A limited number of recently shipped Xbox controllers were missing a crucial component: batteries. Microsoft has acknowledged the mistake and released an official statement.
Xbox owners have plenty of choices when it comes to controllers for their Xbox Series X/S consoles, with a variety of colors and designs available. Microsoft offers controllers in classic colors like black and white, as well as bolder options like Volt, Pink, and Green. For those wanting even more control, the Xbox Elite controllers provide features like adjustable thumbsticks, swappable D-pads, and customizable paddles. However, some newer Xbox controllers are missing an important included item.
New Xbox Controllers Have Shipped Without Batteries
Some Xbox Series X/S controllers recently sent to stores have been arriving without batteries. A Reddit user, BroChillCatPills, noticed this after purchasing a set, pointing out that the packaging didn’t even have a place to hold batteries. They believe Xbox intentionally made this change, as the packaging was clearly altered. Another gamer commented that Microsoft is now fixing the issue, offering affected customers free rechargeable batteries.
The decision to ship new Xbox controllers without batteries has sparked a lot of discussion among fans. One GameStop employee shared on Reddit that it appears to be a mistake during manufacturing, and stores were instructed to remove all AA batteries from customer purchases. Microsoft confirmed that controllers shipped to stores starting in December 2025 were affected. Many Xbox players have suggested a simple solution for those receiving the controllers without batteries: use rechargeable batteries, with some specifically recommending Panasonic Eneloop batteries.
Microsoft’s Xbox division has seen significant changes at the leadership level recently. In February, both Xbox CEO Phil Spencer and president Sarah Bond left the company. Spencer had been a prominent figure for Xbox for many years. Asha Sharma stepped into the role of Microsoft Gaming CEO on February 23rd, replacing Spencer, and Matt Booty is now the new Chief Content Officer for Xbox.
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Xbox has new leaders just as the company is entering a promising year. Microsoft is preparing to release a completely updated version of the classic game Halo, titled Halo: Combat Evolved. Plus, the beloved Fable series is returning in 2026 after over ten years, as a fresh reboot of the original RPG. Xbox fans have a lot to anticipate, with exciting new developments coming soon.
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2026-04-13 01:04