We reported last week that the Xbox Series X controller, like the Xbox One controller before it, would again ship with AA batteries, with no rechargeable power pack included with the system as standard. We received a significant number of comments from the Pure Xbox community both in favour and against the move, so we're posing the question once more — how do you feel about it?
Are you happy that you get the choice to use AA batteries or a power pack, or is it ludicrous that Microsoft is even offering the option in the year 2020?
The floor is yours — give us your thoughts down in the comments below.
Remember to cast your vote in the poll above! Let us know what you chose in the comments.
Comments 29
It's 2020, no standard game controller should be running on AA batteries. It should be all internal battery packs, Nintendo learned in 2012 (Wii U) and Sony learned in 2006 (PS3).
Making users pay extra for rechargeable controllers in 2020 is farcical.
It's for saving costs and there are rechargable packs for the Xbox One controller but at the same time rechargable AA batteries mean that they're easily replaceable. It's the best possible option because it gives you both options. If it had a built-in battery like the Elite 2 but not the Elite 1 you'd be stuck with just one option.
There is two sides. AA batteries are better than those terrible internal batteries that Sony uses. And you can use rechargeable AA batteries.
I don’t mind it, need something to use this monster pack of AA batteries I bought at Costco on. When those run out (perhaps after a few years) I’ll check on getting something rechargeable. With that said, I do feel like it’s a bit odd, manufacturing should be able to absorb the cost of adding rechargeable AA with each controller or better yet additional new ones should cost a little less to buy than competitors since other features in the device are the same as the competition. If that the case, bravo Xbox.
I always thought it was a bit weird with the Xbox One but quickly got used to just having a couple of sets of rechargeables ready.
The benefits are probably worth it despite it being a bit odd
Doesn't matter either way to me in the end. What matters is the games.
Well, a duracell AA battery lasts 10+ hours on Xbox controller. Dualshock 4 internal battety on the other hand barely hold full 4 hours. Switch Joycons battery are also terrible. So yes, I'm really happy Microsoft kept AA batteties as standard. Also, does people who complain know that rechargeable AA batteries exists?! And there is play and charge available too. I really can't understand people who says options are a bad thing.
I'm so glad that Microsoft has stuck to this mentality, it is all around better to have options. I don't own a PS4, but there's nothing worse than when I have to have my Nintendo Pro Controller tethered to the wall charging while trying to play a game because it died shortly after starting my game. I love being able to swap out my Xbox One controller batteries with either AA, rechargeable AA, or rechargeable battery packs, and never have to plug it in (but don't worry, if you want to be like those other companies that require you to plug it in if it dies during a gaming session, they even give you that option as well, haha).
As long as they last longer than the 3 hours my PS4 controller lasts before needing another charge I'm absolutely fine with it.
it's fine, options are good BUT they could at least put in a rechargeable battery pack when you buy the console
AAA batteries are better. I can buy a play and charge kit, then when it doesn't hold much of a charge anymore its no problem because I can just buy another one. With an inbuilt battery I would have to buy an entirely new controller.
Internal batteries slowly die over time. So this is a good solution IMO. I wish Nintendo and PlayStation also did this. Recharging can be done in under a minute, and good quality rechargeable batteries should last quite a while as well.
Now, the lack of gyro is a shame...
I'd be quite upset (in a rational way) if MS went internal battery as that is far more inconvenient than having some spare batteries to hand. They should include rechargables in the box rather than normal batteries.
Don't see the big deal, Just go out and buy some rechargeable batteries..
I really do not understand the issue - its not as if you cannot buy rechargeable batteries and even rechargeable battery packs that essentially work like a built in battery but can be replaced when the battery dies/stops accepting a charge.
Not one of my DS3's hold a charge and must be used wired - not so with my 360 controllers. It also means you never have to buy a second controller to keep on charge whilst the other is in use and swap OR have to play wired to charge the battery.
What this offers is OPTIONS. You can use regular AA's, regular rechargeable AA's and likely a rechargeable pack which functions just the same as built-in rechargeable pack anyway....
I love that Microsoft does this. When I had a PS3, the battery would die very quickly on the DualShock controller. Then it stopped working completely, so I had to play wired (& the cord was about a foot long) or buy a new controller.
"...or is it ludicrous that Microsoft is even offering the option in the year 2020?"
In what alternate universe is offering more options considered a ludicrous proposition? 😕
@FullbringIchigo 100% came here to say this. It’s 2020, if I’m spending $400-$500 on a console, throw in a rechargeable battery pack for free. The option is nice, but making us pay extra for a modern solution is insane.
@flummerfelt
If you're spending $400-$500 on a console that costs more on parts alone, you're getting your money's worth already.
its a ffffffffffffffffffffffff pain in backside. and when you get gretta and eco warriors attacking you for everything. well except her flying first class all over world etc etc etc. Why no built in battery
I rather be able to use normal old batteries. If my controller dies I can just swap out the batteries and keep playing, can't do that with PS4.
This makes me happy. I can swap out rechargeable batteries in about 20 seconds I the middle of a round with maybe one death. Built in battery packs don't last. Although I've never gotten more than a year of regular use from an Xbox controller anyway...
While lithium ion is easier to recharge than rechargeable AA batteries, this does mean it'll be real easy to swap a fully charged battery into. And when the lithium or AA rechargeable battery won't hold a charge anymore you won't need an iFixit kit to put a new/less used one in.
Not gonna lie, Xbox needs to fix this issue & have it recharging straight out of the box. Power A always provides the third party support for people that want AA batteries. Especially with all the talk of cloud gaming being the future, surely they should have rechargable batteries in their controllers.
It's not a great move. Having the option to use AA batteries is nice. But making the rechargeables be "purchase separately" seems like a glaring step backward.
Especially if the rumors about this console being 500 dollars are true.
I’ll just buy the rechargeable batteries like 360 and Xbox one - they last for years people
I like the AA batteries, personally. It feels, nostalgic in a weird way
While I agree with the idea that rechargeable batteries should be a pack-in deal, I have to wonder if the people simply wanting a rechargeable controller with built in battery have really thought things through, because that's factually the worst option.
Unless you're ultimately able to replace that internal battery, you're going to be stuck with a useless controller, and you'd have to buy an entirely new controller, which will probably set you back 60 bucks or something, whereas regular batteries, such as AA's and AA's will more than likely always be available, and for a much lower cost as well.
So, in essence, what Microsoft did here, is the perfect solution, whether you personally like it or not.
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