Poll: Should The Next Xbox Controller Support AA Batteries Again?

It's not a bad thing if eventually a controller with the batteries built but they get less battery life over time like most rechargeable batteries.
I'd be happy if it stays as is to be honest there's choice 👍

If they don't support AA batteries going forward, then they at least need to make it so that the controller's battery can be easily replaced.

For long gaming nights it optimal.

I'm absolutely fine with the battery situation, but the stick drift HAS TO GO! It's so bad and they just aren't fixing it. Hall Effect or TMR is a must in the next controller.

Buy some Panasonic Eneloop Pro rechargeable batteries and game for days. I've charged the same few sets hundreds of times and I can still get tons of hours. They're more expensive, but totally worth it. I also wish phones had removable batteries again

I love having AA batteries. I got rechargeable eneloops n they been going strong for about a decade now and still going!

@JustinSane I JUST said this literally 25 seconds after u HAHAH

@DWMcKie my Xbox controllers have less stick drift than my Switch or PS5. Like WAY less. Also, controllers for the Xbox are half the price of other consoles.

@HeavyHoggJP haha nice! I have Eneloops and then the big boys are the black Eneloop pros. I use them in my IEM for the band. They last double the amount of time as Duracell or Energizer.

I prefer my rechargeable batteries but don't really mind the built in battery.

I've put a rechargeable battery pack in mine so I'm outside of this to a degree. I'm happy with this solution because it lasts ages on a charge(much longer than my old ps4 pads, do the ps5 pads last longer?)and it comes with a massive cable to charge while I play.

I’ve used rechargeables in mine for a few years now. I get much more play time from one charge than I do from a fully charged PS5 controller.

I would assume the sticks would wear out before the internal battery. How about just better replaceable parts in general?

Jumping the gun here a tad. Lets have something concrete on what exactly Microsoft have planned for the next "Xbox" before being concerned whether or not the controller uses AA batteries or not.

Keep it as it is. I like using rechargeable AAs and swapping them out as and when needed. If you prefer to use a battery pack, you have that option as well. It's better for the future of the controllers as well, given you'll always be able to use them wirelessly

Got a couple of venoms for 15 quid, they tend to last for about 15 hours a charge, much preferred to my old dualshock 4 from last gen

AA Batteries are an awesome option and give people a choice. None of my DS3 (PS3) controllers are actually functional now wirelessly because the Battery is dead and cannot be replaced. All my Xbox 360 controllers still work fine - either with AA or Rechargeable Batteries.

The Advantage of AA batteries (or at least a Battery compartment that AA Batteries will fit in), is that you can easily replace with multiple options. Not only do you have the Disposable AA batteries (least recommended), but you can also buy rechargeable AA Batteries and use them in more devices than 'just' the Controller, but you can also buy Recargeable Battery Packs specifically for the Xbox Controller which makes it no different from a built in Rechargeable battery - just more accessible and easier to replace for a Consumer.

As I said, Having a AA Battery compartment is a GREAT option because it not only gives Consumers more choice, but also doesn't limit their Life Span as much. I can't use ANY of my PS3 controllers now because not one of the 5 I have hold a charge and I can't very easily replace. ALL my Xbox 360 controllers still work, even if my AA rechargeable batteries or Battery Packs stop holding a charge, I can easily buy more or use regular AA's until I can get replacement rechargeable batteries - much cheaper than buying a new controller!!

The only fault with this design is their refusal to bundle a rechargable battery pack. Otherwise it's great to have both options open.

@BAMozzy I agree 100% my PS3 pads are now gone gir ever, I could still use my 360 pads, I know its more expensive to buy a rechargeable battery pack or rechargeable batteries but itsca hell of a lot cheaper than having tk buy a new controller or send it off to have the battery replaced

The PS5 controller only has a 1560mah battery and even my old rechargeable battery packs are 2500mah which would take some beating. It was one worry I had with The Elite battery but that's 2050mah and last way longer than my PS5 controllers. So the choice is do you want to be restricted to how long you play on one charge?

