While there are options and alternate peripherals with the ability to switch to rechargeable power supplies, AA batteries are still the default on Xbox. This feature of Microsoft game consoles has been criticized by users for many years, especially given the fact that competitors of the Xbox have long switched to rechargeable batteries.

According to Stealth Optional, the reason Microsoft is so consistent is that it has signed a long-term agreement with battery manufacturer Duracell, which is expected to last for some time. This agreement requires Xbox controllers to ship with Duracell AA batteries by default. Duracell UK Marketing Manager Luke Anderson spoke about this in an interview with Stealth Optional.

“ This is an ongoing agreement between Duracell and Microsoft,” said Anderson. “[The deal is] with OEMs to supply batteries for Xbox consoles as well as batteries for controllers,” he added. ” So it goes on and I think it should go on for a while .”

In response to the publication of Stealth Optional, Microsoft issued a rebuttal, stating to Eurogamer:

“ We’re deliberately offering consumers a choice of batteries for our standard Xbox Wireless Controllers. This includes using AA batteries from any manufacturer, an Xbox battery, a charging solution from our partners, or a USB-C cable that can power the controller when connected to a console or PC. “