With the release of the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles almost two months ago, and the growth in relevance and popularity of Xbox Game Pass throughout 2020, Microsoft has seen major success heading into 2021, with the company planning on finalizing of acquisition of Bethesda in the coming months too. Despite this, the Xbox Series X/S is still struggling with issues and shortages of its own. One of the major complaints of the console is how this is the third Xbox console release to utilize AA batteries for its controller. After many years, a Duracell spokesperson has revealed why the Xbox controllers rely on these batteries.
Ever since the Xbox 360, Microsoft has not designed the Xbox controllers to include a rechargeable battery pack, instead requiring fans to purchase AA batteries to power their controller, or an additional plug-and-play power kit. Alternatively, players can power their controller by connecting it to console or PC via USB cable.
While many fans have grown accustomed to buying AA batteries or connecting their controllers via USB, many players continue to wonder why Microsoft has still held off on implementing a rechargeable battery into Xbox controllers. It appears there is finally an answer, as Duracell Marketing Manager Luke Anderson has implied that the battery manufacturer and Microsoft have had a long-term partnership in place for 16 years now. Anderson stated to Stealth Optional “It’s a constant agreement that Duracell and Microsoft have in place…it’s been going on for a while and I think it needs to go for a while [more.]”
Xbox consoles and individual controllers have previously come bundled with two AA Duracell batteries, so this may not come as the biggest shock to Xbox fans, but it does shine a light on why Microsoft uses this admittedly archaic design philosophy when it comes to Xbox controllers, even though the company has released the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller 2, which utilizes an integrated rechargeable battery.
Microsoft recently held a survey asking fans what features they would like to see in future Xbox controllers, such as the DualSense’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, so the company is looking to improve the Xbox controllers moving forward, likely to develop an Xbox Elite Wireless Controller 3. Whether this means implementing rechargeable batteries in new controllers and ending its partnership with Duracell remains to be seen. At least fans now have slightly more insight into this confusing and often frustrating decision from Microsoft.
Source: Stealth Optional
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