No, Xbox does not have an agreement with Duracell, which means it must use AA batteries in controllers

Amid new speculation caused by comments from a Duracell spokesman, IGN understands that there is no agreement forcing Xbox to use AA batteries in its controllers. Speaking to Stealth Optional, Duracell UK Marketing Manager Luke Anderson sparked speculation by saying: ‘There has always been this partnership with Duracell and Xbox … It’s a constant agreement that Duracell and Microsoft have in place […] [The deal is] for OEM to supply the battery product for the Xbox consoles and also the control battery. That [deal is] goes on for a while … it’s been going on for a while and I think it should take a while [more]. ”

Many argued that the said transaction was the only reason Xbox used batteries in its controllers, and some speculated that this could change the fact once the deal was completed. However, sources tell IGN that this is inaccurate.

Duracell batteries are included with Xbox controllers, and Xbox was indeed part of Duracell OEM, a partnership program run by the battery maker, but it appears to be a by-product of Microsoft’s decision to use AA batteries, rather than the cause of it. A Microsoft spokesman contacted for comment:

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‘We deliberately offer the choice of consumers in their battery solutions for our standard Xbox Wireless Controllers. This includes the use of AA brands of any brand, the Xbox Rechargeable Battery, charging solutions from our partners, or a USB-C cable that the controller can power when connected to the console or computer. ‘

The post reflects the words of Jason Ronald last year’s designer Jason Ronald last year when he explained why Xbox controllers still use AA batteries and said it’s ultimately about flexibility for gamers.

Neither Anderson nor Duracell OEM responded to a request for comment from IGN at the time of publication.

Joe Skrebels is IGN’s executive editor of News. Follow him further Twitter. Do you have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Send an email to [email protected].