

So I don't see where you got the idea I was roasting Xbox. I was simple stating it was an odd situation.

If it wasn't a roast or bitterness, the following didn't help. Or can you confirm MS was "strapped into a deal?"

"It seems a strange claim that Microsoft would allow itself to be strapped into a long-term deal like this, considering all of its competitors use internal rechargeable batteries."

 

[EdmondRC]

I'd much rather have AA batteries. I keep a set charged for when my XBO controller that I use with my PC dies and then I put the batteries I take out in the charger immediate, so I never have a dead controller. The rechargeable batteries last me about 2 1/2 years on average. They are cheap to replace too. My PS4 controllers only last a couple of hours now and then I have to recharge them. With the PS4 controller I have to remember to plug it in or the next time I want to use it, it will probably be dead. I just find the AA batteries much more convenient. My old PX5 gaming headset uses AA batteries as well and I still haven't replaced it because most of the newer headsets are rechargeable (and the PX5 can be bluetooth or 2.4ghz).

 

[Adhmuz]

For a long time Xbox 360 peripherals came with Energiser batteries. This is fake news.

My first 360 controller I bought for PC came with Energizers, however my Xbone controller came with Duracells, I prompt through them in the trash in favor of a battery that will not leak.

Uh guys, you can buy rechargeable AAs ffs. Of all the things to roast Xbox over this is pretty much the most sensible thing going for it.

Best and worse part of the controllers are the AAs that can easily be replaced, the only frustration I have is using said controllers with Windows and not getting a warning the batteries are getting low. The game I'm playing will typically start to freak out and lag like crazy until the controller disconnects entirely, really weird behavior. The 4 Energizer rechargeables I've been using for at least 5 years now on rotation have been a great investment however.

 

[Thretosix]

This has been debunked. It's great that there are options, you can buy a charge and play kit that will work with 99% of their controllers. I do have two controllers out of my seven that charge, but being able to just drop two new batteries in and no wire feels like freedom. I don't get what the fuss is about. Also the only official controller with no disposable battery option is the Elite Series 2 which also doesn't have the option to replace the rechargeable battery like the rest. Looking forward to seeing if and what the Elite Series 3 has to offer. For me the Elite Series 1 is their best controller to date.

 

[George Keech]

I do think a few articles out there are wording this story very differently. The headline certainly implies the deal is the reason everything is AA. now while I don't believe 100% Microsoft found some people wanted them, only reason I can think is battery decay over time. the wording from how I have read this is that the deal could just be Duracell supplies all batteries for Xbox controllers doesn't mean they have to have batteries, I think its just important that stories don't assume one way or another especially in the headline.

Saying that I think re-chargeable 's are better I always buy a charge pack for the controllers, although im also happy with wired controllers a lot of the time too.

 

[scavengerspc]

Best and worse part of the controllers are the AAs that can easily be replaced, the only frustration I have is using said controllers with Windows and not getting a warning the batteries are getting low

The glowing Xbox button will start flashing right before the controller gives up.

 

[GeforcerFX]

I use wired controllers on my PC and Xbone. But I have both the wireless x360 controller and the standard wireless xbone controller. I can throw some lithium in there and never worry since they don't get used often or throw some of my rechargeable batteries in there.

 

[mirgc]

This isn't a problem. I've replaced batteries (laptop, phones, etc) that were built in. It is a PITA. It is done by manufacturers to make products cheaper for them to make, and forces more users to "upgrade" when the batteries start to diminish in performance.

Researchable internal batteries will wear out. And making it quick and easy to swap them is a PLUS, and not some vast battery conspiracy theory.

 

[Cal Jeffrey]

If it wasn't a roast or bitterness, the following didn't help. Or can you confirm MS was "strapped into a deal?"

"It seems a strange claim that Microsoft would allow itself to be strapped into a long-term deal like this, considering all of its competitors use internal rechargeable batteries."

That is taken somewhat out of context. Microsoft has not confirmed or denied a long term deal, but Duracell's exec claims there is one. So that quote is not a roast or out of bitterness, nor doers it suggest that Microsoft does have a deal. It is commentary based on what Luke Anderson said. Here is the paragraph in-full [I added emphasis to show context].

"He [Anderson] added that this agreement has been going on for "a while" and will continue for the foreseeable future. It seems a strange claim that Microsoft would allow itself to be strapped into a long-term deal like this, considering all of its competitors use internal rechargeable batteries."

Hope that clears up your confusion.

 

[Cal Jeffrey]

Having the ability to change the battery as well as buy rechargeable packs is just better. So this article which tries to crucify MS for doing this is just dumb. It also means the controller isn't hard to repair once the battery gets older. If MS managed to get a deal with Duracell as well is just good business.

