Microsoft explains why the Xbox Series X controller uses AA batteries

When deciding how to power the Xbox Series X controller, Microsoft again chose to go somehow.

While working on improving the Xbox controller design Xbox Series XMicrosoft decided to rely on AA batteries to power the controller again, instead of using rechargeable batteries.

This decision shocked some people. This is partly because they believe that the controller's lack of a built-in rechargeable battery is its only drawback, and partly because Microsoft itself has added a rechargeable battery to the revised Elite Controller 2.

It turned out that there was a lot of discussion on this aspect during the development process, but the design team ultimately thought that the current design provided the most flexibility.

"It comes down to being polarized when it comes to actually talking to gamers, and there is a strong camp that really wants AA," explained Jason Ronald, Xbox program management partner, to Digital Foundry.

"Therefore, providing flexibility is a way of satisfying (two groups) of people … you can use a rechargeable battery pack, which works the same as it does on Elite, but (but) it is a different matter.

This decision is not particularly surprising, especially considering that Ronald actually provided the same reasoning behind the decision to completely abandon the rechargeable batteries of the Xbox 360 era.

For a summary of all confirmed details of the Xbox Series X so far, including a comparison with the specifications of the PS5, please click on the link.