How long should I expect an Xbox One controller to last on two AAs?
Mia Lopez
I have a play and charge kit for my Xbox One, but it's totally worn out. The mini-USB connection is flimsy and loses contact constantly, and the battery pack won't hold a charge.
I've ordered a new controller and play and charge kit, but am using AA batteries in the interim.
I'm shocked at how quickly they're being drained. I feel like I'm getting maybe 12 hours of play time out of each pair, if that much. On the 360, I could leave a pair of batteries in for probably five times that long.
I'm wondering if there's something wrong with my controller. How long should I expect these batteries to last?
Note: I'm currently using Duracell AAs.
16 Answers
Unfortunately, there are no credible sources from Microsoft itself. However, other sources do make claims at AA battery lifespans:
This article claims that 40+ hours can be achieved from a pair of AA batteries, whereas the Play & Charge Kit can give around 30 hours. The source "Computers and Video Games" apparently also backs this up, but the link is broken from the article.
There's definitely something defective with your current controller, I would imagine. The other fact that you're getting consistently low results from multiple pairs of AA batteries also suggests that it is not the fault of the batteries.
2Neogaf has people claiming times all over the place, averaging about 10-20 hours, some more, some less. Probably depending on the type of battery used.
In my personal experiences while on battery, both of my controllers would only live for about 15 hours. I also mainly used Duracell.
3I bought my X-Box One back on 2016's Black Friday. Installed a pair of Duracell Quantum's into it, that night. As of this typing on April 17th is when the system finally stated that the batteries are low. Now, I don't use the system on a daily basis. Still, not bad.
Not only are battery brands are different, even battery types are different.
If you are using 'heavy duty' batteries for low drain devices, they actually last shorter than regular batteries.
'Heavy duty' are designed for high drain devices like a cameras flash. The battery is built differently so more power can be drawn, at the cost of maximum capacity.
1The default Mitsubishi Alkeline battery lasted about a week [(5-7) hour gaming a day] , and Sony Alkeline battery lasts about the same. Cost of each is around 1£ & there is no mAh rating given for them. Recently I purchaged 4 "Energizer" 1400mAh rechargeable Hybrid Nickel 1.2V battery with charger and they are giving me 2-3 days backup. N.B: Played most of the games without vibration.
It depeds on the brand of battery and how often you play, but they should last about 2-6 weeks