Microsoft apologizes for shipping Xbox controllers without batteries for months

If you've bought an Xbox Wireless controller or created your own via the Xbox Design Lab system in recent months and had the controller arrive without two AA batteries, that was an error on Microsoft's part. According to a new post on the official Xbox Support account's social media, a "limited number" of controllers have mistakenly been shipped (since December 2025) without batteries.

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Naturally, if you were affected, you might have thought that Microsoft was saving a few dollars by no longer packing a pair of AA batteries with its controllers, but that's not the case. In addition to acknowledging that "all controllers moving forward will include batteries," Microsoft is apologizing by offering those affected a nice little bonus. Based on the responses to the post, it seems like quite a few gamers are affected by this mix-up.

The company is offering those affected by the mix-up an Xbox Rechargeable Battery + USB‑C Cable pack worth $24.99 USD. This is a notable upgrade over the standard disposable AA batteries that Microsoft packs with its controllers, as it offers play-and-charge functionality and eliminates the need to replace your controller's batteries.

For those affected, Microsoft has set up a dedicated 'What to do if your Xbox controller didn't include batteries' support and redemption page, where you need to register the controller via its serial number and follow the steps for this 'One-Time Offer.' Xbox controllers, which are widely used for console and PC gaming, have used the two AA battery design since the Xbox 360 era. In contrast, Sony's DualShock and DualSense controllers for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles feature integrated rechargeable batteries.