Xbox Explains Real Reason Its Controllers Still Use Batteries

The debate around which console manufacturer makes the best controller has raged since the earliest days of home gaming. From the uniquely divisive N64 controller to the motion tracking excellence of the Wiimote, it's obvious that there are a lot of different people out there with a lot of different types of hands, so it's going to be very difficult to please all of them.

One thing that most console manufacturers have agreed on in more recent times is the ability to recharge wireless controllers. All aside from Xbox (on the standard Series S/X controller at least), who have favoured an approach that uses run of the mill AA batteries.

Whilst this might initially seem like an archaic choice, it's still possible to plug in a rechargable battery pack, and it's having both options available that Xbox say is their real strength.

In a conversation with Eurogamer a little while back, Jason Ronald, partner director of program management at Xbox, explained the approach, saying "What it comes down to is when actually talking to gamers, it's kind of polarising and there is a strong camp that really want AAs. So just giving flexibility is the way to please both [sets of] people... You can use a rechargeable battery pack and it works just like it does on the Elite, [but] it is a separate thing."

The drawback to that, of course, is that it requires the player to invest further, regardless of whether they are buying disposable double AAs or a rechargable set.

It seems to be a popular decision (on social media at least), with many sharing their opinions under a post on Reddit sharing the revelation.

"Less than $15 gets you an Energizer charging hub and 4 rechargeable AA batteries. I never worry about dead batteries or charge and play kits or any of that. Just rotate one set for the other when they get low, and the charging base shuts off when the batteries are at capacity so they just sit there waiting for you," one said.

"Agreed. My XB1 controller battery pack that I bought 6 years ago easily lasts 12+ hours of use. My Dualshock 4 controller lasts about 3 hours before I have to plug it in," another added.

With no details yet known about the next Xbox console, it's impossible to know whether they will stick with the same setup, but it sounds like they are quite happy with their decision for the time being, and they have the support of their fan base online.