With the launch of the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles nearly two months ago, and the growth in relevance and popularity of Xbox Game Pass throughout 2020, Microsoft has seen great success heading into 2021, and the company plans to finalize the acquisition of Bethesda also in the coming months. Despite this, the Xbox Series X / S is still struggling with its own problems and shortages. One of the main complaints about the console is that this is the third version of the Xbox console that uses AA batteries for its control. After many years, a Duracell spokesperson has revealed why Xbox controllers rely on these batteries.
Since the Xbox 360, Microsoft hasn’t designed 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, gamers can power their controller by connecting it to the console or PC via a USB cable.
While many fans have become used to buying AA batteries or connecting their controllers via USB, many gamers continue to wonder why Microsoft has not yet implemented a rechargeable battery in Xbox controllers. There seems to be finally an answer, as Duracell’s marketing manager Luke Anderson has hinted that the battery maker and Microsoft have had a long-term partnership for 16 years. Anderson told Stealth Optional “It’s an ongoing agreement that Duracell and Microsoft have in place… it’s been going on for a while and I think it should for a while. [más]”.
Xbox consoles and individual controllers pre-ship with two AA Duracell batteries, so this may not be the biggest shock to Xbox fans, but it sheds light on why Microsoft uses this admittedly archaic design philosophy when it comes to controllers. Xbox even though the company has released the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller 2, which uses a built-in rechargeable battery.
Microsoft recently conducted a survey asking fans what features they would like to see in future Xbox controllers, such as DualSense haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, so the company is looking to improve Xbox controllers in the future, probably to develop an Xbox Elite wireless controller. 3. It remains to be seen if this means implementing rechargeable batteries in new controls and ending their partnership with Duracell. At least fans now have a little more knowledge about this confusing and often frustrating decision from Microsoft.
Source: Stealth Optional
