Because Xbox controllers still have batteries and not an internal battery, as has been the case for some generations for PlayStation controllers? It’s all because of … Duracell.
Microsoft has been using replaceable batteries in its controllers since the launch of Xbox 360 in 2005, a choice that goes against the trend compared to most other peripherals that have long since switched to rechargeable batteries. PlayStation for example, he has used rechargeable USB pads for his consoles since the PS3, having then re-proposed this system also on PS4 and with PS5’s DualSense.
But why this choice, which is seen by many as too “ancient” to be part of today’s gaming world? The cause is to be found in a commercial agreement that unites Microsoft with the Duracell company.
Duracell batteries have been bundled with Xbox controllers from the Xbox 360, and the battery company has long since promoted Xbox in its marketing. Xbox is listed as a Duracell partner on the the company’s website, although it was never officially announced. Today, however, we have concrete evidence.
Duracell UK marketing manager Luke Anderson implied in an interview with Stealth Optional this week Xbox’s decision to stick with replaceable batteries is due to a longstanding agreement between the two companiesand said the partnership will continue for a while (therefore it is not known for how long).
There has always been this partnership with Duracell and Xbox… It’s a constant agreement that Duracell and Microsoft have in place.
Anderson then added:
The agreement is that the OEM will supply the battery product for the Xbox consoles and also the battery of the controllers. So it’s going to go on for a while… it’s been going on for a while and I think it has to go on for a while.
In a statement provided to MCV a Microsoft representative later recalled that Xbox users have several options for charging their controllersbut did not discuss the nature of the deal with Duracell, the details of which are therefore not yet known.
We intentionally offer consumers the choice of their battery solutions for our standard Xbox wireless controllers. This includes the use of any brand of AA batteries, 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.
However, it is possible that the agreement between Microsoft and Duracell only refers to “traditional” Xbox products. The Xbox Elite Series 2 Premium Controller, for example, has an internal rechargeable battery and requires no AA batteries.
Thanks for reading!
