What you need to know
- Microsoft recently revealed every detail about the Xbox Series X controller.
- The device still uses AA batteries.
- The company decided to include them because it's all about flexibility.
- The Xbox Series X is scheduled to launch in Holiday 2020.
When this was announced, there was some outrage, but Microsoft feels that this gives gamers flexibility. Speaking with Digital Foundry — as reported by VG247 — Xbox's Partner Director of Program Management said the following.
What it comes down to is when actually talking to gamers, it's kind of polarising and there is a strong camp that really want AAs. So just giving flexibility is the way to please both people… You can use a rechargeable battery pack and it works just like it does on the Elite, but it is a separate thing.
In my opinion, removable AA batteries also increase the shelf life of the controller. I have a PlayStation 4 DualShock 4 that can barely keep its charge even though it's only four months old. This means that it's essentially a wired controller unless I take it apart and slot in a third-party replacement, if that's even possible.
Are you happy that Microsoft included AA batteries in the controller? Or would you prefer a built-in version? Let us know.
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