As a owner of (literally) more than half dozen of AA batteries and very good charger device, I say "FOR THE SAKE OF GAME WORLD, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! CONTROLLERS DOES NOT NEED ANY EXTRA WEIGHT" just go for li-ion (or some newer/better type) batteries and be done with it.
I am sick of weak battery issues in the middle of very crucial boss fights. It is not fare...

So...some players like the fact that when you have an internal battery, with time the battery will die... Just like your smartphone.
Is it fun ? No!

As someone above has mentioned, it'd be better if it came with a rechargeable pack.
You pay X for a pad and then 20 quid on top for the battery packs, official ones anyway.
I've got 2 pads with the high capacity venoms, they last for ages before charging.
Using AA's isn't very green and surprised MS still pushing from a non environmental perspective.
(Just off to me tyre incineration factory)

Rechargeable batteries is the way to go. i’ve never had a controller with a built in battery permanently die on me yet. Hell, i’ve never had any device with a built in battery permanently die.

For me, Xbox controllers having replaceable batteries is a big reason why I prefer them over the competition. As a collector of old consoles, it's annoying that none of my PlayStation controllers have decent battery life unless I purchase replacement parts from eBay.

For the money you spend on batteries it makes no sense. Put in a rechargeable and make it replaceable. I love the elite controller as it lasts forever. Never had to replace the battery once.

Tangent: I was shocked the PS "elite" controller actually has less battery life than the traditional one. Like why waste any money on that?

@Valhura Rechargeable battery packs were quite expensive - although they did last a week or more where my DS3's needed recharging everyday or wouldn't last a session.

However AA batteries themselves aren't expensive and a pk of 4 can last a couple of months or more. A pack of 4 AA Rechargeable Batteries are cheaper than a Rechargeable pack and would last a week - but you do need to add on a Charger to the cost. However Rechargeable AA Batteries themselves can still be useful to have around for other devices - although fewer and fewer these days. I used Rechargeable AA's in my Gameboy Colour LOL.

Point is, you have various options available and some are 'very' cheap (no big-brand multi-pack of disposable AA's could last you several years - maybe longer than the Controller lasts LOL) and even with Rechargeable options, you had Official, Licenced and even 3rd Party Rechargeable packs at various cost, as well as AA Rechargeable batteries which were cheaper than even the cheap 3rd Party Packs and more versatile too.

As a consumer, you have the Options and the ability to easily swap Batteries - and whilst I will say Disposable Batteries are the 'worst' idea - just because of the environmental impact if not the long term cost, you can still buy/use Rechargeable AA's - which still provides that 'Rechargeable' aspect to keep the Cost down but not quite as convenient as a Battery Pack that is charged in the Controller itself.

I'd still rather have the choice to swap the Battery for a Charged or fresh one or plug a Cable in to charge and keep playing than have no choice but to play wirelessly. It's better than buying a whole new controller and/or disposing of the old one...

Doesn't matter to me either but I think we should have these discussions about more important aspects of controller design, like having hall effect sticks as standard.

I have lost many more controllers to stick drift than I have to power source issues (i can only recall a single PS4 controller with a charging problem in my entire gaming life.)

For some of my controllers, I got these Gamestop exclusive battery paks, which are more reliable than Microsofts and cheaper...when Gamestop still existed😔

Besides that, I don't really care anymore, since I think that Microsofts own current controllers suck.
I'm using different controllers from PowerA which are better and more comfortable.

I prefer the aa option. I usually run rechargeables and switch them to a fresh set before each session. I'm like a racing pit crew if I ever have to change mid session. Sometimes I use the battery packs but rechargeable aa has been the go to.

I love having the options. My ps3 controllers last like 30-45 minutes now and a ps4 controller is starting to be noticeably worse too. Xbox is easily the preferred option for anything that will let me (pc, tv, phone, etc.)

