Fans of Xbox console have been following the news of the Xbox Series X very closely, and many have wondered why Microsoft decided to have batteries in its controllers. Turns out a large number of Xbox fans love the battery-powered controller.
The Xbox Series X will be the next generation console and peer to the PlayStation 5, releasing sometime this year, or next year if Coronavirus delays the two new consoles. Announced during E3 in 2019, the Xbox Series X will be a massive improvement over current hardware capabilities, and has a lot of new tech to bring in customers. So it seems a little odd that they would stick to such antiquated technology and keeping the batteries in their wireless controllers.
Partner Director of Program Management at Xbox Jason Ronald says the Xbox Series X will continue to use batteries in its controllers to allow them to be more flexible and give their customers more options. “What it comes down to is when actually talking to gamers, it’s kind of polarizing and there is a strong camp that really want AAs. So just giving flexibility is the way to please both." He also claims that there will be an available rechargeable battery pack, but it will have to be purchased separately from the controllers themselves.
So the Xbox Series X is using outdated AA batteries in 2020? Seriously?
Considering the cost of controllers for current generation consoles, the prices of the Xbox Series X consoles and controllers will already be incredibly expensive. It's really a shame that the devs over at Xbox thought it would be okay to force gamers that want an eco-friendly, reusable solution to have to pay more for each controller. Also, if players want more than one rechargeable pack, that's an even bigger price tag per controller.
While Jason Ronald claims that the split between gamers wanting AAs or gamers wanting rechargeable models is about half and half, it seems irresponsible for Xbox to force customers who want the rechargeable solution to have to spend extra. Also, for those who choose AAs over the battery pack, Xbox will also be responsible for an incredible amount of batteries in landfills. In an age where many are concerned for the welfare of the planet, it seems like a problem that could have been handled better. It's been proved that fans want more eco-friendly designs.
Source: Gaming Bolt