There is a straightforward yet practical explanation for why the Redmond tech giant still powers its controllers with AA batteries.

Microsoft has clarified why its controllers continue to rely on batteries, even as competitors have long since adopted built-in rechargeable solutions. Compared to the PlayStation 5’s DualSense with its USB-C port, the Xbox controller’s design might feel outdated. But according to Jason Ronald, a Microsoft executive who spoke to Eurogamer a few years ago, the reason boils down to flexibility.

Ronald explained that batteries give players options: they can use disposable AAs, rechargeable batteries, or third-party packs. While some dismiss this as old-fashioned, Xbox controllers consume less power than the feature-rich DualSense or even Nintendo’s Joy-Con controllers, meaning batteries last longer. Players don’t need to stay tethered to a charging cable; instead, they can simply swap in fresh or recharged batteries and continue gaming without interruption.

According to Microsoft, fans have been happy with this setup since the days of the Xbox One, and the company has seen no reason to overhaul it. Supporters of battery-based designs often note that external packs prolong a controller’s lifespan, as internal rechargeable cells degrade over time with repeated charging. Unsurprisingly, third-party manufacturers have stepped in with plug-and-play charging kits that slide directly into the battery compartment, catering to players who prefer the grab-and-go approach.

Could this change with the next Xbox generation? That depends on whether Microsoft chooses to match Sony by incorporating features such as adaptive triggers or built-in speakers. These additions, already central to the DualSense, demand higher power draw and would likely carry over to any controller shipping with the PlayStation 6.

Source: Gamingbible, Eurogamer