Did you buy an Xbox controller recently? You might be in luck.
Xbox controllers are (in my humble opinion) the best in the world. They work with Windows PCs, smart phones, and of course, Xbox consoles. Using adapters you can also use Xbox controllers with the Nintendo Switch and other devices, too.
The offset sticks, superb ergonomics, and affordable price makes them a staple across all platforms, but if you picked one up recently you might've noticed something weird.
Microsoft confirmed on its Xbox Support page on X recently that a batch of Xbox controllers shipping between now and December 2025 were missing batteries. Typically, Xbox controllers come with two AA batteries, usually Duracell units, which should net you a couple dozen hours of gameplay.
As such, it's usually cheaper to grab an Xbox rechargeable battery instead, either aftermarket ones or the official Xbox Play and Charge kit. Either way, it's pretty dumb if you bought an Xbox controller and couldn't use it without a cable day one. But, Microsoft has your back.
A limited number of controllers have shipped without batteries since December. If you received one of these controllers, go here https://t.co/C5u0tvZOlz for a rechargeable battery on us. All controllers moving forward will include batteries.April 8, 2026
Speaking on X, Xbox support said: "A limited number of controllers have shipped without batteries since December," confirming some reports we'd heard over the Winter. Microsoft says that it will give you a free rechargeable battery if you were affected.
"If you received one of these controllers, go here https://aka.ms/batteries for a rechargeable battery on us. All controllers moving forward will include batteries."
If you head to the URL, you will be able to register your Xbox controller using its serial code. Presumably, Xbox knows exactly the serial numbers for the batch of controllers that were missing batteries. So if you were hoping you could score a free battery despite being ineligible, you may be out of luck, you sneaky naughty boy.
Once you've entered your controller's serial number as described on the site, it'll tell you if you're eligible for the free battery.
Dealing with batteries is annoying, so I use an Xbox Elite Controller
Dealing with batteries and cables and recharges and so on is annoying if you play Xbox a lot like I do. As such, I still prefer the Xbox Elite Controller over all others, despite its occasional quality issues they can have.
The Xbox Elite Controller has a built-in battery giving it anywhere up to 80 hours of gameplay on a single charge, it also has a charge dock that keeps it topped off at all times. The Xbox rechargeable batteries are decent, but don't last anywhere near as much as the Xbox Elite Controller's battery pack, and they do degrade over time. The Elite Controller batteries are of a high-tier calibre for whatever reason, and are arguably the best rechargeable Xbox controller batteries on the market. Nothing really comes close.
Still, you can't argue with free here. The Xbox basic controller is much, much cheaper, and if you can nab a free rechargeable battery from Microsoft, it's a big win for your wallet, without a doubt.
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