Xbox Controller Reportedly Still Uses Batteries Because of Deal With Duracell

Historically, PlayStation'due south DualShock and now DualSense series of controllers take always used an inbuilt rechargeable battery, whereas, at least since the Xbox 360, the Xbox controller range has had the option for AA batteries. Assuasive replaceable batteries gives the role player options, and Microsoft the opportunity to make a few more dollars by selling their own battery packs, but the official reasoning for this difference has never been articulate. Until now.

During an interview with Stealth Optional, Duracell U.k.'s marketing manager, Luke Anderson shared that the two companies take a special deal in place. He said:

"There's e'er been this partnership with Duracell and Xbox… It'southward a abiding agreement that Duracell and Microsoft have in place," adding "[The deal is] for OEM to supply the battery product for the Xbox consoles and also the controllers' battery. So that [deal is] going to go on for a while… it's been going on for a while and I think it needs to go for a while [more]."

This suggests that not only does the bargain pertain to the batteries that come with Xbox controllers but potentially also other elements of the console or ecosystem.

MCV reached out to Microsoft for comment on the partnership. Although they wouldn't comment on the nature of the bargain, they nevertheless replied, saying:

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"We intentionally offering consumers pick in their battery solutions for our standard Xbox Wireless Controllers. This includes the use of AA batteries from any brand, the Xbox Rechargeable Battery, charging solutions from our partners, or a USB-C cable, which can power the controller when plugged in to the console or PC."

Microsoft may be open to the thought of irresolute their tried and tested controllers soon if a recent survey is to be believed. The survey, from Microsoft themselves, asks players if they "aware of features on PlayStation controllers" and if they want those features to be included in hereafter iterations of Xbox controllers.

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Sam Woods

@CaptainWoodsy

Sam (He/Him) is the Managing Editor at DualShockers. He's been playing video games for as long every bit he can remember and you tin can regularly find him on his Nintendo Switch. When he's not playing games, he'll no doubt be suffering watching his love Ipswich Town.