AA batteries is a timeless solution and there are rechargeable packs for Xbox anyway, but the three console makers should stop using cheap potentiometers in their expensive controllers.

https://gamerant.com/tmr-vs-hall-effect-joysticks-explained/

The Xbox controllers provide great battery life (so far) either way. I've used Eneloops since the XB1, so I just swap when the current batteries die. The Elite can be plugged in when it gets low.

Love having the option, of using AA.
And also, it's easier to add a new rechargeable battery pack, than having to crack open the damn controller, when the internal battery dies.

My Series X controllers last ages after almost 5 years, maybe four times longer than my PS5 controllers. Small form consumer batteries are just another landfill scourge that should really be phased out by now in my opinion.

Eneloop pros kick the s*** out of every built in battery by a huge margin, plus I'd rather have a charged set ready to swap than get caught with a controller with a built in that I forgot to charge.

I vastly prefer remaining wireless at all times. Can only do that if the battery is removable.

If we are going off the leaked document. They have a new battery solution for the controller listed alongside other nice features and enhancements. The Elite series controller have amazing battery life. I have the new Switch 2 Pro controller since launch and only charged it once. It’s insane how good that battery solution is.

Series X is my first ever Xbox console and I almost didn't buy it because of the need for AA batteries.
I bought rechargeable batteries and it lasts so much longer than the garage PS5 controller.
I'm a Nintendo fanboy, but the Xbox controller is by far my favourite.

When the batteries die I just swap them and I'm back at it. I have rechargeable ones and just keep a pair ready to go always. People have the option to buy a battery pack if they so choose. I like the choice and hope they keep going.

The battery needs to be user removable and replaceable, period. Not to mention, there's no excuse whatsoever to still be using potentiometers for the analogue sticks. I've taken to installing my own TMR modules in my Elite controllers because the potentiometers inevitably develop drift.

the way it is now is the best way. I use a rechargable pack I have 3 of them in total and can keep two on the charger and have a system for rotation it's so nice.

@FredBiletnikoff couldn't agree more. I have all 3 systems and I'm sorry Xbox beats the pants of both Sony and Nintendo by a mile it may not even be that close in the controller department.

It NEEDS gyro.

As for batteries I don't mind as I have both a set of rechargeable Eneloop batteries and a plug in battery pack.

But for the last few months I actually have just my Xbox controller directly plugged into my Xbox with nothing in the battery port at all. It's really nice how light the controller is like this and in my head, no proof or evidence whatsoever, it's faster less latency cus it's wired. Vroom vroom!

Their own premium controller has a built in rechargeable battery (and a good one at that) They answered the question themselves. All controllers should have easily replaceable batteries though.

Very useful
You play, batteries low - just change it. Better than having cables connected.
I use rechargeable

A person can always charge their own batteries, altho I’d prefer usb charging built in.

More importantly, I hope it isn’t so damn clicky next time, and I hope it doesn’t give my right hand a cramp after 30 minutes. It was a real step back from the xb1 controller.

I use one of the third party rechargeable/dockable battery packs for my controller. In a perfect world I wouldn’t have to buy it separately, but it is nice to have a backup option in case this battery pack ever fails. Having said that my Switch Pro controller is still going strong after 6 years, so that’s not a major concern.

With the Xbox design you can get some nice minimalist, sleek controller docks, whilst the Switch design requires a little USB dongle to be plugged into the controller to make charging docks viable. Not a major issue for the Switch, but that’s still an obvious win for the Xbox design.

So I say no need to fix what ain’t broken.

i love the AA route. I use rechargeable AA's and AAA's in all my console controllers, TV remotes ect. there easy to use, , replaceable at a decent cost and without the flaff of opening up your unit. Plus they don't die and leak if you haven't used a item for a while, you just have to charge them.