Again. I was not roasting or crusifying MS in anyway. I was reporting on what was claimed and commenting beefy on how it is somewhat strange. I have made it very clear in the comments that I agree with Xbox continuing to use AA batteries. It is a good thing IMO.

Maybe I'm just not seeing the tone of the article the same why as some [although I have re-read it several times and it seems fine], maybe some are not reading the entire piece before commenting, or maybe it's just a case of over-sensitive fanboy butt-hurtism, I don't know. But in no way do I think Microsoft/Xbox did/is doing anything wrong in continuing to use replaceable batteries. And if they have a deal with a battery company that stretches into infinity to facilitate that, good on them. I wish Sony and Nintendo would offer the same flexibility.

 

[Adhmuz]

The glowing Xbox button will start flashing right before the controller gives up.

Mine flashes randomly when the batteries are not low, I've changed batteries just to watch it continue to do this. Half the time I don't even notice it flashing anymore because of this.

 

[Xclusiveitalian]

The year is 2050: PlayStation 8 releases with the all new Ultima Lithium internal batteries that have a 20 year battery life. Xbox Three One Two releases with the new Xbox Controller with.... AA batteries.

 

[yfo866]

Being able to remove the batteries is the correct thing to do!
I don't like things with batteries sealed inside because when they are worn out, you have to replace the entire unit...LIKE MODERN PHONES!!!
EVERYTHING I own that takes batteries uses rechargeable ones!

 

[terzaerian]

The year is 2050: PlayStation 8 releases with the all new Ultima Lithium internal batteries that have a 20 year battery life. Xbox Three One Two releases with the new Xbox Controller with.... AA batteries.

The month is July of 2050. Sony recalls their controllers after a series of tragic mishaps where their high-powered experimental Lithium batteries tragically exploded on the way to stores, on store shelves, the first time you turn on the controller, the first time you charge the controller, when you hold the controller wrong, etc., causing millions in damage and bad press for the company.

In other news, General Elon Musk and the Red Planet Liberation Front have struck another Blue Origin convoy, in another setback to Terran forces. Bitcoin held steady at 1.8 million on the news.

 

[Bao Nguyen]

I put a pair of Eneloop rechargable battery in my Xbox controller and call it a day.

 

[koblongata]

I put a pair of Eneloop rechargable battery in my Xbox controller and call it a day.

Me too, got dozens at home, repeatedly reused for many years already, it's a shame still have to consume a pair of toxic Duracells though.

 

[hahahanoobs]

I did a little more research.
There should be no more confusion now.

Eurogamer - 3 days ago:
Simply put - there's still a large chunk of Xbox owners out there who prefer to use batteries, and it is this thinking which drove Microsoft's decision. Batteries, while short-lived, can also be more easily replaced than an internal power cell, which will over time fade and die. Today, Microsoft issued a statement saying similar - that its decision to use batteries was about customer choice. "We intentionally offer consumers choice in their battery solutions for our standard Xbox Wireless Controllers," a Microsoft spokesperson told Eurogamer. "This includes the use of AA batteries from any brand, the Xbox Rechargeable Battery, charging solutions from our partners, or a USB-C cable, which can power the controller when plugged in to the console or PC."

 

[Thretosix]

Nobody is roasting Xbox. It is just curious that they have not switched to internal batteries which seem to be the norm. I find their reasoning sound in that they want to offer flexibility to users, but odd that they do not confirm they have partnered with Duracell and have for years. Again this is their business and it is probably only because they do not want to insinuate that their users have to use Duracell. The spokesperson was very clear about saying players could use replaceable batteries "from any brand."

So I don't see where you got the idea I was roasting Xbox. I was simple stating it was an odd situation.

AA's have been the norm for wireless controllers since their existence. Internal batteries is the norm for Sony... Nothing easier than never having to recharge and just swap out batteries when they get low. I'm not even sure why people would question this. People have the option to use rechargeable batteries or packs if they so choose. Having the choice is great.

It might be possible that Duracell makes the rechargeable packs for the controllers as well. I do wish each controller came with a rechargeable battery pack instead of the two AA's though.

 

[Avro Arrow]

Me too, got dozens at home, repeatedly reused for many years already, it's a shame still have to consume a pair of toxic Duracells though.

What if I told you that there's a battery charger that can recharge so-called "non-rechargeable" alkaline batteries?:

Maximal Power FC999 Universal Rapid Charger for Alkaline, RAM, Ni-MH, Ni-CD, AA, AAA, C, D, N, 9V Batteries: Amazon.ca: Electronics

Maximal Power FC999 Universal Rapid Charger for Alkaline, RAM, Ni-MH, Ni-CD, AA, AAA, C, D, N, 9V Batteries: Amazon.ca: Electronics

amazon.ca

This is no fake, I actually own one and it works. I recharge standard alkaline batteries whenever I need to without issue. This charger actually has a setting specifically for standard alkaline batteries.