The Xbox Series X pad is looking pretty nice, as you can see in this gallery. Microsoft has taken what was an already comfortable controller and improved it with a new D-Pad, share button and textured shoulder triggers.
However, one aspect which hasn't changed from the Xbox One controller is the need for AA batteries. That's right – out of the box, the pad will not ship with a rechargeable power pack. One will be available, but it looks like you'll have to purchase it separately.
USB-C connectivity takes over from the Micro-USB port seen on the Xbox One pad, which should help when it comes to using the controller for low-latency input on Project xCloud on smartphones and tablets. However, because the Series X console lacks a USB-C port, users will need a USB-C to USB-A cable to charge directly from the machine itself (we'd imagine that will be bundled with the rechargeable battery pack, but don't quote us on that).
So there you have it – the Series X might be the future of gaming as far as Microsoft is concerned, but it still relies on AA batteries to power its controller, something that its rival Sony abandoned back in the PS3 era.
[source windowscentral.com]
Comments 18
Okay, this is ridiculous.
Well this is a bummer. I was kind of hoping Microsoft would ditch the need for batteries.
Absolutely NOTHING wrong with providing the option to use regular batteries too. No doubt you can use rechargeable batteries so NOT restricted by having to buy a special battery pack - no doubt battery packs will work too so you get ALL the benefits of a rechargeable controller with the added advantage of using regular batteries and rechargeable batteries (like Duracell). Itt also means you don't have to own 2 controllers - 1 for playing and the other charging OR having to play wired because the battery dies.
I really don't understand the argument about having a battery compartment. None of my DS3 controllers hold a charge anymore and now have to be used wired whilst my 360 controllers are still wireless because I can put batteries or a battery pack in them!!
It's the right decision imo. I can just buy rechargeable battery pack and slot it in, Jo problem. Then when it won't hold a charge anymore I can just replace the battery, rather than the controller.
This is very positive IMO. Rechargeable batteries gets worse with age, so to be able to change them out is a real bonus. I use rechargeable batteries with my Xbox One controllers, when they get bad I can just change them out instead of changing the whole controller.
This is good thing.
I always preferred being able to use normal batteries on a controller. That's is the one biggest thing with a PS4 controller If you decided to have a gaming marathon and your DS4 battery dies you have to either put it back on the charger or be tethered with a charging cable. Xbox you just grab a fresh pack of batteries and it's game on.
@Damo I'm confused, even if the pad has a USB-C connection why can't you connect that to the USB port on the console to charge a battery?
@carlos82 You'd need a USB-A to USB-C cable to do that - I'd imagine the battery pack will come bundled with one
Eneloop Squad, assemble!
I was really hoping they would drop batteries next-gen.
@Damo I forget that Xbox doesn't ship with a cable in the first place, no matter I have about 10 of those cables in my house anyway
You can never have too many options.
This means more options.
I like it.
I wonder if it can still use the same proprietary battery pack the One uses. If so. Neat! Good enough for me.
I don't understand this article. It's like praising an iPhone for having a built in battery that makes your phone worthless in 2 years because it no longer holds a charge. What's so bad about putting a rechargeable battery pack in there yourself? And then getting the option to swap out that rechargeable pack after it stops holding a charge? And like everyone else says, swapping out AA's are so easy as well and Microsoft gives you the freedom to choose! I'd much rather swap out rechargeable AA's at anytime. THE FUTURE IS HAVING A CHOICE! Not being locked in to some arbitrary decision someone decided for you. And AA's are the most common battery. This article really upsets me because too many people think not having options is a good thing.
While I understand why people like having the option - perhaps the only thing the near - perfect Switch pro controller lacks - I still vastly prefer the battery in my Switch pro. I play daily and still find myself shocked when the battery finally runs dry and needs a recharge. But back in the Game Boy days, or even with the Xbox 360 controllers, I used to burn through AA batteries like candy.
Not to mention how much waste disposable batteries produce...
Android users have been praising phones with removable batteries for years. The Problem with an integrated battery is dealing with the possibility of that component failing. Sure it's more convenient at first glance, but I've always liked the option to buy a rechargeable battery kit and use that for all my Xbox controllers. I think they'd get just as much backlash, if not more if they decided to remove the AA option after all these years.
As someone who owns games consoles that are 35 years old, I worry about controllers and handhelds that have non-removable batteries in them. I have always been happy that my Xbox One controller uses rechargeable AA batteries as I always have a second pair charged up ready (beats having to plug my PS4 controller in).
Show Comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...