This is what keeps me buying games on my series X instead of my PS5. Rechargeable batteries are far less expensive than buying a second PS5 controller.

The AA batteries are the best thing about the Xbox controllers! If they change something then let’s have better rumble like Switch and PS5 - that’s the one area in which it falls short of the competition…

It should be made with rechargeable batteries that are replaceable, but to charge them once they are put in it should be the USBC port on the top of the controller. They should last six months to a year, but also not be overly expensive.

I like having the option to have replaceable batteries, but I think the controllers should come with rechargeable batteries with a charger by default

I absolutely love the fact that the Xbox controller uses AA batteries. They're easy to replace, don't cost too much, and leaves the door open to use a rechargeable option if one so chooses.

Everyone year on black Friday I buy a brick of 40 AA batteries at a local store for $8 and I use them in multiple devices throughout my household. I currently have almost two full bricks worth of batteries that will likely last me a few years at the very least.

I feel like the fact that this is "controversial" shows the bias Xbox faces. There's no good reason to be against the Xbox controller having the option of AA batteries. With my Xbox controller I can buy a rechargeable battery pack (official or unofficial), buy $1 store AAs, buy rechargeable batteries themselves, or use a cord pluged into the wall or console and use no battery. These are all options and lets the consumer decide how they want to handle controller battery issues. The idea that anyone would want Xbox to follow suit with Playstation and take it those options away is insane to me.

Eneloops
This is the way. As many others have pointed out. I don't even find the pro ones necessary myself. Get yourself a charger and a selection of AA and AAA batteries and you're pretty sorted for your domestic devices. Winrar. And actually I'll happily make an admission.... My series s is my first Xbox. So never experienced using a controller with AA batteries. Having used it now and how long it lasts on the eneloops well I wish my dual sense would take them.

Do like the option to be able to use batteries on an Xbox controller and I use them more than my actual Xbox battery pack because I can’t be bothered to charge it lol.

I’ve always liked that I can use batteries as at this point I have a number of rechargable batteries and it keeps me from being tethered to the console. I mean good battery life is great when it works ( Switch Pro controller lasts forever) but annoying when it doesn’t (I gave up and bought a six foot usb cable for my PS5 because the battery is terrible). At least user replaced batteries give us some control.

I prefer AA batteries. I use Panasonic Eneloops and they last anywhere between 30 and 40 hours. When my controller dies, i just swap out with a freshly charged set and charge the dead ones, ensuring I never have to plug my controller in.

The AAs are efficient in Xbox controllers designs over the years and even then you can replace/add any battery pack or USB cable it if you want.

Rechargable, Alkaline, etc., it's up to the user to know that/use them.

The Xbox controllers allow for a lot to work with. Why would i complain if it gives options? So of course I picked the yes top option on both. I don't game enough on a 360/One to complain, nor do I a Wiimote. The only controllers I use batteries for and even then maybe a PS2 IR wireless one if I feel like it. They work well enough for the time I play. So never gone, oh no AA batteries. I'm fine with them.

I take them out of the controllers too, imagine that, that's how they last, and don't leak, besides getting cheap batteries.

People just go oh AAs, money or laziness, when they seem to ignore the battery pack, sure it's more money but you also don't need to if you cable it. Imagine that. They give you options. Whoa. XD

Nintendo/Sony's yeah good luck. I do cable my controllers and my PS3 ones aren't as bad, my PS4 one last like 30minutes to an 1 hour, Gamepad doesn't but goes flat just sitting there so eh, handhelds last well sitting around or powered, can't say for GameCube Wavebird but Wiimotes or Xbox 360/One or others aren't too bad with AAs, but even still, if you want enough battery removal or being flat to low use case over time and hard to remove, by all means.

I think the option should be there, but they should include the rechargeable battery pack when buying a controller and with the one that comes with the console.

Personally, I had rechargeable AA batteries and it was great.

AA batteries - no, removable battery packs- yes.