Xbox controllers have shipped with replaceable AA batteries since 2001, and even the latest Xbox Series X/S consoles still default to this setup, meaning most players must swap in fresh batteries every few weeks. While Microsoft's premium $199 Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 includes a built-in rechargeable battery, cheaper alternatives exist for standard controllers, offering a more convenient and less wasteful way to keep them powered.

Microsoft's official Play and Charge Kit costs $24.99, replacing AA batteries with a lithium-ion pack that charges via USB-C, lasts up to 30 hours and takes about four hours to recharge fully, similar to Sony's DualSense design. Third-party options often use dual-battery charging docks instead, allowing quick swaps and broader compatibility with older controllers such as the Xbox One pad, while rechargeable AA batteries or direct USB play offer further alternatives. Xbox's Jason Ronald has said the company deliberately keeps multiple options available, as player preferences remain split between AA and rechargeable setups.