Xbox Series X Controllers Do NOT Use Batteries Because Of Duracell Deal

Due to conflicting reports, Microsoft has clarified that the use of replaceable batteries in Xbox controllers is completely independent of a deal with Duracell; rather, replaceable batteries are away to give customers more flexible options. Recently, a report made the rounds suggesting Xbox was essentially forced to use batteries to satisfy the terms of a deal with the aforementioned battery manufacturer. Despite Microsoft previously stating otherwise, said news still gained traction.

After confirming the return of removable batteries for Xbox Series X last year, Xbox Partner Director of Program Management Jason Ronald was asked why Microsoft continued to rely on that particular charging solution. Speaking with Digital Foundry, he simply noted the company wanted to ensure Xbox players had options in this regard since the community was split when it came to what users preferred. But a recent interview with Luke Anderson, Duracell’s Marketing Manager, brought the conversation back to the fore.

Anderson recently told Stealth Optional that Microsoft and Duracell have a “constant agreement” in place. The Marketing Manager explained, the deal is that Duracell OEM “[supplies] the battery product for the Xbox consoles and also the controllers’ battery. So that [deal is] going to go on for a while… it’s been going on for a while and I think it needs to go for a while [more].” Such a statement led to the assumption that Xbox controllers continue to rely on replaceable batteries because of said deal. Eurogamer has since received further clarification from the hardware manufacturer that debunks this misconception, though. A Microsoft spokesperson issued the following statement:

“We intentionally offer consumers choice in their battery solutions for our standard Xbox Wireless Controllers. This includes the use of AA batteries from any brand, the Xbox Rechargeable Battery, charging solutions from our partners, or a USB-C cable, which can power the controller when plugged in to the console or PC.”

With this in mind, it seems Microsoft doesn’t soon intend to alter its stance on replaceable batteries. And why should it? If the company’s data indicates there really is a split between what its users prefer, then this seems the best option. After all, the alternative doesn’t exactly count as the most ideal solution, either. PlayStation 4’s DualShock 4 controller with its onboard rechargeable battery had a notoriously limited battery life, for example.

While Microsoft won’t be taking cues from Sony on the charging solution front, recent developments suggest the former is at least considering other PlayStation-esque features. Xbox Series X|S owners have reportedly received surveys of late, asking general questions about their enjoyment of the next-gen machine. One question, in particular, made note of PlayStation hardware and proceeded to ask Xbox users if they’d be interested in features similar to those in the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller. Since results from the Xbox Series X|S survey aren’t public, it’s hard to discern where the majority of fans stand on this topic.

Sources: Stealth Optional, MCV/Develop, Eurogamer

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Brianna Reeves
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A Senior Writer on Screen Rant’s Game News team, Brianna Reeves graduated from Sam Houston Statue University in 2018 with a Master of Arts in English Literature. Brianna’s enthusiasm for games dates back to Mortal Kombat Trilogy on PlayStation 1, along with classics like MediEvil, Syphon Filter, and THPS2. However, Red Dead Redemption reinvigorated her love for the medium; hopefully, that passion reflects in the work she has contributed to Comic Book Resources, PlayStation LifeStyle, GVMERS, and Screen Rant.

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