While the rest of the console drivers on the market use internal rechargeable batteries, the Xbox still allows you to use AA batteries to power them, and new observations from a Duracell spokesman reveal some of the reasons why this is so. .
“There’s always been this partnership with Duracell and Xbox … it’s a constant agreement that Duracell and Microsoft have established,” said Luke Anderson, Duracell’s marketing manager. he said Optional stealth in an interview seen by VGC.
Anderson continues:
[The deal is] per OEM to supply the battery product for the Xbox consoles and also the drivers battery. And what [deal is] it will continue for a while … I think for a long time and it should last a while [more].
This association seems to be endorsed by Duracell online marketing campaigns which often include Xbox drivers. The new Xbox X and S series that launched last November also include two Duracell AA batteries, instead of Microsoft’s Xbox brand. rechargeable battery packs,
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Microsoft did not immediately respond to a request from Kotaku to comment, however he said MCV / Develop in a statement,
We intentionally offer consumers the option of battery solutions for our standard Xbox wireless controllers. 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 driver when connected to the console or PC.
I was surprised when Microsoft revealed last year that its next-generation drivers would still come pre-packaged with AA batteries. It is true that the option to choose between using removable and rechargeable battery packs and pre-packaged disposable batteries offers good flexibility.
At the same time, I’ve already gone through several AA battery packs since I got my S Series launch, and the fact that rechargeable packs have to be purchased separately is another barrier to taking advantage of that freedom. Why not pack new drivers with both options?
Microsoft’s premium driver, the Xbox Elite Wireless 2, costs $ 180 and doesn’t include it either. Like the DualShock 4, Dualsense, and Nintendo’s Switch Pro driver, it only has an internal battery that you charge by plugging it in. There is no freedom to choose, but it is simple and comfortable enough. Potentially also less wasteful.