Rumor: Xbox controllers continue to use batteries due to a deal with Duracell (Updated).
A Duracell spokesperson says there is an agreement between them and Microsoft, which could explain why Xbox continues to use battery-powered controllers.
UPGRADE: Microsoft has denied reports that Xbox controllers used batteries due to a deal with Duracell. We intentionally offer consumers options in their battery solutions for our standard Xbox wireless controllers, a Microsoft spokesperson explained to Digital Foundry. This includes the use of AA batteries of any brand, the Xbox rechargeable battery, our partners’ charging solutions, or a USB-C cable, which can power the controller when connected to the console or PC.
ORIGINAL NEWS: It has been widely commented that the Xbox Series X controller, practically identical to the Xbox One, keep running on AA batteries instead of internal batteries, as the controls of most manufacturers do. Beyond the advantages and disadvantages of each system, there seems to be an explanation behind it: a contract with Duracell.
In the Stealth Optional medium, Duracell UK marketing manager Luke Anderson stated that there is an agreement between Duracell and Xbox for it to provide Microsoft with products related to battery in consoles and controllers. “There has always been this collaboration between Xbox and Duracell, it is an ongoing agreement that Duracell and Microsoft have in place, and I believe it will continue to exist for a long time.”
Anderson does not specify when this agreement began, what it consists of and what other implications it has. By his words, it can be deduced that the contract between the two would oblige Microsoft to continue manufacturing battery-powered controls, sold with Duracell batteries included. However, as we repeat, we do not know the nature of the agreement, beyond the fact that there is some type of commercial relationship between Duracell and Xbox (which is obvious, since its collaboration with Xbox is already announced on the Duracell website).
At MCV, Microsoft declined to comment on its deal with Duracell, although it noted that on Xbox they offer several options to load the controllers. You can use AA batteries of any brand, but also official or third-party rechargeable batteries, or a USB-C cable that you can power the controller if connected to the console or PC.
The Xbox Elite Series controllers also do have internal batteries, unlike the standard Xbox One or Xbox Series controllers. Recently, Xbox published a survey asking users for their opinion about the sensors of the PS5 DualSense, which could mean that Microsoft is considering a new controller.
Source: Stealth Optional via VGC
