Meanwhile, many details about the Xbox Series X, its specs, and the release are known. However, one feature of the Xbox Series X Controller pleases many users.
What is it exactly about? Austin Evans was allowed to exclusively present Microsoft’s Xbox Series X in early March. During this, he also introduced the new Xbox Series X Controller.
What feature is it about? The new controller will probably rely on replaceable batteries. In Evans’ video, it can be briefly seen: At minute 18:30 in the video, the battery compartment on the back of the controller is clearly recognizable for a moment. We have embedded the video (in English) for you here:
Xbox Series X Controller: Batteries or Internal Battery?
Is this technology really outdated? The news site T3.com refers to the possibility that the Xbox Series X Controller should rely on batteries as an “outdated feature.” They list the following reasons:
- A USB charging cable is significantly cheaper in the long run than constantly having to buy batteries, and it would also help protect the environment.
- Additionally, those who handle their controller carefully can also keep battery wear low. A tip on how to prolong the lifespan of your PS4 controller can be found here.
- High-end devices and most modern smartphones now even rely on wireless charging: You just place the devices in a compatible dock and don’t even need a cable. This is much more contemporary for a modern console like the Xbox Series X.
This is what users say: Most users do not share this opinion. They consider Microsoft’s decision to rely on replaceable batteries to be a good solution. The opinion is discussed on Reddit:
- User Hockeyjim07 says: “I will always use AA batteries. Because they give you the option to pop them [into the controller] and swap them out directly when the batteries are dead, providing a much longer lifespan than the PS4. I have no idea how many controllers I have had to throw away because they only lasted 1-2 hours at a time.”
- Also Specialed83 believes it is the right decision: “You are not alone. Whatever reasons they had for the internal battery in the Xbox One controller, I only had problems with it after months. Now I bought a pack of rechargeable AAs from Amazon and everything runs smoothly. I prefer AAs because I can simply buy an 8-pack and put them in my controller.”
- Nanowerx says: “I have a rechargeable battery that I bought when the Xbox One was released in 2013, and it is still excellent. I don’t understand people who complain when the controller doesn’t have an internal battery.”
- A somewhat different opinion is held by CarbonCamaroZL1. He explains: “Don’t get me wrong. But I love the extended 40-hour battery life of my Elite V2 controller and the fact that I don’t have to remove the batteries, but just plug it into the case to charge. But AAs in regular controllers are the best idea. I have a 3-year warranty on my Elite controller if something happens, but you can’t get that on regular controllers or anything similar.”
Xbox Series X: What we know about the new controller
What do we know about the new controller? The new controller that comes with the Xbox Series X is supposed to be very similar to the previous controller of the Xbox One. In addition to the YouTube video, Microsoft has also published an extensive article about the new controller (via new.xbox.com).
This is what the new Xbox controller offers: Ryan Whitaker, Senior Designer at Xbox, explained what the new controller will offer:
- Compatibility of the controller with Xbox One consoles
- Support for PC, Android, and iOS devices
- USB-C port for connecting to the console or a smartphone.
- Dynamic Latency Input (DLI): particularly fast connection to the console
- HDMI connection to the TV: Here, HDMI Consumer Electronics Control, short CEC, is meant: With the controller, you can control TV devices and screens using CEC.
- Share Button: Ability to take and share pictures and videos without a separate menu
All information about the Xbox Series X we have compiled for you in our overview.
