Xbox controllers still use AA batteries ‘because of the long-term agreement with Duracell’, says the spokesman

A spokesman for the battery brand Duracell apparently said that the continued use of Xbox-replaceable AA batteries “href =” https://www.videogameschronicle.com/platforms/xbox/ “> is due to a long-standing partnership between the two companies.

Xbox has used replaceable batteries in its controllers since the Xbox 360 “href =” https://www.videogameschronicle.com/platforms/xbox/x360/ “> Xbox 360 launch in 2005, while most other peripherals have long since the transition to rechargeable batteries. PlayStation “href =” https://www.videogameschronicle.com/platforms/playstation/ “> PlayStation uses rechargeable USB pads for its consoles since the PS3.

Duracell batteries have been bundled with Xbox controllers since the Xbox 360 and the battery company has long promoted Xbox in its marketing. Xbox is listed as a Duracell partner on the company’s website.

Duracell UK marketing manager Luke Anderson hinted in an interview with Stealth Optional this week that Xbox’s decision to stick with replaceable batteries was due to a long-standing agreement between the two companies and said that partnership would continue “for a while”.

“There has always been this partnership with Duracell and Xbox… It is a constant agreement that Duracell and Xbox Game Studios (Microsoft)” href = “https://www.videogameschronicle.com/companies/microsoft/”> Microsoft have in vigor ”.

Xbox controllers still use AA batteries ‘because of the long-term Duracell deal’.

He added: “[The deal is] for the OEM to supply the battery product for the Xbox consoles and also the battery for the controllers. So [deal is] will continue for a while … it’s been going on for a while and I think it needs to last a little bit [more]. “

Any theoretical agreement guaranteeing that Xbox controllers use AA batteries would have worked for at least 15 years.

In a statement provided to MCV, a Microsoft representative noted that Xbox users have several options for charging their controllers, but declined to discuss the nature of the deal with Duracell.

“We intentionally offer consumers the choice of their battery solutions for our standard Xbox Wireless controllers,” said a Microsoft spokesman.

“This includes the use of AA batteries of any brand, the Xbox rechargeable battery, charging solutions from our partners or a USB-C cable, which can power the controller when connected to the console or PC” href = “https: / / www.videogameschronicle.com/platforms/pc/”>PC. ”

Unlike traditional Xbox wireless controllers, the Xbox Elite Series 2 premium has an internal rechargeable battery and does not require AA batteries.

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Microsoft is using a customer experience survey to ask the Xbox Series X | S “href =” https://www.videogameschronicle.com/platforms/xbox/scarlett/ “> Xbox Series X / S owners if they want to see any PlayStation control features made available for their consoles.

In a questionnaire distributed to customers who purchased Xbox Series X / S consoles, one question appears to be garnering interest on the PlayStation 5 “href =” https://www.videogameschronicle.com/platforms/playstation/ps5/ “> PS5 controller DualSense , which also launched in November and was widely praised for features, including its adaptive triggers.

Earlier this week, Microsoft also said it was working on a fix for disconnection issues players are experiencing with the new Xbox wireless controller released with the X / S Series.

The controller, which is compatible with consoles, PCs, mobile phones and tablets, loses connection in various circumstances, and for some people just playing certain games, according to more than 1,700 users in a 44-page topic in the help forum. Microsoft.