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Microsoft improved every aspect of its upcoming controller except the battery, for greater “flexibility”
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Published onMarch 31, 2020
published onMarch 31, 2020
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Despite Microsoft improving the ergonomics of its Xbox Series X controller to reduce the amount of latency while gaming as well as including USB-C and adding a new share button, the company is adamant about dragging old AA-battery tech into this next generation experience.
Earlier this month, senior designer Ryan Whitaker within the Xbox divisionunveiled some specifics about its Xbox Series X controllerthat included a refined ergonomic design, Dynamic Latency Technology, USB-C port, tactile dot pattern, deeper dish D-pad design, PS4-inspired Share button, and included Bluetooth connectivity out of the box.
However, it was Whitaker’s tidbit about the inclusion of AA-battery tech powering the Xbox Series X controller experience this time around that had the internet ablaze.
pic.twitter.com/uSV5Or7TN1
— Jaydub (@JayDubcity16)March 16, 2020
Fortunately, Microsoft is a company run mostly by telemetry and data, and the company justifies its choice as one that offers gamers greater flexibility.
Microsoft spoke toa group of reporters at its Redmond, WA campusthis month and explained that “What it comes down to is when actually talking to gamers, it’s kind of polarising and there is a strong camp that really wants AAs. So just giving flexibility is the way to please both [sets of] people… You can use a rechargeable battery pack and it works just like it does on the Elite, [but] it is a separate thing.”
While built-in rechargeable batteries seem future-forward, Microsoft is working with a sound argument that AA battery tech incorporates a level of flexibility that circumvents the degradation of recharge cycles while addressing in-game solutions that offer a handy answer to low-battery issues in the midst of heated gaming.
With much of the general design of the Xbox Series X leveraging aspects of its predecessors, there is a chance that older controllers will still interface with the new console and staunch rechargeable battery fans can continue to use their controller of choice.
Kareem Anderson
Networking & Security Specialist
Kareem is a journalist from the bay area, now living in Florida. His passion for technology and content creation drives are unmatched, driving him to create well-researched articles and incredible YouTube videos.
He is always on the lookout for everything new about Microsoft, focusing on making easy-to-understand content and breaking down complex topics related to networking, Azure, cloud computing, and security.
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Kareem Anderson
Networking & Security Specialist
He is a journalist from the bay area, now living in Florida. He breaks down complex topics related to networking, Azure, cloud computing, and security
